Top Little Smokies Brands for a Flavorful Feast

Little smokies are a favorite for many, whether served at parties, family gatherings, or as a simple yet satisfying snack. With so many brands on the market, finding the best can be challenging, especially when each claims superior taste and quality. From classic flavors to unique variations, the right little smokies can elevate any occasion. Join us as we explore some of the top little smokies brands that stand out for their taste, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Illustration of little smokies

Best brands of little smokies in 2025

Hillshire Farm

Hillshire Farm is renowned for its high-quality Lit'l Smokies Smoked Sausages, which have been a staple since 1934. These fully cooked, smoked sausages are made with premium cuts of meat, including pork and mechanically separated chicken, and contain 7 grams of protein per 60g serving. Each serving provides 190 calories, 17 grams of fat, and 530mg of sodium. With a shelf life of 91 days when refrigerated, these sausages are versatile and can be prepared in minutes using the oven, microwave, or stovetop. Hillshire Farm's commitment to quality and flavor has made Lit'l Smokies a favorite for parties and snacking.

Eckrich

Eckrich is renowned as one of the best producers of Li'l Smokies, offering high-quality cocktail smoked sausages that are naturally hardwood smoked, gluten-free, and made in the USA. These fully cooked and heat-and-eat sausages are ideal for appetizers and snacks, with each serving of 6 links containing 180 calories, 14g of total fat, and 5g of protein. The Original Cocktail Smoked Sausage Links are made from mechanically separated chicken, pork, and other ingredients, while the Beef Li'l Smokies are composed of beef and similar additives. Both varieties are convenient to prepare using a skillet, grill, or microwave. With their flavorful and convenient offerings, Eckrich Li'l Smokies have become a favorite for many.

Oscar Mayer

Oscar Mayer is a renowned brand and a leading producer of high-quality meat products, including their popular Little Smokies. As part of the Kraft Heinz Company, Oscar Mayer has a significant market share, with 17.5% of the cold cuts and other processed meats market in 2017. The brand has a long history, dating back to its incorporation in 1911, and has expanded its product line to include a wide range of meats such as hot dogs, bacon, and prepackaged lunch combinations. Oscar Mayer's products are known for their innovative packaging, such as the introduction of Saran vacuum-seal packs in the 1960s. The brand's iconic "Wiener Jingle" is one of the most recognizable advertising jingles in history.

Johnsonville

Johnsonville is renowned as one of the top producers of Little Smokies, with a legacy that dates back to 1945 when Ralph F. and Alice Stayer founded the company in Wisconsin. Known for using premium cuts of pork, better spices, and a superior grinding technique, Johnsonville's bratwurst and Little Smokies have gained immense popularity. By the mid-1980s, Johnsonville's sales had increased 20-fold, and the company expanded its distribution to 47 states. In 2005, Johnsonville became the nation's largest sausage brand by revenue, with sales growing 19% to $440 million, and its products are now sold in 38 countries outside the U.S.. Today, Johnsonville remains a family-owned and operated business, with a revenue of $1.2 billion and a global presence. For more information, visit their official website.

Hebrew National

Hebrew National is renowned for its high-quality kosher hot dogs and sausages, including their popular beef franks and little smokies, made from 100% kosher beef. Introduced in 1905, the brand has maintained its commitment to traditional recipes without artificial colors or flavors, appealing to a broad consumer base. Despite some controversies over kosher standards, Hebrew National switched to external certification by Triangle K in the early 2000s, enhancing its kashrut compliance. The brand is owned by ConAgra Foods and has a long history of quality, with its products widely distributed and enjoyed by both Jewish and non-Jewish consumers. Hebrew National's little smokies are a favorite for their rich, umami flavor and smooth texture.

Nathan's Famous

Nathan's Famous is a renowned brand in the hot dog industry, but it also stands out for its high-quality little smokies and other packaged meat products. Through its licensing segment, Nathan's products, including little smokies, are distributed in over 70,000 stores across the U.S., achieving nearly full penetration in the market. In the fiscal year 2023, the licensing segment generated $33.5 million in revenue, with all of it being pure profit as licensees cover production and distribution costs. The brand's strong Omni-channel business model and lucrative licensing agreements contribute to its success. Despite challenges such as beef production issues, Nathan's has managed to maintain a 5.13% growth in license profit. For more detailed insights, you can read their official financial report.

Ball Park

Ball Park brand, owned by Tyson Foods, is a leading producer of hot dogs and sausages, including the popular Little Smokies. In the hot dogs market, Tyson Foods, through Ball Park, holds a significant share, with the hot dogs market expected to reach $23.29 billion by 2029. As of 2023, retail sales of hot dogs, including those from Ball Park, amounted to $2.99 billion, with 896 million pounds sold. Ball Park's products are widely recognized for their quality and are a favorite at many events, including baseball games where millions of hot dogs are consumed annually. The brand's success is reflected in its strong market presence and consumer preference.

Bar-S

Bar-S Foods Company is renowned for its high-quality meat products, including its popular little smokies, which are part of its extensive range of over 100 different items such as cold cuts, sausage, hot dogs, and bacon. With annual production of about 400 million pounds, Bar-S is among the 40 largest meat processors in the United States. The company, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, operates four plants in Oklahoma and has achieved significant market presence since its inception in 1981. Bar-S has implemented various safety and efficiency programs, including a safety initiative that cut accidents nearly in half, and has invested heavily in capital upgrades, such as the $40 million expansion of its Altus plant in 2005. This commitment to quality and efficiency has made Bar-S a top choice for consumers looking for reliable and tasty meat products.

Armour

Hillshire Farm is widely recognized for its Lit'l Smokies, which are fully cooked cocktail links made from quality cuts of pork and chicken, meticulously smoked to perfection. Since the 1950s, these savory sausages have been a go-to snack, with Hillshire Farm promoting "Lit'l Smokies" through advertisements since 1984. A serving of Lit'l Smokies contains 190 calories, 17g of total fat, and 7g of protein, making it a flavorful choice for gatherings and everyday meals. Versatile in preparation, they can be cooked on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave, and are readily found in Midwest grocery stores, remaining a beloved choice for various culinary applications.

Gwaltney

Gwaltney, established in 1870 by P.D. Gwaltney, is a renowned brand that has been a staple in the packaged meat industry for over 150 years. While Gwaltney is not primarily known for its beef hot dogs, it does offer an Angus beef hot dog option, though it is not as widely available as their other products. The company's best-selling items are its chicken hot dogs and chicken bologna, which are the number one sellers in the U.S. Gwaltney's Traditional Meat hot dogs are made from a mix of chicken and pork, and they also offer a Reds Traditional Meat hot dog that includes chicken, pork, and beef. Despite not specializing in little smokies, Gwaltney's diverse product range and long-standing reputation make it a trusted name in the meat industry. For more information about their hot dog varieties, visit Gwaltney's product page.