Is Jimmy Dean Sausage Low FODMAP?

Jimmy Dean is a popular brand of sausages and breakfast meats that can be found in most grocery stores With the rising popularity of the low FODMAP diet to manage IBS and other digestive issues, many people wonder if popular foods like Jimmy Dean sausage are low FODMAP. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the ingredients and nutrition info and help you understand if Jimmy Dean sausage is low FODMAP

What is the Low FODMAP Diet?

Before diving into Jimmy Dean specifically, let’s quickly cover what the low FODMAP diet is. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols These are all types of carbohydrates that can be hard to digest for some people

When FODMAPs reach the far end of the digestive tract undigested, gut bacteria end up fermenting them. This produces gas, bloating, and other unpleasant digestive symptoms. For those with IBS, reducing FODMAP intake can provide relief.

The low FODMAP diet eliminates or reduces high FODMAP foods. After 4-6 weeks, higher FODMAP foods are slowly reintroduced to test tolerance. This diet is best done under the guidance of a registered dietitian knowledgeable in the low FODMAP diet.

Jimmy Dean Sausage Ingredients

To evaluate if a food is low FODMAP, we have to look at the ingredients list. Here are the main ingredients found in Jimmy Dean’s Original Pork Sausage Rolls:

• Pork
• Water
• Salt
• Spices
• Sugar
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• BHA, propyl gallate, and citric acid (preservatives)

Are the Ingredients Low FODMAP?

For the most part, yes! The main components of Jimmy Dean sausage are protein (pork) and salt, which are free of FODMAPs. Spices are also fine on the low FODMAP diet.

Sugar is generally well tolerated in the amounts found in sausage. Some types of Jimmy Dean sausage contain high fructose corn syrup which would be high FODMAP, but this is not in the original pork sausage.

The only potential concern is garlic or onion powder sometimes used in sausages. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and the preservatives are not FODMAPs.

Checking the Ingredient List

To be sure Jimmy Dean sausage is low FODMAP, we recommend always checking the ingredients list on the specific package. Flavors and seasonings can vary between types and batches. As long as there are no high FODMAP ingredients like garlic, onion or inulin, it should be okay on the elimination phase.

Serving Size Matters

When following the low FODMAP diet, serving sizes matter. Even if a food is made of low FODMAP ingredients, eating large amounts may trigger symptoms. This is because of the cumulative load of FODMAPs you consume throughout the day.

A typical Jimmy Dean sausage link is around 1 oz. One or two links should be fine for most people on the diet. We recommend limiting portion to 1-2 links (1-2 oz total) per sitting if you are in the elimination phase.

Tips for Purchasing Jimmy Dean Sausages Low FODMAP

Here are some tips for choosing the best Jimmy Dean sausage options if you are on a low FODMAP diet:

• Stick to original pork sausage or turkey sausage links. Avoid flavored sausages.
• Check the ingredients every time you buy. As mentioned above, seasonings can change.
• Look for gluten free labeled sausages, as these are less likely to contain onion/garlic.
• Only eat 1-2 links per sitting.
• If in doubt, contact the company to ask about onion and garlic content.

Are All Jimmy Dean Products Low FODMAP?

While their traditional pork sausage is likely low FODMAP, those following a strict low FODMAP diet should use caution with other Jimmy Dean products like:

• Precooked microwaveable products: these can contain high FODMAP ingredients like onion, garlic, and inulin as added fiber. Check every ingredient list.
• Frozen sausage patties with gravy: the gravy often contains onion or garlic.
• Pre-formed sausage with maple flavors: these contain high FODMAP maple syrup.
• Meat lover’s or cheese lover’s varieties with high lactose dairy products.

As you can see, we can’t definitively say all Jimmy Dean products are low FODMAP friendly. But their basic pork sausage links are a good choice. Just be sure to double check ingredient lists and portions.

Other Brands of Sausage

Jimmy Dean is not the only option