Gravy, instant turkey, dry
FDC 171590serving (7 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 11 · +1 vs Soups & sauces medianAs a dry mix, instant turkey gravy scores 11 of 100, Low band, but that's enough to rank 27th of 60 among soups and sauces, edging past the category median of 10. Concentrated by weight, it packs unusually high iron at 53% DV and protein at 23% DV, with dietary fiber adding 14% DV.
It's made by whisking the dry mix with hot water for a quick topping over mashed potatoes or turkey, with a typical dry serving weighing about 7 g before mixing. The number that matters here is sodium: at 4090 mg per 100 g, this is a genuinely high-sodium product, and even a small dry serving contributes meaningfully once reconstituted.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around gravy, instant turkey, 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 | 409 kcal | 20% |
| Total fat | 15 g | 19% |
| Saturated fat | 4.9 g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 24 mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 4090 mg | 178% |
| Carbohydrate | 58 g | 21% |
| Dietary fiber | 3.8 g | 14% |
| Sugars | 7.6 g | |
| Protein | 12 g | 23% |
| Potassium | 306 mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 115 mg | 9% |
| Iron | 9.6 mg | 53% |
| Magnesium | 30 mg | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 0.9 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin A | 18 µg | 2% |
| Vitamin E | 0.74 mg | 5% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 29 kcal | 1% |
| Total fat | 1 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.35 g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 1.7 mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 286 mg | 12% |
| Carbohydrate | 4 g | 1% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.27 g | 1% |
| Sugars | 0.53 g | |
| Protein | 0.82 g | 2% |
| Potassium | 21 mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 8.1 mg | 1% |
| Iron | 0.67 mg | 4% |
| Magnesium | 2.1 mg | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 0.06 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 1.3 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.05 mg | 0% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 171590Original 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.
Soup, chicken noodle, dry, mixDensity 13 vs 11Soup, shark fin, restaurant-preparedDensity 13 vs 11Sauce, sweet and sour, prepared-from-recipeDensity 18 vs 11Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Instant turkey gravy mix is a dry powder meant to be whisked into hot water, or into pan drippings from a roasted turkey, to produce gravy quickly without building a roux from scratch. It is the shortcut version of holiday gravy, poured over sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, or a warm biscuit, and it is just as useful on a weeknight when a quick sauce is needed for leftover poultry or a simple plate of mashed potatoes.
The unmixed powder keeps well in a sealed pouch in the pantry for a long shelf life; once whisked into water it behaves like any fresh gravy and should be used the same day. It is very high in sodium, 4090 mg per 100 g, so it is meant to be used in the small reconstituted portions a package calls for rather than piled on heavily; a single 7 g dry serving packet comes to about 29 calories before water is added. It is also notably concentrated in iron, 53% of the Daily Value per 100 g, and protein, 23% DV (11.7 g per 100 g), figures that are notable for what is otherwise a quick convenience sauce whisked together in just a couple of minutes.
Frequently asked questions about gravy, instant turkey
How many calories are in instant turkey gravy mix?
409 calories per 100 g as a dry powder; a single 7 g serving packet comes to about 29 calories before adding water.
Is instant turkey gravy high in sodium?
Yes, it is very high in sodium at 4090 mg per 100 g, so it is best used in the small portions the package directs.
How do you prepare instant turkey gravy?
Whisk the dry mix into hot water, or pan drippings, following the package ratio, and simmer briefly until it thickens.