Italian Sausage vs Bratwurst: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

This comparison highlights the nutritional differences between Italian sausage and Bratwurst.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Italian sausage has 16.1 g of protein and 149 calories, while Bratwurst has 13.7 g of protein and 333 calories.

Italian sausage and Bratwurst are popular types of sausage, each with distinct flavors and nutritional profiles. This comparison examines their calories, protein, and other key nutrients per 100 g.

What Is the Difference Between Italian Sausage and Bratwurst?

Italian sausage is a type of pork sausage seasoned with various spices, commonly used in Italian dishes. It is known for its robust flavor and is often found in pasta, pizzas, and sandwiches. Bratwurst is a German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal, typically seasoned with spices like nutmeg and coriander. It is often grilled or pan-fried and served in a bun or with sides.

Italian Sausage vs Bratwurst: Nutrition Side by Side

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the nutritional content of Italian sausage and Bratwurst.

Nutrient (per 100 g) Italian sausage Bratwurst (cooked)
Calories 149 kcal 333 kcal
Protein 16.1 g 13.7 g
Carbs 2.1 g 2.9 g
Sugar 0 g 0 g
Fat 8.4 g 29.2 g
Fiber 0 g 0 g
Sodium 570 mg 846 mg

Which Is Better, Italian Sausage or Bratwurst?

For weight loss: Italian sausage has 149 calories, while Bratwurst has 333 calories, making Italian sausage the lower-calorie option.

For muscle and protein: Italian sausage contains 16.1 g of protein, compared to Bratwurst's 13.7 g, making it the higher protein choice.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Both Italian sausage and Bratwurst have low carbohydrate content, with Italian sausage at 2.1 g and Bratwurst at 2.9 g, and both contain 0 g of sugar.

How to Track Italian sausage and Bratwurst Accurately

It's easy to misjudge portion sizes and macros, especially with high-calorie foods like sausages. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary guidance. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which sausage has more protein?

Italian sausage has 16.1 g of protein, while Bratwurst has 13.7 g of protein.

Which sausage has fewer calories?

Italian sausage has 149 calories, while Bratwurst has 333 calories.

What is the fat content in Bratwurst?

Bratwurst contains 29.2 g of fat per 100 g.

How much sodium is in Italian sausage?

Italian sausage has 570 mg of sodium per 100 g.

What are the carbohydrate values for both sausages?

Italian sausage has 2.1 g of carbs, while Bratwurst has 2.9 g of carbs.

What is the sugar content in both sausages?

Both Italian sausage and Bratwurst contain 0 g of sugar.

Key Takeaways

  • Italian sausage has 149 calories.
  • Bratwurst has 333 calories.
  • Italian sausage contains 16.1 g of protein.
  • Bratwurst contains 13.7 g of protein.
  • Italian sausage has 2.1 g of carbs.
  • Bratwurst has 2.9 g of carbs.

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