Bettergoods Chicken Sausage

Discovering Healthier Protein Options Without Sacrificing Flavor

As someone who’s always on the hunt for healthier protein options that don’t compromise on taste, I stumbled upon Bettergoods Chicken Sausage about a year ago, and it’s been a game-changer for my family meals. After incorporating these versatile sausages into countless recipes and experimenting with all their flavors, I wanted to share my comprehensive guide to help you navigate everything you need to know about this premium chicken sausage that has revolutionized quick, healthy meals in my household.

What Exactly Is Bettergoods Chicken Sausage?

Let me start with the basics. Bettergoods Chicken Sausage isn’t your typical processed meat product. When I first discovered them at my local natural foods store, I was immediately intrigued by their clean packaging and impressive nutritional profile. These sausages are crafted from high-quality chicken that’s been raised without antibiotics, offering a leaner alternative to traditional pork sausages without sacrificing that juicy, satisfying texture we all crave.

What sets Bettergoods apart from other chicken sausages I’ve tried is their commitment to flavor complexity. Each variety contains thoughtfully sourced ingredients that create distinct flavor profiles – from classic Italian herbs to more adventurous combinations like apple and sage. I’ve found that the careful balance of spices and quality ingredients makes these sausages taste homemade rather than mass-produced.

The company behind Bettergoods has positioned itself as a health-conscious brand that understands modern consumers want convenience without chemical preservatives or artificial ingredients. Their chicken sausages reflect this philosophy perfectly – they’re protein-rich, lower in fat than traditional sausages, yet don’t taste like you’re eating “diet food.”

Where Can I Get My Hands on Bettergoods Chicken Sausage?

When I first fell in love with these sausages, tracking them down was my immediate priority. Fortunately, Bettergoods has expanded its distribution significantly over the past couple of years.

I regularly find them at natural grocery chains like Whole Foods and Sprouts, where they’re typically displayed in the refrigerated meat section alongside other specialty sausages. Many conventional supermarkets have started carrying them too – I’ve spotted them at my local Kroger, Safeway, and even Target locations in their expanded natural foods sections.

For those who prefer online shopping, Bettergoods chicken sausages are available through several grocery delivery services. I’ve successfully ordered them through Instacart and Amazon Fresh when I’m doing a larger grocery haul. The company itself doesn’t offer direct-to-consumer sales through their website, focusing instead on retail partnerships.

One tip I’ve learned: if you don’t see them at your preferred store, it’s worth asking the meat department manager if they can order them. I convinced my neighborhood market to start carrying them this way, and now they’re a regular item in their specialty meat section.

The Flavor Lineup: Exploring Bettergoods Chicken Sausage Varieties

Over the past year, I’ve made it my personal mission to try every flavor Bettergoods offers, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on each variety. The company has crafted a diverse range of options that work for everything from breakfast scrambles to elegant dinner entrées.

Classic Italian

This was my gateway into the Bettergoods world, and it remains a staple in my refrigerator. The blend of fennel, garlic, and Italian herbs gives these sausages an authentic flavor that works beautifully in pasta dishes. I recently used them in a sheet pan dinner with roasted peppers and potatoes that had my picky teenager asking for seconds.

Apple & Sage

These have become my go-to breakfast sausage. The subtle sweetness from real apple pieces pairs perfectly with the earthy sage notes. I love these sliced into coins and crisped up in a skillet before adding them to weekend frittatas. The flavor profile is sophisticated without being overwhelming.

Spinach & Feta

This Mediterranean-inspired variety has saved many weeknight dinners when I’m short on inspiration. The combination of spinach and tangy feta cheese infused throughout the chicken creates a deliciously complex flavor. I often serve these with a Greek salad and some tzatziki for a simple yet impressive meal.

Spicy Jalapeño

When I’m craving something with a kick, these deliver perfectly. The heat level is well-balanced – noticeable but not overwhelming. I’ve found they make an excellent protein addition to taco night or sliced onto flatbreads with cooling elements like avocado or crema to balance the spice.

Garlic & Herb

This variety has the most versatile flavor profile in the lineup. The robust garlic notes and blend of herbs complement almost any cuisine. I keep these on hand for those nights when I need to throw together a quick pasta dish or add protein to a vegetable soup.

Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil

These have a distinctly summery vibe that I enjoy year-round. The concentrated sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes plays beautifully against the aromatic basil. They shine when sliced and added to a simple risotto or served alongside grilled vegetables.

Each flavor has its unique character, but they all share that signature Bettergoods quality – chicken sausages that actually taste like real food with identifiable ingredients rather than a homogeneous mystery meat.

The Health Factor: Ingredients and Dietary Considerations

As someone who reads food labels obsessively, I appreciate the transparency Bettergoods provides about their ingredients. The base of all their sausages is chicken raised without antibiotics, which immediately sets them apart from many conventional options.

Are They Organic or Non-GMO?

While researching for this guide, I discovered that Bettergoods uses chicken that’s raised without antibiotics, but their products aren’t certified organic. However, they do use non-GMO ingredients across their product line, which is clearly stated on their packaging. For my family, this strikes a good balance between quality and affordability compared to fully organic options.

A Closer Look at the Ingredient List

What impressed me most when I first examined the Bettergoods packaging was the recognizable ingredient list. The primary ingredient is, of course, chicken, followed by water and then specific ingredients relevant to each flavor variety. For example, the Apple & Sage variety contains real apple pieces and fresh sage rather than artificial flavorings.

The sausages do contain some sea salt for preservation and flavor, along with natural spices. I appreciate that they use natural casings rather than synthetic ones, which contributes to that satisfying “snap” when you bite into them.

Gluten-Free Status

For those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, I’m happy to report that all Bettergoods Chicken Sausage varieties are certified gluten-free. This has been a blessing for my gluten-intolerant neighbor who often joins us for impromptu dinner gatherings. The company takes cross-contamination seriously and produces these sausages in a dedicated facility.

Preservative Situation

One of the reasons I initially gravitated toward Bettergoods was their minimal approach to preservatives. Instead of nitrates or nitrites commonly found in processed meats, they use natural preservation methods like sea salt and celery powder. This contributes to their shorter shelf life compared to heavily preserved alternatives, but I consider that a worthy trade-off for cleaner ingredients.

Compatibility with Special Diets

For those following specific dietary protocols:

• Keto: With approximately 2-3g of carbohydrates per link (varying slightly by flavor), Bettergoods Chicken Sausages fit nicely into ketogenic meal plans. I have a friend who strictly follows keto who relies on these as a convenient protein option.
• Paleo: While not explicitly labeled as paleo, the simple ingredient list makes most varieties compatible with paleo guidelines. The exception would be the Spinach & Feta variety due to the cheese content.
• Whole30: During my Whole30 challenge last January, I confirmed with the company that their Classic Italian and Garlic & Herb varieties comply with Whole30 rules, as they don’t contain any dairy, grains, or added sugars.

The Price Point: Value for Your Dollar

Let’s talk about cost, because quality protein options often come with a premium price tag. Bettergoods Chicken Sausages typically retail between $5.99 and $7.99 for a package of four links, depending on the retailer and location. This places them in the mid-to-upper range for specialty sausages.

Is the price justified? In my experience, absolutely. The quality of ingredients, flavor complexity, and versatility make them worth the investment. I’ve found that one link per adult is generally sufficient for a meal when paired with vegetables or grains, making the cost per serving reasonable for the quality you’re getting.

To maximize value, I watch for sales at my local stores. Several times a year, my neighborhood market runs a “buy one, get one 50% off” promotion on specialty meats, which is when I stock up. I’ve also noticed that Whole Foods occasionally includes them in their Prime member deals.

Cooking Basics: Raw vs. Pre-Cooked

An important distinction that confused me initially: Bettergoods Chicken Sausages come fully pre-cooked, which significantly enhances their convenience factor. This means you’re essentially reheating rather than cooking from raw, which reduces preparation time and food safety concerns.

My Favorite Cooking Methods

Over dozens of meals featuring these sausages, I’ve perfected several cooking approaches:

1. Stovetop Skillet: My go-to method for weeknights. I slice the sausages diagonally into coins or split them lengthwise, then sear them in a hot skillet with a touch of olive oil for 3-4 minutes until they develop a nice caramelized exterior. This enhances their flavor while heating them through.
2. Grill Method: During summer months, I place whole links on a medium-heat grill for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally. The gentle char adds another dimension to their flavor profile that works beautifully for outdoor dining.
3. Oven Roasting: When preparing sheet pan meals, I slice the sausages and add them to the pan during the last 10 minutes of cooking time. This integrates their flavors with the other ingredients while preventing overcooking.
4. Air Fryer Technique: A recent discovery that’s become a favorite – 400°F for 4-5 minutes yields perfectly heated sausages with a delightfully crisp exterior. This method is especially good for the Apple & Sage variety.

The beauty of pre-cooked sausages is their forgiveness – they won’t dry out as quickly as raw sausages might if slightly overcooked, though I still aim for gentle reheating to maintain their juicy texture.

Nutritional Breakdown: How Do They Stack Up?

As someone who tracks macros occasionally, I appreciate the straightforward nutritional profile of Bettergoods Chicken Sausages. While there are slight variations between flavors, they generally provide:

• Calories: 140-170 per link
• Protein: 14-16g per link
• Fat: 9-12g per link (significantly lower than traditional pork sausages)
• Carbohydrates: 2-3g per link
• Sodium: 480-580mg per link

The protein-to-calorie ratio makes them an efficient protein source, while the moderate fat content helps maintain that satisfying sausage texture and mouthfeel. I find the sodium content reasonable for a preserved meat product, though I do take it into account when planning the rest of my meal.

Spice Level: Finding Your Comfort Zone

Spice tolerance is highly personal, so let me break down how the different varieties measure on the heat scale:

• Mild Options: The Classic Italian, Apple & Sage, Spinach & Feta, Garlic & Herb, and Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil varieties all fall into the mild category. They’re flavorful without any noticeable heat, making them suitable for those who prefer gentler seasoning.
• Medium Heat: The Spicy Jalapeño variety delivers a noticeable kick that builds gradually. I’d place it at a 5-6 on a 10-point heat scale – present but not overwhelming for most palates.

What I appreciate is that even in the spicier variety, the heat doesn’t mask the other flavors. You can still taste the quality of the chicken and the complementary seasonings beneath the spice.

Kid-Friendly Factor

As a parent who refuses to prepare separate meals for different family members, I’ve put Bettergoods to the kid-friendly test extensively. The verdict? Most varieties have earned the coveted “kid-approved” status in my household.

The Apple & Sage and Classic Italian varieties have been the biggest hits with my children. The familiar flavor profiles and absence of visible “suspicious” ingredients (as my daughter would say) make them accessible to younger palates. I often slice them into “coins” for my younger child to make them more manageable.

For children who are particularly sensitive to spices, I’d recommend avoiding the Jalapeño variety and possibly the Garlic & Herb, which has a more pronounced flavor profile that might be overwhelming for some kids.

Packaging and Storage Considerations

Bettergoods packages their chicken sausages in vacuum-sealed plastic with four links per package. The clear packaging allows you to see exactly what you’re getting, and I appreciate that it’s minimal compared to some competitors that use excessive packaging.

Each package includes clear labeling with the flavor variety, nutrition facts, cooking suggestions, and expiration date. The expiration date typically gives you about 3-4 weeks of refrigerated shelf life from purchase, which I find reasonable given the lack of artificial preservatives.

Freezing Guidelines

When I catch a good sale, I often stock up and freeze these sausages for future use. From my experience, they freeze exceptionally well with minimal impact on texture or flavor if handled properly. Here’s my process:

1. If planning to use the entire package at once after thawing, I simply place the unopened package directly in the freezer.
2. For more flexibility, I open the package and individually wrap each sausage in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. This allows me to thaw only what I need.
3. Frozen sausages maintain their quality for about 2-3 months in my experience, though technically they remain safe to eat for longer.

When it’s time to use them, I thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. In a pinch, I’ve used the defrost function on my microwave, but this can sometimes affect the texture slightly.

The Taste Test: Customer Experiences

I’m not alone in my appreciation for Bettergoods. Before writing this guide, I conducted an informal survey among friends and family who’ve tried these sausages at my recommendation. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with a few consistent themes emerging:

• “They actually taste like real chicken, not mystery meat.” This comment came up repeatedly, highlighting the authentic meat texture that sets them apart.
• “They’re juicy without being greasy.” Several people noted that they don’t leave the same oily residue that many pork sausages do.
• “The flavors taste natural, not artificial.” The recognizable herb and spice profiles received particular praise.

The few criticisms centered around price point and availability rather than quality or taste. A couple of people mentioned wishing they came in larger family packs for better value.

Online reviews echo these sentiments, with Bettergoods consistently receiving 4+ star ratings on retailer websites. The most common positive comments highlight the flavor variety and clean ingredients, while occasional critiques mention that they can dry out if overcooked – a fair point that underscores the importance of gentle reheating techniques.

Brand Comparison: How Do They Stack Up?

Having tried numerous chicken sausage brands over the years, I can confidently place Bettergoods among the top-tier options. Here’s how they compare to other popular brands:

Aidells Chicken Sausage

Aidells offers similar flavor variety and quality, but Bettergoods edges them out with slightly cleaner ingredients and less sodium in most varieties. Aidells tends to be more widely available, while Bettergoods has a more boutique presence.

Al Fresco Chicken Sausage

Al Fresco is typically priced slightly lower than Bettergoods and has wider distribution. However, I find Bettergoods offers more distinctive flavor profiles and juicier texture. Al Fresco sometimes has a spongier consistency that doesn’t quite match the authentic sausage experience that Bettergoods delivers.

Trader Joe’s Chicken Sausage

As a frequent Trader Joe’s shopper, I’ve tried their house brand chicken sausages extensively. They offer excellent value, but Bettergoods provides more consistent quality and more interesting flavor combinations. The Trader Joe’s varieties can sometimes have a more processed texture.

What sets Bettergoods apart in these comparisons is their commitment to quality ingredients without cutting corners. The texture consistently mimics traditional sausage while delivering cleaner nutrition, which is no small feat in processed meats.

Buying in Bulk: Family Options

For larger households or frequent entertainers, buying options beyond the standard four-pack would be convenient. Currently, Bettergoods doesn’t offer family-sized packages through regular retail channels, which is one area where they could improve their offering.

However, I’ve discovered a few workarounds:

1. Some specialty meat markets and butcher shops that carry the brand will offer case discounts if you order a larger quantity. I’ve saved about 10% this way when preparing for larger gatherings.
2. Costco occasionally features Bettergoods in their rotating specialty food selections, though not consistently. When they do appear, they’re typically packaged in 3 packs of 4 links (12 total) at a significantly better price per sausage.
3. For regular consumption, establishing a relationship with the meat department manager at your local store can sometimes result in special ordering options. My local natural foods market allows me to pre-order a case with a week’s notice.

Promotions and Saving Strategies

While Bettergoods doesn’t run manufacturer coupons frequently, there are several ways to maximize value when purchasing these premium sausages:

1. Store Loyalty Programs: Many retailers that carry Bettergoods include them in their member pricing or loyalty point programs. I regularly see them featured in my local store’s “member pricing” deals.
2. Seasonal Promotions: I’ve noticed that during grilling season (May through September), many stores feature Bettergoods in their circular ads with temporary price reductions.
3. Bundle Deals: Some specialty markets offer “build your own protein pack” options where you can mix and match premium meats at a discount when purchasing multiple packages.
4. Ibotta and Cashback Apps: Occasionally, Bettergoods appears on cashback apps like Ibotta, offering $1-2 back on purchases. I check these apps before my grocery trips to catch these limited-time offers.
5. Follow Social Media: Though not directly related to pricing, the Bettergoods social media accounts occasionally announce new retail locations or special promotions. I’ve found a few new stores carrying their products this way.

While they remain a premium product, strategic shopping can make Bettergoods Chicken Sausages more affordable for regular enjoyment.

Creative Serving Suggestions

After incorporating these sausages into countless meals, I’ve developed some favorite serving combinations that highlight their versatility:

Breakfast Applications

• Slice Apple & Sage sausages into a sweet potato hash with caramelized onions and a fried egg on top
• Create a breakfast bowl with Garlic & Herb sausage, sautéed kale, quinoa, and avocado
• Wrap sliced Classic Italian sausage in a whole grain tortilla with scrambled eggs and salsa for a protein-packed breakfast burrito

Lunch Ideas

• Toss sliced Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil sausage with cold pasta, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and balsamic glaze for a pasta salad
• Layer sliced Spinach & Feta sausage on crusty bread with hummus, cucumber, and red onion for a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich
• Add sliced Jalapeño sausage to a Southwest salad with black beans, corn, avocado, and lime vinaigrette

Dinner Creations

• Simmer sliced Classic Italian sausage in your favorite marinara sauce for 10 minutes before tossing with pasta
• Create sheet pan dinners with any variety sliced and roasted alongside seasonal vegetables
• Use Apple & Sage sausage as the protein in a grain bowl with farro, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a maple Dijon dressing
• Incorporate Spinach & Feta sausage into a Greek-inspired stuffed pepper with rice, tomatoes, and olives

The pre-cooked nature of these sausages means they can be added to dishes at almost any stage of cooking, making them extraordinarily versatile for quick meals.

Final Thoughts: Are Bettergoods Chicken Sausages Worth It?

After a year of incorporating Bettergoods Chicken Sausages into my meal rotation, experimenting with all their flavors, and collecting feedback from friends and family, I can confidently say they’ve earned their place in my regular grocery lineup.

The combination of clean ingredients, distinctive flavors, and cooking convenience makes them a standout choice for health-conscious consumers who refuse to compromise on taste.

Are they perfect? No product is. I’d love to see them offer larger family packs, occasionally wish for even more adventurous flavor combinations, and sometimes wince at the price point when I’m on a tight budget. However, the quality consistently justifies the cost, and the time-saving aspect of having a delicious protein option that requires minimal prep has saved many hectic weeknight dinners in my household.

Whether you’re looking to reduce red meat consumption, need convenient protein options that align with dietary restrictions, or simply want to explore more flavorful dinner solutions, Bettergoods Chicken Sausages deserve a spot in your shopping cart. Start with the Classic Italian if you’re new to the brand, and I suspect you’ll soon be exploring their full flavor lineup just as I did.

Happy cooking, and here’s to healthier, tastier meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen!