Washington, D.C. — Whether in links, patties or loose, for breakfast, lunch or dinner, sausage is an American favorite and new polling shows just how popular it is as October’s National Sausage Month approaches. Nearly nine in ten Americans (89 percent) say they enjoy sausage, including 93 percent of men and 85 percent of women. Choosing a favorite type, however, is far more divisive. Italian sausage (20 percent) and breakfast patties (20 percent) are the two most popular styles of sausage followed by breakfast links (15 percent) and bratwurst (12 percent).
The research was conducted online in September 2016 among more than 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older by Harris Poll for the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC).
The poll found that favorite sausages vary quite a bit regionally. Northeasterners are most likely to say Italian sausage is their favorite (33 percent), while more Southerners enjoy breakfast patties (26 percent). Midwesterners are most likely to prefer Bratwurst (19 percent).
“Sausage is one of our most versatile foods, as it can be eaten on its own for any meal, combined in a recipe or even as a dip, said NHDSC President Eric Mittenthal. “No matter how it is eaten, Americans know that including sausage is guaranteed to make for a delicious dish.”
Third Annual National Sausage Month Recipe Contest Kicks Off
To celebrate America’s love of sausage and National Sausage Month, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council will hold its third annual sausage recipe contest. Sausage fans can submit their favorite, most creative recipe that can be made in under 20 minutes to contest@hot-dog.org by October 20 for a chance to win. The best recipe as judged by NHDSC staff will win a $100 gift card for their favorite sausages plus a Sausage Pan, designed with deep curves specifically to cook sausages. The first runner up will receive a $50 gift card for their favorite sausages plus a Sausage Pan. The top three choices all receive official National Hot Dog and Sausage Council t-shirts and bumper stickers and have their recipes featured on the NHDSC All-Recipes page. Previous winners include a Breakfast Sausage Casserole and an Italian Sausage Variety Ring.
In addition to more than 100 recipes, the NHDSC has extensive resources on sausage at www.hot-dog.org including a Sausage Glossary, Cooking Tips, A Beer and Sausage Pairing Guide, A Guide to Charcuterie and Hot Dog and Sausage Trivia. The Council also posts regular sausage and hot dog news, facts and folklore on its Facebook page.
About the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council
Established in 1994, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council conducts scientific research to benefit hot dog and sausage manufacturers. The
Council also serves as an information resource to consumers and media on issues related to quality, safety, nutrition and preparation of hot dogs and sausages.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council from September 14-16, 2016 among 2,069 adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
Source: National Hot Dog and Sausage Council (NHDSC)
