Is Vienna Sausage Good for Diabetics? A Closer Look at This Portable Snack

As a diabetic deciding what to eat can feel overwhelming at times. You want to enjoy tasty foods but also need to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. Vienna sausage is a convenient pantry staple but is it a smart choice if you have diabetes? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Vienna sausage nutrition and portion sizes to help you determine if it can be part of a diabetes-friendly diet.

What is Vienna Sausage?

Vienna sausage, sometimes called cocktail sausage, is a type of canned sausage made from a mixture of pork, beef, chicken and turkey The sausages are shorter and thinner than regular hot dogs Vienna sausage is precooked and shelf-stable, making it a portable high-protein snack.

Some people enjoy Vienna sausages straight from the can, while others heat them up or use them in recipes like sausage rolls, casseroles, omelets and more. They have a smoky, meaty flavor from spices like garlic and paprika.

Vienna Sausage Nutrition Facts

Here are the nutrition facts for a typical 2.8 oz (80g) can of Vienna sausage, containing around 10 small sausages:

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbs: 2g
  • Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 8g
• Sodium: 450mg

As you can see, Vienna sausages are high in fat and sodium but very low in carbs. The protein content is decent for the small serving size.

Now let’s take a closer look at how these nutrition stats fit into a diabetes diet.

Vienna Sausage and Diabetes

For people with diabetes, the biggest factors to consider with Vienna sausage are the carbs, sodium and saturated fat. Here’s a breakdown:

Carbs

With only 2g net carbs per serving Vienna sausage can fit into a low carb meal plan for diabetes. Just watch your portions as the carbs can add up if you eat too many sausages. 3-4 small sausages make a reasonable serving.

It’s also best to pair Vienna sausages with non-starchy veggies or a salad to balance out the meal. Avoid eating them with high carb foods like crackers, bread or pasta.

Sodium

The 450mg of sodium in one serving of Vienna sausage is quite high, providing almost 20% of the daily 2300mg limit recommended by major health organizations for people with diabetes.

High sodium foods can increase blood pressure and the risk of complications. It’s smart to keep total daily sodium intake under 1500-2000mg if you have diabetes.

Check the label and choose lower sodium options when possible. And be mindful of your total sodium intake from other foods and seasonings if enjoying Vienna sausages.

Saturated Fat

The 6g of saturated fat per serving is a bit high, at around 30% of the recommended daily limit for people with diabetes. Saturated fat can raise LDL “bad” cholesterol levels and increase inflammation.

To help lower your risk of heart disease, the American Diabetes Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake to no more than 6% of total daily calories. For a 2000 calorie diet, that’s around 13g per day.

When eating Vienna sausages, balance them out by choosing healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil for your other meals and snacks that day.

Best Practices for Eating Vienna Sausages with Diabetes

Here are some tips to enjoy Vienna sausages more healthfully with diabetes:

• Stick to 1 serving (3-4 sausages). This provides 8g filling protein for under 225 calories.

• Try lower sodium options when possible. Rinsing canned meats can also reduce some sodium.

• Pair with non-starchy veggies for fiber and nutrients.

• Avoid added high carb ingredients like crackers, pasta or sugary sauces.

• Balance out the saturated fat with heart-healthy unsaturated fats from plant sources.

• Watch your portions of other high sodium foods that day.

• Test your blood sugar levels periodically to see how your body responds.

Should You Avoid Vienna Sausage with Diabetes?

Most nutrition experts agree that no foods need to be completely off limits for people with diabetes. The key is eating the right portions and balancing out your choices.

While Vienna sausage is high in sodium and saturated fat, the low carb content can make it an occasional convenient protein option. Using healthy preparation methods and managing portions and frequency is key.

That said, some people with diabetes choose to avoid processed meats like Vienna sausage most of the time due to the sodium levels. It’s up to you and your healthcare provider to determine if and how to incorporate them into your eating pattern.

Healthier Alternatives to Vienna Sausage

If you choose to limit Vienna sausages, here are some tasty high protein snacks that can take their place:

• Hard boiled eggs
• Nuts and seeds
• Canned tuna or salmon
• Turkey/ham lunchmeat rolls
• Hummus with veggie sticks
• Cottage cheese
• Greek yogurt
• Peanut butter with apples or celery

The Bottom Line

Vienna sausage can be part of a diabetes diet, but it’s best enjoyed only occasionally and in moderation due to the high sodium and saturated fat content. Keep portions small, balance out your other food choices, and monitor your blood sugar response when incorporating this convenient canned meat.

With mindful enjoyment and healthy preparation methods, Vienna sausage can be an option for a portable protein snack. But they may not be the best choice for a diabetes-friendly diet if eaten frequently or in large amounts. As always, it’s smart to discuss your diet choices with your healthcare provider to determine if Vienna sausages can have a place in your meal plan.