Liver sausage, liverwurst, pork
Whole food · Sausages and Luncheon Meats
Photo: Wikipedia
Liver sausage, or liverwurst, is a rich, creamy, and savory spreadable sausage made from ground pork liver, pork, and fat. Its texture is smooth and velvety, with a deep, earthy, and slightly mineral flavor that is distinctly organ-meat. Nutritionally, it is a calorie-dense powerhouse, providing a substantial amount of high-quality protein and healthy fats in a small serving.
Calorie split: 18% protein · 3% carbs · 80% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore its luxurious, umami-rich spreadability and its ability to elevate simple bread or crackers into a satisfying snack. It's a beloved staple in German, Alsatian, and American deli cultures, often evoking nostalgia for hearty, traditional fare.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
Its high fat and calorie density mean portion control is key for those managing weight. It is also typically high in sodium, which can be a concern for blood pressure. To mitigate this, enjoy a thin smear on whole-grain bread or rye crackers, and pair it with fiber-rich, crunchy vegetables like pickles, radishes, or a side salad.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of complete protein for muscle maintenance.
- Rich in heme iron, which is highly bioavailable for preventing iron deficiency.
- Provides a concentrated dose of essential B vitamins, especially B12 for nerve function.
- Contains choline, a nutrient important for liver and brain health.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The smooth, spreadable texture of traditional liverwurst is achieved not just by grinding, but by emulsifying the liver and fat together, a process similar to making a fine sausage or pâté.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 52.1 g |
| Energy | 326 kcal |
| Energy | 1364 kj |
| Protein | 14.1 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 28.5 g |
| Ash | 3.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 2.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 26.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 6.4 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 12.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 230 mg |
| Potassium, K | 170 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 860 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.3 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.24 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.15 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 58.0 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.27 mg |
| Riboflavin | 1.0 mg |
| Niacin | 4.3 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 3.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.19 mg |
| Folate, total | 30.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 30.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 30.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 13.5 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 8308 ug |
| Retinol | 8308 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 27667 iu |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 10.6 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.43 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 6.8 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 3.3 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 13.3 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 1.1 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 12.1 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 2.6 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 2.5 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.14 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 | 158 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.15 g |
| Threonine | 0.67 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.65 g |
| Leucine | 1.1 g |
| Lysine | 1.2 g |
| Methionine | 0.28 g |
| Cystine | 0.15 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.62 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.36 g |
| Valine | 0.86 g |
| Arginine | 0.81 g |
| Histidine | 0.45 g |
| Alanine | 0.83 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.2 g |
| Glutamic acid | 2.2 g |
| Glycine | 1.1 g |
| Proline | 0.85 g |
| Serine | 0.69 g |
FAQ
What's the difference between liver sausage and liverwurst?
The terms are often used interchangeably. 'Liverwurst' specifically refers to a German-style, finely ground, and spreadable liver sausage, while 'liver sausage' can be a broader category that might include coarser-textured varieties.
Is liver sausage healthy?
It is a nutrient-dense food, offering high-quality protein, iron, and B12. However, it is also high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, so it's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How should I store opened liverwurst?
Once opened, keep it tightly wrapped in its original packaging or an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 5-7 days for optimal freshness and safety.
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 3.26 kcal/g · 17% 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: 5.06 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.