Chicken sausage has become increasingly popular as a leaner alternative to traditional pork sausage, and Walmart provides several accessible options for budget-conscious shoppers seeking healthier protein choices. Understanding the variety of chicken sausages available at Walmart helps consumers make informed decisions based on nutritional needs, flavor preferences, and budget considerations.
Top Chicken Sausage Brands at Walmart
Walmart carries both national brands and its own Great Value line of chicken sausages, providing options for different taste preferences and dietary requirements. The most commonly available brands include:
| Brand | Available Varieties | Average Price Range | Where to Find in Store |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Value | Homestyle, Apple Chicken, Sweet Italian | $3.98-$4.98 | Refrigerated meat section |
| Applegate Naturals | Sweet Italian, Sage, Andouille | $5.48-$6.99 | Refrigerated specialty meats |
| Johnsonville | Sweet Italian, Apple Chicken, Bratwurst | $4.99-$5.99 | Refrigerated meat section |
| Aidells | Sweet Italian, Apple & Maple, Jalapeño | $5.99-$6.99 | Refrigerated specialty meats |
Nutritional Comparison of Walmart Chicken Sausages
When selecting chicken sausage at Walmart, nutritional content is a key consideration for health-conscious shoppers. Most chicken sausages offer a leaner protein option compared to traditional pork sausages, but nutritional profiles vary significantly between brands and flavors.
| Product (per 3oz serving) | Calories | Protein | Total Fat | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Value Homestyle | 150 | 13g | 10g | 520mg |
| Applegate Naturals Sweet Italian | 160 | 14g | 11g | 570mg |
| Johnsonville Apple Chicken | 140 | 12g | 9g | 550mg |
| Aidells Sweet Italian | 150 | 13g | 10g | 600mg |
Chicken Sausage vs. Pork Sausage: Verified Nutritional Differences
While chicken sausage is marketed as a leaner alternative, USDA FoodData Central provides objective verification of nutritional differences. The table below compares standard 3oz servings of cooked chicken and pork sausages using government-verified laboratory data, highlighting why chicken sausage aligns better with modern dietary guidelines for fat reduction:
| Nutrient (per 3oz serving) | Chicken Sausage | Pork Sausage | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 153 | 290 | 47% lower |
| Total Fat | 10.2g | 24.6g | 58% lower |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8g | 8.7g | 68% lower |
| Protein | 13.5g | 13.4g | Negligible difference |
Data Source: USDA FoodData Central (Chicken Sausage) and USDA FoodData Central (Pork Sausage). Laboratory analysis confirms chicken sausage's significant advantage in reducing saturated fat intake, a key factor in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans' recommendation to limit saturated fats to less than 10% of daily calories.
Dietary Context and Practical Limitations
Chicken sausage offers nutritional benefits but has specific constraints that vary by dietary need. The FDA's gluten-free labeling standards (requiring <20ppm gluten) apply to most varieties, yet Johnsonville's Bratwurst contains wheat flour making it unsuitable for celiac disease. Similarly, while Great Value provides the lowest sodium option (520mg), this still represents 23% of the American Heart Association's maximum daily limit for hypertension patients (2,300mg).
Critical usage boundaries include:
- Cooking safety: Must reach 165°F internal temperature per USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service guidelines to eliminate Salmonella risk, unlike pre-cooked pork sausages which may be consumed at lower temperatures
- Dietary substitutions: Not suitable as a direct 1:1 replacement for pork sausage in recipes requiring higher fat content (e.g., stuffing), as reduced fat alters texture and moisture retention
- Protein completeness: Lacks sufficient methionine for complete protein synthesis; should be paired with legumes or grains per Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommendations
These context-specific limitations demonstrate why product selection must align with both health objectives and culinary applications.
Most chicken sausages at Walmart contain between 12-14 grams of protein per serving while keeping fat content lower than traditional pork sausages. The Great Value line generally offers the lowest sodium options, while specialty brands like Applegate and Aidells tend to have slightly higher sodium content but often use more natural ingredients.
Shopping Tips for Chicken Sausage at Walmart
When purchasing chicken sausage at Walmart, consider these practical tips to get the best value and quality:
- Check the ingredients list - Look for products with minimal additives and recognizable ingredients, especially if you're seeking natural or organic options
- Compare price per ounce - Calculate the actual cost by dividing price by weight to make accurate comparisons between different package sizes
- Look for sales and rollbacks - Walmart frequently offers discounts on meat products, particularly on items nearing their sell-by date
- Consider frozen vs. fresh - Frozen chicken sausages often have longer shelf life and may be more economical for bulk purchases
- Check store layout - Chicken sausages are typically found in the refrigerated meat section, but some specialty varieties might be in the organic or international foods sections
How Walmart's Chicken Sausage Selection Compares to Competitors
Walmart's chicken sausage offerings provide competitive value compared to other major retailers. While specialty grocery stores might carry more premium or niche brands, Walmart excels in providing accessible pricing and consistent availability of popular chicken sausage varieties.
The Great Value brand offers the most budget-friendly option, typically priced 20-30% lower than comparable national brands. For shoppers seeking organic or premium options, Applegate and Aidells at Walmart provide similar selections to what's available at higher-end grocery chains but often at more competitive prices.
Cooking Suggestions for Walmart Chicken Sausages
Chicken sausages from Walmart work well in various cooking methods and recipes. The pre-cooked varieties can be quickly heated for convenient meals, while raw options offer more versatility for creative cooking.
Popular preparation methods include:
- Pan-searing - Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown
- Grilling - Perfect for summer meals; cook over medium heat for 10-12 minutes
- Oven baking - Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes for hands-off cooking
- Adding to pasta dishes - Slice and add to pasta sauces during the last few minutes of cooking
- Breakfast skillet - Combine with potatoes, peppers, and onions for a complete meal
For those following specific dietary patterns, Walmart's chicken sausages can fit into various eating plans. Many varieties are naturally gluten-free, and some options cater to low-sodium or organic diets.








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