We Did A Taste-Test of the Healthiest Chicken Sausage Brands — Here Are Our 5 Favorites

One food we always keep on hand for easy weeknight cooking? Chicken sausages. They’re our saving grace on busy days when we need something quick, nutritious, and versatile. With minimal prep, chicken sausage can be transformed into a veggie-loaded pasta, skillet bake, or sheet pan dinner. The best part? The possibilities are endless!

Given how often we rely on store-bought chicken sausages, we thought it was time to research and find the best and healthiest options available. While chicken sausage is generally considered a healthier alternative to traditional sausages, some brands are still packed with sodium, preservatives, additives, and high levels of saturated fats. After extensive research and a taste test, we’ve narrowed down the cleanest and healthiest chicken sausage brands that you’ll want to try. Keep reading for our top five favorites!

What Makes a Healthy Chicken Sausage?

To understand what to look for in the healthiest chicken sausages, we consulted with functional medicine dietitian Kaytee Hadley, MS, RDN, IFMCP. She highlighted a few important factors when selecting a healthier option:

“Even though chicken sausage isn’t red meat, I wouldn’t consider it healthy because studies consistently show that eating processed meat increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, and Type 2 Diabetes. While chicken sausage might seem healthier, it may still raise your cancer risk, so I recommend my clients not to eat it very often,” advises Hadley.

Additionally, many processed meats, including chicken sausages, rely on preservatives such as nitrates and celery powder. Even products labeled “nitrate-free” may still contain natural curing agents, like celery powder, due to federal labeling loopholes.

Our Criteria for the Healthiest Chicken Sausages

For our chicken sausage taste test, we were committed to finding brands that meet our high standards for health-conscious consumers. We evaluated sausages based on the following criteria:

• No nitrates or preservatives (including celery powder!)
• No more than 2 grams of saturated fat
• No more than 25% Daily Value (DV) of sodium
• No more than 1g of added sugar

The Top 5 Best and Healthiest Chicken Sausages

1. Amylu Italian Chicken Sausage

We were absolutely impressed by Amylu’s Italian Chicken Sausage. Bursting with flavors like garlic, fennel, onion, and a little bit of heat, it stood out as one of the best. Plus, each sausage link is individually wrapped, making it easy to cook only what you need.

Per 1-link serving: 100 calories, 13 grams protein, 0 grams sugar, 1.5 grams saturated fat, 450 milligrams sodium (20% DV)

Buy it: Amylu Italian Chicken Sausage

2. Al Fresco Sweet Italian Sausage

Al Fresco’s Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage is another standout in the world of chicken sausages. Known for their variety of flavors (think Spicy Jalapeno, Rotisserie Seasoned, and more), we found the Sweet Italian variety to be especially delicious with a burst of fennel flavor. However, we did notice that it contains “natural flavors,” which we generally try to avoid.

Per 1-link serving: 110 calories, 13 grams protein, 1 grams sugar, 1.5 grams saturated fat, 500 milligrams sodium (22% DV)

Buy it: Al Fresco Sweet Italian Sausage

3. Bilinski’s Mild Italian with Bell Peppers

Among all the sausages we tasted, Bilinski’s Mild Italian with Bell Peppers was a clear favorite. This organic chicken sausage has a simple, clean ingredient list, and the flavor profile is well-balanced, with spices and the sweetness of bell peppers. Plus, Bilinski’s offers a variety of other organic options to explore.

Per 1-link serving: 80 calories, 12 grams protein, 0 grams sugar, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 480 milligrams sodium (21% DV)

Buy it: Bilinski’s Mild Italian with Bell Peppers

4. Nature’s Promise Basil Pesto Chicken Sausage

For those seeking an organic chicken sausage, Nature’s Promise (a store brand owned by Hannaford) offers a simple, yet delicious option. Their Basil Pesto Chicken Sausage features clean ingredients and a balanced flavor of basil and garlic. While the texture is a bit softer than other sausages, it’s still a great option for any health-conscious cook.

Per 1-link serving: 80 calories, 12 grams protein, 0 grams sugar, 0.5 grams saturated fat, 500 milligrams sodium (22% DV)

Buy it: Nature’s Promise Basil Pesto Chicken Sausage

5. Dietz & Watson Apple Chicken Sausage

While we typically lean towards savory sausages, we were pleasantly surprised by Dietz & Watson Apple Chicken Sausage. With a sweet touch from the apple and a flavorful spice blend, this sausage brings an autumnal taste to the table.

Note: While the Dietz & Watson website lists celery powder as an ingredient on their website, the product we bought in-store did not have any. 

Per 1-link serving: 110 calories, 12 grams protein, 1 grams sugar, 2 grams saturated fat, 560 milligrams sodium (23% DV)

Buy it: Dietz & Watson Apple Chicken Sausage

Healthy Chicken Sausages for Every Meal

Whether you’re cooking a quick dinner on a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, chicken sausages can be a convenient and nutritious option. By choosing products with clean ingredients and minimal additives, you can enjoy the benefits of healthier chicken sausages without compromising on taste or convenience.

When selecting healthy chicken sausage, be sure to check labels for added preservatives, sugar, and sodium content. With our list of top 5 favorites, you can be confident that you’re making a healthier choice that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.