Frankfurter, low sodium
Whole food · Sausages and Luncheon Meats
Photo: Wikipedia
A low-sodium Frankfurter is a finely ground, pre-cooked sausage with a familiar smoky, savory flavor and a firm, snappy texture. Nutritionally, it is a dense source of protein and fat, providing significant energy with minimal carbohydrates. This version is specifically formulated to reduce salt content for those monitoring their intake.
Calorie split: 15% protein · 2% carbs · 82% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love its classic, comforting smoky flavor and satisfying snap, which makes it a nostalgic and versatile staple. It's a quick, reliable protein source that fits easily into busy meals from breakfast to dinner.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Despite lower sodium, it can still be a significant salt source, and its high saturated fat content warrants moderation for heart health. To counteract, pair it with potassium-rich vegetables like spinach or broccoli and use it as a flavor accent in larger dishes rather than the main protein.
Key benefits
- High in protein for muscle maintenance and satiety.
- Very low in carbohydrates and sugars, suitable for low-carb diets.
- Convenient, pre-cooked, and quick to prepare.
- Provides essential fats for energy.
- Lower sodium content than traditional versions.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The name 'Frankfurter' originates from Frankfurt, Germany, where a similar sausage was reportedly created for the coronation of Emperor Wilhelm I in 1871.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 56.7 g |
| Energy | 312 kcal |
| Energy | 1305 kj |
| Protein | 12.0 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 28.5 g |
| Ash | 0.99 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 1.8 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 20.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.4 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 3.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 87.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 166 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 311 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.2 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.06 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 12.0 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.10 mg |
| Niacin | 2.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.12 mg |
| Folate, total | 4.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 4.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 4.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 41.2 mg |
| Betaine | 3.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.5 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.17 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 37.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.90 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 0.30 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 12.0 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.94 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 6.5 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 4.0 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 13.6 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 1.6 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 12.0 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.4 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.1 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.27 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 61.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Frankfurter, meat, heated — USDA does not publish this profile for Frankfurter.
| Tryptophan | 0.10 g |
| Threonine | 0.45 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.51 g |
| Leucine | 0.86 g |
| Lysine | 0.92 g |
| Methionine | 0.28 g |
| Cystine | 0.10 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.42 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.36 g |
| Valine | 0.53 g |
| Arginine | 0.66 g |
| Histidine | 0.32 g |
| Alanine | 0.59 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.97 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.6 g |
| Glycine | 0.47 g |
| Proline | 0.41 g |
| Serine | 0.39 g |
FAQ
Is a low-sodium Frankfurter considered a processed meat?
Yes, it is a processed meat product. While it has reduced sodium, it is still cured, smoked, or otherwise preserved.
How does it differ nutritionally from a regular Frankfurter?
The primary difference is a significantly reduced sodium content. The protein, fat, and calorie counts are generally similar to the standard version.
Can it be eaten cold directly from the package?
Yes, as a pre-cooked sausage, it is safe to eat cold, though it is most commonly heated by boiling, grilling, or pan-frying.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 3.12 kcal/g · 15% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 1.87 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.