Bratwurst vs. Bockwurst — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Composition

The main difference between bratwurst and bockwurst is that bratwurst is mainly made of pork, less commonly from veal or beef, while bockwurst is usually made of ground veal, less pork.

Bockwurst is also usually flavored with salt, white pepper, paprika, and some herbs, which may be included in its composition. Both sausages are originally served with beer.

Bratwurst is mixed with salt, pepper, marjoram, and nutmeg. 

Calories

Both sausages are high in calories. One serving of bratwurst contains 196 kcal, while the bockwurst calorie content is relatively higher, with about 274 kcal per one serving.

Protein

From the aspect of protein content, the bockwurst is richer in proteins, about 12.7 g per serving, while the bratwurst contains only 8.05 g.

Fats

Bockwurst has higher total fats compared to bratwurst. 

CHECK

To sum up, bratwurst is lower in total fats but higher in saturated fat content. Bratwurst contains fewer monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison

Bratwurst

1

Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 6.08 g

Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 8 g

Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 1.58 g

Bockwurst

2

Saturated Fat: Sat. Fat 10.256 g

Monounsaturated Fat: Mono. Fat 13.138 g

Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 2.328 g

Contains less Sat. FatSaturated Fat

-40.7%

Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated Fat	+64.2%
Contains more Poly. FatPolyunsaturated fat	+47.3%

Carbohydrates

Their carbohydrate content is low. Bratwurst contains 2g per 100g and bockwurst contains about 3g per 100g. 

Vitamins

Bratwurst is richer in vitamin B1 and vitamin B12. In comparison, bockwurst is richer in vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, and vitamin K.

Below, we can visualize their vitamin coverage.

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.

Bratwurst

2

Bockwurst

9

Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1	+96.9%
Contains more Vitamin B12Vitamin B12	+210.5%

Contains more Vitamin CVitamin C	+∞%
Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A	+∞%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3	+80.6%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5	+29.1%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6	+89%
Contains more FolateFolate	+325%

~equal in Vitamin D ~0µg

~equal in Vitamin B2 ~0.233mg

Minerals

Bratwurst is richer in selenium and zinc. Bockwurst is richer in manganese, copper, iron, and phosphorus. 

They are both high in sodium. However, bockwurst contains less sodium. 

You can see another coverage chart for minerals below

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.

Bratwurst

2

Bockwurst

7

Contains more ZincZinc	+19.3%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium	+24.8%

Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium	+73.3%
Contains more CalciumCalcium	+485.7%
Contains more IronIron	+15%
Contains more CopperCopper	+25%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus	+30%
Contains less SodiumSodium	-10.8%
Contains more ManganeseManganese	+317.1%

~equal in Potassium ~270mg

Glycemic Index

The glycemic index of both foods falls under the low GI food category. The glycemic index of bratwurst and bockwurst is equal, estimated at 28.

Acidity

The potential renal acid load (PRAL) of bratwurst and bockwurst varies. While both sausages are considered acidic, the PRAL value of bratwurst is estimated to be 4.4, while this value for bockwurst is higher, estimated to be 6.2. The PRAL shows the capacity of the food to produce acids or bases inside the organism.

Cardiovascular Health 

When comparing bratwurst and bockwurst in terms of their impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD), there are a few factors to consider.

Saturated fat content: Both bratwurst and bockwurst typically contain high levels of saturated fat, which can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels and increase the risk of CVD.

Sodium content: Processed meats like sausages often contain high amounts of sodium, which can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke (1).

Ingredients and processing: The specific ingredients and processing methods used in the production of bratwurst and bockwurst can vary, impacting their overall nutritional profile. Some varieties may contain additives or preservatives that could have negative effects on heart health (2).

Portion size and preparation: The size of the serving and how the sausages are prepared (grilled, fried, etc.) can also affect their health impact. For example, grilling may be a healthier cooking method compared to frying, as it reduces the amount of added fat.

In general, both bratwurst and bockwurst are not considered heart-healthy options due to their high saturated fat and sodium content. However, enjoying them occasionally as part of a balanced diet is unlikely to significantly increase the risk of CVD, especially if paired with plenty of vegetables and whole grains. As always, moderation is key when consuming foods high in saturated fat and sodium.

Diabetes

Consumption of processed foods increases the risk of type 2 diabetes (3).

Cancer

Processed meat is associated with increased risks of cancer, specifically colorectal and esophageal cancer (4).