Richmond Sausages Ingredients
Complete breakdown of what's in Richmond Thick Pork Sausages - the UK's best-selling sausage brand.
Quick Facts
Meat Content: 42% Pork
Richmond Thick Sausages contain 42% pork. UK law requires a minimum of 42% meat content for products labelled as "pork sausages". Premium sausages typically contain 70-97% meat.
Allergens Present
Contains: Wheat (gluten), Soya. May also contain traces of other allergens depending on manufacturing. Not suitable for coeliacs or those with soya allergies.
Full Ingredients List
Ingredients as listed on UK packaging (ingredients may vary between product variants):
Pork (42%), Water, Wheat Rusk (Wheat Flour, Salt), Soya Protein Concentrate, Salt, Dextrose, Stabilisers (Sodium Triphosphate, Sodium Polyphosphate), Pork Fat, Yeast Extract, Dried Sage, Spice Extracts, Black Pepper, Preservative (Sodium Metabisulphite), Antioxidant (Sodium Erythorbate), Colour (Carmine)
Additives Explained
| Additive | E-Number | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium Triphosphate | E451 | Stabiliser | Helps retain water, improves texture. Phosphates are generally considered safe but high intake may affect calcium absorption. |
| Sodium Polyphosphate | E452 | Stabiliser | Water retention agent. Similar function to E451. |
| Sodium Metabisulphite | E223 | Preservative | Contains sulphites. Some people have sulphite sensitivity - may cause breathing difficulties in asthmatics. |
| Sodium Erythorbate | E316 | Antioxidant | Prevents discolouration, maintains pink colour. Generally considered safe. |
| Carmine (Cochineal) | E120 | Colour | Red colouring derived from crushed cochineal insects. Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. Some people may have allergic reactions. |
Other Notable Ingredients
- Wheat Rusk - Contains gluten. Used as a filler/binder to add bulk and improve texture.
- Soya Protein Concentrate - Plant-based protein used to bulk up the product and improve texture.
- Dextrose - A simple sugar (glucose) used for flavour and to help browning during cooking.
- Yeast Extract - Flavour enhancer that provides savoury/umami taste.
Nutrition Information
Typical values per 100g (uncooked):
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 1046kJ / 252kcal |
| Fat | 19g |
| - of which saturates | 7.0g |
| Carbohydrate | 11g |
| - of which sugars | 1.3g |
| Fibre | 0.8g |
| Protein | 9.5g |
| Salt | 1.6g |
What the Numbers Mean
A typical Richmond sausage weighs around 57g, providing approximately 144 calories, 10.8g fat, and 0.9g salt per sausage. Two sausages would provide around 36% of your recommended daily salt intake.
Understanding the Ingredients
Richmond Sausages are a budget-friendly option and the UK's best-selling sausage brand. The 42% pork content meets the legal minimum for UK pork sausages.
Comparison: Meat Content in UK Sausages
- Budget sausages (Richmond, Walls): 42-50% meat
- Mid-range supermarket sausages: 70-85% meat
- Premium/butcher sausages: 85-97% meat
The remaining non-meat ingredients include water, rusk (wheat flour), soya protein, and various additives that serve as stabilisers, preservatives, and colour enhancers.
Why These Additives Are Used
- Phosphates (E451, E452): Help the sausage retain water during cooking, preventing shrinkage and keeping them juicy.
- Preservative (E223): Extends shelf life and prevents bacterial growth.
- Colour (E120): Maintains the pink/red appearance consumers expect from sausages.
- Rusk and Soya: Provide texture, bind the ingredients together, and reduce production costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meat content of Richmond Sausages?
Richmond Thick Sausages contain 42% pork. This meets the UK legal minimum for products labelled as "pork sausages". The remaining 58% consists of water, rusk, soya protein, and additives.
Do Richmond Sausages contain E-numbers?
Yes. They contain E451 (Sodium Triphosphate), E452 (Sodium Polyphosphate), E223 (Sodium Metabisulphite), E316 (Sodium Erythorbate), and E120 (Carmine colouring). These serve as stabilisers, preservatives, antioxidants, and colouring.
Are Richmond Sausages gluten-free?
No. Richmond Sausages contain wheat rusk, which contains gluten. They are not suitable for people with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Are Richmond Sausages suitable for vegetarians?
No. They contain pork and also E120 (Carmine), which is a red colouring derived from cochineal insects. Richmond does make a separate vegetarian sausage range.
Do Richmond Sausages contain sulphites?
Yes. They contain Sodium Metabisulphite (E223), which is a sulphite-based preservative. People with sulphite sensitivity or asthma may need to avoid products containing sulphites.
Why are Richmond Sausages so cheap?
Richmond Sausages use the minimum required meat content (42%) and bulk out the product with water, wheat rusk, and soya protein. This reduces production costs compared to higher-meat-content sausages.
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