Gravy, brown, dry
FDC 171565tbsp (6 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 5 · -5 vs Soups & sauces medianDry brown gravy mix (the non-instant version) lands at 5 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band placement that ranks 41st of 60 among Soups & sauces, but the powder still supplies a notably excellent protein reading at 21% DV plus modest calcium and iron, each at 10% DV.
Traditionally whisked with cold water then simmered into a smooth sauce for roasts, stuffing, or potatoes, it needs only a tablespoon (6 g) to thicken a full boat of gravy. The main drawback is sodium, which runs high at 4840 mg per 100 g, so it pairs best with unsalted sides. Since the mix scores below the category median, turkey gravy mix is worth a look for a similar role with a stronger nutrient profile.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around gravy, brown, 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 | 367 kcal | 18% |
| Total fat | 9.6 g | 12% |
| Saturated fat | 3.3 g | 17% |
| Cholesterol | 3 mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 4840 mg | 210% |
| Carbohydrate | 59 g | 22% |
| Dietary fiber | 2 g | 7% |
| Sugars | - | |
| Protein | 11 g | 21% |
| Potassium | 262 mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 132 mg | 10% |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 10% |
| Magnesium | 34 mg | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 0.3 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 8 µg | 1% |
| Vitamin E | - |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 22 kcal | 1% |
| Total fat | 0.58 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.2 g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 0.18 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 290 mg | 13% |
| Carbohydrate | 3.6 g | 1% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.12 g | 0% |
| Sugars | - | |
| Protein | 0.64 g | 1% |
| Potassium | 16 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 7.9 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.1 mg | 1% |
| Magnesium | 2 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 0.02 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0.48 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | - |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171565Original 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, brown instant, dryDensity 5 vs 5Gravy, turkey, dryDensity 6 vs 5Sauce, hoisin, ready-to-serveDensity 6 vs 5Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
This dry brown gravy mix is meant to be cooked rather than simply stirred into hot liquid, typically simmered with water on the stovetop for a few minutes to fully hydrate the starch and develop a deeper, more savory flavor than an instant version. It's used the same way as any brown gravy, spooned over roasted meats, mashed potatoes, stuffing or biscuits, and it can be thinned with extra water or stock for a lighter sauce, or reduced further for a thicker one. Some cooks stir in pan drippings or a splash of wine while it simmers to round out the flavor, and a whisk helps keep the starch from clumping as it thickens.
A tablespoon serving is just 6 grams, since the mix is so concentrated; per 100 grams it carries 10.7 grams of protein, 21% DV protein, and modest calcium and iron contributions at 10% DV each. Keep the dry mix sealed in its original packet or an airtight container in the pantry away from moisture, since the powder can clump if it absorbs humidity. As with most gravy mixes, sodium is high at 4840 mg per 100 grams, so it's best treated as a seasoning base for a dish rather than a food eaten in large amounts, with 2 grams of fiber per 100 grams rounding out its profile.
Frequently asked questions about gravy, brown
How is dry brown gravy mix different from instant?
The regular dry mix is meant to be simmered on the stove for a few minutes to fully cook the starch, while instant versions just need whisking into hot liquid.
What can you use brown gravy for?
It's typically served over roasted meats, mashed potatoes, stuffing or biscuits.
How much sodium is in dry brown gravy mix?
It contains 4840 mg of sodium per 100 grams, so it's used in small measured amounts as a seasoning base.