How Many Calories in Sausage? Nutrition Facts & Macros
A serving of pork sausage (48 g) has 156 calories
Protein 8.9g · Carbs 0.7g · Fat 13.1g
Pork sausage is a high-fat, high-protein food commonly served at breakfast alongside eggs and toast. With 27.25 g of fat per 100 g, fat is the main calorie driver — accounting for over 75% of the total energy. Despite its moderate protein (18.53 g), sausage is calorie-dense at 325 kcal per 100 g, making portion control important. Cooked pork sausage retains about 50% water.
1360 kJ · per 100g · Water: 49.89 g
Calorie Calculator: Pork Sausage
48 g Pork Sausage contains 156 kcal
Calories by Portion Size
| Portion | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 link (23 g) | 75 kcal | 4.3g | 0.3g | 6.3g |
| 1 serving / 2 links (48 g) | 156 kcal | 8.9g | 0.7g | 13.1g |
| 100 grams | 325 kcal | 18.5g | 1.4g | 27.3g |
Pork Sausage — Nutrition Facts
| Pork Sausage | per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 325 kcal |
| Protein | 18.53 g |
| Fat | 27.25 g |
| Carbs | 1.42 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8.83 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11.54 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.12 g |
| Cholesterol | 86 mg |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 1.09 g |
| Sodium | 814 mg |
| Potassium | 342 mg |
| Calcium | 9 mg |
| Magnesium | 16 mg |
| Phosphorus | 149 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Zinc | 2.45 mg |
| Manganese | 0.022 mg |
| Selenium | 20.7 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 28 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg |
| Thiamine (B1) | 0.256 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.176 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6.12 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.195 mg |
| Folate | 1 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.98 mcg |
| Vitamin D | 1.4 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 0.9 mg |
| Water | 49.89 g |
Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC ID: 174578) · Data verified September 2026
Variations
Pork sausage (pan-fried)
325 kcal per 100 g — the standard pan-fried pork sausage (USDA reference). High fat (27.25 g) with moderate protein (18.53 g). The default variety used on this page.
Italian sausage (mild)
324 kcal per 100 g — very similar to standard pork sausage in calories. Seasoned with fennel, garlic, and Italian herbs. Fat (25.66 g) and protein (18.65 g) are comparable. A flavor alternative, not a nutritional one.
Bratwurst (German-style)
333 kcal per 100 g — slightly higher in calories than standard pork sausage. More fat (29.18 g) due to the traditional recipe with coarser-ground pork. Protein (13.72 g) is lower. Popular grilled or pan-fried.
Turkey sausage
196 kcal per 100 g — about 40% fewer calories than pork sausage. Much less fat (10.4 g vs 27.25 g) with comparable protein (23.9 g). The best sausage option for weight loss. Less juicy but significantly leaner.
Dietary Perspectives
For Weight Loss
At 325 kcal per 100 g, pork sausage is calorie-dense — not ideal for weight loss if eaten freely. A single link (23 g) has about 75 kcal, which is manageable. The high fat content (27.25 g per 100 g) is the main calorie driver. Choose turkey sausage (~196 kcal per 100 g) for a leaner option with comparable protein. Sodium is notable at 814 mg per 100 g.
For Athletic Performance
Pork sausage provides 18.53 g of protein per 100 g, but the fat content (27.25 g) makes it less protein-efficient than chicken breast or turkey. Sodium (814 mg per 100 g) helps with electrolyte replacement, which is useful post-workout. Better as an occasional protein source rather than a training staple. The protein-to-calorie ratio is poor for athletes focused on lean gains.
For Keto
Excellent for keto — only 1.42 g carbs per 100 g with high fat (27.25 g) and good protein (18.53 g). The macro ratio is nearly ideal for a ketogenic diet. Avoid sausages with added fillers, breadcrumbs, or sugar — some commercial varieties have hidden carbs (5-10 g per 100 g). Always check the label. Sodium (814 mg per 100 g) is actually beneficial on keto since electrolyte needs increase.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in sausage?
A serving of pork sausage (48 g, 2 links) contains about 156 calories. Per 100 g, pan-fried pork sausage has 325 calories. A single link (23 g) has approximately 75 calories. Most of the calories come from fat (27.25 g per 100 g), which accounts for over 75% of the energy content.
How much protein is in sausage?
Pork sausage has 18.53 g of protein per 100 g. A serving (48 g, 2 links) provides about 8.9 g of protein. While decent, the protein-to-calorie ratio is poor compared to chicken breast (30.5 g protein, 151 kcal) because sausage gets most of its calories from fat rather than protein.
Is sausage good for weight loss?
Sausage is calorie-dense at 325 kcal per 100 g — not ideal for weight loss if eaten freely. A single link (23 g) has about 75 kcal, which is manageable in a calorie budget. For a leaner alternative, turkey sausage has roughly 196 kcal per 100 g with significantly less fat. The high fat content (27.25 g) is the main calorie driver.
How much fat does sausage have?
Pork sausage has 27.25 g of total fat per 100 g, of which 8.83 g is saturated. A serving (48 g) contains about 13.1 g of fat. Over 75% of sausage calories come from fat. Pan-frying adds minimal extra fat since sausage releases its own grease during cooking.
Pork sausage vs bacon — which has more calories?
Bacon is significantly more calorie-dense: 468 kcal per 100 g versus 325 kcal for pork sausage. Bacon has more fat (35.09 g vs 27.25 g) and almost double the protein (33.92 g vs 18.53 g) because cooking renders out more water. However, per typical serving, 2 sausage links (156 kcal) have more calories than 2 bacon slices (75 kcal) simply because sausage servings are heavier.
Is sausage keto-friendly?
Yes — pork sausage is excellent for keto with only 1.42 g of carbs per 100 g. The high fat (27.25 g) and moderate protein (18.53 g) fit keto macros well. Watch out for sausages with added breadcrumbs, fillers, or sugar — some commercial varieties can have 5-10 g of carbs per 100 g. Always check the label.
Compare with Similar Foods
| Portion | kcal | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pork Sausage | 325 | 18.53g | 1.42g | 27.25g |
| Bacon | 468 | 33.92g | 1.7g | 35.09g |
| Ham (Deli Sliced) | 107 | 16.85g | 0.7g | 4.04g |
| Egg | 143 | 12.6g | 0.72g | 9.51g |
| Hot Dog (Beef Frankfurter) | 322 | 11.69g | 2.66g | 29.36g |
per 100g
Per 100 g, pork sausage has 325 kcal with 18.53 g protein and 27.25 g fat. Compare to ham (107 kcal, 16.85 g protein, 4.04 g fat) or chicken breast (151 kcal, 30.54 g protein, 3.17 g fat). Sausage trades protein efficiency for rich flavor and higher fat.