Sausage

Sausage is a type of processed meat product usually made from ground or minced meat, seasonings, and sometimes fillers or binders, often stuffed into a casing.

Sausage is a processed meat product made from ground meat, seasonings, and often stuffed into a casing. It comes in many forms, from fresh to cured, and is a staple in cuisines worldwide.

What it is

Sausage is a food product made from chopped or ground meat combined with fat, salt, spices, and other ingredients. It is often formed into links inside a casing, though it may also be sold as patties or loose meat. Fillers such as breadcrumbs or grains may be added in some varieties.

Key varieties

Sausages differ widely by region, meat type, seasoning, and processing method. Common forms include fresh sausages (must be cooked), smoked, cured, and dried sausages. While pork is common, sausages may also use beef, poultry, fish, or plant-based ingredients. They can be sold as links, patties, or loose meat.

Why it matters

Sausage has long been associated with preserving meat and using trimmings. The term comes from Latin salsus, meaning salted, reflecting early preservation methods. In Canada, sausage is widely eaten in grocery, deli, barbecue, and breakfast dishes, with regional styles influenced by European, Indigenous, and multicultural traditions.