For best results heat sausage from frozen state. Due to variances in cooking equipment, time and/or temperature may need adjustment. Conventional Oven Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 12-14 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time.
For best results heat sausage from frozen state. Due to variances in cooking equipment, time and/or temperature may need adjustment. Grill Preheat grill to 350°F. Heat 12-14 minutes, turning occasionally.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a common yet controversial ingredient added to many foods like Chinese takeout and packaged snacks to enhance flavor Some people claim to experience adverse reactions like headaches or nausea after consuming MSG While more research is needed, limiting MSG may be beneficial for those sensitive to it.
When shopping for sausage, MSG is often included in the ingredients list. But thankfully, many high-quality brands offer MSG-free varieties perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This article will highlight the top 8 MSG-free sausage brands and help you discover new options to enjoy.
Why Avoid MSG in Sausages?
MSG is a sodium salt that naturally occurs in foods like tomatoes and cheese. It’s also artificially produced as a food additive with the E number E621. MSG enhances umami flavor, making recipes more savory and delicious.
Some people appear sensitive to MSG and report temporary reactions like:
- Headaches
- Flushing
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Tingling or numbness
- Rapid heart rate
However, researchers have found minimal evidence that MSG causes negative effects in controlled studies Reactions may be psychological or only occur in certain individuals [1].
Still, if you want to limit MSG as a precaution, look for sausages with natural spice blends instead of this additive Luckily, various high-quality brands offer sausage free of MSG.
1. Applegate Natural and Organic Sausages
Applegate produces natural and organic hot dogs, deli meats, bacon, and sausages without MSG or artificial ingredients. Their sausage contains just five simple ingredients: pork, water, cane sugar, sea salt, and spices.
Some popular MSG-free options include:
- Organic Uncured Chicken and Maple Breakfast Sausage
- Organic Uncured Chicken Sausage Patties
- Organic Uncured Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage
Applegate only uses meat from humanely raised animals fed an organic and vegetarian diet. Their sausages are made without antibiotics or added hormones. With 12 grams of protein and just 1 gram of sugar per serving, they make a satisfying high-protein breakfast or dinner.
2. Aidells Sausages
Aidells is a popular gourmet sausage brand sold at Whole Foods and other major grocery stores. Their sausages contain no MSG, nitrates, phosphates, or artificial ingredients. Real spices like garlic and paprika provide rich flavor.
Some delicious MSG-free varieties include:
- Chicken Apple Sausage
- Hawaiian Style Aloha Sausage with Pineapple and Jalapeno
- Chorizo Sausage
Aidells uses quality ingredients likecage-free chicken and uncured bacon raised without antibiotics. With 13 grams of protein and just 2.5 grams of saturated fat per link, they offer a leaner alternative to pork sausage.
3. Al Fresco Fully Cooked Sausages
This brand of pre-cooked chicken, turkey, pork, and beef sausages has an extensive line free of MSG and artificial additives. Real spices like sage, rosemary, and red pepper provide signature flavor.
Some popular MSG-free options are:
- Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Sausage
- Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage
- Roasted Garlic Spinach Artichoke Chicken Sausage
Al Fresco sausages contain 10-13 grams of protein with only 2-5 grams of fat per link. The chicken is also raised without antibiotics for a more natural option. For an easy, lean protein at breakfast or dinner, their sausages fit the bill.
4. 365 Organic Uncured Turkey Sausages
365 Everyday Value is Whole Foods Market’s affordable organic product line. Their organic uncured turkey sausages come in fun flavors like spinach pesto and sun-dried tomato. With turkey as the first ingredient, they contain lean protein without sketchy additives.
365 Sausages have:
- No antibiotics or hormones
- No MSG or nitrites
- Only 9 grams of fat and 13 grams of protein per link
- Global Animal Partnership animal welfare certification
As an affordable organic option, these sausages make for a quick breakfast or dinner when you need an MSG-free choice. Pick up a pack on your next trip to Whole Foods.
5. Beyond Meat Plant-Based Sausage Links
Beyond Meat makes realistic plant-based meat from simple ingredients like peas and rice. Their Beyond Breakfast Sausage Links offer the savory taste of sausage without GMOs, soy, gluten or MSG.
With 10 grams of protein from peas, these links contain:
- No cholesterol
- 35% less sodium than pork sausage
- 40% less saturated fat
- Iron, calcium and potassium
The Beyond Sausage delivers on taste and texture, making for an easy swap at breakfast, in pasta, or on pizza. Go for these plant-based links when you need a quick meat-free meal without MSG.
6. No Evil Foods Plant-Based Sausage
No Evil Foods is another brand offering innovative plant-based meats free of soy, gluten, GMOs and MSG. They make their sausages with a base of peas and spices.
Some of their top MSG-free, veggie-packed sausages include:
- Chorizo Style Sausage with potato starch, jalapeño, paprika and chili powder
- Sweet Italian Style Sausage with butternut squash and sage
- Breakfast Sausage with apples and maple syrup
With 14-16 grams of plant-based protein per link, No Evil sausages bring a tasty and satisfying meat-free option minus sketchy additives.
7. Applegate Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs
In addition to sausage, Applegate also makes organic uncured beef hot dogs without MSG or nitrates. That makes them a solid choice for summer barbecues and backyard cookouts.
Applegate Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dogs contain:
- No antibiotics, added hormones, phosphates or artificial ingredients
- Only 5 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein
- Global Animal Partnership animal welfare certification
As far as hot dogs go, Applegate offers a high-quality uncured option made from grass-fed beef. Pick some up for your next cookout when you want to skip questionable hot dog ingredients.
8. Oscar Mayer Selects Hot Dogs
Oscar Mayer is committed to cleaning up hot dog ingredients through their Selects line. These hot dogs contain no artificial preservatives, flavors or colors. That means no MSG, nitrates, nitrites or other additives.
Oscar Mayer Selects come in several varieties like:
- Turkey
- Beef
- Angus Beef
- Chicken
With 7-10 grams of protein and just 2-7 grams of fat per link, they offer a solid nutritional profile. The Selects line helps ensure your hot dog cravings can be satisfied without sketchy ingredients.
What to Look for in MSG-Free Sausages
When shopping for sausages without MSG, keep an eye out for:
✔ Natural spice blends instead of MSG for flavor. Sage, rosemary, garlic, pepper and more should enhance taste.
✔ Minimal ingredients you recognize. A short list focuses on quality meat and seasonings.
✔ Antibiotic-free, organic and/or humanely-raised meat. This ensures higher standards for any chicken, turkey, pork or beef.
✔ At least 10 grams of protein per serving. Sausage makes a good high protein option.
✔ Certifications like Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, Global Animal Partnership, and Certified Humane. These indicate safer, more sustainable practices.
✔ Plant-based varieties for a vegetarian/vegan option. Brands like Beyond Meat and No Evil offer meatless MSG-free links.
Enjoy MSG-Free Sausages for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Switching to sausages without MSG provides peace of mind if you’re sensitive to additives or just want to avoid controversial ingredients. Thankfully, high-quality natural, organic and plant-based brands offer plenty of tasty MSG-free options.
In the morning, MSG-free sausages make for a satisfying protein-packed breakfast. They pair nicely with eggs, avocado, and greens on the side.
For lunch or dinner, sliced sausage works great in pasta, on pizzas, in sandwiches or on top of salads for a flavor and protein boost. You can also opt for hot dogs at summer cookouts or pair sausages with roasted veggies for an easy weeknight meal.
While more research on MSG is needed, limiting your intake from artificial sources seems wise if you notice adverse reactions. With so many delicious options, cutting out MSG doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Experiment with these top 8 brands to discover your new favorite MSG-free sausages!
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More about this item
Keep hungry kids happy with Jimmy Dean® Pork Sausage Links. Made with premium ingredients, this product with provide you with a delicious breakfast menu option.
- Made from fresh cuts of high-quality pork that have been checked by the USDA for taste.
- Virtually no shrink for improved yield
- No MSG satisfies more nutrition-conscious consumers
- All Natural (Minimally processed. No artificial ingredients)
- Gluten Free
- CN Labeled. Two 0. 8 oz links provide 0. 75 oz. protein equivalent meat for Child Nutrition Meal Pattern Requirements.
- Two 0. 80 oz. Fully Cooked Mild Pork Sausage Skinless Links provide 0. 75 oz. equivalent meat for the Child Nutrition Meal Pattern Requirements.
Pork, Water, Contains 2% Or Less: Salt, Dextrose, Spices, Sugar, Natural Flavor.
What is MSG, and is it actually bad for you? – Sarah E. Tracy
FAQ
What brand of sausage does not have MSG for breakfast?
Does all sausage have MSG?
What smoked sausage does not have MSG?
Do Johnsonville sausages have MSG?
Does sausage have MSG?
Though sausages are already known for their uniquely savory flavor, the addition of MSG works to amplify that flavor. This powdery white substance adds a wonderful umami flavor to the sausage, and as such, some of the most tasty and flavorful sausages often contain this yummy yet hotly debated additive.
Does Johnsonville Sausage have MSG?
It really depends. Some brands like Johnsonville have made efforts to eliminate MSG from at least some of their sausages, while others like Hillshire Farm, Purnell’s, and Jimmy Dean still sneak a bit of it in for flavor’s sake. There are also sausage types within the same brand that feature MSG, and others that don’t.
Can you eat sausage without MSG?
In case you thought there was no hope of finding a traditional “roll” sausage without MSG present, you can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing there isn’t only a sausage out there you can eat for breakfast without it, but also, the ingredients included are totally organic.
Are chicken sausages MSG-free?
While considered safe in moderation, MSG may cause sensitivity reactions in some people, leading to headaches and nausea, so it’s also a positive that these sausages are MSG-free. Plus, the chicken used is raised without being pumped full of antibiotics.