Gravy, au jus, dry
FDC 171169tsp (3 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 1 · -9 vs Soups & sauces medianDry au jus gravy mix earns just 1 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, placing it in the Low band and ranking 55 of 60 in Soups & sauces. That low score reflects how the powder is scored per 100 g of concentrate rather than as prepared, yet it still carries notable amounts of iron at 52% DV and protein at 18% DV per 100 g, alongside smaller magnesium and calcium contributions.
This mix is meant to be whisked into hot water and simmered briefly, producing a thin brown sauce for pouring over roast beef, meatloaf, or mashed potatoes; a typical serving is just one teaspoon (3 g) of the dry powder. The tradeoff is sodium: at 11600 mg per 100 g, it is extremely salty, so cooks measure it carefully rather than treating it as a base ingredient. Gravy, au jus, canned is a listed alternative in the same category for those wanting a change of pace.
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 | 313 kcal | 16% |
| Total fat | 9.6 g | 12% |
| Saturated fat | 2 g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 4 mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 11600 mg | 504% |
| Carbohydrate | 48 g | 17% |
| Dietary fiber | - | |
| Sugars | - | |
| Protein | 9.2 g | 18% |
| Potassium | 279 mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 140 mg | 11% |
| Iron | 9.3 mg | 52% |
| Magnesium | 56 mg | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 1 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | - |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 9 kcal | 0% |
| Total fat | 0.29 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.06 g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0.12 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 348 mg | 15% |
| Carbohydrate | 1.4 g | 1% |
| Dietary fiber | - | |
| Sugars | - | |
| Protein | 0.28 g | 1% |
| Potassium | 8.4 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 4.2 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 0.28 mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 1.7 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.03 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | - |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171169Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original 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.
Gravy, au jus, cannedDensity 1 vs 1Sauce, ready-to-serve, pepper or hotDensity 1 vs 1Soup, chicken broth or bouillon, dryDensity 1 vs 1Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Au jus mix is a dehydrated packet of beef flavoring, starch and seasonings meant to be whisked into boiling water and simmered for a couple of minutes until it thins into a light, brown, meaty sauce. It's the classic dip for French dip sandwiches, and cooks also spoon it over roast beef, prime rib, hot roast beef sandwiches or mashed potatoes when there are no pan drippings to work with. Because it starts as a powder, it dissolves fastest in hot rather than cold liquid, and a short simmer helps the starch thicken and the flavor bloom before serving.
Unopened, the sealed packet keeps well in a dry pantry since there is almost no moisture to spoil; once opened, reseal it tightly and use it within the printed window to keep the powder from clumping. This is a seasoning, not a meal, so it's used a teaspoon at a time rather than portioned out like a dish. Per 100 g it concentrates 313 calories, 9.2g of protein and a hefty 11,600mg of sodium, so even a small tsp serving carries a fair sodium load. It also supplies iron at 52% of the Daily Value per 100g, the packet's most notable nutrient, alongside modest protein, magnesium and calcium contributions to whatever it's poured over.
Frequently asked questions about gravy, au jus
How many calories are in au jus gravy mix?
The dry mix has 313 calories per 100g, but a single tsp serving (3g) contributes only about 9 calories once diluted with water.
Is au jus gravy mix a good source of iron?
Yes, per 100g the dry mix supplies iron at 52% of the Daily Value, making it one of its standout nutrients.
How do you prepare au jus mix?
Whisk the powder into boiling water and simmer briefly until it thickens slightly, then serve warm alongside roast beef or French dip sandwiches for dipping.