Bacon Vs. Sausage: Which Is Worse For You?

Crispy bacon and savory sausage have been a staple of breakfasts for decades. Add some eggs or toast to the mix and you have a delightful meal to wake up to. However, if you're trying to eat healthier, it might be time to think about which breakfast meat is worse for you — especially since they are both just as delicious. We've compiled a list to help you decide which is the better option for you. 

Registered dietitian and nutritionist, Karen Ansel, said protein can be an important factor to look out for when trying to be healthier. "You really want to start the day with some protein so that it will keep you full from breakfast until lunch, and again you want to have a decent amount at lunch too, so it will keep you full from lunch until dinner," she told Insider. A two-slice serving of bacon carries 6 grams of protein, so it has a bit more than you'll find in a 1.1-ounce patty of sausage, which comes in at 5 grams of protein.

If you're counting calories, you'll want to take note of this. According to Insider, two pieces of pan-fried bacon contains 80 to 90 calories, while one sausage patty contains 100 calories. But what about which one contains the most fat? According to Johnsonville, its sausage products contain 9 to 13 grams of fat per serving. On the other hand, two pieces of Gwaltney sliced bacon has just 6 grams of fat, as reported by the Environmental Working Group.

Registered dietitian, Kristin Koskinen, told Forbes that the healthier option also depends on the source of the meat. "Generally speaking, you will have a better idea of what you are getting when you buy pastured, center-cut bacon than most commercially produced sausages," she said. She explained it can oftentimes be harder to know what exactly is in sausage. 

Sorry sausage fans — it appears bacon is a bit better for you, especially if you can hold yourself to one two-slice serving.