Sizzling Selection: Top Sausage Brands to Savor

Sausages have long been cherished for their savory taste and versatility in a plethora of dishes, making them a staple in many households. From traditional recipes to innovative flavors, there are numerous brands that have perfected the art of crafting quality sausages. Whether you prefer a classic bratwurst, a spicy Italian link, or a flavorful chicken option, knowing the best brands can elevate your culinary experience. Discover some of the top brands that have garnered acclaim for their exceptional sausage offerings below.

Illustration of sausage

Best brands of sausage in 2025

Johnsonville

Johnsonville Sausage is a leading producer of high-quality sausages, renowned for its 75 years of sausage heritage and commitment to animal well-being and environmental sustainability. The company successfully transformed its market presence in Canada by launching a cross-platform campaign, resulting in a 15% increase in sales dollars and a 19% increase in units sold by the first quarter of 2016. Johnsonville's unique approach of highlighting its hometown in Wisconsin and partnering with celebrity Chef Mark McEwan helped it become the national share leader in Canada's sausage market. With operations in five plants across the U.S. and exports to 40 countries, Johnsonville employs approximately 1,600 individuals and maintains a strong focus on maintenance excellence and technological innovation. The company's use of advanced network solutions like Cisco DNA Center has enhanced its operational efficiency. For more insights into Johnsonville's marketing strategies, refer to the case study on their cross-platform campaign success.

Aidells

Aidells Sausage Company, founded in 1983 by Chef Bruce Aidell, is a renowned producer of premium sausages, offering a diverse range of gourmet products including smoked sausage, meatballs, and poultry-based sausages like Chicken & Apple and Cajun Style Andouille. The company, now a subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc., has achieved significant success, with an annual revenue of $186 million and a workforce of 158 employees. Aidells pioneered the premium sausage category and has expanded its distribution nationally, contributing to its rapid growth. The brand is celebrated for its high-quality, natural, and organic sausages, attracting a loyal consumer base. Since its acquisition by Sara Lee in 2011, Aidells has continued to innovate and expand its product line. For more on their gourmet sausage offerings.

Hillshire Farm

Hillshire Farm is a leading brand in the sausage market, renowned for its high-quality and flavorful products. As of 2013, Hillshire Farm held a significant market share, with its smoked sausage ranking number one and lunch meat ranking third in market share. The brand is known for its value-added products, such as Aidells sausage, which appeals to health-conscious and taste-driven consumers. The smoked sausage market, where Hillshire Farm is a key player, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2024 to 2030, reaching nearly USD 4633.70 million by 2030. Hillshire Farm's products, like the Old World Specialties Spicy Italian-Style Sausage, are popular for their bold flavors and easy preparation.

Oscar Mayer

Oscar Mayer, a renowned brand in the processed meat industry, has been a leading producer of sausages and other meat products since its founding in 1883. As part of Kraft Heinz, Oscar Mayer generated an estimated $3.5 billion in net sales in the recent year, with a 14% EBITDA margin. The brand holds a significant market share, with its products being staples in many American households. For instance, the North America Hot Dog and Sausages Market, where Oscar Mayer is a key player, was valued at USD 39.85 Billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% until 2030. Oscar Mayer has also ventured into plant-based sausages, launching products like NotHotDogs and NotSausages in collaboration with NotCo. You can learn more about their plant-based initiatives with Oscar Mayer's collaboration with NotCo.

Jimmy Dean

The Jimmy Dean brand is a leading producer of sausage, renowned for its high-quality products. In 2010, Jimmy Dean's regular flavor, frozen, breakfast sausage roll generated nearly $70 million in sales, according to Nielsen data, making it one of the most popular breakfast sausage products on the market. The brand, founded by Jimmy Dean in 1969, offers a variety of sausage products, including all-natural options, and has a significant market share in the breakfast sausage category. Jimmy Dean's products are known for their convenience and nutritional value, such as the fully cooked chicken sausage links and patties introduced in 2014, which contain 10 grams of protein and less than 130 calories per serving. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a favorite among consumers. For more information, visit the Jimmy Dean website.

Applegate

Applegate is a leading brand in the natural and organic meat market, particularly renowned for its high-quality sausages. Founded in 1987, Applegate was acquired by Hormel Foods in 2015 for $775 million and has since continued to grow, with annual sales of about $340 million. The brand is known for its commitment to natural and organic products, including its popular poultry breakfast sausages, which have seen a 30% increase in demand over the past two years. Applegate's products are free from antibiotics, growth hormones, artificial ingredients, and chemical nitrites, aligning with consumer preferences for healthier and more sustainable food options. The brand's focus on humane animal raising practices and clean labels sets it apart in the market.

Boar's Head

Boar's Head Provision Company, despite recent challenges, has historically been a reputable producer of delicatessen meats, including sausages. Founded in 1905 in Brooklyn, New York, the company has built a legacy in the deli market. However, in 2024, it faced a significant listeriosis outbreak linked to its products, resulting in the recall of over 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products and the indefinite closure of its Jarratt plant. Prior to this incident, Boar's Head was known for its high-quality products, although the recent outbreak has impacted its reputation. The company's products were widely distributed and exported to several countries.

Beyond Meat

Beyond Meat is a leading producer of plant-based sausages, renowned for its innovative products and enhanced nutrition profiles. In 2024, the company unveiled the fourth generation of its Beyond Burger, Beyond Beef, and Beyond Sausage, incorporating avocado oil to reduce saturated fat and enhance flavor, with the Beyond Sausage boasting 17g of protein per serving. Furthermore, Beyond Meat introduced the Beyond Sun Sausage, a standalone protein product crafted with spinach, bell peppers, and other plant-based ingredients, each link providing 12g of protein and 1g of saturated fat. Despite facing challenges, the company returned to growth in the third quarter of 2024 with a 7.6% year-over-year rise in net sales, attributed to strategic price adjustments and reduced trade discounts. For more detailed financial insights, visit their news release on second-quarter 2024 financial results.

Bob Evans

Bob Evans Farms, owned by Post Holdings, is a leading producer and distributor of high-quality sausage products, celebrating 75 years of delivering premium cuts of pork with a signature seasoning recipe created by Bob Evans himself. The brand offers a full sausage portfolio including fresh links, patties, and rolls, available at select grocery retailers such as Walmart, Kroger, and Meijer. Bob Evans sausage is part of a broader product line that includes other farm-inspired mealtime helpers like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. The company's commitment to quality and tradition has made it a favorite among consumers, with a strong connection to family recipes and culinary traditions. Bob Evans Farms continues to innovate and expand its product offerings while maintaining its legacy in the sausage business.

Niman Ranch

Niman Ranch is renowned as one of the top producers of high-quality sausages, known for their traditional artisanal quality and commitment to sustainability. The brand sources its meat from over 750 independent family farmers and ranchers who raise livestock humanely and sustainably, without antibiotics or added hormones. In 2021, Niman Ranch expanded its product line to include new breakfast sausage varieties, such as the Applewood Smoked Bacon Breakfast Sausage and Vermont Maple links, catering to the growing demand for homemade breakfasts. Their economic impact analysis revealed that Niman Ranch farms generate over 50% more economic value for local economies compared to conventional hog production, creating significant jobs and economic inputs. Niman Ranch sausages are available in various flavors, including the popular Beer Bratwurst and Apple Gouda sausage, all of which are nitrate-free and gluten-free. For more details, visit their sausages product page.