Sausage, Italian, turkey, smoked
Whole food · Sausages and Luncheon Meats
Photo: Wikipedia
Smoked Italian turkey sausage is a lean, flavorful link that delivers a satisfying snap and a rich, savory profile from a blend of garlic, fennel, and smoked paprika. At just 158 calories per 100g, it offers a substantial 15g of protein while keeping fat and carbs relatively low, making it a smart choice for protein-focused meals. Its smoky depth and Italian seasoning make it a versatile, guilt-free alternative to traditional pork sausage.
Calorie split: 38% protein · 12% carbs · 50% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for the authentic Italian flavor profile—garlic, fennel, and smoke—without the heavy fat content of pork. Its versatility shines in everything from breakfast scrambles to pasta dishes, making it a beloved staple in health-conscious kitchens.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The smoking process and seasoning can result in high sodium content, which may be a concern for those monitoring blood pressure. To counteract this, pair it with potassium-rich foods like spinach or sweet potatoes, and practice portion control by limiting servings to one link (about 118g) per meal.
Key benefits
- High in protein for muscle maintenance and satiety.
- Lower in calories and fat than traditional pork sausage.
- Provides a good source of B vitamins like thiamine and niacin.
- Offers a convenient, pre-cooked protein source for quick meals.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The term 'Italian' in this sausage refers to the seasoning blend (fennel, garlic, paprika), not the origin of the meat itself, as turkey sausage is a modern American adaptation of traditional Italian pork sausage.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 68.5 g |
| Energy | 158 kcal |
| Energy | 659 kj |
| Protein | 15.1 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 8.8 g |
| Ash | 3.0 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 4.7 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.90 g |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 21.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 9.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 25.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 185 mg |
| Potassium, K | 197 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 928 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.1 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.11 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.07 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 22.2 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 30.4 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.07 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.17 mg |
| Niacin | 3.7 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.80 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.38 mg |
| Folate, total | 8.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 8.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 8.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.43 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 43.0 ug |
| Retinol | 43.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 144 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 3.4 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 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.4 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.86 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.4 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.38 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 2.0 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.6 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.4 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.09 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.09 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 53.0 mg |
| Phytosterols | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.21 g |
| Threonine | 0.82 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.94 g |
| Leucine | 1.5 g |
| Lysine | 1.7 g |
| Methionine | 0.52 g |
| Cystine | 0.20 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.74 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.72 g |
| Valine | 0.98 g |
| Arginine | 1.3 g |
| Histidine | 0.56 g |
| Alanine | 1.2 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.8 g |
| Glutamic acid | 3.0 g |
| Glycine | 1.1 g |
| Proline | 0.91 g |
| Serine | 0.83 g |
FAQ
Is smoked Italian turkey sausage gluten-free?
It can be, but always check the label as some brands may use fillers or binders that contain gluten. Look for certified gluten-free options.
How should I store leftover cooked sausage?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Can I use this sausage in a slow cooker?
Yes, it's excellent in slow-cooked dishes like soups or stews, as it holds its shape and flavor well during long cooking times.
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 1.58 kcal/g · 38% calories from protein · 0.9 g fiber · 3.2 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: 4.71 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.