In Australia, the humble sausage sizzle is more than just a weekend fundraiser; it’s a cultural institution, especially on election day. As the nation heads to the polls, the scent of barbecued sausages wafts through the air, a signal that democracy is in full swing.
But with so many options available, which snag should you choose to complement your civic duty? We’ve got the inside scoop on the best democracy sausage to savour as you vote.
Election day in Australia brings a unique tradition—the democracy sausage. As voters line up at local schools and community centres, the aroma of sizzling sausages comforts them and reminds them of the community spirit that thrives in our country.
But opinions can be as divided as political loyalties when choosing the best sausage. To settle the debate, CHOICE conducted a taste test to determine the top sausage in the land.
The candidates were the budget-friendly offerings from supermarket giants Woolworths and Coles and the independent contender, ALDI. Each sausage was put through a rigorous grilling, with CHOICE staff casting their votes for the most delectable democracy sausage.
The results are in, and Woolworths has claimed a decisive victory, with their thin BBQ sausages securing 47.6 per cent of the vote. This marks a significant shift from the previous election, where Coles had taken the crown.
Many voters have changed their allegiance, swayed by Woolworths’ commitment to traditional beef sausages, as opposed to the mixed-meat offerings from their competitors.
Despite the lower meat content of 70 per cent, Woolworths’ sausages won over the taste buds of the electorate. They also boasted the lowest sodium content, allowing you to indulge in a generous dollop of sauce without the guilt.
In contrast, while the most affordable, ALDI’s mixed-meat sausages lagged with the highest salt and fat content.
Coles, the most expensive option per sausage, prided itself on using the highest percentage of Australian ingredients. However, their three-meat blend failed to secure the top spot, leaving them in the middle of the pack.
Transparency in Sausage Politics
When it comes to supermarket sausages, not all are as they seem. While Woolworths sticks to traditional beef, Coles and ALDI opt for a mix of beef, lamb, and chicken, with the exact ratios remaining a mystery.
Over the years, both Coles and Woolworths have wavered on their meat compositions, but ALDI has consistently offered a three-meat mix, now with clearer labelling than in the past.
Here’s a quick comparison of the democracy sausage contenders:
| ALDI | Coles | Woolworths | |
| Price | $3.99 for 7 or $10.49 for 24 | $5.00 for 8 or $11.50 for 24 | $6.60 for 12 or $11.50 for 26 |
| Price per sausage | 57c/43.7c | 62.5c/47.9c | 55c/44.2c |
| Percentage of meat | 71 per cent | 72 per cent | 70 per cent |
| Fat content | 20.7g/100g | 17.9g/100g | 19.6g/100g |
| Sodium content | 681mg/100g | 538mg/100g | 493mg/100g |
| Percentage of Australian ingredients | At least 95 per cent | At least 96 per cent | At least 91 per cent |
| Percentage of votes | 23.8 per cent | 28.57 per cent | 47.6 per cent |
Now, we’d love to hear from you! What’s your go-to sausage on election day? Do you have a favourite spot for snagging the best democracy sausage? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Australian democracy is not dead, but needs help to ensure its survival
