Paleo Sausages

I've found an amazing organic butcher, really close to where I live.  I've used them for almost all of my meat for a while.  I was there earlier this week buying some bacon (the best bacon I've had in Australia, actually) and pork, when I mentioned what a shame it is that all of their sausages contain flour (though they only use rice flour, which is obviously a lot better than many alternatives out there).  He asked me if I wanted some special grain free Paleo Sausages made up for me!  I had no idea they would do this.

I could choose whatever I wanted to go with the organic beef, but he suggested capsicum (bell pepper), shallots and salt – I thought that would be a great combination for my first batch.  Even more exciting the castings for all of their sausages are made the proper way – from intestines, instead of synthetic castings, which can be made of all sorts of materials like  collagen, cellulose, or even plastic.  I certainly don't fancy eating any of those!

I picked up my order today, which worked out at about 30 sausages for the 2kg batch.

I've just had my first taste – and they were fantastic!

This is the ingredients for one of the better ranges of supermarket sausages: –

Ingredients: Beef (76%), Water, Potato Starch, Sea Salt, Dehydrated Vegatables (Onion & Garlic), Dextrose (Tapioca or Maize), Mineral Salt (451), Sugar (Cane Sugar), Preservative (223), Spices, Herbs, Natural Colour (160c), Natural Flavour, Yeast Extract, Herb Extract

And this is the ingredients for my Paleo sausages: –

Ingredients: Organic Beef, Capsicum, Shallots, Salt

There's no comparison is there?

Why Your Butcher Could Be Your Best Paleo Ally

Finding a trusted local butcher who understands and supports your Paleo lifestyle is a game changer. Not only are you more likely to get access to high-quality, ethically sourced meat, but you also open the door to tailored cuts and custom options you’ll never find in a supermarket. Most butchers are far more flexible than we give them credit for. Once they understand your dietary needs – like avoiding grains, sugars, and preservatives – many are happy to create Paleo-friendly options for regular customers.

If you’ve got a local butcher, start by building a relationship. Ask questions about their sourcing practices, whether their animals are grass fed, and how their products are made. You might be surprised at what they’ll offer once they realise you’re a serious, loyal customer. The sausage example is just the beginning – some butchers will even prepare organ meat blends, custom mince combinations, or preservative-free broths if you ask.

Benefits of Custom Paleo Sausages

Standard commercial sausages, even the “premium” ones, often include fillers, preservatives, stabilisers, sweeteners and seed oils – none of which belong in a clean Paleo lifestyle. By getting your sausages made to order, you know exactly what’s going in them and can tailor the flavour profile to suit your preferences or seasonal availability. More importantly, you avoid the long list of unwanted ingredients often found in store-bought varieties.

Some key advantages of butcher-made Paleo sausages include:

• Complete control of ingredients – No gluten, rice, potato starch or chemical preservatives.
• Better fat-to-protein ratio – Ideal if you follow a higher-fat version of Paleo.
• Nutrient density – Add in organ meats or fresh herbs for an even bigger nutritional punch.
• Digestive support – Natural casings are easier to digest than synthetic alternatives and are more aligned with ancestral eating.

Flavour Ideas for Your Next Batch

Now that you know your butcher is open to creating custom Paleo sausages, it’s time to get creative. Here are a few flavour combinations that work beautifully with organic beef, pork, or even lamb as the base:

• Beef + Fresh Coriander + Garlic + Chilli Flakes – Perfect for lovers of heat with a Mexican-inspired twist.
• Lamb + Rosemary + Garlic + Lemon Zest – Bright and aromatic, this is great served with roast veg or salad.
• Pork + Apple + Sage + Sea Salt – Naturally sweet and savoury without added sugars or syrups.
• Beef + Thyme + Caramelised Onion + Cracked Pepper – A more traditional profile with rich, earthy tones.
• Pork + Fennel Seed + Garlic + Paprika – Reminiscent of Italian sausages but made clean and Paleo-compliant.

Don’t forget that you can ask for a mix of meats too – lamb and beef together make for a rich, satisfying combo, especially when balanced with bright herbs or citrus zest.

Freezing and Storing Your Paleo Sausages

Making or buying Paleo sausages in bulk is a smart move, particularly if your butcher only makes custom batches occasionally. Once you’ve received your sausages, freeze them in meal-sized portions to make future cooking easier. Use baking paper to separate layers and freeze flat to save space. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months, retaining both flavour and texture when defrosted properly.

For quick dinners, consider pre-cooking some of the sausages and storing them in the fridge for 3–4 days. You can reheat them in a pan or crumble them into a frittata, stir-fry, or salad. They also make a brilliant breakfast addition when paired with eggs and sautéed greens.

Cooking Tips for Homemade Sausages

Because these sausages lack fillers and artificial binders, they’re slightly more delicate than commercial varieties. Cook them gently over medium heat to avoid drying them out or causing them to split. A few tips for the best result:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan – give them room to brown properly.
• Use a cast iron pan or grill for a crispy finish.
• If barbecuing, pre-cook them slightly in a pan or oven to avoid drying out the casing.
• Let them rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.

Serving Suggestions

Paleo sausages are incredibly versatile and work in almost every meal of the day. Try them:

• Chopped into a warm salad with roasted pumpkin, rocket, and balsamic dressing.
• Alongside mashed sweet potato and steamed broccoli for a classic plate.
• In a breakfast hash with zucchini, kale, and eggs.
• As sausage meat crumbled into a Paleo Bolognese sauce or frittata.
• Grilled and served on a lettuce wrap with avocado and sauerkraut.

Make Your Own Sausages at Home

If you’re feeling adventurous or your butcher isn’t open to custom batches, you can always make your own. All you need is quality minced meat, your choice of vegetables and herbs, and some natural sausage casings (available from most butchers or specialty stores). A sausage stuffer attachment for your mixer or a manual sausage press can help streamline the process. Homemade sausages are a brilliant weekend cooking project – and you’ll always have control over the ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Switching to Paleo sausages – whether custom ordered or homemade – is a simple but powerful upgrade to your meals. With just a few quality ingredients and a little planning, you’ll enjoy tastier, healthier, and more satisfying meals that fully support your lifestyle. Once you taste the difference, you won’t want to go back. If you’ve got a favourite Paleo sausage flavour or tips for making your own, I’d love to hear in the comments below.

Have you made your own Paleo sausages, or had them made?  I'd love to hear your suggestions of ingredients for my second batch!