A First-Hand Look at Target’s New Private Label Sausage Line
As someone who loves to cook, I’m always on the lookout for quality ingredients that can take my meals to the next level. Recently, I discovered Target’s new private label brand, Good And Gather, which offers an impressive selection of high-quality grocery products at affordable prices. One area where Good & Gather really shines is their line of fully-cooked chicken sausages. As a busy mom who needs quick and easy dinner solutions, these sausages have become a regular staple in my meal planning. In this blog, I’ll provide a first-hand look at the different Good & Gather chicken sausage varieties, their ingredients and nutrition, and creative ways to use them in your cooking.
An Overview of the Flavors
One of the things that really drew me to Good & Gather’s chicken sausages was the diverse range of flavors they offer. Instead of just the standard breakfast varieties, they have unique flavor combinations perfect for any meal of the day. Some of my favorites include:
- Italian Style Chicken Sausage – Packed with traditional Italian herbs and spices like garlic, basil, oregano, and fennel seed. This one is great in pasta dishes or sliced on pizza.
- Apple Gouda Chicken Sausage – This unique blend of sweet apples and smoky Gouda cheese gives these sausages an incredible depth of flavor. I love to chop them up in salads or rice bowls.
- Chicken Chorizo Sausage – These have an authentic Spanish-inspired chorizo seasoning with just the right amount of heat from paprika and chili powder. I crumble them into tacos or eggs for a protein boost.
- Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Chicken Sausage – The bright, herbaceous flavor of basil paired with tangy sun-dried tomatoes makes this variety perfect for lighter meals. I toss them with veggies and couscous for a tasty one-skillet meal.
- Chicken Breakfast Sausage – For days when I’m craving a hearty breakfast but don’t have a ton of time, I reach for these. They have classic notes of sage and black pepper and pair nicely with scrambled eggs.
No matter what flavors you enjoy, there’s bound to be a Good & Gather chicken sausage to satisfy your tastes!
Where to Buy Them
The great thing about Good & Gather products is that they’re exclusively available at Target stores and on Target.com. I typically buy my chicken sausages at my local Target, where they’re conveniently located in the refrigerated meat section. A 12 oz package of two sausages usually costs around $3.99, which is very affordable compared to other high-quality, pre-cooked sausage brands.
One tip I have is to keep an eye out for Target’s weekly sales ads and coupons. Often, you can snag the Good & Gather chicken sausages at an even lower price when they’re on promotion. For example, it’s not uncommon to see offers like buy one, get one free or $1 off each package.
You can also shop the entire Good & Gather grocery lineup online and have them shipped directly to your door with Target delivery services. This is perfect for stocking up or when you can’t make it to the store. The chicken sausages ship refrigerated and arrive fresh.
With such convenient purchasing options, there’s no excuse not to pick up a pack of these tasty sausages on your next Target run!
Health Benefits and Nutrition Perks
In today’s health-conscious world, I think a big draw of the Good & Gather chicken sausages is that they offer a nutritious alternative to many pork-based and heavily processed sausages. Some of the benefits I’ve noticed are:
- Lean protein – A serving of the chicken sausage provides around 7-10g of protein. This makes them an easy way to increase my daily protein intake without excess calories or fat.
- Minimal ingredients – The ingredient lists are straightforward with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Most varieties contain chicken, spices, vinegar, sea salt, and not much else. This gives me confidence in what I’m eating.
- Lower sodium – Compared to traditional pork sausage, these have reduced sodium levels at around 180-250mg per link. While not sodium-free, they are more in line with dietary guidelines than many sausages which can top 500mg.
- No nitrates or nitrites – None of the Good & Gather chicken sausages contain these controversial preservatives often found in cured and processed meats. This makes them seem closer to homemade.
- Around 100 calories per link – For a high protein snack or accompaniment, they clock in at a reasonable 100 calories per 3oz link, depending on variety. That’s about half the calories of a standard bratwurst.
For those reasons, I feel good about serving the chicken sausages often to my family. They provide flavor and nutrition without a lot of diet-derailing extras.
Gluten-Free and Soy-Free Formulations
Here’s some great news if you follow a gluten-free or soy-free diet – all of the Good & Gather chicken sausage varieties are free from wheat/gluten and soy ingredients. This was a huge selling point for me since food allergies run in my family.
I’m always having to read labels closely to avoid anything with gluten or soy that could cause reactions. It’s a relief to be able to grab the chicken sausages without worrying about those allergens. The sausages are made in facilities that handle wheat and soy, so folks with severe allergies should be aware. But in terms of ingredients, they are gluten/soy free.
It’s so nice to see Target offering more specialty diet-friendly options under their private label brands. The chicken sausages from Good & Gather let me serve tasty meals that the whole family can safely enjoy together. That convenience is invaluable.
Creative Ways I Use Them
The possibilities are endless when it comes to cooking with fully-cooked chicken sausages! Here are some of my favorite quick and easy ways to incorporate them into meals and snacks:
- Dice them up in pasta dishes instead of plain ground meat – they add so much more flavor! The Italian, chorizo, and sun-dried tomato varieties are especially good here.
- Slice them onto pizzas before baking – I love the spicy kick of the chorizo sausage paired with veggies and cheese.
- Skewer them with pineapple chunks and bell peppers for a fun spin on kabobs or sausage dogs. The sweet and savory combo is delicious.
- Chop into bite-sized pieces and toss with roasted veggies like potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and carrots for sheet pan meal magic.
- Mix with rice or quinoa and top with sautéed peppers and onions for an easy sausage skillet.
- Griddle them whole and place on burger buns with all the fixings for tasty sausage sandwiches.
- Fold diced sausage into scrambled egg cups and bake for hand-held breakfast on the go.
The preparation couldn’t be easier since the sausages are already fully cooked – I basically just have to chop, slice, or heat through. They’re the ultimate hassle-free protein boost!
Making Them Work for Special Diets
Beyond being gluten and soy-free, I appreciate that the Good & Gather chicken sausages can easily fit into several popular diet lifestyles:
Keto/Low Carb – With 0g net carbs and plenty of protein, a few links of the chicken sausage make a perfect high fat, low carb breakfast or snack.
Paleo – Adhering to a more whole food, grain-free diet, the simple ingredients in these sausages suit the Paleo approach.
Clean Eating – For those avoiding heavily processed foods, the short ingredient lists and lack of artificial additives make these a clean choice over traditional sausage.
Vegetarian – Veggie diets allow poultry and eggs. The Italian chicken sausage, in particular, satisfies that savory, meaty craving for non-meat eaters.
DASH Diet – The reduced sodium content aligns with the heart-healthy DASH guidelines. Swapping these for higher sodium meats can help lower blood pressure.
I love recommending Good & Gather chicken sausages because they can work for so many different dietary needs and preferences. The variety and versatility they offer makes cooking that much simpler.
Storage and Shelf Life
Like any fresh raw meat, proper storage is important for food safety and maximizing shelf life. Here are some tips I’ve learned:
- Refrigerate promptly – I transfer the chicken sausages from the grocery store refrigerated section straight home to my fridge. Avoid letting them sit at room temperature.
- Use within 1 week – For best quality, I try to use them within 5-7 days of purchase. The sell-by date on the package is a helpful guide.
- Freeze for longer storage – The sausages can be frozen in their original airtight packaging for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
- Cook thoroughly – Always cook frozen or refrigerated sausages to 165°F internal temperature. I usually pan fry, grill, or bake 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Following safe handling and storage helps maintain the quality I’ve come to expect from Good & Gather meats. I never hesitate to freeze extra packs so I can enjoy their convenience even longer.
Simple Cooking Instructions
One of the biggest perks of pre-cooked chicken sausages is that preparing them couldn’t be easier! Here are some basic cooking methods I use:
- Pan fry – I like to brown them in a skillet with a teaspoon of olive or avocado oil for 2-3 minutes per side. This gives the best crispy charred edges.
- Bake – For oven cooking, I place them on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until heated through.
- Grill – During summer, we love to grill them over direct medium heat for about 5 minutes per side. The smoky flavor is amazing.
- Microwave – For a quick reheat, I pop them in the microwave for 60-90 seconds. I rotate them a few times to prevent cold spots.
Pro Tip: I always use a meat thermometer to confirm they reach 165°F at the thickest part before removing from heat. This guarantees they are hot and safe to eat.
With so many fast and simple cooking options, Good & Gather chicken sausages have become my easy cooking shortcut on hectic nights!
How They Compare to Other Brands
As a longtime sausage lover, I’ve tried many brands over the years. In comparing Good & Gather chicken sausage to competitors, here are some of the advantages I notice:
- More flavor varieties – They offer unique global-inspired options like chorizo and apple gouda that you won’t find with mainstream brands.
- Juicier texture – Many low-fat chicken sausages end up dry and rubbery. Good & Gather’s contain just enough fat for a moist, mouthwatering bite.
- Cooker appearance – No mystery meat here! The sausages have a homemade look with visible herbs and veggies.
- Lower price point – Ounce for ounce, they cost significantly less than premium sausage brands without sacrificing quality.
- Fewer unwanted ingredients – You won’t find hidden fillers, excessive breadcrumbs or water padding the ingredients. Just recognizable whole foods.
- Minimally processed – The simple preparation and gentler cooking methods allow more of the fresh chicken flavor to shine through.
For my taste preferences, Good & Gather chicken sausages come out on top compared to the competition. I’m thrilled Target created their own brand to fill a gap in this product category.
Lasting Impressions
As you can see, I’m clearly passionate about Target’s line of Good & Gather chicken sausages! In my ongoing search for quick, nutritious protein options to feed my family, these sausages check all the boxes. The diverse flavors keep mealtime exciting, while the thoughtful nutrition and ingredients give me confidence in what I’m serving. I hope this in-depth look offers helpful tips for using this product and inspires you to give them a try. Good & Gather chicken sausages will definitely be a staple in my cooking for years to come!