Reindeer sausage is a regional specialty of Alaska with a smoky, sweet flavor. It is traditionally alderwood smoked and made by blending reindeer meat with pork and beef [1].
| Type | Smoked sausage |
|---|---|
| Meat | Reindeer blended with pork and beef |
| Reindeer share | About 2% to 30%, depending on maker |
| Smoking | Traditionally alderwood |
Ingredients and flavor
Tasting Table describes reindeer sausage as smoky and sweet, with flavor shaped mainly by the spice blend and smoking method. Makers keep their blends secret, though some sources name coriander, white pepper, and fennel. Reindeer meat is mixed with pork and beef, which keeps the interior moist and fatty, and the reindeer share varies from as little as 2% to as much as 30% [1].
How it is served
It can be grilled, put in a sandwich, arranged on a charcuterie board, or served on a breakfast plate. The most popular form is the reindeer dog, a hot dog topped with grilled onions glazed in Coca-Cola [1].
Reindeer in Alaska
Reindeer are not native to Alaska. They were brought from Russia in the late 19th century as a potential reliable food source, and Sami people from Scandinavia taught Alaskans reindeer herding [1]. The University of Alaska Fairbanks timeline adds that Sheldon Jackson introduced reindeer from Russia as a source of protein and revenue, that the population peaked at over 600,000 in the 1930s, and that about 30,000 reindeer live in Alaska today [2]. Because herding is now highly regulated and the population has declined, the sausage is usually blended with beef and pork [1].
FAQs
What is reindeer sausage? A smoked Alaska sausage made from reindeer blended with pork and beef [1].
Is it all reindeer? No, the reindeer share varies from about 2% to 30% [1].
What is a reindeer dog? A hot dog-style reindeer sausage topped with grilled onions glazed in Coca-Cola [1].
Sources
- Tasting Table: The Iconic Alaskan Meat People In Most States Do Not Know Exists
- University of Alaska Fairbanks: History of Reindeer in Alaska
Key facts
- Reindeer share about 2% to 30%
- Reindeer brought from Russia in the late 19th century
Quick checkWhat is Alaska reindeer sausage?Show answer
A smoky, sweet sausage made from reindeer blended with pork and beef, traditionally alderwood smoked.
Sources
- Tasting Table. The Iconic Alaskan Meat People In Most States Do Not Know Exists (accessed 2026-11-14)
- University of Alaska Fairbanks. History of Reindeer in Alaska (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue