Smoked Sausage Nutrition

Sausage refers to any ground meat that is blended with herbs and spices and cased in either real or synthetic intestine. Sausage can come from a variety of sources, commonly including beef, pork and turkey. Smoked sausages are first cooked and then smoked, sometimes for several days. Nutritional values vary depending on the type of sausage you choose, but all forms of sausage provide a number of nutrients that can help meet your daily needs.

Calories

One leading brand of smoked pork sausage contains about 220 calories, 170 of which are from fat. A smoked beef sausage, on the other hand, contains 210 calories and 160 from fat. Smoked turkey sausage contains the fewest calories with 110 per link. Turkey sausage contains just 60 calories from fat.

Fats

A leading brand of smoked pork sausage contains about 19 g of fat per link, or 29 percent the daily value for this nutrient. A smoked beef sausage contains slightly less fat with 18 g per link. A smoked turkey sausage link contains just 6 g of fat, or about 10 percent the daily value. A smoked pork sausage link contains 7 g of saturated fat, while a smoked beef link contains 9 g. Smoked turkey sausage contains just 1.5 g of this harmful type of fat.

Protein and Carbohydrates

A link of smoked beef sausage contains 8 g of protein and 3 g of carbohydrate. Smoked pork sausage contains slightly more protein with 8 g per link, and the same amount of carbohydrates with 3 g. A smoked turkey sausage link contains 10 g of protein and 4 g of carbohydrate. Most adults need at least 50 g of protein and 225 g of carbohydrates each day, respectively.

Sodium and Cholesterol

Sausage can be high in sodium and cholesterol, two substances that can cause high blood pressure and coronary heart disease. A link of smoked beef sausage contains 40 mg of cholesterol and 630 mg of sodium. Smoked pork sausage contains 45 mg of cholesterol and 700 mg of sodium. Smoked turkey sausage contains 45 mg of cholesterol and 710 mg of sodium. You should try to consume less than 300 mg of cholesterol and 1,500 mg of sodium each day to prevent heart problems.

Vitamins and Minerals

Most nutrition facts labels report their vitamins A and C values, as well as the minerals iron and calcium. Smoked turkey sausage contains about 4 percent the daily value for iron and 2 percent for calcium. Smoked pork sausage contains about 2 percent the daily value for iron. Smoked turkey sausage can also be a rich source of B-vitamins and zinc. Smoked pork sausage contains B-vitamins and a moderate amount of phosphorous. Smoked beef sausage helps supply vitamin-B12 and zinc as well.