Gravy, au jus, canned
FDC 171168cup (59 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 1 · -9 vs Soups & sauces medianCanned au jus gravy scores 1 of 100 and ranks 54th of 60 in Soups & sauces, where the category median score is 10. At 16 calories per 100 grams, it does not clear the standout nutrient threshold used in this dataset, reflecting its role as a thin, meat-drippings-based sauce rather than a nutrient source.
It is ladled over roast beef, mashed potatoes, or French dip sandwiches for moisture and flavor rather than nutrition. Its sodium figure, 478 mg per 100 g, is notably lower than the other sauces and gravies in this batch, making it the comparatively lighter option here, though a cup (59 g) poured generously will still add up across a meal.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around gravy, au jus, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 16 kcal | 1% |
| Total fat | 0.2 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.1 g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 478 mg | 21% |
| Carbohydrate | 2.5 g | 1% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | - | |
| Protein | 1.2 g | 2% |
| Potassium | 81 mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 4 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 2 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 1 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | - |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 9 kcal | 0% |
| Total fat | 0.12 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.06 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 282 mg | 12% |
| Carbohydrate | 1.5 g | 1% |
| Dietary fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Sugars | - | |
| Protein | 0.71 g | 1% |
| Potassium | 48 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 2.4 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.35 mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 1.2 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.59 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | - |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171168Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the soups & sauces median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Sauce, ready-to-serve, pepper or hotDensity 1 vs 1Soup, chicken broth or bouillon, dryDensity 1 vs 1Sauce, teriyaki, ready-to-serveDensity 1 vs 1Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Au jus is a thin, savory gravy made from meat drippings and stock, traditionally served alongside roast beef or French dip sandwiches for dipping. Unlike a thickened brown gravy, it stays light and pourable, letting bread or sliced meat soak it up rather than coating the surface in a heavy sauce. Canned versions are heated on the stovetop and ladled straight over sliced beef, or served in a small cup on the side for dunking a sandwich, making it a convenient stand-in when there are no pan drippings left over from roasting a piece of beef.
A cup (59 g) has only 16 calories, with 1.2 g protein and 2.5 g carbs per 100 g, making it a light way to add moisture and savory flavor to a plate without much bulk. Sodium is 478 mg per 100 g, more moderate than many other bottled and canned sauces in this category. Once opened, refrigerate the remaining gravy in a sealed container and use it within a few days, reheating gently on the stove before serving over sliced beef or alongside a sandwich, and simmering it briefly with a splash of the meat's cooking juices, if any remain, deepens its flavor.
Frequently asked questions about gravy, au jus
How many calories are in canned au jus gravy?
A cup (59 grams) has only 16 calories.
What is au jus served with?
It's traditionally served with roast beef or French dip sandwiches for dipping.
How do you store leftover au jus?
Refrigerate it in a sealed container once opened and use it within a few days.