Italian Sausage at Walmart: Types, Prices & Where to Find

Walmart typically carries multiple varieties of Italian sausage including mild, hot, and sweet options from brands like Great Value (Walmart's store brand), Premio, and Johnsonville. These are usually available in the refrigerated meat section near other sausages and ground meats, with prices ranging from $3.98 to $6.98 per pound depending on brand and variety. Most Walmart Supercenters also offer online ordering with pickup or delivery options for Italian sausage.

When shopping for Italian sausage at Walmart, you'll find several reliable options that cater to different tastes and cooking needs. Understanding what's available can help you make the best choice for your recipes whether you're preparing classic pasta dishes, sandwiches, or grilled meals.

Types of Italian Sausage Available at Walmart

Walmart offers a consistent selection of Italian sausage varieties across most of its Supercenters. The primary types you'll encounter include:

• Mild Italian Sausage - The most common variety with fennel, garlic, and mild spices
• Hot Italian Sausage - Contains red pepper flakes or cayenne for added heat
• Sweet Italian Sausage - Features a touch of sugar or sweet herbs (less common)

According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, authentic Italian sausage must be made primarily from pork and seasoned with characteristic spices like fennel and garlic, distinguishing it from other sausage varieties. This regulatory standard ensures consistent labeling across retailers including Walmart. You can verify these composition requirements in the USDA's Sausage Safety Guidelines.

Most locations carry both fresh Italian sausage in links or bulk form, as well as pre-cooked Italian sausage options for quicker meal preparation. The fresh varieties typically offer better flavor and texture for traditional recipes.

Brands and Pricing at Walmart

Walmart stocks several brands of Italian sausage, with pricing that makes it an accessible option for regular cooking:

Brand	Type	Price Range (per pound)	Package Size
Great Value	Mild and Hot	$3.98-$4.98	1-1.5 lbs
Premio	Mild, Hot, Sweet	$4.98-$5.98	1 lb
Johnsonville	Mild and Hot	$5.48-$6.98	1-1.25 lbs
Farmer John	Mild	$4.28-$4.78	1 lb

The store brand Great Value Italian sausage typically offers the best value while still maintaining decent quality for everyday cooking. For special occasions or when you want higher quality ingredients, Premio and Johnsonville provide more authentic flavor profiles with better spice balance.

Where to Find Italian Sausage in Walmart Stores

Locating Italian sausage at Walmart is straightforward once you know where to look:

• Visit the refrigerated meat section near other sausages and ground meats
• Check the fresh meat counter where some locations may offer additional varieties
• Look in the frozen food aisle for pre-cooked Italian sausage options
• Use the Walmart app to check real-time inventory at your specific store

Most Walmart Supercenters stock Italian sausage in the main meat department, typically alongside other specialty sausages. Smaller Neighborhood Markets may have more limited selections, usually carrying just the Great Value mild variety.

Quality Assessment of Walmart's Italian Sausage Options

Based on ingredient analysis and cooking performance, here's how Walmart's offerings compare:

Great Value Italian Sausage contains pork, water, salt, spices (including paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, fennel seed), dextrose, and natural flavors. While not as complex as premium brands, it delivers solid flavor for the price point and works well in pasta sauces, soups, and sandwiches. The texture holds up reasonably well during cooking without excessive shrinkage.

Premio and Johnsonville options feature higher meat content with fewer fillers. These brands use more authentic spice blends with visible fennel seeds and garlic pieces. They maintain better moisture during cooking and deliver more pronounced Italian sausage flavor that stands out in dishes where the sausage is the star ingredient.

When evaluating does Walmart carry quality Italian sausage, the answer depends on your expectations. For everyday cooking needs, the Great Value option provides good value. For special recipes where sausage flavor is central, investing in Premio or Johnsonville makes a noticeable difference.

Safety and Contextual Usage Guidelines

Understanding regulatory standards and culinary constraints is essential for optimal use:

• Regulatory Compliance: All Italian sausages sold at Walmart must comply with USDA FSIS standards requiring minimum 75% meat content and specific spice profiles. The USDA Title 9 regulations mandate these composition requirements to prevent mislabeling.
• Culinary Boundaries: Mild Italian sausage excels in delicate applications like pasta sauces where heat shouldn't dominate, while hot varieties suit robust dishes such as pepper-stir fries. Sweet Italian sausage works best with bitter greens (e.g., escarole) but may clash in tomato-based sauces. Great Value's higher moisture content limits its effectiveness in dishes requiring firm texture like sausage sandwiches.
• Safety Threshold: The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service requires cooking Italian sausage to 160°F internal temperature to eliminate pathogens. This critical boundary applies universally regardless of brand or variety (USDA Cooking Guidelines).

These context boundaries ensure both regulatory compliance and culinary success based on authoritative food safety standards.

Shopping Tips for Italian Sausage at Walmart

Follow these practical tips when purchasing Italian sausage at Walmart:

• Check the sell-by date and choose packages with the furthest date out
• Look for packages with minimal liquid in the bottom (indicates fresher product)
• For best results, cook within 1-2 days of purchase or freeze immediately
• Use the Walmart Grocery app to check if your local store has Italian sausage in stock before visiting
• Consider buying in bulk when on sale and freeze portions for later use

If you're specifically searching for where to buy Italian sausage at Walmart near me, the store locator feature in the Walmart app shows real-time inventory for most locations. This prevents unnecessary trips when your local store might be out of stock.

Using Walmart's Online Ordering for Italian Sausage

Many Walmart locations offer convenient online ordering options for Italian sausage:

• Walmart Grocery Pickup - Order online and pick up at your store within hours
• Delivery service - Available in most areas with same-day or next-day options
• Curbside service - Contact-free pickup at designated store areas

When using Walmart Italian sausage online ordering, check product images carefully as the specific brand may vary by location. The website typically shows Great Value as the default option, but your local store might stock Premio or Johnsonville instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Walmart carry sweet Italian sausage?

Most Walmart Supercenters carry sweet Italian sausage, typically from the Premio brand. This variety is less common than mild or hot options and may not be available at smaller Walmart Neighborhood Markets. Check the refrigerated meat section or use the Walmart app to verify availability at your specific location before visiting.

What is the price of Italian sausage at Walmart?

Italian sausage at Walmart typically ranges from $3.98 to $6.98 per pound. Great Value (store brand) mild and hot varieties cost $3.98-$4.98 per pound, while premium brands like Premio and Johnsonville range from $4.98 to $6.98 per pound. Prices may vary slightly by region and current promotions.

Is Great Value Italian sausage good quality?

Great Value Italian sausage offers decent quality for everyday cooking at an affordable price point. It contains basic seasonings like fennel, garlic, and paprika with acceptable texture when cooked properly. While not as flavorful or complex as premium brands like Premio, it works well in recipes where sausage is combined with other ingredients like pasta sauces or soups. For dishes where sausage flavor is central, premium brands provide better results.

Can I order Italian sausage online from Walmart?

Yes, most Walmart Supercenters offer online ordering for Italian sausage through Walmart Grocery. You can select pickup or delivery options, with same-day or next-day availability in most areas. When ordering online, check product images carefully as the specific brand (Great Value, Premio, or Johnsonville) may vary by location. The Walmart app shows real-time inventory for your nearest store.

Where is Italian sausage located in Walmart stores?

Italian sausage is typically found in the refrigerated meat section of Walmart stores, usually near other sausages and ground meats. Look for it in the fresh meat department, often adjacent to breakfast sausages and bratwurst. At Supercenters, you might also find it at the fresh meat counter. Smaller Walmart Neighborhood Markets may have more limited selections, usually carrying just the Great Value mild variety.