If you're a breakfast lover and craving some savory sausage, 1.5 oz (41 g) of country sausage offers a delicious option with 170 calories per serving.

Country sausage is known for its rich, bold flavor and juicy texture. It's often served alongside eggs and toast or used as a topping for biscuits and gravy. But before you indulge in this tasty breakfast meat, let's take a closer look at its nutritional content.

In this article, we'll explore the calorie count, protein content, and various vitamins and minerals found in country sausage. We'll also take a brief look at some potential health benefits.

Amount of Calories in Country Sausage

Each 1.5 oz (41 g) serving of country sausage contains 170 calories, which is a moderate amount for a breakfast meat. It's important to note that adding other high-calorie ingredients, like butter or cheese, can quickly increase the overall calorie count of your meal. If you're trying to watch your weight or manage your calorie intake, it's best to enjoy country sausage in moderation and pair it with low-calorie sides like fresh fruit, whole wheat toast, or yogurt.

Serving Size of Country Sausage

The typical serving size for country sausage is 1.5 oz (41 g), which yields 170 calories. Most commercial brands come pre-packaged in this size or larger, but it's easy to portion out smaller servings for a lower-calorie breakfast option. If you're making your own country sausage at home, be sure to measure out your portions accurately to ensure proper calorie counts.

Calories from Fat in Country Sausage

Of the 170 calories in each serving of country sausage, 130 come from fat. This means that approximately 76% of the calories in this breakfast meat come from fat. While fat is an important macronutrient that our bodies need in moderation, too much saturated and trans fat can increase our risk for heart disease and other health problems. As such, it's best to balance your intake of country sausage with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Protein in Country Sausage

Each serving of country sausage contains 7 grams of protein, which is a moderate amount for a breakfast meat. Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps our bodies build and repair tissues, and also keeps us feeling full and satisfied after meals. Pairing country sausage with protein-rich sides like scrambled eggs or Greek yogurt can help you reach your daily protein needs.

Carbohydrates in Country Sausage

Each serving of country sausage contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates, which makes it a low-carb option for breakfast. Low-carb diets have gained popularity in recent years for their potential weight loss and blood sugar benefits. While low-carb diets may not be suitable for everyone, incorporating low-carb foods like country sausage can help you meet your health goals.

Amount of Sugar in Country Sausage

Country sausage contains negligible amounts of sugar, with less than 1 gram per serving. While sugar is not inherently bad for our health, many processed and packaged foods contain high amounts of added sugars that can contribute to weight gain, inflammation, and other health issues. Opting for low-sugar breakfast options like country sausage can help you reduce your overall sugar intake.

Fiber in Country Sausage

Unfortunately, country sausage doesn't contain any fiber. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies can't digest, and it's important for digestive health and blood sugar control. To increase your fiber intake at breakfast, pair country sausage with high-fiber foods like whole wheat toast, avocado, or fresh berries. You can also look for breakfast sausages that contain added fiber, like those made with whole grains or flaxseed.

Cholesterol in Country Sausage

Each serving of country sausage contains 30 milligrams of cholesterol, which is about 10% of the recommended daily limit for healthy adults. While dietary cholesterol isn't as harmful to our health as previously thought, high levels of LDL (or 'bad') cholesterol in our blood can increase our risk for heart disease. If you have high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease, it's best to limit your intake of high-cholesterol foods like country sausage.

Vitamins and Minerals in Country Sausage

Country sausage contains a modest amount of vitamins and minerals, including iron, vitamin B12, and zinc. Iron is essential for healthy blood cells and energy metabolism, while vitamin B12 is important for nervous system functioning and red blood cell production. Zinc supports immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. While country sausage shouldn't be relied upon as a primary source of nutrients, pairing it with other nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens, berries, and whole grains can help you meet your daily vitamin and mineral needs.

Health Benefits of Country Sausage

While country sausage may not be the healthiest breakfast option out there, it does offer a few potential benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Firstly, country sausage is a good source of protein, which can help you feel full and satisfied after breakfast. Pairing it with low-carb or high-fiber sides can also help you maintain steady blood sugar levels and reduce hunger throughout the morning. Lastly, the iron, vitamin B12, and zinc in country sausage can support various bodily functions and prevent nutrient deficiencies.