Pork Sausage vs. Chicken Sausage: (Similarities and Differences Explained)

Do you know the difference between pork and chicken sausages?

You might be surprised that these two sausage types have more similarities and differences than meets the eye.

Read on for an in-depth comparison of pork sausage vs. chicken sausage, where I’ve highlighted their main similarities and differences.

What Is Pork Sausage?

Pork sausages are tubes of finely ground pork, typically taken from the leg or shoulder of a pig.

Pork sausage is made with seasoned, ground pork and a hearty amount of fat stuffed into the skin or thin casing. A blend of 80% meat and 20% fat is typical.

The casing can be made from different materials.

Traditionally, sausage casings are made from the cleaned intestine of a pig but have gradually been replaced with casings made with collagen, cellulose, or plastic.

Pork sausages are a distinctive type of processed meat to boost its shelf life.

Pork sausages are usually pork but can have beef or other ingredients added to enhance their flavor.

Pork sausage is probably the most traditional type of sausage and is often compared to other types including chicken, turkey, beef, and venison.

What Is Chicken Sausage?

Chicken sausage is one of the most popular alternatives to pork products.

It’s made from ground, dark chicken meat.

The meat mixture is stuffed into a casing and tied off at the desired length to create the classic cylindrical sausage shape.

It has a mild flavor that can be used as a substitute in most recipes without interfering with bolder seasonings.

Chicken sausage is a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional sausage.

Like pork sausage, it can be used in many dishes or as the main dish, and it has less fat and more protein than most other varieties of meat.

What Are the Similarities Between Pork Sausage and Chicken Sausage?

Besides both being a type of sausage, pork and chicken sausage share some similarities, which are the main ones.

Versatility

Both types can be consumed in a wide variety of ways, and their versatility is almost limitless when one considers how many ways sausage can be enjoyed.

A few common examples are as an appetizer, with eggs for breakfast, in a salad, or as a sandwich filling.

They are also versatile when it comes to cooking.

They can be cooked in different ways, including fried or grilled, depending on the dish and personal preference.

High in Sodium

Pork and chicken sausages contain high quantities of sodium.

The salt content in both sausage types can be alarming at first glance, as too much sodium consumption without a balanced diet can lead to health problems.

Therefore, it’s vital to include pork or chicken sausages as part of a meal rather than eaten on their own as a main dish.

The high sodium content shouldn’t put you off, and a pork or chicken sausage-based meal can be made slightly healthier when combined with fruit, vegetables, and healthy grains.

High in Nitrates

Colorings, sugars, and high amounts of nitrates are usually added to pork and chicken sausages.

Nitrates do a great job of preserving and enhancing the flavor and color of processed meats, such as bacon and sausage.

However, when heated up or even upon contact with saliva, the nitrates convert into a compound that can increase cancer risk.

What Are the Differences Between Pork Sausage and Chicken Sausage?

Here are some of the stand-out differences between pork and chicken sausage.

Different Taste

Pork and chicken sausage taste entirely different in comparison.

Depending on the type of pork sausage, it can be spicy but generally salty and meaty.

On the other hand, chicken sausage has a lighter and less salty taste.

One Type Is Healthier Than the Other

Chicken sausage is lean meat and therefore contains less sodium and fat, and it’s also slightly higher in protein, so it contributes to maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle.

Red meat like pork can increase your likelihood of developing cardiovascular conditions or colon cancer; therefore, chicken sausage is a healthier option.

When comparing the two, a pork sausage can have anywhere between approximately 270-455 calories and 23-38 grams of fat per link.

At the same time, the chicken sausage has around 140-170 calories and between 7-10 grams of fat per link.

Chicken Sausage May Be Less Processed

Depending on the brand of chicken sausage, it can sometimes be less processed than pork sausage.

Summary Table: Pork Sausage vs. Chicken Sausage

	Pork Sausage	Chicken Sausage
Flavor	Pork sausage usually has a meaty taste, and due to the flavorings added to pork before cooking, it tastes saltier.	The taste of chicken sausage is usually milder than pork because it doesn’t have as much seasoning added to it.
Texture	Pork sausage is made from ground pork and has more fat.	Chicken sausage is made from ground chicken.
Fat Content	A pork sausage has approximately 270-455 calories and 23-38 grams of fat per link.	Chicken sausage is typically lower in fat and calories, so you can eat more. It has approximately 140-170 calories and 7-10 grams of fat per link.
Serving	Pork sausages are usually grilled, fried, or baked. They’re often used as breakfast foods with biscuits and gravy.	Chicken sausages work just as well with eggs for breakfast and are excellent in dishes like tacos.
Price	Pork sausages are generally slightly more expensive than the chicken types.	Chicken sausages are typically cheaper than pork sausages.

In Summary

You’ll find prominent similarities and differences when you look closely at the pork and chicken sausage.

They’re both highly versatile regarding the types of dishes they complement, and both taste great for breakfast.

However, their taste, texture, and nutritional value differ slightly.

While they’re both high in sodium and contain nitrates, which aren’t great for your health in high quantities, chicken sausage generally includes less fat if you want a slightly healthier alternative to the pork sausage.

Both are also ideal for increasing protein intake and are usually somewhat less expensive.