Finding Summer Sausage at Your Local Grocery Store

Summer sausage is a tasty cured meat that makes a great high-protein snack or addition to a charcuterie board. But where exactly can you find it when perusing the grocery store aisles? With so many options from the deli counter to the pre-packaged section, it can get confusing. This guide will walk you through all the typical places that stock everyone’s favorite sausage for summertime.

Check the Deli Counter

The deli counter at most supermarkets will carry summer sausage in big rings or logs that they can slice to order This offers you the freshest option with the exact amount you need. You can get thin slices for snacking, thicker cuts for sandwiches or chopped pieces for recipes Some things to look for

• Brands like Dietz & Watson Columbus Hoffmann and others are common.

• Flavors likeoriginal, peppered, smoked or cheese-stuffed.

• Meat options like beef, pork, turkey, chicken or combinations.

• Sizes from 8-12 ounces or larger 1-2 pound chubs.

• Prices from $3-8 per pound based on brand and type.

• Vacuum sealed packs by the pound or loose slices.

Getting it sliced at the deli allows you to purchase just what you’ll use within a week or two for peak freshness. The downside is it tends to be pricier than the pre-packaged options.

Check the Pre-Packaged Section

For cheaper prices and longer shelf life, you can find summer sausage in the refrigerated or ambient grocery aisles. Look in these spots:

Refrigerated Meat Section

This is where you’ll find most of the mass-produced summer sausage brands like Hillshire Farm, Jack Links, Alpine Lace and others. They often come in long plastic packs or tubes:

• Flavors like original, cracked black pepper, garlic, cajun style, etc.

• Types like beef, turkey and combinations.

• Sizes from 5-12 ounces.

• Prices from $3-7 per package.

• Brands like Hillshire Farm, Jack Links, Alpine Lace, Oberto, Columbus, etc.

• Shelf life of 2-3 months from pack date in the fridge.

Deli Meat Aisle

Shelf-stable summer sausages are sometimes stocked alongside packaged deli meats and hot dogs. Popular brands like Ohana Island Foods, Chef’s Choice, Gwaltney and Koops’ come in vacuum sealed bags:

• Flavors like original, cajun, smoked.

• Meat choices like beef, turkey, chicken, venison blends.

• Sizes from 4-8 ounces.

• Prices from $5-9 per pack.

• No refrigeration required until opening.

• Shelf life of 9 months to a year unopened.

Charcuterie Section

Some upscale or gourmet stores now have a designated section for charcuterie items like salami, prosciutto and artisanal summer sausages. This is where you can find small batch, locally made sausages:

• Unique meat blends like bison, elk, boar and exotic combos.

• Flavors like wine infused, craft beer, juniper or peppercorns.

• Farmstead brands and specialty flavors.

• Prices from $8-15 per sausage.

• Often cryovacked for longer shelf life.

This is the best place to look for one of a kind summer sausages to impress your guests.

Check Near the Hot Dogs

Some stores stock summer sausage on end cap displays alongside hot dogs, sausages and other convenient proteins. This is often a temporary placement spotlighting seasonal grilling items but is worth checking for fun flavored summer sausages that aren’t with the regular lunchmeat.

Can’t Find It? Ask For Help!

If you are striking out locating those rings of snacking sausage, don’t give up! Stores sometimes move products around. Tell a store clerk or butcher what you are looking for and they can point you to the current summer sausage spot.

With so many options from the humble Hillshire Farm logs to artisanal charcuterie, you are sure to track down your favorite summer sausages for backyard barbecues, parties or anytime with a little detective work. Now get ready to tear open a pack and enjoy that deliciousness!

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