9 Sausages To Skip And 9 Worth Trying, According To Meat Lovers

As a self-proclaimed sausage connoisseur, I’ve spent years grilling, frying, and sampling every link I could get my hands on.

From disappointing gas station meat sticks to artisanal butcher shop creations, my journey through the world of encased meats has been filled with both delights and disasters.

Today, I’m sharing my hard-earned wisdom about which sausages deserve a place on your plate and which ones should stay on the shelf.

1. SKIP: Slim Jim – The Gas Station Gamble

Remember road trips as a kid when dad would stop for gas and I’d beg for that iconic red wrapper? Those days are long gone. Slim Jims might satisfy a desperate midnight craving, but they’re hardly what any respectable meat lover would call an actual sausage.

The ingredient list reads like a chemistry experiment, with mechanically separated chicken leading the parade of preservatives and flavor enhancers. That distinctive snap comes with an artificial aftertaste that lingers uncomfortably.

Plus, the sodium levels are through the roof – one stick packs nearly a fifth of your daily recommended intake! Save your taste buds and your health by passing on these processed meat sticks next time you’re at the checkout counter.

2. TRY: Aidells Chicken & Apple Sausage – A Sweet Symphony

Last summer, I threw some Aidells Chicken & Apple sausages on the grill during a backyard get-together, and even my food-snob brother-in-law asked for seconds! These beautifully crafted links strike the perfect balance between savory and sweet, with real chunks of apple complementing the lean chicken.

Made with simple ingredients you can actually pronounce, these sausages contain no nitrites or artificial fillers. The texture stays juicy without being greasy, a common pitfall with lesser quality options.

They’re incredibly versatile too – slice them into pasta, chop them into breakfast scrambles, or serve them whole on a bun. For busy weeknights, they’re pre-cooked so you only need to heat them through for a quick, satisfying meal.

3. SKIP: Bar-S Smoked Sausage – Budget Buyer’s Remorse

Penny-pinching led me down a dangerous path when I grabbed Bar-S Smoked Sausage during a tight-budget month. The suspiciously low price should have been my first warning sign. Upon cooking, these links released more grease than a mechanic’s rag while somehow still managing to taste dry.

The texture resembles rubber more than meat, with that artificial smoke flavor that coats your mouth like cheap perfume. Breaking one open reveals a homogeneous pink interior that raises questions about what exactly you’re eating.

Even my dog – who once ate a sock – gave me a judgmental look when offered a piece. While the savings might seem appealing, the compromise on quality, taste, and ingredient integrity makes these a definite skip for anyone who values their taste buds.

4. TRY: Johnsonville Brats – The Tailgate Champion

Football season at my house means one thing: Johnsonville brats sizzling on the grill! These hearty German-style sausages have become the unofficial mascot of American sporting events for good reason. The satisfying snap of the casing gives way to a juicy, perfectly seasoned interior that needs little more than a simple bun and maybe some sauerkraut.

Johnsonville has mastered the traditional bratwurst profile – a coarse-ground texture with subtle notes of marjoram and nutmeg that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel. They plump beautifully without bursting when cooked properly over medium heat.

The original version contains pork, but they offer chicken and turkey varieties that don’t sacrifice flavor for fewer calories. For an authentic experience, simmer them in beer and onions before finishing on the grill – pure tailgate magic!

5. SKIP: Great Value Smoked Sausage – Walmart’s Woeful Offering

Grocery shopping on a rainy Tuesday night led to an unfortunate encounter with Great Value Smoked Sausage. My wallet smiled while my taste buds frowned. The first bite revealed the truth – this bargain brand prioritizes cost-cutting over flavor at every turn.

The meat-to-filler ratio leans heavily toward the latter, creating a mushy texture that disintegrates rather than slices cleanly. Salt dominates the flavor profile, a common trick to mask lower-quality ingredients. Even after thorough cooking, an unpleasant artificial aftertaste lingered stubbornly.

The casing lacks that satisfying snap, instead dissolving into a chewy, almost plastic-like experience. While I’m all for saving money, some corners shouldn’t be cut – especially when it comes to processed meats where ingredient quality makes all the difference in both taste and nutrition.

6. TRY: Niman Ranch Pork Sausage – The Ethical Indulgence

My first taste of Niman Ranch sausage came at a farm-to-table restaurant, and I immediately needed to know where to buy these incredible links! Their commitment to humanely raised, antibiotic-free pork translates directly to the plate with flavor that’s noticeably richer and cleaner than conventional options.

The coarse grind maintains the meat’s integrity, creating a substantial texture that feels homemade rather than factory-produced. Seasoning is applied with a restrained hand, allowing the quality of the pork to take center stage without overwhelming spices masking inferior meat.

Yes, they cost more than standard supermarket options, but the difference is immediately apparent. Their breakfast links paired with farm-fresh eggs created the most satisfying morning meal I’ve had in years. For special brunches or when you want to truly appreciate what sausage should taste like, these are worth every penny.

7. SKIP: Armour Vienna Sausages – The Apocalypse Pantry Mistake

During my college survival-food phase, I stockpiled those little blue cans of Armour Vienna Sausages. Young and naive, I convinced myself they were an acceptable protein source. Opening that pop-top releases a distinctive aroma that can only be described as “wet dog meets school cafeteria.”

These pale, uniformly shaped cylinders swim in a gelatinous liquid that defies culinary classification. The texture? Imagine if someone described meat to an alien who then tried to recreate it using only lips and hooves. They dissolve rather than require chewing – a truly unsettling mouthfeel.

While they might have a place in emergency preparedness kits (alongside other foods you’d only eat if absolutely necessary), they shouldn’t be consumed by choice. Even their impressive shelf life seems more like a warning than a feature. Some food traditions deserve to be forgotten, and these are among them.

8. TRY: Applegate Naturals – The Clean Label Legend

My journey to cleaner eating led me straight to Applegate Naturals sausages, and I haven’t looked back since! When my doctor suggested reducing processed foods, I figured my beloved breakfast sausages were off the menu until discovering this game-changing brand.

Their commitment to organic, non-GMO ingredients and humanely raised animals isn’t just marketing fluff – it translates to exceptional flavor. The chicken and sage breakfast links have become my Sunday morning ritual, with none of the greasy aftereffects that conventional sausages leave behind.

The ingredient list reads like an actual recipe rather than a chemistry experiment. No nitrates, no antibiotics, no fillers – just well-seasoned meat with recognizable herbs and spices. While they cook, they fill your kitchen with an honest aroma that reminds you what real food should smell like. For health-conscious meat lovers, these are a revelation.

9. SKIP: Eckrich Cheddar Smoked Sausage – Cheese Catastrophe

Cheese and sausage seemed like a winning combination until I encountered Eckrich’s bizarre interpretation. My curiosity got the better of me at the grocery store when I spotted those bright orange flecks through the packaging. Big mistake.

The “cheddar” bears no resemblance to actual cheese, instead presenting as neon-colored bits that neither melt properly nor contribute any recognizable dairy flavor. They create an odd, grainy texture interruption throughout the already questionable meat base. When heated, these sausages release an alarming amount of fluorescent orange oil.

The underlying meat quality doesn’t fare much better, with a heavily processed texture and overly salty flavor profile attempting to mask inferior ingredients. If you’re craving a cheese and meat combination, you’re better off enjoying quality sausage alongside real cheese rather than this unfortunate fusion experiment gone wrong.

10. TRY: Boar’s Head Bratwurst – The Deli Counter Surprise

Who knew the deli counter held such treasures? I stumbled upon Boar’s Head bratwursts while waiting for my usual turkey order and decided to give them a chance. That spontaneous decision revolutionized my home grilling game!

Unlike many mass-produced brats that rely on heavy seasoning to mask mediocre meat, these showcase clean pork flavor with subtle spicing that enhances rather than overwhelms. The texture strikes the perfect balance – substantial enough to satisfy a hearty appetite while remaining tender with each bite.

Their natural casing provides that coveted snap that true sausage enthusiasts seek. These versatile links work beautifully in traditional preparations with sauerkraut and mustard, but are equally at home in pasta dishes or breakfast scrambles. Though slightly pricier than some alternatives, they deliver restaurant-quality results that make home cooking feel special.

11. SKIP: Oscar Mayer Classic Wieners – Childhood Nostalgia Gone Wrong

The Oscar Mayer jingle might be forever etched in my memory, but these wieners should stay in the past where they belong. Attempting to relive childhood nostalgia with a package of these famous franks led to severe disappointment and questioning my youthful palate.

The texture can only be described as “spongiform” – simultaneously mushy and bouncy in a way that natural meat simply isn’t. Biting into one reveals a suspiciously uniform pink interior lacking any visible texture variation. They contain mechanically separated chicken and turkey along with beef, creating an identity crisis in tube form.

While they might satisfy undiscerning children, adult taste buds deserve better. The flavor profile relies heavily on salt and artificial smoke rather than quality meat. For a similar price point, numerous superior options exist that don’t require sacrificing standards or ignoring ingredient lists.

12. TRY: Teton Waters Ranch – The Grass-Fed Game-Changer

During my quest for more sustainable meat options, I discovered Teton Waters Ranch sausages tucked away in my local market’s natural foods section. From the first bite, I knew these weren’t ordinary links – the clean, distinctive flavor of 100% grass-fed beef shines through with remarkable clarity.

The company’s commitment to regenerative agriculture practices translates to sausages with a deeper, more complex flavor profile than grain-finished alternatives. Their Polish kielbasa contains a perfect balance of garlic and traditional spices without relying on excessive salt or fillers.

Beyond taste, there’s peace of mind knowing these cattle were raised on open pasture without antibiotics or hormones. The links cook up with minimal shrinkage and maintain their juiciness without becoming greasy. For environmentally conscious carnivores unwilling to sacrifice flavor, these sausages represent the gold standard of ethical meat consumption.

13. SKIP: Hillshire Farm Lite Polska Kielbasa – Diet Disappointment

January’s resolution to eat healthier led me down the treacherous path of “lite” meat products, with Hillshire Farm’s Lite Polska Kielbasa being a particularly memorable misstep. The package proudly announces 33% less fat, but fails to mention what’s sacrificed in the process.

The texture falls somewhere between rubber and cardboard – lacking the succulence that makes kielbasa worth eating in the first place. The flavor profile attempts to compensate with excessive salt and artificial smoke, creating a one-dimensional experience that leaves you unsatisfied.

When cooked, these links release a watery liquid rather than the rich juices you’d expect from quality sausage. If you’re watching calories, you’re better off enjoying a smaller portion of the real thing than suffering through this sad imitation. Some foods simply shouldn’t be “lightened,” and traditional Polish sausage definitely falls into that category.

14. TRY: Beyond Sausage (Plant-Based) – The Meatless Marvel

My carnivore credentials were firmly established until my vegetarian daughter challenged me to try Beyond Sausage during a family cookout. I accepted with extreme skepticism and prepared for disappointment. Boy, was I wrong!

These plant-based links achieve the seemingly impossible – replicating the texture, juiciness, and satisfying chew of traditional pork sausage without any animal products. The protein comes from peas, fava beans, and rice, yet somehow creates a convincingly meaty experience that even sizzles and browns like the real thing.

The flavor profile hits all the right notes with hints of garlic, paprika, and fennel in the Italian variety. While no one would be fooled in a blind taste test, they stand on their own merits as delicious alternatives. For reducing meat consumption without culinary sacrifice, or accommodating mixed dietary needs at gatherings, these innovative links deserve a spot in your rotation.

15. SKIP: Banquet Brown ‘N Serve – Freezer Aisle Failure

During a particularly hectic week, the promise of quick breakfast sausages lured me into grabbing a box of Banquet Brown ‘N Serve links. The convenience factor quickly became their only redeeming quality as I discovered what lurked inside that cardboard box.

These diminutive links bear more resemblance to pencil erasers than actual meat products. The texture is unnervingly uniform – a processed consistency that neither chews nor tastes like anything from nature. Their pale appearance barely changes during cooking, maintaining an unappetizing grayish-brown hue regardless of how long they’re heated.

The flavor can only be described as “generic meat adjacent” with notes of salt and artificial maple attempting to mask the lack of quality ingredients. Even drowning them in syrup couldn’t salvage breakfast. For just a dollar or two more, numerous superior options provide both convenience and actual flavor.

16. TRY: Pederson’s Natural Farms – The No-Sugar Superstar

My friend’s keto diet introduced me to Pederson’s Natural Farms sausages, and they’ve earned a permanent place in my refrigerator ever since. Their bacon gets all the attention, but their sausage line deserves equal praise for crafting flavorful links without relying on added sugars or questionable preservatives.

The breakfast varieties feature a coarser grind than most commercial options, creating a satisfying texture that feels homemade. Seasoning is spot-on – their sage and black pepper blend provides warmth without overwhelming the clean pork flavor. Unlike many competitors, they achieve this without sneaking in corn syrup or dextrose.

Their commitment to humanely raised meat from family farms comes through in the quality. For those monitoring ingredients for health reasons or simply appreciating transparency in food sourcing, these sausages deliver exceptional taste without compromise. The no-sugar aspect means they brown beautifully without burning.

17. SKIP: Value Time Hot Dogs – Bargain Bin Blunder

Rock bottom prices led me to a rock bottom experience with Value Time hot dogs during a tight budget month. Sometimes being frugal crosses into foolishness, and this was definitely one of those times.

Upon opening the package, an unidentifiable liquid pooled around pallid tubes that barely resembled meat products. Cooking did little to improve their appearance – they remained suspiciously straight and uniform, refusing to develop any appetizing color. The texture somehow managed to be both mushy and rubbery simultaneously.

Flavor-wise, these hot dogs tasted primarily of salt with unsettling chemical undertones that lingered uncomfortably. Even condiment camouflage couldn’t mask their inadequacies. The ingredient list reads like a science experiment gone wrong, with mechanically separated meats leading the concerning parade. Some budget cuts simply aren’t worth the sacrifice.

18. TRY: Hebrew National All-Beef Franks – The Kosher King

Growing up in New York City, I developed a serious hot dog habit that followed me into adulthood. After trying countless varieties, I always return to Hebrew National All-Beef Franks when I want that authentic ballpark experience without questionable meat mysteries.

These kosher dogs deliver a robust beef flavor that puts most competitors to shame. The distinctive garlic and paprika seasoning creates a balanced profile that stands up beautifully to traditional toppings without getting lost. Their natural casing provides that satisfying snap that hot dog aficionados crave.

The kosher preparation means higher standards for meat quality and processing – you won’t find random fillers or byproducts here. While slightly pricier than conventional hot dogs, the difference in taste and texture is immediately apparent. For summer cookouts where the humble hot dog takes center stage, these deserve the spotlight.