THEY'RE a humble staple of the workman's snack box but hardly seen as fine dining.
All that could be about to change in the East Riding with the news a village shop produces some of the finest sausage rolls in the country.
Drewton's Farm Shop in South Cave is into the final of the prestigious British Pig Executive Foodservice Pork Product of the Year 2013.
The contest is there to recognise excellence in the world of pork products and Drewton's sausage rolls fit the bill.
Shop owner Katie Taylor said: "We are thrilled to bits to be shortlisted for the final.
"This achievement is a real team effort, our sausage roll and other award-winning baked products are all made in-house by our team of bakers."
On the question of who has the best sausage rolls, Drewton's already tops the pile.
The product wowed judges to earn a Gold Award in the Pork Bakery Product category.
The farm shop also scooped gold awards for its stuffed mushrooms and pork pies.
But it is the sausage rolls that have been selected among 18 products nationwide to go forward to the final.
They are in with a chance of being named overall champion in a ceremony at London's impressive Butcher's Hall on April 12.
Winning would be quite an honour. The British Pig Executive strives to maintain excellence in the pork industry and ensure that quality and a fair deal for producers are not compromised by supermarkets seeking to drive down prices.
Its Red Tractor logo, now widely recognised, indicates the quality and country of origin of the pork.
It also shows it has been produced responsibly to rigorous standards, is traceable back to farms and independently inspected at every stage of production.
East Yorkshire is well represented in the industry.
This month, pig farmer Anna Longthorp, who runs a high-welfare free-range outdoor pig herd and also owns Anna's Happy Trotters pork business at Howden, scooped several awards at the BPEX roadshow and produce evaluation event at the Great Yorkshire Showground.
But it is by tastebuds, rather than farm inspectors, that pork products are judged.
And Drewton's prides itself on turning quality local pork, such as that from Anna's Happy Trotters, into the best snack food available.
Mrs Taylor said: "Kath Brown, our head baker, has years of experience and has inherited old family recipes, which she adapts to make our products.
"Our head butcher John Lund and his hardworking team prepare all the meat. The sausage roll is made with local pork from Anna's Happy Trotters and is carefully seasoned with our secret ingredients.
"Our customers love the little warm kick from our sausage rolls, which can either be purchased warm or cold from the deli or frozen and ready to bake at home.
"All our products can also be enjoyed in our busy café, which is named Kitchen as it was built on an old Roman kitchen site.
"We are very excited for the final in London."
British Pig Executive Foodservice trade manager Tony Goodger said: "Pork is one of our favourite foods, be it enjoyed as a roast, steak or in a terrine or pie.
"Having top-quality pork dishes on menus is crucial to satisfy today's discerning customers and this competition rewards the very best in the business.
"We congratulate Drewton's Farm Shop on their achievements in what was an incredibly tough competition and wish them the best of luck in the final."
The 2013 BPEX Foodservice Pork Product of the Year competition drew in 128 entries from chefs and catering suppliers.
As well as pork bakery products, the categories are: fresh pork cut, pork ready meal, best cold eating product, best cured product and best innovative pork product.
First, second and third place in each category and the Overall Champion will be announced at the final on April 12.
The British Pig Executive, now branded as BPEX, is a division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. The board is funded by farmers and growers to represent their interests.
