# Johnsonville Refrigerated Vermont Maple Syrup Breakfast Sausage > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Johnsonville Sausage - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Meat - **Size:** 12 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/johnsonville-sausage-refrigerated-vermont-maple-syrup-breakfast-sausage-12-oz - **Slug:** `johnsonville-sausage-refrigerated-vermont-maple-syrup-breakfast-sausage-12-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains added sugars (corn syrup, dextrose), flavorings, synthetic antioxidants (BHA, propyl gallate) and an edible collagen casing—characteristics of industrially processed, ultra-processed foods. ## Review Johnsonville Refrigerated Vermont Maple Syrup Breakfast Sausage is a 12-oz pack of pre-formed pork links that you’ll find in the refrigerated meat aisle alongside bacon, other breakfast sausages and refrigerated breakfast meats. Packaged in a sealed plastic tray or vacuum pouch, the product leans into family-friendly breakfast rituals: skillet-fried or grilled for weekend brunches, stacked on a breakfast sandwich, or warmed alongside pancakes and eggs for a quick weekday meal. The brand copy emphasizes heritage — “family owned since 1945” and “premium cuts of pork” — projecting a home-style, Midwestern, small-business authenticity that appeals to parents and shoppers seeking convenient yet familiar comfort foods. Label characteristics include “natural flavorings” and maple syrup listed in the ingredients, which create a mild health halo and sweet, kid-friendly positioning, but there is no organic certification or “uncured” claim; sodium (470 mg) and a modest sugar content (1 g) are visible on the Nutrition Facts. Sensory details: links have a lightly browned exterior when cooked, a snappy collagen casing, and a juicy, slightly sticky interior with maple-sweet top notes and warm spice undertones; texture is firm but tender, with a quick sear giving caramelized edges. Processing context: this is a commercially formulated refrigerated sausage made from pork plus added sweeteners, flavorings and preservatives and encased in edible collagen — made in a factory rather than by hand in a butcher shop. Ritual context: families and people seeking quick, comforting breakfasts use it as an easy protein to pair with pancakes, eggs, breakfast sandwiches, or sheet-pan brunch spreads. ## Diet flags - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 3 cooked links - **Servings per container:** 4.5 - **Calories:** 170 - **Total fat:** 13g (17% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 4.5g (23% DV) - **Cholesterol:** 40mg (13% DV) - **Sodium:** 470mg (20% DV) - **Total carbs:** 2g (1% DV) - **Total sugars:** 1g - **Added sugars:** 1g (2% DV) - **Protein:** 10g ## Ingredients Ingredients: Pork, water, and less than 2% of the following: salt, pork broth with natural flavorings, maple syrup, corn syrup, dextrose, dried vinegar, natural flavors (savory maple and spice extractives), natural flavor, BHA, propyl gallate, citric acid, beef collagen casing. ## Flagged ingredients - **BHA** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **propyl gallate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **BHA** (preservative): Synthetic preservative ## Context tags - **Occasions:** weekend-brunch, back-to-school, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** nostalgic, comforting, convenient, indulgent ## FAQ ### Is the Vermont Maple Syrup Breakfast Sausage healthy? Well, 'healthy' can be a bit subjective! These sausages pack a decent protein punch with 10 grams per serving, but they also come with added sugars and preservatives. If you're looking for a quick, tasty breakfast option, they can be part of a balanced meal, especially when paired with whole grains or veggies. ### Is it vegan? Nope, the Vermont Maple Syrup Breakfast Sausage is definitely not vegan. It's made primarily from pork, which gives it that classic savory flavor. If you're looking for plant-based breakfast options, you'll want to check out some veggie or tofu sausages instead. ### Is it gluten-free? Yes, these sausages are gluten-free! So if you're avoiding gluten, you can enjoy these without worry. Just double-check any sides or sauces you pair them with to keep your meal gluten-friendly. ### Does it contain seed oils? Nope, you won't find any seed oils in the Vermont Maple Syrup Breakfast Sausage. This product focuses on simple ingredients like pork and spices, which many people appreciate. Seed oils can sometimes be a concern for those looking to avoid highly processed fats, so it's nice to see this sausage keep it straightforward. ### Does it contain artificial sweeteners? No artificial sweeteners here! The sweetness comes from real maple syrup and corn syrup, which some folks might prefer over the synthetic stuff. It’s a nice touch that adds a bit of flavor without going the artificial route. ### Is it high in sugar? Not really! With only 1 gram of total sugars per serving and 1 gram of added sugars, it’s low on the sugar scale. So if you’re keeping an eye on your sugar intake, these sausages won’t throw you off track. ### What are healthier alternatives? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider turkey or chicken sausages, which can be lower in fat. There are also plant-based sausages out there that offer similar flavors without the meat. Just keep an eye on the ingredient list to avoid overly processed options! ### Can kids eat it? Absolutely! The Vermont Maple Syrup Breakfast Sausage can be a kid-friendly option, especially with that sweet maple flavor. Just keep in mind the sodium content and serve it alongside some fruits or veggies to balance things out. ### Is it good for weight loss? While these sausages are relatively low in carbs and high in protein, which can be beneficial for weight loss, it's important to consider your overall diet. Enjoying them in moderation, alongside plenty of whole foods, can fit nicely into a weight-loss plan without feeling deprived. ### Is it ultra-processed? The Vermont Maple Syrup Breakfast Sausage does have some processed ingredients, like preservatives and added sugars, which can classify it as more than just minimally processed. But don’t let the 'ultra-processed' label scare you! It’s all about balance — enjoying these sausages occasionally in a varied diet is totally fine. ## Related products - [Hatfield Hot Roll Sausage](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hatfield-hot-roll-sausage-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hatfield-hot-roll-sausage-16-oz - [Perdue Short Cuts Honey Roasted](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/perdue-short-cuts-honey-roasted-8-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/perdue-short-cuts-honey-roasted-8-oz - [Bubba Burger Bacon Cheddar](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bubba-burger-bacon-cheddar-32-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bubba-burger-bacon-cheddar-32-oz - [Bell & Evans Nuggets, Gluten Free, Chicken Breast, Breaded, Air Chilled 12 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bell-evans-nuggets-gluten-free-chicken-breast-breaded-air-chilled-12-oz-12-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bell-evans-nuggets-gluten-free-chicken-breast-breaded-air-chilled-12-oz-12-oz - [Tofurky Plant Based Italian Style Deli Slices 5.5 oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tofurky-plant-based-italian-style-deli-slices-55-oz-55-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tofurky-plant-based-italian-style-deli-slices-55-oz-55-oz - [HORMEL SQUARE TABLE Roasted Chicken Breasts & Gravy](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/hormel-square-table-roasted-chicken-breasts-gravy-15-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/hormel-square-table-roasted-chicken-breasts-gravy-15-oz - [Tower Isle Beef Patties Hot 3 pack](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tower-isles-isle-beef-patties-hot-3-pack-15-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tower-isles-isle-beef-patties-hot-3-pack-15-oz - [Sabrett Quarter Lb Hamburgers Frozen](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/sabrett-quarter-lb-hamburgers-frozen-32-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/sabrett-quarter-lb-hamburgers-frozen-32-oz ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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