@granpa1 I would use Sure Gel as a binder and Encapsulated Citric Acid as a cure accelerator but make sure you watch this first https://meatgistics.waltonsinc.com/topic/763/cured-sausage-106-basics-of-making-snack-sticks and then this https://meatgistics.waltonsinc.com/topic/1108/cured-sausage-206-advanced-cured-sausage-processing So, seasoning and cure that comes with the seasoning, then add a binder and then add encapsulated citric acid. I would also think of adding cheese, snack sticks do well with high temp cheese and Habanaero BBQ does really well with Cheddar now, you can absolutely make a quality product without Encapsualted Citric acid or A binder like sure gel but it won’t be as good.

They both are binders. You can use either, depending on allergy issues, availability, cost, whimsy, etc. I used non-fat dry milk as a binder for my first few batches of sausage. It does work fine, but I prefer Sure Gel for my cured sausages.