Casing Guide
Bratwurst is the classic grilled fresh sausage, and the casing has to snap, hold its shape, and stay intact on the grill. This guide compares natural hog casings and edible collagen casings for bratwurst.
The traditional choice for bratwurst is the natural hog casing, which gives the classic snap and the look of a handmade sausage. For a casing that is ready to use from the box with a consistent size, choose an edible collagen casing. Call 201-939-3335 or request a quote.
| Casing | Size range | Best for | Preparation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Hog Casing | Natural diameters, graded by size selection | Traditional bratwurst with a firm snap and a natural look | Rinse and soak in fresh water before stuffing |
| Edible Collagen Casing | Calibers from 13 to 38 mm; call us to match your bratwurst size | Consistent size and fast production on automatic lines | Ready to stuff from the box, supplied as shirred sticks |
Availability changes and not every size is stocked at all times. Call 201-939-3335 to confirm current stock.
Natural hog casings are the standard for bratwurst, Italian sausage, and other fresh pork sausage. They stay on the product and are eaten with the sausage. They are available in tubed form, where each strand of casing is loaded on a separate plastic sleeve, or as preflushed hanks, where each preflushed hank is packed in a plastic bag in salt brine.
Rinse thoroughly and soak in fresh water before stuffing. Because the casing is natural, slight diameter variation is normal.
Edible collagen casings for fresh sausage are designed to stay on the product through grilling and pan cooking.
💡 Collagen is the most labor efficient option for high volume bratwurst because there is no soaking step and the diameter stays consistent from stick to stick.
The same casings work for Italian sausage, fresh pork sausage, knockwurst, chorizo, boerewors, Nürnberger rostbratwurst, and many other regional fresh sausages. Smaller links for breakfast are covered in our guide to breakfast sausage, and our free sizing help can match a casing to your recipe.
Fresh bratwurst is commonly packed in vacuum pouches to extend shelf life and protect against freezer burn. Need help with casing size or packaging? Request a free quote or call 201-939-3335.
Contact Globe Casings Inc. for pricing, availability, and expert guidance.
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