Pork Sausage vs. Turkey Sausage: (Similarities and Differences Explained)
Pork sausage and turkey sausage are two of the most common sausage types.
But did you know there are several similarities and differences, other than the seasoned pork meat or turkey meat filling?
Read on as I compare and contrast them in a pork sausage vs. turkey sausage head-to-head.
| Pork Sausage | Turkey Sausage | |
| Taste | Pork sausages have a more intense flavor than the turkey’s milder flavor due to added animal fat. | Turkey sausage can taste similar to chicken and tends to be softer than pork sausage, as they are cooked at a higher temperature. |
| Texture | Pork sausage is juicer due to its higher fat content. | Turkey sausage is leaner and therefore has a drier consistency than pork sausage. |
| Serving Ideas | Pork sausages can be smoked. | Turkey sausages aren’t usually smoked due to their lower fat content. |
| Fat Content | Per one link (23 grams), the pork sausage contains: 75 calories 56.5 calories from fat 6.5 total grams of fat 187 milligrams of sodium 20 milligrams of cholesterol | Per one link (23 grams), the turkey sausage contains: 42.6 calories 26.8 calories from fat 3 total grams of fat 162 milligrams of sodium 17 milligrams of cholesterol |
| Nutritional Value | Per one link (23 grams), a pork sausage contains: 4.3 grams of protein Vitamins A and C, Calcium, and Iron | Per one link (23 grams), a turkey sausage contains: 3.4 grams of protein Calcium and Iron |
| Price | Pork sausages are usually cheaper than turkey sausages. | Turkey sausages are usually more expensive than the pork type. |
What Is Pork Sausage?
Pork sausage is tubes or patties of finely ground pork, typically taken from the leg or shoulder of a pig, then seasoned and stuffed into a thin casing or animal skin or shaped into patties.
Pork sausages can be grilled, fried, smoked, cured, and preserved to eat cold.
The Sumerians used the sausage technique as a form of food preparation and preservation back in ancient times.
Some sausage manufacturers will include non-meat fillers and extenders and add water as binding for a tighter and more resilient sausage.
In addition, ingredients such as processed potato, flour, and corn syrup are sometimes used.
There are many variations of pork sausage. Here are some of the most common and interesting ones.
- Bratwurst
- Butifarra
- Kielbasa
- Kurobuta
- Andouille
- Chorizo
- Longaniza
- Fuet
- Salami
- Liverwurst
- Morcilla
- Sobrassada
Pork sausages taste great when pan-fried, grilled, or boiled in a pot with a thin layer of water.
The pork sausage works well with almost any dish, and it can be eaten with salads, added to a stew, or included in a traditional breakfast.
Pork sausage is probably the most traditional type of sausage and is often compared to other types including turkey, chicken, venison, and beef.
Best Pork Sausage Brands
Here are some popular brands if you’re looking for excellent-tasting pork sausage.
- Jimmy Dean
- Pork King
- Meat Crafters
- Mai Quoi
What Is Turkey Sausage?
Turkey sausage is made from turkey meat (instead of pork) with mixtures of salt, fat, and seasonings.
It uses turkey breasts and thighs and has many minerals and flavors, and pork and beef trimmings can also be added.
Turkey sausage is available in different sizes, from petite-sized link portions to rings of sausage measuring around 12 inches long.
Turkey sausages can be produced in various flavors, including Italian, smoked, hot and spicy, or cooked and uncooked meat.
The main element of turkey sausage is primarily spices and sometimes preservatives, depending on the brand, and it can taste very similar to chicken.
Turkey sausage stands out from many other sausages since it is typically served for breakfast with scrambled eggs, omelets, pancakes, and syrup.
However, they also work well in soups, sandwiches, pasta, pizza, strata, or other food types.
Best Turkey Sausage Brands
Here are some turkey sausage manufacturers that are considered to sell good quality turkey sausage.
- Eckrich
- Hillshire Farm
- Butterball
- Aaron’s Gourmet
What Are the Similarities Between Pork Sausage and Turkey Sausage?
Good Nutritional Benefits
Pork sausage and turkey sausage are both high in protein and low in fat.
Turkey sausage has 20 grams of high-quality protein per serving.
In contrast, pork sausage offers 12 grams of food fats essential for brain function and is lower in cholesterol.
Both Can Be Used for Similar Meals
Both pork sausage and turkey sausage are ideal for sandwiches or as part of your breakfast, traditionally with eggs, toast, and pancakes.
Both Are Types of Processed Meat
Pork sausages and turkey sausages are considered processed meat.
Processed meat is preserved by being smoked, cured, salted, or with chemical preservatives added.
This is to improve the sausage’s taste or to extend its shelf life.
What Are the Differences Between Pork and Turkey Sausage?
Saturated Fat
When comparing saturated fat levels in pork sausage vs. turkey sausage, turkey sausage wins hands down.
It contains less saturated fat than pork sausage.
It’s better for the heart, but will have a drier consistency and milder flavor.
Despite a less intense taste, it is a tasty alternative in most recipes.
Presentation
Many commercially prepared pork sausages are smoked before being packaged for sale, which is not typically part of the turkey sausage process.
Poor Nutritional Benefits
Pork sausages and turkey sausages have both a range of excellent and inadequate nutritional benefits, so they should be consumed sparingly.
In addition, they both contain high levels of fat, sodium, and cholesterol.
However, turkey sausage is the healthier of the two, as it’s lower in calories and saturated fat and offers a higher percentage of dietary reference intake (DRI) for many vitamins.
Cost
Turkey sausage is generally more expensive than pork sausage.
In Summary
Pork sausages and turkey sausages follow a similar manufacturing process, and both types make ideal complements for many dishes, including breakfast.
However, depending on your preference, you may prefer the pork sausage’s more intense and juicy flavor or the turkey sausage’s milder taste and drier texture.
These two do have more differences than similarities, especially when it comes to nutritional value.
For a healthier sausage, the turkey type is better.
It contains less saturated fat and calories and has a higher percentage of Dietary Reference intake.
