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Bratwurst vs. Italian sausage — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

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Article author photo Elen Khachatrian by Elen Khachatrian | Last updated on September 18, 2023
Medically reviewed by Ani Harutyunyan Article author photo Ani Harutyunyan
Bratwurst
vs
Italian sausage

Summary

Bratwursts contain more Vitamin B12, Vitamin B5 and B2, potassium, zinc, and lower saturated fats. On the other hand, Italian sausages have more Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, and B6, iron, and calcium; they are also lower in cholesterol and sugar.

Introduction

The reality is that we all love sausage. All sausages are from the same family, so how can we prefer one? This article compares Italian sausage and bratwurst, their nutritional values, and their impact on our health. 

What’s The Actual Difference?

All sausages are meat products from beef, pork, or chicken mixed with spices and salt. It is also essential to distinguish between cured sausage, smoked sausage, and fresh sausage. 

Bratwursts are a type of German sausage which are made with pork or beef. Italian sausages are a type of pork sausage.

The most significant difference between Italian sausages and bratwursts is that Italian sausages are commonly referred to as a style of pork sausage. Besides, they also differ from each other in spices. Particularly, Italian sausages are often noted for flavoring with fennel seed.

Production

Weighing the meat and spice ingredients is one of the essential steps in preparing good sausages. The meat of Italian sausage is mixed with a curing solution to improve the taste and increase the shelf life. Salt is essential for making the meat easier to handle and for making it taste good.

Usually, the bratwurst meat is crushed, salted, seasoned with spices, and pressed into the intestines as a shell; then, they hang it in a meat cellar to keep it cool.

Nutrition

At the bottom of this page, you can find a nutritional table that visually shows the differences between bratwurst and Italian sausages. The food varieties used in this article are bratwurst, beef, pork, smoked and Sausage, Italian, and raw.

Macronutrients

Italian sausages contain more fats, more protein, and less cholesterol. On the other hand, bratwursts contain more water. Both products have no fiber and sugars.

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Water +20.2%
Contains more Other +29.5%
Contains more Protein +56.7%
Contains more Carbs +113.5%
Equal in Fats - 27.31
12% 26% 2% 57% 3%
Protein: 12.2 g
Fats: 26.34 g
Carbs: 2 g
Water: 56.65 g
Other: 2.81 g
19% 27% 4% 47% 2%
Protein: 19.12 g
Fats: 27.31 g
Carbs: 4.27 g
Water: 47.13 g
Other: 2.17 g
Contains more Water +20.2%
Contains more Other +29.5%
Contains more Protein +56.7%
Contains more Carbs +113.5%
Equal in Fats - 27.31

Fats

Italian sausages contain three times more polyunsaturated fat than bratwurst. They contain 3.6g of polyunsaturated fat, while bratwursts contain 1.58g. On the other hand, bratwursts are 4g lower in saturated fats.

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains less Saturated Fat -40.4%
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +113.9%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +122.7%
39% 51% 10%
Saturated Fat: 6.08 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 1.58 g
33% 56% 11%
Saturated Fat: 10.195 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 17.108 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 3.518 g
Contains less Saturated Fat -40.4%
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +113.9%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +122.7%

Calories

The number of calories in Italian sausages is slightly higher than in bratwurst. They contain 344 calories per 100g, whereas bratwursts contain 297 calories per 100g

It is important to note that both products are considered high-calorie food.

Minerals

Let’s have a look at the mineral content of these products. 

Italian sausages have more iron and calcium than brats.

The level of sodium is 13.8% less in Italian sausages. Bratwursts and Italian sausages are equal in potassium, copper, and zinc.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Contains more Calcium +200%
Contains more Iron +43%
Contains more Magnesium +20%
Contains more Phosphorus +30.8%
Contains less Sodium -12.4%
Contains more Selenium +56%
Equal in Potassium - 304
Equal in Zinc - 2.39
Equal in Copper - 0.08
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 3% 38% 11% 56% 25% 111% 68% 27% 6% 77%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 7% 54% 13% 73% 27% 97% 66% 27% 0% 120%
Contains more Calcium +200%
Contains more Iron +43%
Contains more Magnesium +20%
Contains more Phosphorus +30.8%
Contains less Sodium -12.4%
Contains more Selenium +56%
Equal in Potassium - 304
Equal in Zinc - 2.39
Equal in Copper - 0.08

Vitamins

Generally, bratwursts contain significantly higher concentrations of Vitamin B12. Moreover, bratwurst covers your daily need for Vitamin B12.

On the other hand, Italian sausages are higher in Folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B1.

These products have an equal level of Vitamin B2.

Bratwursts and Italian sausages lack Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, and Vitamin D.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
:
Contains more Vitamin B12 +105.4%
Contains more Vitamin A +∞%
Contains more Vitamin C +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +63.9%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +33.9%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +65%
Contains more Folate +25%
Equal in Vitamin B2 - 0.233
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 0% 0% 0% 0% 96% 50% 59% 42% 47% 3% 334% 0%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 1% 5% 30% 1% 156% 54% 79% 0% 77% 4% 163% 9%
Contains more Vitamin B12 +105.4%
Contains more Vitamin A +∞%
Contains more Vitamin C +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +63.9%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +33.9%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +65%
Contains more Folate +25%
Equal in Vitamin B2 - 0.233

Glycemic Index

The glycemic index of a food is a value based on how quickly a food can cause an increase in blood glucose levels. The glycemic index of bratwursts and sausages is equal; it is 28. Both are considered low glycemic index foods.

Acidity

The acidity level of bratwursts is about 4.4, while Italian sausages have an acidity level equal to 6.3. Both are acidic.

Health Benefits

Benefits of Eating Red Meat

Red meat is rich in iron and easily absorbed by our bodies. Besides, red meat provides protein that can help build bones and muscles. Red meat is also a good source of Vitamin B12, which helps to keep nerve and red blood cells healthy, and zinc, which keeps the immune system working correctly. In addition, bratwurst may cover the daily intake of Vitamin B12. For adults it is 2.4 micrograms, and bratwurst contains 2.67 mg of Vitamin B12 per 100 g (1).

Other Health Benefits

Italian sausages and bratwursts offer several essential nutrients beneficial for the body. They both are good sources of protein. 100 g of each of these products contains 12-14 g protein, 12% of the daily recommended intake for adults. Protein is a critical nutrient that helps to develop and repair strong muscles. Also, it helps reduce muscle mass loss that often occurs with age (2).

Ketogenic (Keto) Diet

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat and low-carb diet. This diet includes foods with high protein. Eating meat during this diet, including fatty meats such as pork and beef, is recommended. Bratwursts contain fewer carbs than Italian sausages and are a good source of protein. Italian sausages are more affluent in fats. If you’re on this diet, combine these products with a natural source of healthy fats (3).

Side Effects

Italian sausages and bratwursts are rich in several vitamins and minerals but are also rich in sodium and saturated fats. That means daily consumption of these products can harm your health. This section of the article will discuss the side effects of Italian sausages and bratwursts.

Cardiovascular Health

The daily recommended intake of sodium is 2.3 g. In particular, too much sodium can be bad for your health. Studies show that sodium intake can increase the risk of high blood pressure, a significant cause of heart disease (4).

Besides, red meat can be high in saturated fats, clogging arteries. Both Italian sausages and bratwurst are high in sodium and saturated fats.

With these facts in mind, try to control the consumption of these sausages (5).

Diabetes

Research shows a link between eating red meat, mainly processed meats, and type 2 diabetes due to its high heme iron content.

One study shows that women who often eat red meat have an almost one-third higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than women who eat less red meat (6).

Red Meat Allergy

Red meat allergy is a common allergy type, including any age group and race. People can have an allergic reaction to red meat if they are sensitive to cat serum albumin that cross-reacts with albumin in pork. Also, those who are allergic to alpha-gal should avoid all meat types.

Symptoms of red meat allergy include urticaria, vomiting, stomach cramps, and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Usually, these symptoms last three to six hours after eating red meat (8).

Herb Allergy

Allergies to spices and herbs usually include:

  • Local reactions in the mouth.
  • Causing itchy mucous membranes.
  • Swelling of the lips and tongue.

Italian sausages are flavored with fennel seed, which can cause an allergic reaction. Common symptoms include dizziness, hives, and throat swelling (8).

Article author photo Elen Khachatrian
Education: Nutrition & Microbiology at YSU
Last updated: September 18, 2023
Medically reviewed by Ani Harutyunyan

Infographic

Bratwurst vs Italian sausage infographic
Infographic link

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Bratwurst Italian sausage
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in Cholesterol ok
Lower in price ok
Rich in minerals ok
Rich in vitamins ok
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in Glycemic Index Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Bratwurst Italian sausage Opinion
Net carbs 2g 4.17g Italian sausage
Protein 12.2g 19.12g Italian sausage
Fats 26.34g 27.31g Italian sausage
Carbs 2g 4.27g Italian sausage
Calories 297kcal 344kcal Italian sausage
Sugar 0g 1.86g Bratwurst
Fiber 0g 0.1g Italian sausage
Calcium 7mg 21mg Italian sausage
Iron 1mg 1.43mg Italian sausage
Magnesium 15mg 18mg Italian sausage
Phosphorus 130mg 170mg Italian sausage
Potassium 283mg 304mg Italian sausage
Sodium 848mg 743mg Italian sausage
Zinc 2.47mg 2.39mg Bratwurst
Copper 0.08mg 0.08mg
Manganese 0.041mg Bratwurst
Selenium 14.1µg 22µg Italian sausage
Vitamin A 0IU 16IU Italian sausage
Vitamin A RAE 0µg 10µg Italian sausage
Vitamin E 0.25mg Italian sausage
Vitamin D 41IU Italian sausage
Vitamin D 1µg Italian sausage
Vitamin C 0mg 0.1mg Italian sausage
Vitamin B1 0.38mg 0.623mg Italian sausage
Vitamin B2 0.213mg 0.233mg Italian sausage
Vitamin B3 3.11mg 4.165mg Italian sausage
Vitamin B5 0.69mg Bratwurst
Vitamin B6 0.2mg 0.33mg Italian sausage
Folate 4µg 5µg Italian sausage
Vitamin B12 2.67µg 1.3µg Bratwurst
Vitamin K 3.4µg Italian sausage
Tryptophan 0.107mg 0.161mg Italian sausage
Threonine 0.465mg 0.792mg Italian sausage
Isoleucine 0.485mg 0.731mg Italian sausage
Leucine 0.81mg 1.343mg Italian sausage
Lysine 0.903mg 1.522mg Italian sausage
Methionine 0.364mg 0.486mg Italian sausage
Phenylalanine 0.405mg 0.67mg Italian sausage
Valine 0.464mg 0.804mg Italian sausage
Histidine 0.395mg 0.577mg Italian sausage
Cholesterol 78mg 57mg Italian sausage
Saturated Fat 6.08g 10.195g Bratwurst
Monounsaturated Fat 8g 17.108g Italian sausage
Polyunsaturated fat 1.58g 3.518g Italian sausage

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Bratwurst Italian sausage
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Calories diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet Equal

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
52%
Bratwurst
48%
Italian sausage
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
42%
Bratwurst
48%
Italian sausage

Comparison summary

Which food contains less Sodium?
Italian sausage
Italian sausage contains less Sodium (difference - 105mg)
Which food is lower in Cholesterol?
Italian sausage
Italian sausage is lower in Cholesterol (difference - 21mg)
Which food is cheaper?
Italian sausage
Italian sausage is cheaper (difference - $0.8)
Which food is richer in minerals?
Italian sausage
Italian sausage is relatively richer in minerals
Which food is richer in vitamins?
Italian sausage
Italian sausage is relatively richer in vitamins
Which food is lower in Sugar?
Bratwurst
Bratwurst is lower in Sugar (difference - 1.86g)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Bratwurst
Bratwurst is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 4.115g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
?
The foods have equal glycemic indexes (28)

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Bratwurst - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/172956/nutrients
  2. Italian sausage - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/174586/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.