FOOD NEWS
Ranking Store-Bought Bratwurst
BY NICOLE ADAMS
10. Deutsche Küche
This fully cooked brand comes in uncured Bavarian and beer varieties. Like traditional Bavarian bratwurst, it's made with pork and has a beef collagen casing.
Unlike traditional Bavarian bratwurst, though, the pork is finely ground like processed meat as opposed to coarse like ground burger, giving it a weird mouthfeel and chew.
9. Johnsonville
Johnsonville Original Bratwurst is pretty juicy, but bland and a bit salty. Overall, it is more reminiscent of a mild, Italian sausage, rather than a brat.
8. Niman Ranch Fat Tire
Niman Ranch Fat Tire bratwurst is made with pork, seasoned with marjoram, ginger, nutmeg, and onion, and infused with New Belgium's Fat Tire amber ale.
Unfortunately, these brats are tough, chewy, and dry, with a flavor that is overtaken by a smokiness that's not even mentioned anywhere on the packaging.
7. Parkview
Made with pork, Parkview's fully cooked brats have a beef collagen casing that provides a snap, bite, and an easy chew. The inside is finely processed like a hot dog.
Parkview cheddar brats have a nice taste, with a mild cheddar that melts throughout the meat. They don't quite resemble a real bratwurst, but make for a good cheesy dog.
6. Dietz and Watson
Dietz and Watson's black forest style brat is made with pork, water, and seasoning. It's flavorful with its interior of compact, minced meat and a tough casing.