Soups & sauces

Gravy, mushroom, canned

FDC 171170cup (238 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 8 · -2 vs Soups & sauces median

Canned mushroom gravy scores 8 of 100 in the Low band, ranking 33rd of 60 in Soups & sauces, just under the category median of 10. No nutrient in this brief clears a standout percentage, consistent with a gravy's role as a flavoring rather than a source of vitamins or minerals.

It's ladled over meat, potatoes or biscuits rather than eaten alone, and a cup at 238 g adds modest calories, 50 per 100 g. Its main drawback is sodium, 570 mg per 100 g, which is easy to overlook since gravy is poured rather than measured.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around gravy, mushroom, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 1.3 g · 10%Carb 5.5 g · 43%Fat 2.7 g · 48%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories50 kcal3%
Total fat2.7 g3%
Saturated fat0.4 g2%
Cholesterol0 mg0%
Sodium570 mg25%
Carbohydrate5.5 g2%
Dietary fiber0.4 g1%
Sugars-
Protein1.3 g3%
Potassium106 mg2%
Calcium7 mg1%
Iron0.66 mg4%
Magnesium2 mg0%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E-

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 171170

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the soups & sauces median

Nutrient density8 vs 10 median
Protein / 100 g1.3 vs 3.1 median
Fiber / 100 g0.4 vs 0.7 median
Sodium / 100 g570 vs 1030 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Soup, wonton, Chinese restaurantDensity 8 vs 8Sauce, sweet and sour, ready-to-serveDensity 9 vs 8Soup, cheese, canned, condensedDensity 10 vs 8

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Canned mushroom gravy is a ready-made brown sauce thickened with starch and flavored with mushroom pieces or extract, meant to be heated and poured straight from the can. It is a shortcut for weeknight dinners, ladled over mashed potatoes, meatloaf, roast beef, turkey, biscuits, or noodles when there is no pan drippings to make gravy from scratch. Because it is already seasoned, it needs little more than warming in a saucepan or microwave, though a splash of water or broth can loosen it if it is too thick straight from the can.

At 50 calories per cup and only 2.71 g of fat per 100 g, it is a relatively low-calorie way to add moisture and flavor to a plate of starches or meat. The main thing to watch is sodium, at a high 570 mg per 100 g, since canned gravies are seasoned heavily to compensate for the flatness of shelf-stable production. Once opened, refrigerate leftover gravy in a sealed container and use within a few days, reheating gently to avoid separating the starch thickener. It is best used as a topping in modest amounts rather than a standalone dish.

Frequently asked questions about gravy, mushroom

How many calories are in canned mushroom gravy?

Canned mushroom gravy has 50 calories per cup (100 g).

Is canned mushroom gravy high in sodium?

Yes, it contains 570 mg of sodium per 100 g, which is high because canned gravies are seasoned to compensate for shelf-stable processing.

How do you use canned mushroom gravy?

Heat it in a saucepan or microwave and pour over mashed potatoes, meatloaf, roast beef, or biscuits; a splash of water or broth can thin it if needed.

View the USDA source record