Living in Chicago has its perks, especially when it comes to food. The city boasts a vibrant culinary scene rich in diversity, from iconic deep-dish pizza to neighborhood cafes, taquerias, and delis.
One delightful discovery for me was kielbasa, a Polish sausage that opened my eyes to new flavors and textures.
Having grown up on brats and sausages, I had only tried kielbasa once I settled in this food-loving city. With its snappy casing and mild, smoky flavor, it pairs wonderfully with sautéed onions or tangy sauerkraut.
Though not something I’d eat every day, when the opportunity arose to taste-test various kielbasa brands, I jumped at the chance. I gathered some friends and family to help me evaluate our favorites.
Choosing the Right Kielbasa
When selecting kielbasa for this taste test, I focused on brands explicitly labeled as “Polish sausage” or “kielbasa.” The traditional version is made primarily from pork or a blend of pork and beef, so I skipped any options that listed turkey or chicken as their main ingredient.
While I aimed to include well-known national brands, I couldn’t resist adding a few local favorites from Chicago’s rich Polish heritage.
How the Taste Test Worked
I’m no sausage expert, and neither were my taste testers. Instead of involving chefs or food critics, I chose everyday people—my family and friends—who would give honest feedback. If you’re looking for a fun, relatable review, you’re in the right place!
To conduct the taste test, I sliced and cooked each sausage. Afterward, I plated them separately with numbered labels to keep them anonymous.
Each taster sampled the sausages, took notes on texture and flavor, and ranked them. Here’s how the kielbasa brands stacked up.
Ranking the Best Kielbasa Brands
1. Ekrich
Ekrich came in last place. Tasters agreed that it lacked texture, with a smooth, spongy interior reminiscent of a hot dog. While the sausage had a good spice level, it was oddly sweet, which didn’t appeal to anyone. Overall, it was not a favorite.
2. Hillshire Farms
Hillshire Farms left little impression. The texture was unremarkable, which is never a good sign. Though it had some decent spice, tasters found it overly salty and “one-note.” In the end, everyone felt it was just average and didn’t offer anything special.
3. Vienna Beef
Vienna Beef’s kielbasa shrank considerably during cooking, leading to some overly salty bites. Though the exterior had a satisfying snap, tasters felt the excess salt overshadowed the other flavors. Despite its appealing texture, it didn’t reach the top tier.
4. Johnsonville
Johnsonville’s kielbasa, similar to Ekrich’s, lacked significant texture but was notably less spongy. Tasters found it juicy and flavorful, making it a decent cookout option. However, it ultimately landed in the middle of the pack—good but not memorable.
5. Klement’s
Klement’s kielbasa stood out due to its larger diameter, which made it easy to slice and cook. The casing provided a crisp exterior, and while the interior was slightly spongy, tasters enjoyed the overall flavor. It was reasonably salty, allowing the pork taste to shine through.
This sausage had a classic kielbasa appearance and taste, making it a strong contender.
6. Nature’s Rancher
Nature’s Rancher was the priciest sausage on the list, but it proved worth the splurge. It had a fantastic, snappy exterior, and the interior offered a great grind, providing delightful texture and chewiness.
This kielbasa had just the right kick of spice, earning rave reviews from tasters. It was flavorful without being overly salty; many agreed they would gladly repurchase it.
7. Slotkowski
Finally, Slotkowski took the crown as the best kielbasa. Every taster ranked it as their favorite. It had all the characteristics of a perfect sausage: a snappy, crisp exterior and a well-balanced, mildly spiced interior. Unlike some competitors, it held its shape during cooking without shrinking or wrinkling.
This kielbasa was simply outstanding—truly the best I’ve tasted—and it’s the one I’ll always buy from now on.
Conclusion
This kielbasa taste test was a fun culinary adventure and a chance to appreciate the rich flavors and textures of Polish sausage. Living in a city with such a diverse food culture means there are always new flavors to explore, and I’m grateful to have discovered the deliciousness of kielbasa.
If you’re ever in the market for kielbasa, try Slotkowski. Whether you enjoy it smothered in onions or served alongside sauerkraut, this kielbasa is sure to please your taste buds.
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