Gravy, brown instant, dry
FDC 171588serving (7 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 5 · -5 vs Soups & sauces medianBrown instant gravy mix scores 5 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band result that ranks 40th of 60 in the Soups & sauces category, though the dehydrated powder concentrates iron impressively to 41% DV along with protein at 17% DV and dietary fiber at 11% DV.
This is the just-add-water mix stirred into hot water or drippings to top mashed potatoes, meatloaf, or biscuits, with a small 7 g serving spoonful going a long way once whisked and simmered. Because it's built for concentrated flavor, it runs high in sodium at 5050 mg per 100 g and high in saturated fat at 5.9 g per 100 g, and cooks wanting a lighter base could reach for turkey gravy instead, which scores higher in the same category.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around gravy, brown instant, 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 | 380 kcal | 19% |
| Total fat | 12 g | 15% |
| Saturated fat | 5.9 g | 29% |
| Cholesterol | 12 mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 5050 mg | 220% |
| Carbohydrate | 60 g | 22% |
| Dietary fiber | 3.2 g | 11% |
| Sugars | 9.2 g | |
| Protein | 8.5 g | 17% |
| Potassium | 367 mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 116 mg | 9% |
| Iron | 7.4 mg | 41% |
| Magnesium | 32 mg | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 1.9 mg | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.38 mg | 3% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 27 kcal | 1% |
| Total fat | 0.83 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.41 g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 0.84 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 354 mg | 15% |
| Carbohydrate | 4.2 g | 2% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.22 g | 1% |
| Sugars | 0.65 g | |
| Protein | 0.6 g | 1% |
| Potassium | 26 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 8.1 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.52 mg | 3% |
| Magnesium | 2.2 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.13 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.03 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171588Original 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, turkey, dryDensity 6 vs 5Sauce, hoisin, ready-to-serveDensity 6 vs 5WasabiDensity 6 vs 5Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Instant brown gravy mix is a dehydrated blend of starch, fat, flavorings and browning agents meant to be whisked into hot water or milk on the stovetop until it thickens into a smooth pourable sauce within a few minutes. It's the shortcut version of a from-scratch pan gravy, used to top mashed potatoes, meatloaf, biscuits, roast beef, turkey or poutine when there are no meat drippings on hand to build a sauce from. Because it's concentrated, a small amount of powder makes a full batch, and it can also be stirred into casseroles or gravy-based soups as a quick flavor and thickening base.
A single serving is just 7 grams of dry mix, and per 100 grams the mix delivers 8.53 grams of protein and 3.2 grams of fiber, with iron notably high at 41% DV, useful context when using it as a flavor base rather than a portion-sized food. Store the sealed packet or jar in a cool, dry pantry; once mixed with water, use it the same day or refrigerate briefly like any sauce. Sodium is high at 5050 mg per 100 grams, so it's best measured out in small amounts rather than doubled up for extra gravy.
Frequently asked questions about gravy, brown instant
How do you make gravy from instant brown gravy mix?
Whisk the dry mix into hot water or milk on the stove and simmer briefly until it thickens into a smooth gravy.
Is instant brown gravy mix a source of iron?
Yes, it provides 41% of the daily value for iron per 100 grams, though a typical serving size is only about 7 grams.
What is instant brown gravy mix used for?
It's commonly poured over mashed potatoes, meatloaf, roast meats, biscuits or poutine as a quick alternative to gravy made from pan drippings.