If you're a fan of smoked meats, then you're probably familiar with hickory smoked sausage. This delicious snack is great for enjoying on its own or as part of a larger dish.
But how healthy is it? Let's take a closer look at the nutritional information for 1/3 cup (85 g) of hickory smoked sausage.
In this article, we'll explore the calorie count and the fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamin C, calcium, iron, sodium, and cholesterol content of this popular smoked meat snack.
Calories in 1/3 cup of Hickory Smoked Sausage
If you're watching your weight, you'll definitely want to pay attention to the calorie count of the foods you're eating. 1/3 cup (85 g) of hickory smoked sausage contains 260 calories, so it shouldn't be relied upon as a low-calorie snack. However, if you're enjoying it as part of a larger meal, this may still be a reasonable amount of calories for you to consume.
Fat Content
As with many processed meat products, hickory smoked sausage is relatively high in fat. 1/3 cup (85 g) of hickory smoked sausage contains 22 grams of fat, 8 of which are saturated. This makes up a whopping 34% of your daily recommended intake of saturated fat. For this reason, you may want to limit your intake of this type of sausage if you're trying to eat a healthier diet.
Protein Content
On the bright side, hickory smoked sausage is a good source of protein. 1/3 cup (85 g) of this sausage contains 12 grams of protein, which is 24% of your recommended daily intake.
Carbohydrates Content
Processed meats like hickory smoked sausage don't tend to be high in carbohydrates. 1/3 cup (85 g) of this sausage contains only 2 grams of carbohydrates, which is less than 1% of your daily recommended intake.
Vitamin C Content
As a meat product, hickory smoked sausage doesn't contain any vitamin C.
Calcium Content
Calcium isn't typically found in meat products in significant amounts. 1/3 cup (85 g) of hickory smoked sausage contains only 20 mg of calcium, which is 2% of your recommended daily intake.
Iron Content
Meat is often a good source of iron, and hickory smoked sausage is no exception. 1/3 cup (85 g) of this sausage contains 2.2 mg of iron, which is 12% of your recommended daily intake.
Sodium Content
Processed meats like hickory smoked sausage are often high in sodium, which can be a problem if you're watching your salt intake. 1/3 cup (85 g) of this sausage contains 650 mg of sodium, which is 28% of your recommended daily intake. To reduce your sodium intake, you may want to limit your consumption of hickory smoked sausage and similar meats.
Cholesterol Content
Animal products like meat and dairy are typically high in cholesterol, which can be a concern for some people. 1/3 cup (85 g) of hickory smoked sausage contains 60 mg of cholesterol, which is 20% of your recommended daily intake. If you're watching your cholesterol intake, you may want to limit your consumption of hickory smoked sausage and other high-cholesterol foods.
Calorie Count
Overall, 1/3 cup (85 g) of hickory smoked sausage contains 260 calories. While this may not be ideal if you're trying to lose weight, it can be part of a balanced diet if consumed in moderation.
"Processed meats like hickory smoked sausage are often high in fat, sodium, and cholesterol, which can be concerns for some people."
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Hickory Smoked Sausage
1. What is hickory smoked sausage?
Hickory smoked sausage is a type of sausage that is made from a mixture of ground meat, spices, and other ingredients. The sausage is then smoked over hickory wood chips to give it a unique, smoky flavor.
2. How many calories are in hickory smoked sausage?
There are approximately 260 calories in 1/3 cup (85 g) of hickory smoked sausage.
3. Is hickory smoked sausage healthy?
Hickory smoked sausage is high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, which can make it an unhealthy food choice. However, it can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet.
4. How can hickory smoked sausage be prepared?
Hickory smoked sausage can be prepared in a variety of ways, including grilling, pan-frying, or baking. It can be served on its own as a snack or used as an ingredient in recipes like jambalaya, gumbo, or breakfast casseroles.
5. What are some alternatives to hickory smoked sausage?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to hickory smoked sausage, you might consider chicken or turkey sausage. These options are often lower in calories and saturated fat. You could also try vegetarian sausage made from plant-based ingredients like tofu, tempeh, or seitan.