Difference Between 18/20 and 20/22 Sheep Casings

When buying natural sheep casings, one of the most common questions from sausage manufacturers is:

What is the difference between 18/20 and 20/22 sheep casings?

Although both are natural sheep casings used for premium sausages, the difference in caliber (diameter) directly affects sausage size, texture, yield, and customer preference.

Let’s break it down clearly.

📏 What Does 18/20 and 20/22 Mean?

The numbers refer to the diameter of the casing in millimeters (mm) when stuffed.

• 18/20 Sheep Casing = 18mm to 20mm diameter

• 20/22 Sheep Casing = 20mm to 22mm diameter

This may look like a small difference, but in sausage production, 2mm changes everything.

🥓 1️⃣ Product Size & Appearance

🔹 18/20 Sheep Casings

• Produce thinner sausages

• Ideal for breakfast sausages

• Used for snack sticks

• More delicate look

Common for:

• Cocktail sausages

• Hot breakfast links

• Small grill sausages

🔹 20/22 Sheep Casings

• Produce slightly thicker sausages

• More visible on retail shelves

• Preferred for bratwurst-style thin sausages

• Better for grilling

Common for:

• Fresh sausages

• European-style sausages

• Premium butcher products

⚖️ 2️⃣ Meat Filling Capacity

The larger the casing, the more meat it holds.

• 18/20 → Lower meat capacity per meter

• 20/22 → Higher meat capacity per meter

For commercial producers, this affects:

• Cost per kg

• Portion control

• Production efficiency

🔥 3️⃣ Cooking Performance

Both calibers are natural sheep casings, meaning they:

• Provide natural “snap”

• Are edible

• Offer traditional sausage texture

However:

Feature18/2020/22TextureVery tenderSlightly firmerSnapLight snapStronger snapGrill strengthModerateBetter

🏭 4️⃣ Target Market Preference (USA)

In the United States:

• Small breakfast sausage manufacturers prefer 18/20

• Fresh sausage producers prefer 20/22

• Gourmet butchers prefer 20/22 for visual appeal

Large food companies like Johnsonville typically use specific calibers depending on product type.

📦 5️⃣ Yield & Sorting

Higher calibers (20/22) often:

• Have better yield per bundle

• Are easier to stuff at high speed

• Have slightly thicker walls

Lower calibers (18/20):

• Require careful handling

• Are more delicate

• May have slightly higher breakage during stuffing

💰 6️⃣ Price Difference

Generally:

• 20/22 casings are slightly more expensive

• Due to larger diameter and higher meat capacity

• More demand in export markets

However, pricing also depends on:

• AB mix quality

• Length (shorts vs hanks)

• Cleaning process

• Salted or dry-packed

🧪 7️⃣ Quality Considerations

When choosing between 18/20 and 20/22, buyers should check:

• Uniform caliber

• Transparency & color

• Odor-free cleaning

• Salt preservation quality

• Halal certification (if exporting to specific markets)

✅ Which One Should You Choose?

Choose 18/20 if:

• You produce small sausages

• You need delicate texture

• You target breakfast or snack market

Choose 20/22 if:

• You want better stuffing efficiency

• You produce retail fresh sausages

• You prefer stronger snap & appearance

Final Thoughts

The difference between 18/20 and 20/22 sheep casings may seem small, but in commercial sausage production, it impacts:

• Final product size

• Production efficiency

• Customer preference

• Cost per kilogram

For USA importers and sausage manufacturers, selecting the correct caliber ensures consistent product quality and better profitability.