Trader Joe’S Natural Turkey Summer Sausage? The 80 Top Answers

Chicken sausages are a great alternative to traditional sausage for those who don’t eat pork or are simply trying to reduce their fat or sulfite intake. Made from a naturally leaner meat, chicken sausages can be just as delicious as pork sausage. Read on to learn all about the types of chicken sausage offered by Trader Joe’s.

The 12 flavors of Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausages

As with most things at Trader Joe’s, their chicken sausages come in more varieties than we ever dreamed of. From Italian-style to mango jalapeño, TJ’s has a sausage for every taste.

The 12 types of Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausages are:

Where can you find Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausages?

Some of Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausages are pre-cooked and easy to reheat and serve, while others are raw and sold fresh. Regardless, all of TJ’s chicken sausages are found in the meat aisle, typically after the produce and before the dairy aisle. They are kept in the same department as other meats like steak, chicken and bacon. They are not stored in the freezer.

Like all Trader Joe’s products, Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausages are sold exclusively by Trader Joe’s and can only be purchased in person at a TJ location. Trader Joe’s does not sell any of its products online.

What’s in Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausages?

Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausages come in many different flavors and ingredients vary between products. However, all of TJ’s chicken sausages list chicken as a key ingredient.

Here’s a list of the specific ingredients in each variety of Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage:

Jalapeño Mango Chicken Sausage:

Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Sausage: Chicken, Water, Roasted Red Peppers, Sea Salt, Sugar, Spices, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Jalapeño Peppers

Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage: Chicken, Pure Maple Syrup, Natural Ground Cane Sugar, Dried Apples, Salt, Lemon Juice, Spices

Smoked Andouille Chicken Sausage: Chicken, Sea Salt, Mustard, Evaporated Cane Sugar, Natural Flavouring, Dehydrated Garlic, Paprika, Filtered Water, Pork Intestines

Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage: Chicken, Red and Green Peppers, Water, Spices

Smoked Apple Chardonnay Chicken Sausage: Chicken, Dehydrated Apples, Salt, Fried Onions, Celery Juice Powder, White Pepper, Nutmeg, Thyme, Ginger, Chardonnay, Rosemary, Pork Intestines

Sundried Tomato Chicken Sausage: Chicken, Water, Salt, Turbinado Sugar, Spices, Tomato Powder, Dehydrated Onion, Dehydrated Garlic, Paprika, Basil, Parsley, Diced Tomatoes, Unsulphurized Sundried Tomatoes

Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage: Chicken, Parsley, Salt, Fennel, Paprika, Mustard, Anise, Paprika, Pork Intestines

Garlic Herb Chicken Sausage: Chicken, Salt, Parsley, Basil, Roasted Marjoram, Oregano, Black Pepper, White Paper, Pork Intestines

Organic Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage: Organic Chicken, Water, Sea Salt, Organic Seasoning, Organic Garlic Powder, Organic Peppers, Potassium Lactate, Organic Basil, Organic Garlic, Celery Powder

Chicken Breakfast Sausage:

Maple Chicken Breakfast Sausage: Chicken (No Antibiotics Added), Maple Syrup, Brown Sugar, Salt, Paprika, Spices, Vinegar, Caramelized Sugar

Nutritional information for Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage

Here we’ll break down the critical nutritional information for each variety of Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage, giving you an estimate of how healthy (or not) each variety is.

Jalapeño Mango Chicken Sausage

Serving Size: 1 link

Calories: 130 calories

Fat: 3g

Cholesterol: 70 mg

Sodium: 650 mg

Carbohydrates: 9 g

Sugar: 6g

Protein: 16 g

Iron: 4% DV

Potassium: 4% DV

The bottom line: High in sugar, sodium, and high in cholesterol, these are honestly one of TJ’s least healthy chicken sausage options. Next!

Serving Size: 1 link

Calories: 100 calories

Fat: 6g

Cholesterol: 55 mg

Sodium: 400 mg

Carbohydrates: 2g

Sugar: 0 g

Protein: 11 g

Iron: 4% DV

The Bottom Line: This is a great, healthy alternative to TJ’s other, less healthy jalapeño chicken sausages! They’re honestly one of the healthier sausages available at TJ’s, with negligible amounts of sugar and fairly high protein. They’re also gluten-free, like all of TJ’s chicken sausages!

Serving Size: 1 link

Calories: 120 calories

Fat: 6g

Cholesterol: 50 mg

Sodium: 340 mg

Carbohydrates: 7 g

Sugar: 5g

Protein: 11 g

Iron: 4% DV

The bottom line: With lots of sugar per serving, as well as lots of carbs and fat, these honestly aren’t among the healthier options. But hey! After all, they are gluten-free!

Serving Size: 1 link

Calories: 180 calories

Fat: 9g

Cholesterol: 75 mg

Sodium: 960 mg

Carbohydrates: 2g

Sugar: 1g

Protein: 21 g

Iron: 8% DV

Calcium: 2% DV

Vitamin A: 15% DV

Vitamin C: 2% DV

Conclusion: With the high sodium and cholesterol content of these sausages, they unfortunately also turn out to be not so healthy. However, they are super low in sugar and high in protein. So they are by no means a lost cause.

Sweet Italian style chicken sausage

Serving Size: 1 link

Calories: 110 calories

Fat: 6g

Cholesterol: 55 mg

Sodium: 450 mg

Carbohydrates: 2g

Sugar: 1g

Protein: 11 g

Iron: 6% DV

The bottom line: These chicken sausages are a good middle ground health-wise option. They are low in sugar and carbohydrates, fairly high in protein and low in calories. Eat up!

Smoked Apple Chardonnay Chicken Sausage

Serving Size: 1 link

Calories: 140 calories

Fat: 6g

Cholesterol: 65 mg

Sodium: 500 mg

Carbohydrates: 3g

Sugar: 2g

Protein: 16 g

Iron: 4% DV

The bottom line: These chicken sausages also come in the middle of the pack. They score points for being relatively low in sugar and high in protein, but they’re also high in sodium and cholesterol. It’s your call! We’ve heard they’re one of TJ’s tastiest sausages, so maybe the extra sodium is worth it.

Chicken sausage made from sun-dried tomatoes

Serving Size: 1 link

Calories: 110 calories

Fat: 6g

Cholesterol: 50 mg

Sodium: 400 mg

Carbohydrates: 3g

Sugar: 1g

Protein: 11 g

Iron: 2% DV

Conclusion: Finally! These are one of the healthiest options on this list. With hardly any sugar, relatively low cholesterol, and high protein, these chicken sausages are a decent find health-wise.

Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage

Serving Size: 1 link

Calories: 140 calories

Fat: 8g

Cholesterol: 55 mg

Sodium: 590 mg

Carbohydrates: 0 g

Sugar: 0 g

Protein: 17 g

Iron: 6% DV

Vitamin A: 9% DV

Vitamin C: 3% DV

The Verdict: Another pretty healthy option, these flavorful sausages have no sugar and pack a punch with their protein content. They also offer remarkable amounts of vitamins and minerals and zero carbohydrates. Delicious!

Garlic Herb Chicken Sausage

Serving Size: 1 link

Calories: 130 calories

Fat: 7g

Cholesterol: 65 mg

Sodium: 510 mg

Carbohydrates: 0 g

Sugar: 0 g

Protein: 17 g

Iron: 6% DV

Vitamin A: 3% DV

Vitamin C: 2% DV

The bottom line: Aside from being a bit high in sodium and cholesterol, they’re actually one of the healthiest chicken sausage options available at Trader Joe’s. With zero sugar, zero carbs, and a notable amount of protein, these are a great addition to a healthy meal.

Serving Size: 1 link

Calories: 110 calories

Fat: 6g

Cholesterol: 60 mg

Sodium: 410 mg

Carbohydrates: 1g

Sugar: 0 g

Egg White: 12g

Iron: 4% DV

Vitamin A: 4% DV

Vitamin C: 2% DV

Conclusion: Sugar-free, gluten-free and organic? Say no more! Topping the list of healthy sausage options at Trader Joe’s, these chicken sausages are fairly low in sodium, low in calories, and a decent amount of protein. In fact, we could easily call these the healthiest around.

Chicken Breakfast Sausage

Serving Size: 2 links

Calories: 70 calories

Fat: 2g

Cholesterol: 50 mg

Sodium: 300 mg

Carbohydrates: 1g

Sugar: < 1g Protein: 11 g Iron: 2% DV Potassium: 6% DV The bottom line: These easy, raw breakfast sausages are also on the healthier side, with negligible amounts of sugar, decent protein, fairly low sodium, and few calories. A great breakfast staple to keep in the freezer! Serving Size: 2 links Calories: 90 calories Fat: 4g Cholesterol: 50 mg Sodium: 430 mg Carbohydrates: 3g Sugar: 3g Egg White: 10g Iron: 4% DV Calcium: 2% DV Vitamin A: 2% DV The bottom line: This is another medium-sized chicken sausage option from TJ's that leans toward the not-so-healthy. With maple syrup as the second main ingredient, the sugar content is hard to miss. They're also slightly higher in fat and slightly lower in protein than some of TJ's other chicken sausage options. But if you like maple flavors for breakfast, then these could be your top pick! Is Trader Joe's Chicken Sausage pre-cooked? Trader Joe's Chicken Sausages are mostly pre-cooked and only require reheating before serving and eating. However, TJ's stocks a few raw chicken sausage styles, such as Like their Jalapeño Mango Chicken Sausages and their Breakfast Chicken Sausages. No matter what type of sausage you buy, all Trader Joe's chicken sausages can be frozen and, if properly frozen, will keep indefinitely until thawed. If you do not freeze your sausages, the raw varieties should be consumed within 3-5 days and the pre-cooked varieties within 5 days of opening the package. They can last longer if the packaging is not opened, but you should check the expiry date on the packaging. Eating expired chicken can very easily lead to food poisoning Cooking instructions for Trader Joe's Chicken Sausage One of the best things about buying Trader Joe's pre-cooked chicken sausages is that they're super easy to make. The quickest way is to microwave them, but make sure you cover them with something as they can easily explode when heated this way and make a mess. The most popular way to heat Trader Joe's pre-cooked sausages is in a pan on the stovetop. Simply heat your sausages over medium-high heat with a little oil or butter until the outside of the sausages are browned to your liking on all sides. Trader Joe's Chicken Sausages can also be added to soups, pasta dishes, casseroles and more. You can put them on the grill or even heat them on an oven tray to reduce your oil consumption. As long as these sausages are heated, they are ready to be enjoyed. If you purchase any of Trader Joe's dry cured sausages, they must be handled with care and fully cooked before consumption. Raw sausage should either be cooked through in the oven at 350 degrees (see packaging for exact cooking times) or cooked through on the stove in a pan. The cooking times vary depending on the size and type of sausage pieces. Trader Joe's Chicken Sausage Recipes If there is one thing that can be said about chicken sausages, it is that they are extremely versatile. You can add them to almost any savory dish and they're sure to be a welcome addition. Check out this list of Trader Joe's recipes to try with your next batch of chicken sausages. Trader Joe's Chicken Sausage Reviews Of all the Trader Joe's items we've researched, few are more universally popular than Trader Joe's Chicken Sausages. It's hard to find a bad review on these things even if you try. Here, Ms. Trader Joe's reviews Trader Joe's Sweet Italian Chicken Sausages and gives them a 9/10. Mashed's David Klein calls Trader Joe's Smoked Apple Chardonnay Chicken Sausages the best strain of them all. FAQ Are Trader Joe's Chicken Sausages Paleo? Some of them may be, but most of them aren't. The Paleo diet limits any added sugar, which many Trader Joe's Chicken Sausages contain. However, there are some varieties that are sugar-free. However, the Paleo diet also restricts processed foods, which sausage-wise it does. Are Trader Joe's Chicken Sausages Gluten Free? Yes! All Trader Joe's Chicken Sausages are 100% gluten-free. Can you eat Trader Joe's chicken sausage cold? For the most part yes. All of Trader Joe's pre-cooked chicken sausage varieties can technically be eaten cold. However, Trader Joe's sells some varieties of raw sausage that cannot be eaten cold. Therefore, read the packaging carefully before deciding how to consume your sausages. How do you know if chicken sausage is cooked? All TJ Cooked Chicken Sausages are marked "Fully Cooked" on the front of the package. Otherwise, these words will not appear and "Precautions for safe handling" will be clearly displayed on the back label when the meat is raw. Can you microwave Trader Joe's chicken sausage? Yes indeed! The microwave is a perfect way to heat up your chicken sausages. Just make sure that when your sausages are raw, you cook them on the stovetop or in the oven. Does Trader Joe's chicken sausage have nitrates? No, as far as we can tell, all of Trader Joe's chicken sausages are completely nitrate-free. Conclusion Well there you have it: a deep dive into the wide and wonderful world of Trader Joe's Chicken Sausages. Whether you're looking for a decadent treat to add to your pasta dish or stew, or you're looking for something lean and healthy to include as a staple in your diet, Trader Joe's has plenty of options to power your entire diet to fill and appetite needs. Enjoy!

It doesn’t say so on the packaging. I usually freeze them at the end of the 4th day after opening the package, but this time I froze them at the end of the 5th day. Are they still safe to eat? Many Thanks.

Sausages that can be stored without refrigeration

A bigger summer sausage

Sommerwurst is an American term for any sausage that can be stored without refrigeration until opened. Sommerwurst is usually a mixture of pork, but may be made of or contain other meats such as beef or venison. Sommerwurst is fermented and can be dried or smoked, and although the curing ingredients vary considerably, curing salt is almost always used. Condiments may include mustard seeds, black pepper, garlic salt, or sugar.[1][2]

Summer sausage fermentation lowers the pH to slow bacterial growth and provide a longer shelf life, resulting in a tangy flavor. The distinctive flavor can be duplicated using citric acid as a shortcut to hold cultures to ferment the following batch.

In Spain, summer sausages include salchichón, chorizo, longaniza, fuet, chistorra, and other types of embutido.

See also[edit]

26 Trader Joe’s products that save on weeknight dinners

Kathleen Collins / The Daily Meal

After long hours of work, running errands, and picking up the kids from soccer practice, cooking dinner from scratch can be a chore. Thank heavens, Trader Joe’s fresh and frozen departments are full of no-fuss groceries for nights when you’re craving pesto and tomato linguine but only have the energy to make a ham and cheese sandwich.

We’ve scoured the aisles of our local Trader Joe’s in search of the most delicious and least time-consuming items that all take 20 minutes or less to make. Even better, most of them cost less than $3.99. Some of the priciest items include pre-marinated meats — carne asada, chicken shawarma, rosemary balsamic steak tips — and even then, they’re less than $10 a pound. Who wouldn’t spend a few extra bucks to skip all of that prep?

So fire up the grill, flatten a skillet, heat up the oven, or just pop open the microwave because your next stress-free meal awaits. Whether you live alone with a few dozen cats or have multiple hungry bellies to fill, these 26 Trader Joe’s products are guaranteed to save weeknight dinners.

Five healthy sausage ideas

Not all sausages are the same. Luckily, a number of sausage brands use quality ingredients that are lean, high-protein, and suitable for a variety of dietary needs. Here are FEED’s favorite sausages for your summer grilling needs:

Trader Joe’s Spicy Jalapeno Chicken Sausage

These Trader Joe’s sausages are nitrate-free, gluten-free, and animal gut-free. Pro tip from FEED founder Lara Field: Sausage casings can be natural or artificial. Be sure to read the ingredients on your sausage if you prefer it gutless.

The ingredient list is simple and easy to read, and a link packs 11 grams of protein with just 100 calories. Try them in our sausage grill pack recipe!

Artisan Vegan Sausages by Field Roast

The field roast sausages are made from simple ingredients – expeller pressed safflower and organic palm oil combined with grain meat, fresh vegetables, dried fruits and various spice blends. Their smoked apple and sage sausage packs 25 grams of plant-based protein in one tasty slice. Fun Fact: The Field Roast Frankfurter is on the menus at Major League Baseball stadiums in Seattle, San Francisco and Cleveland!

Brat Hans chicken sausages

Brat Hans sausages are organic, preservative-free, and sourced from producers who participate in the Global Animal Partnership’s 5-Step® Animal Welfare Rating Standards Program. Your Spicy Italian Chicken Sausage has 17 grams of protein and only 130 calories!

Applegate Organics The Great Organic Uncured Beef Hot Dog

This hot dog is made from 100% grass-fed beef and is dairy, gluten and sugar free. The simple ingredient list helps consumers feel confident when purchasing a product that often has a bad reputation. No nitrates or nitrites, fillers or artificial ingredients here!

Looking for a low FODMAP sausage?

Digestive health specialist Kristin Houts recommends two chicken sausages to clients on a low-FODMAP diet: Bilinski’s Spicy Italian and Brat Hans Chicken Bratwurst.

Bilinski’s chicken sausages are certified organic, preservative-free (no nitrates, nitrites or MSG) and free from gluten and soy. A link is only 90 calories with 14 grams of protein! They’re also ready-to-eat for a quick reheat and eat dinner, or a safe option when grilling when you’re not the one in charge of the grill.

Sommerwurst is one of the best holiday treats. It’s easy to pack, has a long shelf life, and most importantly, it’s delicious!

By definition, summer sausage is cured and smoked, which preserves the meat and greatly delays bacterial growth. So do you have to cook summer sausage?

If you bought summer sausage from the store or your local butcher shop, you don’t need to cook it or prepare it in any way. Sommerwurst can be served straight from the pack and makes a great accompaniment to any sausage platter you plan to serve at the next dinner party.

But what if you make your own summer sausage at home? The answer depends on your definition of “cooking,” but the meat requires heat treatment to be bacteria-proof. In this article I will go into more detail about cooking and smoking summer sausage.

Do you cook summer sausage?

Traditionally, summer sausages were cured, dried and smoked. The process removes most of the water from the meat, making it unsuitable for bacterial growth. Sausages were developed centuries ago when refrigeration did not exist and people needed to find a use for the meat they had at their disposal.

Sommerwurst is an effective long-term storage solution for leftover meat that, if properly prepared, will retain its flavor for years.

Modern summer sausage is processed similarly, with the addition of other curing agents and flavor enhancers to bypass the long smoking process and make them fit for consumption.

If you buy a real summer sausage from the store, you do not have to cook it in any way. It can be ground up and eaten directly or added to other dishes as a fresh meat supplement or alternative.

Homemade summer sausage is smoked and prepared in a similar way, so it doesn’t need to be cooked either. However, the different preparation processes often make homemade sausage better when placed on the grill or mixed into other dishes.

That doesn’t mean you can’t toss a summer sausage on the pan and give it a nice char. Note that you will need to remove the collagen shell as it doesn’t behave well in high heat.

When paired with other foods, summer sausage will pass some of its flavors to the rest of the dish.

smoke summer sausage

When preparing summer sausage at home, you need to go through the curing and smoking process to make the end result appetizing and durable.

If you don’t smoke the sausage (or bake it in the oven), bacteria will grow and spoil like any other fresh meat. The curing process doesn’t help enough, and its main job is to add flavor to the meat with spices.

But how long does it take to cook summer sausage, and is it possible with household appliances? The answer depends on what preparation process you want to go through.

Smoking is the traditional method of preparing summer sausage, although modern equipment reproduces the result without too much effort. You used to have to start a fire and keep it going for a long time so that enough smoke could get the job done.

What temperature for smoking summer sausage

Once your summer sausage is cured and the sausage casing is stuffed, smoking eliminates bacteria and adds flavor. Depending on how you want to finish the sausages, you need different temperatures to achieve a suitable result that is safe for consumption.

If you’re making summer sausage in the oven, you’ll need to preheat the oven to at least 185°F (although you can set it to 225° or even 250°F) and allow the cured sausages to sit outside of the refrigerator to come to room temperature.

Once you place the sausages in the oven, monitor the heat with an internal meat thermometer. The temperature you should aim for is 165°F. After baking, remove the sausages from the oven and let them cool at room temperature.

If you’re using a smoker to finish the summer sausage (which is the preferred method), you’ll need to preheat it to 145°F and open the doors. Once the smoker has heated up, place room temperature sausages in the smoker and let them dry for an hour.

After the first hour, crank the smoker up to 180F, add some wood chips, and let the sausages smoke for another 2-3 hours. To finish smoking, add water to the smoker and turn the heat up to 185-190°F until the internal temperature of the sausages is about 160°F (preferably 165°F). Remove the sausage from the smoker and let cool.

Once you let the sausages cool down, you need to put them in the fridge or freezer. Unlike industrial summer sausages, this smoking process is comparatively short and does not completely protect the sausages from bacteria.

How long do you smoke summer sausage?

Again, the time it takes to smoke the summer sausage depends on several factors, including the meat, spices, and casings used to prepare it, as well as the aging process.

Sommerwurst must be placed in the smoker or oven at room temperature. Putting it in straight from the fridge will take longer to smoke.

If you smoke the sausages in an oven, the process takes quite a long time, usually several hours. However, I do not recommend using time as an indicator of doneness.

For best results, use an internal meat thermometer to ensure the sausages are cooked through. The ideal temperature for oven sausage is around the 165°F mark. Baking time will depend on the temperature of the oven, but higher temperatures will not result in a higher quality product.

At 220°F, the baking time is about four to six hours, depending on the type of oven. If you set the oven to 185°F (our recommended minimum), the sausages will take significantly longer to fully dry and smoke.

When using an electric smoker, the time required depends on the temperature of the smoker and the types of wood used in the smoking process. In general, the process takes six to eight hours from the time the smoker is first turned on. You need to gradually increase the heat of the smoker to bring the sausages to an acceptable internal temperature.

Do you use a water pan when smoking summer sausage?

To prevent sausages from drying out completely during the first drying phase, you can use a pan of water. Adding this water can help the casings stay relatively moist while the meat in the sausage dries until it’s done. It also protects the sausages from direct heat, which prevents scorching when the smoker gets too hot.

Water vapor can also help smoke penetrate the sausage casing in certain types of casing. If you bought the cases from the store, follow the instructions to get the best result. Alternatively, you can contact a local butcher for further assistance.

Ultimately, using a water pan is a personal preference. It won’t significantly affect the outcome, although it may increase smoking times.

Frequently asked questions about the production of summer sausage

What casing size for summer sausage?

Summer sausage is best made with inedible fiber, smoked, or collagen casings. The width of the sausage greatly affects the smoking time, and sausages that are too wide will not cook as evenly.

For best results, use a 2-inch or 2.5-inch sausage casing. You can opt for 4-inch casings if you want a thicker sausage, or you can use 1-inch casings so the resulting pieces are better suited to serving with crackers.

Summer sausage casings must be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before stuffing with cured meat.

How long should you bathe summer sausage in an ice bath?

After the summer sausage has reached the desired internal temperature, it has to be done quickly. If you let the sausages cool down on their own, the casing usually shrivels up and no longer looks as appetizing.

Also, since most casings are inedible, you’ll have a harder time separating them from the meat. To alleviate these problems, you need to place the hot sausages in an ice bath in a very short amount of time to significantly reduce their heat.

The sausages should remain in the ice bath until their internal temperature reaches 120°F or less. This usually takes 10 minutes.

If you haven’t prepared enough ice for a thorough ice bath, you can simply hose down the sausages or submerge them in the tub and run the cold water faucet until they reach the desired temperature.

Collagen casings may not require an ice bath as they can break down due to a sudden change in temperature. Consult the instructions that came with your cases to ensure you are not misusing them.

What size of the grinding plate for summer sausage?

The size of the grinder plate depends entirely on the type of grinder you own. The diameter of the holes on the grinding table is decisive. Smaller holes grind the meat more and give it a finer texture, which could be detrimental when making summer sausages.

The best grinder plates are ¼” or 5/16″ grinder plates that are compatible with your grinder. The number of holes in the plate depends on the size you choose and the size of the grinder. The difference between the two recommended hole sizes is tiny and doesn’t make a significant difference to the final product.

You can use a larger breaker plate for a first grind and then a smaller breaker plate for a second grind to ensure a more consistent product. The fat must be ground well to mix thoroughly with the meat and give it the correct meat-to-fat ratio.

When grinding, make sure the meat is very cold or partially frozen, as this will ensure the meat grinder properly cuts the meat into small pieces instead of squashing it. If your ground beef is still mushy, the grinder blade may be dull. In order to change the cutting blade, the plate usually has to be changed as well, as these often become blunt at the same time.

Which filling tube size for summer sausage?

Stuffing tubes come in different sizes to push the meat into the small sausage casings. However, for summer sausages, the preferred casing sizes are much larger.

The most common 19 mm (3/4 inch) diameter stuffing tubes are suitable for all casings wider than 1 inch. For best results, the hose should be approximately 40% smaller than the housing.

Technique is more important than tube size to ensure there are no air pockets in the shaft. You must handle the sausage carefully, keeping your index finger on the sausage and your thumb on the stuffing tube. Having someone else crank the filling also allows you to keep a firm grip on the sausage and fill it without trapping air.

Summer sausage with small air bubbles in it is perfectly fine after smoking. In most cases, the case also loosens a bit, which redistributes the air inside. If the sausage has puffed up after being placed in the fridge, something inside is producing gas and is probably unfit to eat.

in summary

If you have some free time and access to quality meat, you can easily make homemade summer sausage.

Bought summer sausage is cured, dried and smoked in a climate-controlled and tested manner, and the meat is ready for use as it is. Homemade summer sausage requires more work, but the end result can be better than store-bought ones because you control the meat and spices that go into the product.

Whether you need to cook summer sausage or not depends on how you get the sausage. Homemade sausages need to be “cooked” in the oven or steamer to bring them to a suitable finish.

I hope you enjoy preparing your summer sausage or enjoy eating the ones you have bought (or received)!

What is summer sausage? recipe ideas and more

What is summer sausage made of? Why is it called summer sausage? It’s not just for summer, but it sure is great with a cold drink. Find out which cheese goes well with the summer sausage.

Sommerwurst is one of the greatest snacks in the world… but it’s not just for snacking, and it’s not just available in the summer. This deliciously versatile treat suits any meal, any gathering, and any time of the year. So what’s the deal with the seasonal name?

Why is it called summer sausage?

As so often, the answer lies in history. Sausages have been around for centuries and were even mentioned by Homer in the Odyssey. To be honest it was originally made more to use scraps, waste and organs that would normally have been wasted. The meat has been ground, aggressively seasoned with salt and spices (the word “sausage” comes from the Latin salsus, meaning “pickled in salt”), forced into natural casings—typically a very well-cleaned pork or sheep casing—and cooked ready for a delicious meal .

Many types of sausage have evolved over the years with different blends of meat and spices — and far better cuts of meat — but not all have truly been “preserved in salt.” Like any meat, it had to be cooked immediately, otherwise eating it would be a risky proposition. Salt was a good start, but it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that medicinal salts (nitrites and nitrates) were discovered to be a more effective method of killing harmful microbes. Smoking the sausage also slowed down microbial growth and added incredible flavor.

Another way to inhibit microbial growth was to use a beneficial microorganism through lactic acid fermentation. Adding Lactobacillus bacteria (found in foods like sauerkraut and yogurt) to meat along with sugar for feeding produced lactic acid. This substance not only inhibits pathogenic (bad) bacteria, but also gives the sausage a spicy taste.

By employing all three preservation methods—lactic acid fermentation, curing, and smoking—sausage makers were able to create a product that was not only delicious, but could also be stored without refrigeration…even in the summer. They had made summer sausage.

Does summer sausage have to be refrigerated?

Yes. Before we get too carried away, “no refrigeration” is a relative term. We’re talking about meat, after all. While there are some dry sausages (pepperoni, saucisson sec, etc.) that have a shelf life, most summer sausages are considered semi-dry and will need refrigeration if you’re going to keep them for a while. We recommend storing your summer sausage in the fridge for up to a month.

What is the difference between summer sausage and salami?

As mentioned, summer sausage is a semi-dry sausage; it loses about 15 percent of its original moisture during aging. While salami can be considered a type of summer sausage, it generally loses about 25 percent of its original moisture during maturation, making it a raw sausage. This means it has a longer shelf life and some varieties can even be stored without refrigeration for some time. (Always refer to the storage instructions on a sausage’s packaging.)

Pairing: Which cheese goes with summer sausage?

Honestly, we don’t care as much about storing summer sausage as we do about eating it. Once opened, it won’t last a month in the fridge or anywhere else. So what goes best with the summer sausage? For us, let’s look at the cheese first.

When choosing the cheese for the summer sausage, we look at the characteristics of the sausage. It is semi-dry (semi-hard). It’s salty, smoky and flavorful from the lactic acid fermentation. What you’re looking for in a cheese is contrast. Choose a creamier cheese with enough fat to balance the acidity. Smooth, semi-hard cheeses like Havarti, Butterkäse, or Munster are perfect, with a neutral background that lets the sausage’s spices shine through. A sharp cheddar (any cheddar, really) or Swiss makes a fantastic pairing too, with nutty notes complementing the smoke and acidity of the sausage perfectly.

What should you drink with your summer sausage? The first choice should be beer. Sommerwurst is essentially a German thing, although neighboring countries and cultures have their own similar foods. (Incidentally, they also brew beer in France, Italy, and elsewhere, although they’re more known for wine.) Really, any beer goes well with Sommerwurst — from a malty stout to a hoppy IPA — but the best of it all is a crisp German Lager beer or pilsner.

Wine isn’t a bad choice either, and anything goes with the summer sausage – red or white. It is better to match the wine with the cheese you are serving. Gewürztraminer or Riesling are the first choices for a Swiss; mild cheddar loves chardonnay, while sharp cheddar can handle the big dry cabernets and zinfandels; Follow these links to find wine recommendations for Havarti, Butterkäse or Munster.

Sommerwurst spices up any cheese and sausage platter, but it’s not just about enjoying beer or wine. Sommerwurst has many uses and can play the leading role, or at least play a supporting role, in a number of dishes.

Recipe ideas for summer sausage

Of course, summer sausage is the perfect ingredient for sandwiches and other picnic recipes. Another obvious use of this popular snack meat is in summer sausage appetizers. Serve your cheese and charcuterie board simply as an appetizer, or spice it up a bit by threading diced summer sausage, cheese and grape tomatoes onto skewers or toothpicks and drizzled with olive oil. Remember how creamy things go well with summer sausage? Stir diced summer sausage into soft cream cheese and sour cream with shredded cheese, chopped onion and garlic and make a cheese ball or warm dip. Or dice it and toss it with chopped tomatoes, garlic and olive oil for a savory bruschetta topping: spoon it onto sliced ​​French bread, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and grill for a delicious appetizer.

Ready for something off the beaten track? Try this summery sausage salad, aka sausage salad. In Germany and Switzerland, it’s made with something similar to mortadella or bologna, but Sommerwurst makes it even tastier. For the Swiss version, add some shredded or matchstick-cut Swiss cheese.

And who says you can’t cook a summer sausage? To make a hearty summer sausage casserole, simply add a handful of diced summer sausage to your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe. Or, since it’s a summer sausage, try it on the grill. It doesn’t take much cooking—just enough to warm it up and give it a little caramelized zing—then toss it on those awesome summer sausage sliders with Havarti. Add a nice cold beer and your summer party is on!

What are you waiting for? Get your Wisconsin summer sausage here.

Your browser’s Javascript function is deactivated. Please turn it on so that you can use all functions of this website.

GRILLED SUMMER SAUSAGE SLICES WITH FENNEL TIE

Sliders are the perfect alternative when you’re not looking for something heavy but want a quick snack! For these sliders, our Signature Beef Summer Sausage is topped with flavorful fennel salad, creamy Gouda cheese, and crunchy iceberg lettuce. They literally take minutes to make and taste absolutely amazing (and no, I’m not exaggerating!).

Oh, and you better make extra because they’ll go fast!

For this recipe I substituted Hickory Farms Signature Beef Summer Sausage for the typical burger (which you would normally find on sliders). To keep things simple, slice it thinly and cook it indoors on a cast iron griddle pan, or take the party outside and throw them on the grill. The summer beef sausage takes on a beautiful dark golden color and the flavor is enhanced by the high heat. If you’ve never tried it, you should try it. It’s oddly like bacon when cooked this way (although it has more of a delicious meat flavor).

BEEF SUMMER SAUSAGE SLICES: THE INGREDIENTS

The sliders have four components: the buns, Hickory Farms Signature Beef Summer Sausage, iceberg lettuce, and the fennel lettuce. I knew fennel is used a lot in sausage making, so instead of just adding some boring greens, I decided to make a bowl of coleslaw to serve with it. Tip: Be sure to use both the top fronds and the onion itself for maximum flavor!

I don’t usually eat fennel, so I was a bit hesitant to make the coleslaw. However, once you combine it with the red pepper, celery, onion, and vinegar, it takes on a whole new flavor. It also goes really well with Hickory Farms Signature Beef Summer Sausage.

To fully melt the cheese, stack 2 or 3 pieces of the cooked beef summer sausage on the griddle, add a slice of Gouda cheese and cover with a metal bowl. Let this sit for a minute to allow the heat to circulate and melt the cheese. This is a trick we used at the restaurant to melt cheese for burgers and it works just as well with these!

Make sure to add a few pieces of iceberg lettuce (or any other lettuce that will float your boat) and then the top bun. Keep things tidy with a bamboo toothpick and enjoy!

Grilled summer sausage sliders with fennel salad

For the fennel salad

1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons chopped celery 2 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper 1 tablespoon red onion 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil salt and pepper 1 fennel bulb and fronds

For the sliders

1 Hickory Farms Signature Beef Summer Sausage, sliced ​​1/8″ thick Gouda cheese iceberg lettuce slider buns

To make the fennel salad

In a bowl, whisk together the honey, vinegar, celery, paprika, and onion. Drizzle in the olive oil while stirring constantly. Add the fennel and toss until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.

For the Hickory Farms Grilled Summer Sausage

Heat a cast iron griddle over medium-high heat (alternatively, you can use a griddle or even an outdoor grill). Add the summer sausage and fry until crispy on both sides. Reduce the heat and arrange the sausage in stacks of two or three slices at a time. Add a piece of Gouda cheese to each stack, then cover with a metal bowl. Leave this for 30 seconds to a minute or until the cheese has melted. Remove from the stove and drain on kitchen paper.

To make the sliders

Cut each slider bun in half. Add a spoonful of fennel salad to the bottom bun. Top each with a stack of summer sausage and a few pieces of iceberg lettuce. Add the top bun and a toothpick to hold everything in place.

Erin Fesperman is the editor, food stylist, and photographer for Faith Food Family Fun, a burgeoning food blog that features weekly cooking tips as well as a variety of delicious recipes. She has a passion for cooking and has been creating exclusive content for Hickory Farms since 2015.

Summer Sausage: A Wisconsin Tradition

What is summer sausage? There are many out there but there is only one Swiss Colony BEEF LOG… Star of meat and cheese gift baskets for more than 45 years.

Wisconsin is best known for two things: cheese and beer. So it stands to reason that the state is also known for producing the product that goes best with these two foods: sausage.

The love and expertise in sausage making comes from Wisconsin’s high immigrant population from Germany and surrounding countries… and there are many types of sausage. Depending on where you are and what time of year you will encounter bratwurst, Polish bratwurst, kielbasa or the star of every cheese and sausage plate, the summer sausage.

What is summer sausage?

Sausages have been around since about 500 BC. Basically, it was a way of using every bit of an animal once the highest quality parts were spoken: the less desirable cuts were finely chopped, mixed with salt and spices to flavor and preserve them, and in (hopefully carefully cleaned) pieces of meat filled. Offal. The neat little tubes of meat were a much more appetizing way to prepare these parts… and the seasoning made them downright delicious.

Over time, the art and science of sausage making have evolved. Fresh (uncooked) sausages like bratwurst were first, and had the same shelf life as other fresh meats…that’s not saying much. Curing techniques allowed the sausages to be stored longer and improved their taste. The first preservative was salt, but that wasn’t foolproof; The discovery of nitrites and nitrates in the Middle Ages provided a more effective method of killing microorganisms. Smoking over wood fires also helped slow microbial growth and imparted wonderful flavor to the fully cooked meat.

Another preservation method actually uses microorganisms of the beneficial kind: lactic acid fermentation. This is the same technique that adds flavor to foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi, as well as sour beers like Lambic and Berliner Weisse. In sausage making, a Lactobacillus culture is introduced along with a serving of dextrose or another sugar to allow the bacteria to feed. The bacteria then produce lactic acid, which inhibits the growth of pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria and gives the sausage a very desirable flavor.

Why doesn’t summer sausage have to be refrigerated?

Well, first of all it does. The “summer sausage” was developed as a product that can also be kept in summer without refrigeration. As such, it typically combines all three of these preservation techniques for a more durable product. It is traditionally fermented, although many modern producers skip the malolactic fermentation part, choosing to save both time and money by adding citric acid to preserve the tangy flavor. But if you’re asking, “Do you need to refrigerate Sommerwurst?” the answer is definitely yes. Refrigerate after opening, of course, but also before opening: we recommend up to a month, although we can’t imagine it lasting that long without consumption.

There really are many varieties of dry and semi-dry summer sausage: Italian salami (not really a sausage variety; plural of salame), French saucisson, Spanish chorizo ​​​​or salchichón, and Hungarian szálami. Many American manufacturers give their summer sausages names like the German Thuringian or Swiss Cervelat, but they’re nothing like their European counterparts, which are fresh-to-cook sausages. Sommerwurst, like other “cold meats”, is ready to eat and is almost always eaten cold or at room temperature, as a snack or on a sandwich. It’s best as part of a charcuterie platter, accompanied by complimentary cheeses and served with beer or wine. And because of its affinity with cheese, it is often found in gift assortments or meat and cheese gift baskets. Such is the case with one of Wisconsin’s most famous summer sausages…

The Swiss Colony BEEF LOG®

The Swiss colony was founded in Monroe, Wisconsin in 1926 and initially only sold cheese. Being in Green County there was plenty for sale – this county is far and away the leader in cheese production in the rest of the state – but if there was a national market for Wisconsin cheese then surely there was one for the fine sausages and hams, that were made in the Wisconsin area as well.

For years, The Swiss Colony sold a “Swiss-Style Summer Sausage,” which – like most summer sausages – was made from a mix of beef and pork, and a premium all-beef version. By 1969, the pure beef summer sausage was renamed BEEF LOG®.

While the recipe for this smoked sausage remains a closely guarded secret, it’s made from carefully selected beef, which is coarser than that of many sausages. The coarser grind gives the sausage a richer texture and what the industry calls “mouthfeel”. It also means the sausage is made from higher quality meat; The more pasty, more emulsified sausages allow the manufacturer to use the more undesirable ingredients that can easily blend into the background (just read the label on a commercial Mexican chorizo). The beef is then flavored with an exclusive blend of spices and uses the time-honored lactic acid fermentation method to give it that distinctive flavor. It’s more time-consuming and expensive than using the citric acid shortcut, but delivers better quality and more flavor… and the discerning palate can tell the difference.

Recipes with smoked sausage

We mentioned earlier that summer sausage, when fully cooked, is usually eaten cold, as a snack, or on a sandwich. But while you generally don’t cook with it, it does lend itself to some innovative salads. Try using it to add a bold flavor to a summer potato salad. The Germans and the Swiss love Wurstsalat, which usually consists of something more akin to bologna or mortadella…but you get a heartier flavor if you use Sommerwurst. Be sure to try the Swiss version too: add some shredded or match-cut Baby or Aged Swiss.

And who says you can’t throw the BEEF LOG® on the grill? In this recipe, summer sausage is lightly grilled and incorporated into some tangy summer sausage sliders that are just begging for a nice cold beer.

People also ask: does Swiss colony cheese have to be refrigerated?

Yes, it does! All Swiss colony cheeses are natural cheeses, not the processed kind that may be on a supermarket shelf. Refrigerate your cheese as soon as you receive it. Take it out an hour before serving to let it come to room temperature for optimal flavor; When you’re done slicing and serving, put the rest back in the fridge until next time.

N-nitroso compounds are carcinogenic substances thought to be responsible for some of the adverse effects of eating processed meat.

They are formed from nitrite (sodium nitrite) that is added to processed meat products.

Sodium nitrite is used as an additive for 3 reasons:

To preserve the red/pink color of meat. To improve taste by suppressing fat oxidation (Ranzung). To prevent the growth of bacteria, improve taste and reduce the risk of food poisoning.

Nitrite and related compounds such as nitrate are also found in other foods. For example, nitrate is found in relatively high concentrations in some vegetables and may even be beneficial to your health ( 16Trusted Source ).

However, nitrite is not just nitrite. Nitrite in processed meat can turn into harmful N-nitroso compounds, the most well-studied of which are nitrosamines (17).

Processed meat is the most important dietary source of nitrosamines (18). Other sources include contaminated drinking water, tobacco smoke, and salted and pickled foods (17, 19).

Nitrosamines are primarily formed when processed meat products are exposed to high heat (above 266°F or 130°C), e.g. B. when frying bacon or grilling sausages (20).

Animal studies indicate that nitrosamines may play an important role in the development of colon cancer (15, 21).

This is supported by observational human studies suggesting that nitrosamines may increase the risk of gastric and colon cancer (22, 23).

Sausages are not only full of flavor but also very good for health as they are made up of vitamin B12 and protein that help keep your body fit and immune to the system. It also consists of amino acids, which are very important for the maintenance and growth of the body. It has really good health benefits and not only in health but they are also really good in taste. People usually love the taste of sausage, which is why they buy it.

The quality of the sausage is the most important to people, as if the quality will not be good, how to get the excellent taste from it. Many brands on the market offer you good sausage and sometimes it becomes difficult to choose the best branded sausage for yourself. If you love eating sausage and don’t know what to include in your sausage and which brands offer the tastiest and most nutritious sausage, this article will help you make the most fruitful decision.

You need to keep the brands and a few factors in mind before buying the cheapest and most flavorful sausage. Also, in the article, you will learn all about these things that will help you buy the best sausages and enjoy them as a meal.

You must know some of the brands on the market and claim to be the best, but it is a recommendation to check all the details and reviews about the particular sausage you are going to buy as this will help you focus on your purchase to leave.

Comparison table:

This item will consist of the shortlisted sausage brands on the market and will have gained the trust of consumers who agree that the sausage in question is one of the best in taste and nutritional value. If you’re new and didn’t know much about sausage, you’ve come to the right place!

Top summer sausages

Further down in this article you will learn about some of the top shortlisted brands known for offering the best premium quality sausages.

1. Stonies Sommerwurst – Natural ingredients

It is undoubtedly one of the best summer sausages on the market. The sausage tastes best at room temperature. It’s not standard sausage; It contains jalapeno and cheese, making it richer in flavor and ingredients, giving your taste buds a full ride of all the flavors. It is very fragrant and belongs to one of the trusted brands.

It’s made of authenticity and made from locally grown grass and grain, pork and beef. It’s made from all-natural ingredients and claims to be gluten-free. All these qualities show that this is a pretty good sausage and you must get your hands on it.

Features:

It is made from natural ingredients.

It’s healthy and gluten free.

It can give you great taste even at room temperature.

2. Hunters Reserve, Taste of the Wild Summer Sausages – high in protein

This sausage pack contains five sausages with unique and different flavors. It consists mainly of game, bison, wild boar, elk and classic beef. It’s professionally made and contains herbs and spices uniquely arranged to deliver the perfect flavor of game. Not only is it rich in flavor but it also has some health benefits as each of them contains 12 to 14 grams of protein and with no artificial flavor, just outstanding.

It can also be used as a perfect gift as you always want to give the best to your loved ones and for that you can count on Hunters Reverse Sausages. It comes in a handy gift box that can also be gifted and used for personal use.

Features:

It is very rich in flavors and comes in 5 different and amazing flavors.

It is very rich in proteins and other nutrients.

It is gluten, MSG and nitrite free.

Also check on Etsy

3. Hickory Farms Farmhouse Summer Sausage – Keto friendly

Known for delivering the highest quality meat sausage, this sausage is a mix of premium beef and pork. It’s smoked an amazing blend of natural spices and hardwood to yield the exceptionally good quality sausage that’s packed with rich flavor and nutrients. It is a healthy sausage as it is gluten free and suitable for people who have special dietary needs and need to eat healthily.

It also has good durability which makes it convenient for all conditions even if you are camping, trekking or traveling. You can take this with you without hesitation as it is stable and durable. It comes in a semi-dry form. This sausage can be used in a number of recipes and can be added to your dishes to add healthy and tasty meat.

Features:

It has premium quality meat that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein.

This particular sausage is keto friendly.

It has stable durability and can be taken anywhere.

Even at room temperature, it retains its good quality.

Also check Check out Walmart

4. Old Wisconsin Premium Summer Sausage – smoked in hardwood

A low-carb snack that claims to be ideal for keto diets, this sausage is zero percent carbs; and is also gluten free with no added MSG so overall a healthy sausage and if you are health conscious then this sausage is ideal for you. This is naturally smoked on hardwood, and the sausages come with a special blend of spices and smoked to perfection over natural hardwood fires.

It is made with precision by hand and is a really good alternative to dried and dried meat. It is made up of some of the finest spices or ingredients that make it a top quality sausage. You can easily use it in different recipes and have an excellent wholesome healthy meal.

Features:

It is very nutritious and a perfect protein snack.

It contains purely natural and handpicked ingredients.

It is slow smoked in hardwood to get the best lightly roasted flavor that the high quality sausages have.

It must be refrigerated after opening the seal.

Also check for Oldwisconsin

5. Pepper Joe’s Jalapeno Cheddar Summer Sausage – Good source of protein

This sausage is not like the others; It’s a spicy sausage that includes peppers and jalapeños to add a pinch of spiciness and make it tastier. If you love spices and are looking for the perfect spicy sausage with full flavor then this is for you. It also has cheddar cheese and is made from prime Midwestern meats.

It’s made with all-natural jalapeños and ingredients to deliver exceptional flavor without compromising health and quality. It’s spicy, but it’s not too much that you can’t handle. The meat is of premium quality and is slow smoked to preserve all the flavors and overall it’s not like others; it is not on a sharp side, so you must know and consider this aspect before buying.

Features:

Along with the amazingly flavorful flavor and ingredients, it’s a really good source of protein.

It is slowly smoked on hardwood to give you the best flavor of the ingredients.

This brand doesn’t claim to be very healthy as their main goal is to bring you flavorful and quality meat.

Also check Check for Pepperjoe

6. Pearson Ranch Venison Hickory Smoked Summer Sausage – Affordable

This sausage is a pack of 3, consisting of different types of meat sausage, moose buffalo and venison. Pearson’s Ranch meat is MSG-free, gluten-free and contains no nitrites. Made from all-natural ingredients, the meat is easy to take anywhere as it will remain suitable for a few days even if not properly refrigerated.

It’s a source of good lean protein. It can satisfy anyone who eats healthy as it is user-friendly to make your health the first preference. Besides the all-natural ingredients, it’s also known to give you the best sausage flavor and is from a trusted brand.

Features:

It’s affordable.

It is healthy as it is gluten free and MSG free.

It’s a lean protein with a great source of nutrients and other minerals.

Also check out Pearsonranchjerky

Buying guide for the best summer sausage

Before deciding to purchase a particular sausage you need to consider some of the factors that can lead you to buy the tastiest and most nutritious sausage and these factors mainly include:

1. Make sure you have good shelf life:

When buying meat or, in particular, sausage, make sure that it has a good shelf life, as you do not have to eat it as early as possible. No one likes to spend their money on something that doesn’t maintain its quality over time. A lot of brands give you a really good shelf and claim that their sausages don’t need to be fully refrigerated as you might be able to take them on trips and trips.

Shelf life is a very important factor and the next time you buy a sausage, don’t forget to check it carefully.

2. Quality and type of meat needed:

Many types of meat sausage are available in the market and it is mainly up to you which type of meat you prefer as there are a number of different meats such as elk, venison, bull, pork and beef, all with their own individual flavors and tastes differ in terms of nutrients.

For the quality and taste you have to pay attention that the particular sausage you want to buy has to be smoked slowly on the hardwood to bring out the flavor and aroma of the ingredients perfectly.

3. Check healthy nutrients:

If you’re health conscious and want your sausage to be low carb, gluten free, and keto friendly, you need to check that in the product description of each product so you can be sure. If you want the sausage to have more protein than the usual sausage, be sure to check before you order as it may not meet your needs if it is low in protein.

Conclusion

Buying sausage would be a bit of a challenge as there are numerous brands in the market and it is directly related to your health and if the quality is not good then it can affect your health in different ways. The article contains the best brands in the market and has also won the trust of various previous consumers.

The article contains all the factors that you should check before choosing a specific sausage for your use. From affordability to durability, everything matters. If you are thinking of buying a sausage then it is highly recommended to go through this article as it will help you a lot in making a fruitful decision.

frequently asked Questions

1. What different types of meat are used to make sausages?

Many meats are used and some consist of venison, bison, wild boar, elk, beef and pork. There are more, but these are some of the most common.

2. Where can you find the best bratwurst for summer?

You can get different brands on Amazon and there you can get some of the best sausage reviews that will help you to buy the most suitable and cheapest sausage.

3. What different brands offer the best quality summer sausages?

Pearson Ranch, Old Wisconsin, Hunters Reserve and Stonie have long been among the best brands in the industry and have earned the trust of many consumers.

Visit Boston Local Food for more information!

While we all know and love the food you can get at Trader Joe’s stores, not every item you get here is as good as other products. In this article, you’ll learn which Trader Joe’s items aren’t the best quality or tend to cost more than other stores.

So avoid buying seafood and meat, vitamins, packaged sushi, and burritos at Trader Joe’s stores. Instead, stock up on some of Trader Joe’s better products like dark chocolate almonds, pretzel sticks, pastries, and teriyaki frozen chicken dishes.

What is Trader Joe known for?

Trader Joe’s is known for offering quality groceries and unique items that set it apart from other grocery stores. Customers of this store find that it has higher quality products and rate it as superior compared to other places.

Prices at Trader Joe’s stores are typically lower than other stores, but are 5 percent higher than Walmart and 15 percent higher than WinCo. The wide variety of Trader Joe’s products makes it unique. Here you will find a myriad of different foods such as sweets, chocolates, pastries, dinner ingredients, snacks and more.

8 things you might want to skip when shopping at Trader Joe’s

The top eight things you might want to avoid buying from Trader Joe’s include:

seafood and meat products

vitamins

burritos

Packaged sushi

Sliced ​​fruit

zoodles

Nuts and fruits soaked in honey

Quiche with broccoli and cheddar cheese

Here’s why these foods are either inferior, unhealthy, or overpriced compared to the same foods in other stores.

1) Seafood/Meat

The seafood and meat products at Trader Joe’s are not worth buying as you can find the same items for a lot cheaper in other places.

For example, Trader Joe’s BBQ Cut Fresh Atlantic Salmon Fillets are quite expensive at $9.99 per pound. Stores like Fresh Thyme and Kroger have similar or even the same cuts of Atlantic salmon for up to $3 less than Trader Joe’s stores. Who wouldn’t want to spend $6.99 instead of $9.99?

Additionally, one customer reviewed their seafood paella and found the shrimp tasted substandard.

2) vitamins

When it comes to the vitamins sold at Trader Joe’s, you’ll find that they have fewer capsules per bottle and tend to cost more than vitamins available at other stores. The vitamins here also tend to be lower in nutritional value than elsewhere.

For example, you can find a comparable bottle of B vitamin supplements for $4.67 at Target versus $5.99 at Trader Joe’s.

3) Burritos

Trader Joe’s burrito typically lacks the typical health benefits of some of his other products. You will find that the amount of calories in just one burrito is a whopping 600. Each burrito also contains 18 grams of fat and more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium.

So if you want to stay healthy, you’ll find that making your own burrito at home with some Trader Joe’s corn tortillas is a healthier option.

One customer noticed that Trader Joe’s Pollo Asado Burrito didn’t have enough chicken and the other ingredients didn’t mix well.

4) Packaged sushi

Because Trader Joe’s doesn’t prepare its sushi directly in its own kitchens, you’ll find that the packaged sushi sold here isn’t as fresh as you’d like. These items can also cause you to get sick, as Trader Joe’s had to recall its poke bowls and ready-to-eat sushi products from its stores in 2019 over possible Listeria contamination.

According to a former employee, even Trader Joe’s workers are told to avoid buying the sushi sold in the store.

5) Sliced ​​fruit

Sliced ​​fruit at Trader Joe’s typically comes in miniature containers and in smaller quantities than the original fruit. They also cost a little more than all the fruit you can buy at any other store.

For example, a one-pound container of sliced ​​watermelon or pineapple from Trader Joe’s costs $3.49, while a whole pineapple may cost $2.99, or a watermelon may cost $3.99 elsewhere. Avoid the small containers of sliced ​​fruit if you want to save some money.

6) zoodles

Trader Joe’s zoodles are also expensive, and it makes more sense to buy whole zucchini. If you have a whole zucchini, you can simply use a julienne peeler to make your own thin zoodles at home. In fact, the cost of buying zoodles is double that of a whole pumpkin, pound for pound.

Taking a few minutes to make your own zoodles will save you a decent amount of dough.

7) Nuts and fruits soaked in honey

If you want to avoid too much sugar in your diet, don’t add nuts, fruits, and honey jars to your shopping cart. This particular item contains fruits and nuts soaked in honey in a jar. It’s got 300 calories in just a quarter-cup serving of nuts, honey, and fruit. The same serving contains 26 grams of sugar.

For better health, avoid that glass of sugar and calories.

8) Quiche with broccoli and cheddar cheese

Again, if you’re interested in buying healthy ingredients, avoid the broccoli and cheddar quiche. This particular item contains a whopping 910 milligrams of sodium, meaning you’re getting about half of your daily sodium intake in just one meal.

Also, this quiche contains 15 grams of saturated fat and won’t give you the health benefits you’re looking for. Maybe it’s better to make your own omelet or a fresh quiche at home.

What products are good at Trader Joe’s?

While there are items to skip at Trader Joe’s, you’ll also find plenty of great products including:

Happy Trekking Trail Mix

Gluten free brioche bread

Traditional Tunisian harissa

Smoked andouille chicken sausage

Rosemary Marcona Almonds

Cauliflower gnocchi

Blueberry Lemonade Sparkling Water

Organic Pea Soup

These special foods have many flavors and are healthier than other products. Whether you’re looking for a snack, appetizer, main meal or drink, Trader Joe’s has a good selection for you.

Product Reviews by Trader Joe

Trader Joe’s Olive & Herbs Mixed Nuts have both positive and negative reviews. Some find this snack to be a wonderfully salty and savory product, while others found it tasted too strange and didn’t have a nice texture.

Reviews of the Chicken & Chimichurri Empanadas say they lack a lot of chicken, are too thin and a bit too salty. However, reviewers of Trader Joe’s Thai Vegetable Gyoza found them delicious and great with a sweet chili sauce.

Trader Joe’s stores near you

You can find a Trader Joe’s store in 43 states and many cities across the country. Typically, you can visit a Trader Joe’s Store in:

You can see the many locations of Trader Joe’s stores on the company’s website. You can also use Google Maps to find the nearest Trader Joe’s store location to you.

frequently asked Questions

What is the best day to shop at Trader Joe’s?

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the best days to shop at a Trader Joe’s store. In particular, you should arrive in the morning before many items are bought. On these days the shelves are well stocked and you will also find fresh products. You avoid some of the larger crowds you would typically find on the weekends.

Is it worth shopping at Trader Joe’s?

It’s worth shopping at Trader Joe’s as the store has many specialties and unique ingredients that you won’t find anywhere else. This shop has combined flavors in its snacks and sauces that stand out from other products. You’re bound to like Trader Joe’s food

Why do people love shopping at Trader Joe’s?

Trader Joe’s can have great demand from the consumer base due to the eclectic flavors of the products and low prices for very unique foods. Products at Trader Joe’s range from salsas, cheese and cookie butter to frozen meals and delicious pastries.

The people who shop here also love the adorable decorations and signs that can be found throughout the store.

Is Trader Joe’s meat quality good?

Trader Joe’s meat is of reasonable quality compared to other meats found in other grocery stores. The meat quality standards here call for no artificial ingredients, preservatives, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), MSG, antibiotics, or artificial growth hormones.

Although the meat quality is generally good, it may cost more than other stores.

How does Trader Joe’s quality compare to Aldi’s?

If you’re looking for organic items, Trader Joe’s has more options than Aldi. However, if you are looking for quality greeting cards, Aldi has stronger and more beautiful ones than Trader Joe’s. In addition, Aldi branches have cheaper items. Both stores have quality groceries, but perishables at Aldi tend to go bad faster.

Trader Joe is known for many quality groceries at great prices. But they don’t have a full-service meat department, so Trader Joe’s sells humanely raised meat?

Here’s what I found out:

Trader Joe’s sells humanely sourced meat as they sell meat from both conventional and all-natural producers. Not all meat at Trader Joe’s is raised humanely, so look for organically farmed or grass-fed meat to find the most humanely raised options.

But there is more to know.

In this article, we learn if Trader Joe’s stocks grass-fed chicken and where it sources its meat.

We will check if it has meat quality standards. And we also look at what growing up humanely actually means. The answer might surprise you!

Let’s start.

Looking for the best beef (and chicken or pork) and unhappy with what your local shop has?

Thanks to Snake River Farms, you can now have American Wagyu steaks delivered right to your door.

Once you try it you will be amazed at how much better the quality is! Imagine the taste of this Waygu Ribeye fresh off your grill!

Get $25 Off Your $99 Order! – CLICK HERE to take a look.

No doubt you’ve seen Snake River Farms raved about for Forbes and the Washington Post. Now it’s your turn!

Simply choose the steak that suits you or the combination boxes with a value package; Beef, chicken or the best of both. Flash frozen and vacuum sealed means it’s fresh from the farm whenever you’re ready!

With every purchase you help build a better food system for animals, the planet and us. Raised and processed humanely.

CLICK HERE to see all of their amazing offers on their website.

Restaurants Around the World Want Humanely Raised Meat by Rancher Felix Florez http://t.co/WD8RQeYzlU pic.twitter.com/gcurBJ7vko – Houston Press (@HoustonPress) October 6, 2015

Does the phrase “raised human” really mean anything?

The phrase “raised humanely” as applied to meat products has no legal definition. So it doesn’t really mean anything. However, many producers conclude that their meat and poultry is free-range or grass-fed and therefore more humane than large commercial meat processors.

So don’t expect it to mean anything specific.

Well, if that expression is also accompanied by free-range or grazing, at least we can be fairly certain that these practices are taking place.

What other terms don’t mean much or don’t have an actual legal definition?

Totally natural

Raised of course

Local

Antibiotic free

hormone free

I know many of us look for hormone and antibiotic free products when we buy our chicken.

Unfortunately, in many cases this simply means that they were not given these items within 3 months of slaughter. It does not necessarily mean that you have NEVER received it.

However, Whole Foods Market’s meat standards specifically state that their meat and poultry do not receive these things at any point in the animal’s life.

That being said, the only real guarantee is to buy organic meat and poultry.

In addition, there is an organization called CertifiedHumane that certifies specific manufacturers that meet specific standards. And when you see their sticker on meat or poultry products, it means:

“that the food comes from farms that meet precise and objective standards for the treatment of livestock.” (source).

Specifically, this means that the animals in question were “raised and handled in accordance with HFAC’s animal welfare standards from birth to slaughter and further processed in accordance with HFAC’s strict traceability requirements.”

A wonderful meal prepared by F12 People’s Kitchen for people facing vulnerable homelessness in our community. Made with green beans, delicata squash and butternut squash that NCFA purchased from Kilimo Minnesota farmers, and chicken donated to us by Trader Joe’s. #foodshare pic.twitter.com/5v9vxdvxwO – North Country Food Alliance (@NCFoodAlliance) October 21, 2021

Does Trader Joe’s carry grass-fed chickens?

Trader Joe’s all-natural heirloom chicken brand is pasture raised. They are slow growing chickens that do not contain antibiotics and no hormones have been added to them.

TJ’s heirloom chickens are heritage chickens.

What are hens? I’m glad you asked. Heritage chickens are sired from eggs hatched from a standard American Poultry Association breed before the mid-20th century.

These are chickens that are naturally mated, have had a long productive outdoor life, and are slow growers. They’re usually not as big as their more modern cousins, but they’re juicier and tastier.

They also tend to be a bit more expensive.

Due to the circumstances in which traditional chickens are raised, they are considered to be healthier and happier. After all, this is the kind of environment Mother Nature wanted for them.

From the above we can conclude that some of the meat products offered by TJ have been raised humanely and are therefore of good quality.

Kayem Foods recalls Trader Joe’s Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage Products http://t.co/AB5a8gWdFL pic.twitter.com/Cv1M0vHJay – HopingHealth (@hopinghealth) April 21, 2015

Where does Trader Joe’s get its meat from?

Like most Trader Joe’s products, their meat is purchased from other companies under a ‘private label’ arrangement and repackaged as their own. Some of these meat companies are Kayem Foods, Teva and Empire.

In addition, it also sells branded meat from other companies.

It is well known that Trader Joe’s keeps its sourcing secret. So we may not always know where it gets its meat from.

And their sources are likely to change from time to time.

But it announced on its website that making non-GMO and organic products available takes a lot of effort. And what’s more, they revealed that some of the meat is conventional – they were raised on antibiotics.

If you leave TJ’s for a while, between Sam’s and Costco, which store do you think has better meat?

Luckily, that’s the subject of a recent article in which I revealed whether Sam’s Club meat is high quality and whether Costco meat is better quality. But I also talked about whether Sam’s leg meat came from China. I even shared which one has the better breast.

Just click this link to read it on my website.

In a few short years, a sweater from @NHLSeattle_ will accompany the jerseys on display above the meat aisle at Queen Anne Trader Joe’s 🏒 pic.twitter.com/pcSfAwMBt0 – Paul Buxton 🦑🦈🏒 (@paulbux) November 19, 2018

Does Trader Joe’s have meat quality standards?

Trader Joe’s has general meat quality standards. These standards include no artificial ingredients or preservatives, no MSG, no GMOs on their own brand and their commitment to offer meat and poultry free of artificial growth hormones and antibiotics.

But compared to the extensive standards set by competitors like Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s standards are pretty vague. (source) and (source)

For example, whether it offers antibiotic-free meat and poultry, it indicates that it does not presume to make decisions for its customers, but offers products that it believes meet its customers’ needs and that address a wide range of considerations.

Basically a spongy way of saying they have some products with these things.

It shows that their meat and poultry comes from both conventional and non-conventional sources. The former are those that are likely to use antibiotics, while the latter are sources that can be described as organic, all-natural, or specifically Antibiotic-Free (ABF).

It goes on to say that following customer feedback, great efforts are being made to ensure the latter meat and poultry is consistently available. However, it could not confirm whether the animal products sold came from animals raised on GMO feed.

So overall the selection is a mix of organic and inorganic products and the standards are not very developed. But TJ is open about the nature of what it sells.

Have you ever wondered where Aldi gets its meat from?

Are you really from China? Well, I explored that in a recent article. In it, I looked at what kind of meat Aldi sells and whether its meat actually comes from China. But I also revealed the truth about Aldi’s meat quality. I even discussed whether Aldi sells USDA beef.

Just click the link to read it on my website.

How does Trader Joe’s meat compare to Whole Foods?

Whole Foods Market meat is better than Trader Joe’s. Whole Foods offers meat that meets a much higher standard of quality and welfare, while Trader Joe’s sources meat from both conventional and natural sources.

In other words, while both offer all-natural meats and poultry, TJ’s also offer some no different than what you would find at Safeway or Kroger.

And to be honest, Whole Foods has an elaborate and codified set of standards regarding what meat is acceptable. There is a 5-level certification for the meat quality. The welfare of the slaughtered animals is paramount.

Trader Joe’s meat quality information is patchy, and there are no dedicated butchers in its stores. Whole Foods has butchers in all of its stores who have received extensive training.

So you can ask them for more information about the meat on offer.

To be honest, meat isn’t Trader Joe’s forte, and his meat comes pre-packaged. That makes things convenient, but what if you’d rather buy something fresh?

Well, if you’re a steak lover, you know that one of the most important steps is to make sure you start with a quality steak, right?

So is Prime Steak worth it?

I explored this in a recent article of mine. I looked at whether Choice or Prime Beef is better and whether Angus is better than Prime. But I also revealed what percentage of the steak is prime. I even talked about whether Costco’s prime beef was really prime.

Just click the link to read it on my website.

Trader Joe’s Organic Chicken Wings & Soyaki Sauce 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5ESTBnsg1Q – ZACH (@ZACHCRUZ) July 10, 2020

Where does Trader Joe’s get its chicken from?

Trader Joe’s chicken comes from the USA. However, they do not disclose the poultry farms that supply their chicken.

There are 3 categories of chicken at Trader Joe’s:

Butcher (with red label)

Raised conventionally

cage free

not free of hormones or antibiotics

All Natural (with a green and brown label)

cage free

no antibiotics

Bio (marked as organic)

Organically grown, purely vegetarian grain feed

free range

No hormones or antibiotics administered

You’ve probably wondered which grocery store has the best steak. Well, I’ve got you covered because I revealed the top contenders in a recent article.

In it, I shared a graphic showing an ox and the parts of it that make up the steak, and I outlined what makes one steak better than the other.

But I also revealed which supermarket has the best meat. I even explained if organic grass-fed beef is better and what it even means.

Just click the link to read it on my website.

Conclusion

In the article, we found out if Trader Joe’s stocks grass-fed chicken and where it gets its meat from.

But we also checked whether there are meat quality standards. Then we looked at how his meat compares to whole foods.

Lastly, we looked at where Trader Joe’s gets its chicken from.

Looking for the best beef (and chicken or pork) and unhappy with what your local shop has?

Thanks to Snake River Farms, you can now have American Wagyu steaks delivered right to your door.

Once you try it you will be amazed at how much better the quality is! Imagine the taste of this Waygu Ribeye fresh off your grill!

Get $25 Off Your $99 Order! – CLICK HERE to take a look.

No doubt you’ve seen Snake River Farms raved about for Forbes and the Washington Post. Now it’s your turn!

Simply choose the steak that suits you or the combination boxes with a value package; Beef, chicken or the best of both. Flash frozen and vacuum sealed means it’s fresh from the farm whenever you’re ready!

With every purchase you help build a better food system for animals, the planet and us. Raised and processed humanely.

CLICK HERE to see all of their amazing offers on their website.

The wine giant

Two Buck Chuck was the first cheap wine that didn’t come in a screw-top jug or a cumbersome box. Instead, it came in a 750ml bottle with a cork stopper, just like real wine. It also came from a genuine retailer rather than a dingy store with dusty shelves and poor lighting. The quality, while notoriously inconsistent, was usually a cut above the Krug and Casement wines of the era.

Wine drinkers were excited at the prospect of being able to buy quality bottled wine at such a low price. Those who didn’t have Trader Joe’s in their town — and 20 years ago there were few locations outside of Southern California — would flock to the nearest store to stock up on whole cases. Wine professionals couldn’t imagine how such a cheap wine could be so popular.

That’s a far cry from what Shaw envisioned when he opened his winery in 1979. He was, says Hayward, convinced he could change the way Americans drank wine. Beaujolais grew in popularity in the United States, and Beaujolais Nouveau, a simpler version released around Thanksgiving each year, also gained popularity. These wines were inexpensive, fruity, easy to drink, and almost nobody in California made anything like it.

A domestic version appeared to be just what US wine drinkers were looking for. Except they weren’t. Charles Shaw’s winery grew to 50,000 cases in the early 1990s, an impressive figure for the time but not enough to make his Gamay a national brand. Add double-digit interest rates, a recession, a heavily indebted business, and a crumbling marriage, and bankruptcy was inevitable. When that happened, one of California’s most notorious wine entrepreneurs, Fred Franzia, laid his claim on Charles Shaw.

Franzia’s Bronco Wine Co. was known for buying the name, label, and logos of high-end wineries that went bankrupt, according to Hayward. Then it would use the names for inexpensive Bronco-produced wine and leverage the remaining marketing value. Bronco did this with the Hacienda and Grand Cru wineries in Sonoma in the early 1990s. So it wasn’t uncommon for Bronco to pick up Charles Shaw for around $25,000. What happened then was.

Bronco and Trader Joe’s agreed that the former would make Charles Shaw wine exclusively for the latter, a retail concept known as private label. Private label was common on other products — Kenmore appliances, for example — but less used on wine. Additionally, the wine would sell for $1.99, which was possible thanks to Bronco’s economies of scale, low distribution costs, and large wineries.

How did the companies agree on the $1.99 price? Where does the nickname come from? Why did you decide to have your own brand? Did anyone at Bronco or Trader Joe expect what happened next? Who knows? Neither Bronco nor Trader Joe’s have responded to interview requests for this story.

What is certain is that Two Buck Chuck surprised the wine world.

You’ll never want to shop another day at Trader Joe’s when you learn why Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days.

No matter how much time you put into grocery shopping, it seems that every visit to Trader Joe’s is going to be cramped and crowded, with long lines and the disappointment of not having your favorite items in stock. But apparently there’s a little-known staff secret to making your next delivery easy, breezy, and worthwhile: Shop Tuesday or Wednesday.

Best time to shop at Trader Joe’s

According to a very in-depth “Ask Me Anything” session on Reddit, managers offered their insider knowledge, explaining that most shoppers go to TJs on Saturdays or Sundays. “I think it’s hilarious that people go up on Sundays and complain that we’re so busy,” one wrote. “Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days. Early morning… right after opening is honestly the best time to do it. We get fresh produce every morning so you get the best produce and some stuff will actually be sold out for the day 2pm to 4pm including perishable and nonperishable items.”

If only we had known that years ago! Then we could avoid the dreaded weekend drag and stick to early-morning 8am drives – or at least after-work shopping trips – in the middle of the week. Imagine: a fraction of fellow shoppers, fully stocked shelves and freezers, and staff with more than enough time to answer all of your questions.

yogurt

Try before you buy

Of course, we also combed through the rest of the thread for more tricks for your next visit to TJ’s, such as the try-everything policy. The same Trader Joe’s manager said: “I LOVE it when customers ask to try products! just pop open and eat.” That way, you can make sure you like this head-scratching avocado-citrus Greek yogurt before you spend the money on it.

Do not you like it? Give it back!