Does Turkey Sausage Contain Nitrates?

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The question of whether or not turkey sausage contains nitrates is a common one, and the answer can be a bit confusing.

Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

  • Nitrates are often added to processed meats like sausage to prevent the growth of bacteria and to preserve the meat’s color.
  • However, nitrates can also react with other compounds in the body to form nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens.
  • For this reason, some people choose to avoid processed meats that contain nitrates.
  • Turkey sausage is typically made without nitrates. This is because turkey meat is naturally leaner than other types of meat, such as pork or beef, and therefore does not require nitrates to prevent spoilage.
  • However, some brands of turkey sausage do contain nitrates. If you are concerned about consuming nitrates, be sure to read the label carefully before purchasing turkey sausage.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

  • The amount of nitrates in turkey sausage can vary depending on the brand and the specific ingredients used.
  • Some people believe that the health risks associated with nitrates are overblown, while others believe that it is best to avoid them altogether.
  • Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to eat turkey sausage with nitrates is a personal one.

Here are some resources that you may find helpful:

  • The National Cancer Institute provides information on the risks and benefits of nitrates and nitrites.
  • The American Heart Association recommends limiting your intake of processed meats, including sausage.
  • The USDA provides information on the labeling of processed meats.

Additional Resources:

  • Does turkey sausage contain nitrates? – Quora
  • Why don’t chicken and turkey sausages typically have sodium nitrate, but other meat sausages do? – Seasoned Advice

Note: I have used the information from the provided URLs to create this response. I have also added some additional information that I believe is relevant.

What Are Turkey Sausages Made Of?

does turkey sausage have nitrates

Turkey sausages generally feature ingredients resembling traditional pork sausages; the main difference is the type of meat used.

But it’s crucial to keep in mind that no two sausage products are precisely the same, and each brand will have different ingredients.

According to the USDA’s FoodData Central database, let’s examine the ingredient profile of a typical turkey sausage product (1):

  • Turkey
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Flavorings
  • Dextrose
  • Smoke flavoring
  • Sodium erythorbate
  • Sodium nitrite
  • Pork casing

The salt, flavorings, dextrose, and smoke flavoring function as seasonings and flavor enhancers.

In contrast, sodium nitrite operates as a preservative that enhances flavor and imparts a reddish-pink color to the meat (2).

Sodium erythorbate, on the other hand, acts as an antioxidant, helping to prevent fat oxidation and inhibiting bacterial growth (3, 4, 5).

It is crucial to stress once more that different turkey sausage products may contain different amounts of these ingredients. Likewise, some products may contain additional ingredients not detailed here.

How Do Turkey Sausages Compare To Traditional Pork Sausages?

Compared to traditional pork sausages, turkey sausages have notable nutritional differences.

Given turkey’s lower fat content in comparison to pork, turkey sausages naturally contain fewer grams of fat. As a result, this translates to a reduced calorie count and proportionately higher protein content.

The following table elucidates the basic nutritional makeup of these two sausage varieties per 100 grams (6, 8):

Table 4: a nutritional comparison of cooked turkey and pork sausages per 100 grams, based on USDA data

Name Turkey sausages Pork sausages
Calories 196 kcal 396 kcal
Carbohydrates 0 g 2.7 g
Fiber 0 g 0 g
Sugars 0 g 0 g
Fat 10.4 g 36.2 g
Saturated 2.27 g 13.0 g
Monounsaturated 2.99 g 17.2 g
Polyunsaturated 2.71 g 3.9 g
Omega-3 0.17 g 0.32 g
Omega-6 2.38 g 3.46 g
Protein 23.9 g 13.8 g
Cholesterol 92 mg 71 mg
Sodium 665 mg 929 mg

The table shows that turkey sausages are substantially lower in fat, have about half the amount of calories, and much higher protein content.

For more comparisons between different types of sausages, including low-sodium options, refer to this comprehensive guide:

Turkey Sausage Vs Pork Sausage: Everything You Need To Know

FAQ

Do turkey sausage have nitrates?

Nitrates can be added to any processed meat, including deli meat, bacon, sausage, hot dogs, salami, chorizo and jerky. Technically, turkey and chicken made with nitrates fall into this category, too. The most important thing you should know about nitrates: They can harm your health.

Are there any sausages without nitrates?

Old Wisconsin Natural Cut Beef Sausage Snack Sticks, Naturally Smoked, Ready to Eat, High Protein, Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free, No Preservatives or Nitrates, 6 Ounce.

Are turkey sausages healthy?

Low in carbohydrates: If you are opting for a low-carb diet, turkey sausage can be a good option. Helps in weight management: Since it is generally lower in calories, saturated fat content, and a high source of protein, turkey sausage helps in weight loss and overall health management.

Does turkey have nitrates?

Turkey and chicken are often recommended as healthy alternatives to red meat. But if they are preserved, they count as processed meats and are harmful. Roasted chicken and roasted turkey in deli meat packets or at the deli counter have likely had nitrates added. Turkey bacon does, too.

Related posts:

  1. How to Make Turkey Tails: A Guide to Cooking This Delicious Cut of Meat
  2. How to Make Turkey Bacon Taste Good: A Comprehensive Guide to Elevating Your Breakfast Staple
  3. The Ultimate Guide to Processing Wild Turkey: From Breast to Giblets
  4. Can I Give My Dog a Turkey Neck?

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