Calories in Sausage
Pork sausage links contain 310 kcal per 100g cooked. Per link (~50g): ~155 kcal. Italian sausage and bratwurst are similar; breakfast links are smaller.
Nutrition by portion size
| Portion | kcal | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Fiber (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 breakfast sausage link (~25g) | 78 | 0.5 | 4 | 7 | — |
| 2 breakfast links (~50g) | 155 | 1 | 8 | 14 | — |
| 1 Italian sausage link (~85g) | 270 | 4 | 16 | 22 | — |
| 1 bratwurst (~85g) | 285 | 2 | 12 | 25 | — |
| 100g pork sausage | 310 | 1.5 | 18 | 26 | — |
| 100g chicken sausage | 175 | 1 | 21 | 9 | — |
About these numbers
Pork sausage is calorie-dense (310 kcal per 100g) due to the fat content (~26g per 100g). Breakfast links are smaller (~25g each) and lower calorie per piece. Italian sausage and bratwurst (~85g each) are larger and reach 270-285 kcal per link. Chicken sausage is leaner (~175 kcal per 100g) and a better weight-loss option.
Processed meats (sausage, bacon, hot dogs) have stronger associations with cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer than unprocessed red meat. The 2022 Lescinsky GBD analysis identified processed meat as one of the foods most consistently associated with elevated all-cause mortality at higher intakes.
Use the calculators
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Frequently asked questions
- How many calories in sausage?
- Breakfast link: 78 kcal. Italian sausage link: 270 kcal. Bratwurst: 285 kcal. Per 100g pork sausage: 310 kcal. Chicken sausage: 175 kcal per 100g.
- Is sausage bad for you?
- Processed meats including sausage are consistently associated with higher CVD and colorectal cancer in epidemiological data. The 2022 Lescinsky analysis identified processed meat among foods with strongest links to all-cause mortality at higher intakes. Occasional consumption (1-2 servings/week) likely fine; daily consumption carries meaningful risk.
- Chicken sausage vs pork sausage?
- Chicken sausage is leaner (175 vs 310 kcal per 100g) and lower saturated fat. Both are processed meats with similar concerns. For weight loss specifically, chicken sausage wins on calorie efficiency.
- Sausage for weight loss?
- Limited. Breakfast links (78 kcal each) can fit in calorie targets; Italian sausage links (270 kcal each) are calorie-heavy. Choose chicken sausage when available. Limit total processed meat consumption regardless.
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