EARL CAMPBELL'S SMOKED SAUSAGE, CHEDDAR scores 27/100 (Avoid) due to its high sodium and saturated fat content, alongside its ultra-processed nature.
FoodScore: 27/100 (Avoid) indicates this product is not recommended for regular consumption.
Contains 12.5g of protein per 100g, contributing to satiety.
High in sodium (1069.64mg per 100g) and saturated fat (10.7g per 100g).
Classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
Consider as an occasional item rather than a dietary staple.
Scores -19 points above the prepared category average (46/100 across 1958 foods).
Fiber
0g
0% of Daily Value
Protein
12.5g
25% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
1069.64mg
47% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Protein (12.5g)+8
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Saturated fat (10.7g)-15
Sodium (1069.6mg)-5
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Concentrated ultra-processed fat-3
Why it scores 27
EARL CAMPBELL'S SMOKED SAUSAGE, CHEDDAR receives a FoodScore of 27/100, primarily driven by its high sodium and saturated fat content, and its classification as an ultra-processed food. Per 100g, this product contains 1069.64mg of sodium, significantly contributing to the penalty score. The saturated fat content is also notable at 10.7g per 100g, which is a substantial amount. While the product does provide 12.5g of protein per 100g, offering a bonus, and a small amount of Vitamin A (20% DV), these benefits are outweighed by the penalties. The presence of ingredients like corn syrup and sodium nitrite, along with multiple processing steps, categorizes it as NOVA 4, an ultra-processed food, incurring a significant penalty. Compared to a home-cooked sausage made with whole ingredients, EARL CAMPBELL'S contains a higher concentration of sodium and saturated fat, and includes more additives.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in earl campbell's smoked sausage, cheddar actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Protein
This EARL CAMPBELL'S smoked sausage provides 12.5g of protein per 100g serving. Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a crucial role in muscle repair and growth, as well as contributing to feelings of fullness and satiety. Including adequate protein in your diet can help manage hunger throughout the day. While this product offers protein, it is important to consider its overall nutritional profile.
Contains Vitamin A
EARL CAMPBELL'S SMOKED SAUSAGE, CHEDDAR contributes 20% of the Daily Value for Vitamin A per 100g. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin important for maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. This nutrient is derived from the cheese and meat ingredients. While it offers some Vitamin A, this product should not be considered a primary source for this vitamin due to its other nutritional factors.
Convenient Meal Component
For individuals seeking a quick and easy meal component, this product can offer convenience in meal preparation. Its pre-cooked nature means it requires minimal preparation time, making it suitable for busy schedules. However, it is important to balance this convenience with other nutrient-dense foods to ensure a well-rounded dietary intake, given its ultra-processed classification.
EARL CAMPBELL'S SMOKED SAUSAGE, CHEDDAR scores 27/100 (Avoid) due to its high sodium and saturated fat content, alongside its ultra-processed nature.
How to eat it
Smoked sausage is typically consumed as part of a main meal, often pan-fried or grilled. A common serving size is 2 ounces, which is less than the 100g used for nutrient calculations here. It's frequently paired with starches or vegetables, but its high sodium content means careful consideration of other meal components is important.
Pair with a large portion of non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or spinach to add fiber and micronutrients.
Use smaller portions of the sausage and combine with leaner protein sources like beans or lentils in a stew to reduce overall saturated fat and sodium.
Consider using this sausage as a flavor enhancer in dishes, rather than the main protein, to moderate intake of sodium and fat.
Be mindful of other high-sodium ingredients in your meal, such as sauces or processed sides, to avoid exceeding daily sodium recommendations.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several ingredients that warrant attention. The high sodium content (1069.64mg per 100g) is a significant concern, especially for individuals monitoring their blood pressure or those advised to follow a low-sodium diet. The presence of sodium nitrite is a common preservative in cured meats, which some individuals prefer to limit. The product also contains cheddar cheese, which includes sorbic acid as a preservative and carotanal for coloring. Individuals with dairy allergies should note the presence of milk. As an ultra-processed food, it contains multiple additives and ingredients that are not typically found in a home kitchen, which may be a consideration for those aiming for a less processed diet.
Is EARL CAMPBELL'S SMOKED SAUSAGE, CHEDDAR healthy?
EARL CAMPBELL'S SMOKED SAUSAGE, CHEDDAR scores 27/100, indicating it is not considered a healthy choice for regular consumption. It is high in sodium and saturated fat, which are factors to limit for overall health. While it provides protein, its ultra-processed nature and nutrient profile suggest moderation.
How does EARL CAMPBELL'S SMOKED SAUSAGE, CHEDDAR compare to other smoked sausages?
Compared to many other smoked sausages on the market, such as those from Oscar Mayer, EARL CAMPBELL'S SMOKED SAUSAGE, CHEDDAR has a similar profile in terms of being an ultra-processed food with high sodium and saturated fat. Consumers should always check the nutrition label for specific sodium and fat content when comparing brands, as these can vary.
What is 'isolated oat product' in the ingredient list?
'Isolated oat product' is a processed ingredient derived from oats, often used for its binding or texturizing properties in processed foods. It is not the same as whole oats and does not contribute significant fiber in this product, which has 0g of fiber per 100g.
What is a reasonable portion size for this sausage?
The declared serving size is 2 ounces (approximately 56g), which is less than the 100g used for our nutrient calculations. To manage intake of sodium and saturated fat, it's advisable to stick to this smaller portion size and balance it with other nutrient-dense foods in your meal.
Can this sausage be part of a balanced diet?
While it can be included occasionally, EARL CAMPBELL'S SMOKED SAUSAGE, CHEDDAR should not be a staple in a balanced diet due to its high sodium and saturated fat. For a balanced diet, prioritize whole, unprocessed foods, and use this product sparingly as a flavor component rather than a primary protein source.