Jimmy Dean is a popular brand known for its sausage and breakfast sandwiches. Their turkey sausage is a common option that seems like a healthier choice compared to pork or beef sausage. But is Jimmy Dean turkey sausage really a nutritious option? Let’s take a detailed look at the ingredients, nutrition facts, and health impact.
Ingredients in Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage
The main ingredient in Jimmy Dean turkey sausage is ground turkey. Turkey is a lean meat that provides protein
However, the product also contains added flavors, preservatives, and other concerning ingredients:
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Sodium phosphates – Used to retain moisture and enhance flavor Too much phosphorus intake can be harmful.
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Caramel color – Artificial coloring derived from caramelized sugar, Linked to cancer in animal studies,
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Salt – Used for flavor. Most Americans exceed recommended sodium intake. Excess sodium can increase blood pressure.
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Sugar – Adds sweetness but unnecessary empty calories and carbs.
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Monosodium glutamate (MSG) – Flavor enhancer that may cause reactions in sensitive individuals.
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Nitrates – Used as preservatives. Can form cancer-causing compounds in the body.
Many of these additives are used to enhance flavor and shelf life but aren’t essential and may be unhealthy.
Nutrition Facts of Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage
A serving of Jimmy Dean turkey sausage contains:
- 130 calories
- 8g fat
- 2g saturated fat
- 490mg sodium (20% Daily Value)
- 55mg cholesterol (18% DV)
- 13g protein
While the calories and fat are reasonable, the sodium content is concerning. The 490mg of sodium is 33% of the recommended 1500mg daily sodium intake. High sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and stomach cancer.
The product also contains nitrates, which may increase cancer risk when frequently consumed. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends limiting processed meats for this reason.
However, the 13g of protein is a beneficial amount and can help you feel full.
Is Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage Healthy Overall?
Jimmy Dean turkey sausage is convenient and provides protein, but it’s not the healthiest option.
Pros:
- Provides lean protein
- Lower in fat than pork/beef sausage
- Low carb
Cons:
- High in sodium
- Contains concerning additives like nitrates
- Processed meat may increase cancer risk
While turkey sausage is better than pork or beef varieties, it’s still a highly processed food. The high sodium, nitrates, and other additives outweigh the protein content when it comes to health.
Consuming Jimmy Dean turkey sausage occasionally or in moderation is fine for most people. But eating it frequently or in high amounts may negatively impact heart and cancer risk.
Healthier Options than Jimmy Dean Turkey Sausage
If you want to enjoy sausage more often, consider these healthier alternatives:
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Look for turkey or chicken sausage with no added nitrates/nitrites. Applegate is a good nitrate-free brand.
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Check the nutrition labels and choose options with less sodium.
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Try preservative-free, organic turkey sausage.
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Make your own turkey sausage at home with minimal ingredients.
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Switch to plant-based sausage made from soy, seitan, or vegetables.
While convenient, Jimmy Dean turkey sausage isn’t the healthiest choice due to the sodium, nitrates, and additives. Limiting intake or choosing nitrate-free, lower sodium options can help mitigate the health risks. Overall, turkey sausage is fine in moderation but shouldn’t be a dietary staple.
Net Carb Calculator Jimmy Dean Cooked Turkey Sausage Patties
Turkey, Water, Contains 2% Or Less: Potassium Lactate, Salt, Spices, Dextrose, Sodium Phosphates, Sodium Propionate, Sodium Diacetate, Sugar, Citric Acid, Caramel Color.
Is Jimmy Dean Cooked Turkey Sausage Patties Keto?
Jimmy Dean Cooked Turkey Sausage Patties is considered as Dirty Keto because it is a low-carb processed food that contains unhealthy ingredients like sugar and dextrose.
Jimmy Dean Cooked Turkey Sausage Patties is low in net carbs but it should still be avoided on keto because it contains unhealthy ingredients like sugar and dextrose.
Dirty Keto is a common label for low-carb foods with unhealthy ingredients. You may still reach ketosis and lose weight with dirty keto, but it might also lead to health problems in the long run.
It is better to eat nutritious low-carb foods so you can achieve a healthy weight loss on keto. Great examples of which are broccoli, olives, and mackerel.
You can calculate your ideal daily net carb allowance by using this keto macros calculator.
Jimmy Dean Cooked Turkey Sausage Patties contains high-glycemic sweeteners like sugar and dextrose. These sweeteners can raise your blood sugar level and prevent you from reaching ketosis.
You can check out our full list of best and worst sweeteners for keto here.
Jimmy Dean Heat ‘n Serve Turkey Sausage patties (review)
FAQ
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