Whether by necessity or choice, purposefully limiting the amount of sugar in our diets is more commonplace today than it was 20 years ago. Transparent labeling of grocery store items makes it much easier. However, the same cannot be said of specialty items like venison sausage. If you make your own or have a processor do it for you, sausage can not only contain sugar, but a lot of it.
Some venison sausage contains hidden sugar in the form of dextrose or other sweeteners, which are often added to enhance flavor and aid the curing process. To avoid added sugars, it’s essential to check the ingredient list and nutrition label of any venison sausage you get from a processor.
Common Hidden Sugars in Sausage:
- Dextrose: A simple sugar that is frequently added to processed meats to aid in the curing and fermentation processes and balance the salty flavor.
- Cane sugar: A more common name for standard sugar that may be included in the spice mixture.
- Corn syrup: Added to some sausages for moisture retention and to provide a touch of sweetness.
- Other ingredients: In some cases, fillers like breadcrumbs, dried fruit (like cherry powder), or maple syrup can also contribute sugar.
How to Spot Hidden Sugars
Check the ingredients list: Look for the specific ingredients mentioned above. The higher up on the list they appear, the more of that ingredient is in the product. For example, some venison summer sausage lists both cane sugar and dextrose (a simple sugar made from corn) in its ingredients.
Review the nutrition facts label: The label includes a section for “Total Sugars” and, on newer labels, a subsection for “Includes Added Sugars”. This makes it easier to distinguish between naturally occurring sugar and added sweeteners.
Buy fresh or uncured sausage: Fresh sausage is less likely to contain added sugars than cured varieties. Many uncured options, especially gourmet or homemade ones, can be found with no sugar added. For example, some commercially processed venison sausages have zero grams of sugar.
Make your own: The only way to guarantee no sugar is to make your own venison sausage. This gives you complete control over the ingredients.
What about venison sausage without hidden sugar? Not all venison sausage contains added sugars. The nutritional information for some products, particularly fresh or uncured sausages, shows 0 grams of sugar on the label. By checking the label, you can find a suitable option for your dietary needs.
Common Names for Hidden Sugars
- Dextrose: A simple sugar that is a nutrient for fermentation.
- Maltodextrin: Derived from starch, this can cause rapid blood sugar spikes.
- Corn Syrup Solids: A processed form of sugar that adds sweetness and texture.
- Fructose: Another simple sugar.
- Lactose: A natural sugar found in milk, which may be used in some sausage formulations.
- Honey and Cane Sugar: Directly added sugars.
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