Gravy, instant beef, dry
FDC 171589serving (7 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 2 · -8 vs Soups & sauces medianInstant beef gravy mix scores 2 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, Low band, ranking 44 of 60 in Soups & sauces. As a dry powder it concentrates nutrients along with everything else, delivering 35% DV iron and 20% DV protein, with smaller amounts of dietary fiber at 15% DV and calcium at 11% DV.
It's whisked with hot water or milk to make a quick gravy for meat, potatoes, or biscuits, a single serving of the dry mix is just 7 g before liquid is added. Gram for gram it's high in sodium at 5200 mg per 100 g and high in sugars at 23.9 g per 100 g, so it's a small-quantity seasoning rather than a food eaten in volume. Sauce, barbecue scores higher in the same category, though it lacks this gravy's iron and protein contribution.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around gravy, instant beef, 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 | 369 kcal | 18% |
| Total fat | 9.5 g | 12% |
| Saturated fat | 4.9 g | 24% |
| Cholesterol | 11 mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 5200 mg | 226% |
| Carbohydrate | 61 g | 22% |
| Dietary fiber | 4.3 g | 15% |
| Sugars | 24 g | |
| Protein | 9.8 g | 20% |
| Potassium | 450 mg | 10% |
| Calcium | 141 mg | 11% |
| Iron | 6.3 mg | 35% |
| Magnesium | 41 mg | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 0.9 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 2 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.01 mg | 0% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 26 kcal | 1% |
| Total fat | 0.66 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.34 g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 0.77 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 364 mg | 16% |
| Carbohydrate | 4.3 g | 2% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.3 g | 1% |
| Sugars | 1.7 g | |
| Protein | 0.69 g | 1% |
| Potassium | 32 mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 9.9 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.44 mg | 2% |
| Magnesium | 2.9 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.06 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0.14 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171589Original 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.
Sauce, barbecueDensity 3 vs 2Sauce, steak, tomato basedDensity 4 vs 2Gravy, brown, dryDensity 5 vs 2Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Instant beef gravy comes as a dry powder mixed with hot water, whisked until smooth, and simmered briefly to thicken before pouring over mashed potatoes, meatloaf, biscuits or open-faced roast beef sandwiches. It is a shortcut for a from-scratch pan gravy, useful when there are no meat drippings on hand, and it can also be used to moisten leftover roasts, stirred into rice and noodles for a savory, beefy flavor, or spooned over a Salisbury steak or turkey dinner when time is short. Because it comes together in minutes with just boiling water and a whisk, it is a common fallback for weeknight dinners built around a starch and a protein.
A single packet serving is small at about 7 g, supplying roughly 26 calories, 0.7 g of protein and 364 mg of sodium once measured dry. Per 100 g, the dry mix carries 35% of the Daily Value for iron, 20% for protein and 15% for fiber, reflecting the meat extract and wheat flour it is built from. Store unopened packets in a cool, dry pantry; because sodium runs high at 5,200 mg per 100 g dry weight, this gravy works best as a flavorful topping ladled in a modest amount rather than a base for a low-sodium meal.
Frequently asked questions about gravy, instant beef
How many calories are in instant beef gravy mix?
The dry mix has about 369 calories per 100 g, which is roughly 26 calories in a typical 7 g packet serving.
Is instant beef gravy a good source of iron?
Yes, it carries about 35% of the Daily Value for iron per 100 g, the highest of its standout nutrients.
How is instant beef gravy prepared?
The dry powder is whisked into hot water and simmered briefly until it thickens, then poured over mashed potatoes, meatloaf or biscuits.