Sausage 2026: Record consumption, recalls, and a falukorv that crushes everything
Say what you will about the state of the world, but one thing’s for sure: we Kiwis love our sausages. Whether it’s a simple hot dog in a sausage bun from the local dairy, a fancier version for Friday night nibbles, or a hearty falukorv for the weeknight dinner, it doesn’t matter. Our love for this noble processed meat has just hit a new record. Just as we’re eating more sausages than ever before, some worrying news has popped up. One specific sausage has just been recalled – and it’s time to check your freezer and fridge.
96 percent eat sausages – young people lead the increase
According to fresh industry figures, the picture is clearer than ever. A full 96% of the population say they eat sausages. That’s the highest level ever recorded. And that’s not all – 17% say they’re eating more sausages today than just a year ago. The trend is hottest among young adults. A whopping 28% of 18–29-year-olds have upped their consumption. We’re not just looking for the cheapest option anymore; we demand flavour and high meat content, but the price tag is becoming increasingly important in a tight economy.
Yet the classic still stands strongest. Here’s the top list of our absolute favourites right now:
- Falukorv – 41% (an unchallenged dominant, especially when stuffed or oven-baked)
- Chorizo – 25%
- Salami – 25%
- Standard BBQ sausage – 25%
- Hot dog / Wiener sausage – 24%
But what do we prefer to eat them with? The golden classics still rule. Mustard is on top, closely followed by ketchup and that lovely crunchy fried onion. Pickled relish and prawn salad also top the list. When it comes to cooking method, the answer is crystal clear: grilled wins with 74% over boiled.
The warning: Bacon & Cheddar sausage recalled
But in the midst of all the joy over record numbers, I need to hit the brakes. According to information from a food safety source, a press release recently went out. It’s about a Bacon & Cheddar sausage from a large New Zealand meat processor. The reason? Suspected foreign objects in the sausage.
If you have any of these sausages at home, check the date! The recall specifically applies to best before 2026-04-23 and 2026-04-24. Whether you live in a sea of sausages or just have one packet at the back of the fridge, watch out. It’s disappointing news for an otherwise brilliant sausage season, but safety comes first. If you’ve bought the product, you should dispose of it or return it to the store.
The perfect sausage bun match and the future of sausage eating
For those of us still keen to celebrate New Zealand sausage culture, there’s plenty more to be happy about. The survey shows we prefer to eat our sausage in a classic sausage bun, closely followed by mash or pasta. If you’re a true enthusiast like me, you’ve probably been checking out recipes for everything from sausage foil packets (yes, it’s a thing – sausage in foil over an open fire) to innovative ways to use sausage tree inspiration from online (you know, when you cut the sausage so it looks like a tree and fry it crispy).
So next time you’re standing at the BBQ or the pot, remember: you’re part of a record-breaking trend. We Kiwis have never eaten as many sausages as we do now. Just make sure your pack of Bacon & Cheddar is safe first, then go ahead and enjoy the good life – in a warm sausage bun with plenty of mustard.