Does Turkey Sausage Have Pork Casing? Everything You Need To Know

Turkey sausage is a popular alternative to traditional pork sausage It offers a healthier, leaner option without sacrificing flavor But one common question about turkey sausage is – does it contain pork casing?

Many people wonder about the casing because of dietary restrictions or personal preferences. Some may want to avoid pork products altogether Understanding what casings are made of can help you determine if turkey sausage fits your needs

In this article, we’ll take a complete look at turkey sausage casings. You’ll learn:

• What turkey sausage is and how it differs from pork sausage
• The most common types of sausage casings
• Why casings are used in sausage production
• The casing options for turkey sausage
• How to identify turkey sausage with no pork casing
• Benefits and drawbacks of different casings
• How to make casing choices based on your needs

Let’s start by looking at what exactly turkey sausage is and how it compares to more traditional pork sausage.

What Is Turkey Sausage?

Turkey sausage is a type of sausage made from ground turkey rather than pork. The main ingredients are ground turkey meat, salt, spices, and flavorings.

There are a few key differences between turkey and pork sausage:

• Meat – Pork sausage contains pork, while turkey sausage contains ground turkey.

• Fat content – Turkey sausage is lower in fat and calories than pork sausage.

• Flavor – Turkey has a milder flavor than pork. Turkey sausage has a more delicate taste.

• Cost – Turkey sausage is typically more expensive than pork sausage.

• Nutrition – Turkey delivers more protein than pork and contains fewer saturated fats.

Turkey sausage comes in different varieties including breakfast sausage, Italian sausage, chorizo style, bratwurst, and more. It can be seasoned with herbs, spices, garlic, wine, and other flavorings. Popular ways to serve it include crumbled in eggs, as a pizza topping, in pasta sauce, and in casseroles or soups.

Why Sausage Needs A Casing

Before diving into turkey sausage casings, it helps to understand why sausages need casings at all. A casing serves several important purposes in sausage production:

• Shape – Casings mold the sausage into links, patties, or other forms. They contain the sausage mix during manufacturing.

• Protection – The casing protects the sausage during cooking and handling. This prevents breakdown of the texture and helps retain moisture.

• Appearance – Casings give sausages visual appeal when cooking or serving them.

• Tradition – Natural casings provide a traditional sausage texture many consumers expect.

Without a casing, sausage meat would simply crumble apart. The casing gives it structure.

Common Types of Sausage Casings

There are several options when it comes to sausage casings. The most common varieties include:

• Natural casings – Made from the intestines or stomachs of animals like pigs, sheep, or cattle. Natural pork casings are the most popular.

• Collagen casings – Made of collagen from the bones and skins of cattle or pigs. Can be edible or inedible.

• Cellulose casings – Made from processed cellulose from wood pulp or cotton.

• Plastic casings – Made from plastic polymers.

• Vegetarian casings – Made from plant materials or synthetic materials.

The casing choice impacts the texture, flavor, cost, and appearance of the final sausage. Natural casings can provide a softer “snap” when bitten. Collagen and cellulose casings give a more uniform shape and size.

Now let’s look at the casing options specifically for turkey sausage.

Turkey Sausage Casing Options

Turkey sausage is available with all of the casing varieties used for pork sausage. This includes:

• Natural hog casings – Made from the intestines of pigs. Can provide a nice snap and are permeable to smoke.

• Natural sheep casings – Made from the intestines of sheep. Have a smaller diameter than hog casings.

• Collagen casings – Provide good machinability and uniform sizing. Available in edible and inedible options.

• Cellulose casings – Made from cellulose of plant origin. Peel off easily after cooking.

• Plastic casings – Allow for larger diameters and mechanized production. Not permeable to smoke.

• Vegetarian casings – Can be made from plant fiber, seaweed, or synthetic materials.

However, turkey sausage does not contain pork casings. Turkey sausages labeled as “pork free” will use collagen, cellulose, plastic, or vegetarian style casings. Natural hog casings made from the intestines of pigs are never used.

This allows those avoiding pork for religious, health, or personal reasons to still enjoy turkey sausage. It provides a pork-free option.

How to Identify Turkey Sausage With No Pork Casing

When selecting turkey sausage, read the label closely to determine if it contains any pork products:

• Look for “pork free” labeling – This indicates no pork casings were used. Brands like Aidells, Applegate, and Wellshire Farms products are pork free.

• Check ingredients lists – Pork casings will be listed on the ingredients label if they are present. Cellulose, collagen, or vegetarian casings confirm no pork.

• Buy from halal brands – Halal turkey sausages from brands like Saffron Road or Crescent Foods guarantee no pork.

• Contact the manufacturer – If unsure, you can always call or email the company to ask if their turkey links contain pork casings. Most are happy to provide details.

As long as pork is not listed on the ingredients label or confirmed by the manufacturer, you can be sure that turkey sausage does not contain pork casings.

Pros and Cons of Different Turkey Sausage Casings

There are advantages and disadvantages to each casing type used for turkey sausage:

Natural Casings

Pros:

• Traditional appearance and texture
• Permeable to smoke and flavors
• Can provide satisfying snap when bitten

Cons:

• More expensive
• Often made from pork (not suitable for pork-free diets)
• Less uniform size than collagen or cellulose

Collagen Casings

Pros:

• Uniform size and shape
• Controlled cooking and performance
• Edible options available
• Consistent appearance

Cons:

• Lack the snap of natural casings
• Made from cattle or pig byproducts

Cellulose Casings

Pros:

• Made from plant materials
• Easy to remove after cooking
• Uniform sizing
• Cost effective

Cons:

• Do not impart flavor like natural casings
• Can tear more easily than collagen casings

Plastic Casings

Pros:

• No smoke or moisture permeability
• Allows for larger diameters
• Works well for high yield products
• Durable for stuffing and mechanical handling

Cons:

• Not edible
• No traditional natural casing texture
• Requires peeling after cooking

Vegetarian Casings

Pros:

• Made from plant sources
• Meet vegetarian dietary needs
• Can provide traditional appearance

Cons:

• Often more expensive
• Properties depend on specific plant materials used
• Can be less durable than other casings

Consider your priorities like cost, appearance, and dietary needs when choosing a casing. Natural casings provide the closest to classic sausage texture but aren’t suitable for pork-free diets. Alternative options allow turkey sausage to be enjoyed by everyone.

Making the Best Choice for Your Needs

Here are some tips for selecting the right turkey sausage casing:

• If following a halal or kosher diet, look for certified halal or kosher turkey sausage products with no pork casing.

• Choose collagen or cellulose casings if you want consistent sizing for portion control.

• Opt for natural sheep casings if you want a traditional sausage snap and texture.

• Go with edible collagen casings to get a tender bite closer to natural hog casings.

• Pick plastic or cellulose if making smoked turkey sausage to prevent casing from splitting.

• Select cellulose or vegetarian casings to avoid beef products if following a Hindu diet.

Take the time to understand the pros and cons of each casing material. Consider your priorities for texture, flavor, cost, and appearance. Reading packaging closely makes it easy to identify turkey sausage with no pork casings. With all the options available today, everyone can enjoy the great taste of turkey sausage regardless of diet.