Top Tantalizing Brands for Perfect Summer Sausage Bliss

Summer sausages have long been a favorite among food enthusiasts, providing a perfect blend of flavors that evoke the warm season. When it comes to choosing the best brands, quality and taste are paramount, and certain names consistently stand out in the market. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to innovative new flavors that appeal to modern palates, these brands offer a delightful array of choices. To discover which brands made our top list and why they deserve a spot on your summer platter, explore the insights below.

Illustration of summer sausage

Best brands of summer sausage in 2025

Hickory Farms

Hickory Farms is renowned as one of the best producers of summer sausage, with its Signature Beef Summer Sausage earning the Gold Medal from the American Masters of Taste for product superiority since 2011. Made with 100% premium North American beef, these sausages are gluten-free and produced in facilities that ensure a minimum of 45 days before the best-by date. The company's summer sausages are a hallmark gift, perfect for pairing with cheeses and crackers, and are available in various sizes, including a 26 oz option ideal for large gatherings. Hickory Farms has a long history, founded in 1951 in Northwest Ohio, and has expanded to include over 750 retail shopping centers during the holiday season. The company's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has earned it a consumer satisfaction index of 90 from Foresee Results in 2014.

Usinger's

Usinger's is renowned as one of the best producers of summer sausage, with a rich history dating back to 1880. This family-owned and operated company, now in its 144th year, offers traditional Old World summer sausage made from lean, choice beef, slowly smoked over hardwood slabs for two days to enhance its robust flavor and aroma. Their beef summer sausage contains 17g of total fat per 2 oz serving, with 35% of the daily value for saturated fat and 24% for sodium. Usinger's products are crafted in the European tradition, ensuring a distinctive tangy flavor. The company's commitment to quality has made their summer sausage a favorite for generations. For more details, visit their Beef Summer Sausage page.

Johnsonville

Johnsonville is renowned as one of the best producers of summer sausage, offering high-quality products that are smoked over real hardwood, ensuring a smoky and savory flavor. Their summer sausages, such as the Beef Summer Sausage and Original Summer Sausage, are crowd-pleasers, perfect for various uses like snacking, salads, and sandwiches. Notably, Johnsonville saw a significant increase in sales, with a 6.1% growth in dollar sales in 2020, reflecting their strong market presence. Each serving of their summer sausage contains 180 calories, 15g of total fat, and 10g of protein, making it a satisfying snack. The company's commitment to quality and animal well-being further enhances its reputation.

Hillshire Farm

Hillshire Farm is renowned for its high-quality summer sausage, crafted from premium cuts of meat and smoked with natural hardwoods to deliver a rich, smoked flavor in every bite. Their summer sausages, available in various flavors, including a traditional and beef version, offer 10 servings per container, with each serving providing 180-190 calories, 16g of total fat, and 10-11g of protein. The sausages contain ingredients like pork, beef, salt, and natural flavors, and are ready-to-serve, making them ideal for charcuterie boards or quick snacks. With a daily value of 25-33% saturated fat and 28-29% sodium per serving, these sausages are a flavorful addition to any meal. Hillshire Farm's commitment to quality and flavor has made their summer sausage a favorite among consumers.

Nueske's

Nueske's is renowned as one of the best producers of summer sausage, leveraging traditional recipes and Applewood smoking techniques that date back to their European ancestors who settled in Wisconsin in 1882. Founded in 1933 by R.C. Nueske, the company has maintained its high quality standards over eight decades, using custom-built smokehouses and state-of-the-art packaging equipment. Nueske's summer sausages are made from quality pork and beef, perfectly seasoned and shelf-stable, requiring no refrigeration. The company has seen a 6% growth in employee count and generates an estimated annual revenue of $30.8 million. Their products are widely distributed across the nation and can be found in specialty grocers and excellent restaurants.

Old Wisconsin

Old Wisconsin is renowned as one of the best producers of summer sausage, celebrating its 75th anniversary and producing over 40 million pounds of sausage and meat snacks annually. The company uses only the finest ingredients, including premium cuts of beef, pork, and turkey, and employs a traditional smoking process over real hardwood fires to enhance natural flavors. Since its inception in 1947, Old Wisconsin has maintained strong family business values and a commitment to community, employing around 500 people and expanding its production and sales significantly, including a 235% increase in US convenience market sales and a 312% growth in US mass club and drug retail markets. The company's focus on quality and employee care has been instrumental in its success. Old Wisconsin's products are widely available across the country, reflecting their dedication to providing high-quality meat snacks.

Vermont Smoke & Cure

Vermont Smoke & Cure is renowned for its high-quality summer sausages, crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to using meats raised without antibiotics or added hormones. Their uncured summer sausage, made from beef and pork, is free from sodium nitrate and preservatives, and is also gluten-free, nut-free, and dairy-free. This product is slow fermented to achieve a tangy flavor, enhanced by ingredients like mustard seed, garlic, and cardamom. The company ensures that their sausages are made with the finest ingredients, reflecting their dedication to quality and customer health. With a focus on natural ingredients and careful processing, Vermont Smoke & Cure stands out as a trusted brand in the charcuterie market.

Backwoods Gourmet

Backwoods Gourmet, through its association with LEM Products, is renowned for producing some of the best summer sausage kits available. These kits, which have been delighting customers since 1991, include pre-measured seasoning with cure, fibrous casings, and detailed directions, making it easy to create delicious summer sausage. Each kit can produce either 10 or 20 pounds of sausage, with the seasoning blend carefully crafted to enhance the flavor of both wild game and domestic meat. The kits are highly recommended for their ease of use and consistent flavor, with ingredients that do not contain gluten or MSG. The seasoning and cure packets ensure a tangy explosion of flavor and proper food safety.

Boar's Head

Boar's Head, a renowned brand since 1905, is not specifically highlighted as a producer of summer sausage in the context of the recent recall, but it is known for its premium deli meats and cheeses. The brand's products, such as their Virginia Ham and Italian Cappy Style Ham, are popular for their quality and flavor. However, the current focus is on a recall involving approximately 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products due to possible Listeria contamination. This recall includes products produced between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024, with sell-by dates ranging from July 29, 2024, through October 17, 2024. The recall affects 71 products under the Boar's Head and Old Country brand names.

Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale

Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale, produced by Bold City Brewery, is not specifically associated with summer sausage, but it stands out as a highly regarded brown ale with a 5% ABV and 60 IBU. This mild brown ale receives praise for its subtle hints of chocolate and caramel along with a smooth nutty finish. With over 32,586 ratings on Untappd, it remains a local favorite and a popular choice among beer enthusiasts. Named after the owner's late beloved boxer, Duke, this ale is accessible in various locations. It has garnered several badges on Untappd, such as the Bravo for Brown and Draft City badges.