Soups & sauces

Gravy, mushroom, dry, powder

FDC 171171cup (8 fl oz) (21 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 2 · -8 vs Soups & sauces median

Dry mushroom gravy powder scores 2 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, Low band, ranking 47 of 60 in Soups & sauces. It stands out for 20% DV protein, 18% DV calcium, and 17% DV dietary fiber, a notably fuller nutrient profile than most gravy mixes even at this Low band.

It's whisked into hot water or stock and poured over vegetables, grains, or meatless dishes for a savory, umami finish, a cup of prepared gravy draws on about 21 g of the dry mix. Its main caveat is sodium, high at 6580 mg per 100 g of the powder, the highest among the gravy mixes in this group, so a light hand is worth using. It is comparatively low in sugar at 3.26 g per 100 g, a plus among condiments in this batch.

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 10 g · 12%Carb 64.7 g · 77%Fat 4 g · 11%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories328 kcal16%
Total fat4 g5%
Saturated fat2.4 g12%
Cholesterol3 mg1%
Sodium6580 mg286%
Carbohydrate65 g24%
Dietary fiber4.8 g17%
Sugars3.3 g
Protein10 g20%
Potassium262 mg6%
Calcium230 mg18%
Iron1 mg6%
Magnesium34 mg8%
Vitamin C7 mg8%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E0.15 mg1%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 171171

Original 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.

Protein20% DV
Calcium18% DV
Dietary fiber17% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the soups & sauces median

Nutrient density2 vs 10 median
Protein / 100 g10 vs 3.1 median
Fiber / 100 g4.8 vs 0.7 median
Sodium / 100 g6580 vs 1030 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Gravy, pork, dry, powderDensity 2 vs 2Gravy, unspecified type, dryDensity 2 vs 2Gravy, instant beef, dryDensity 2 vs 2

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Mushroom gravy powder is a dry mix that turns into gravy when whisked with hot water or stock. In the kitchen it is a shortcut: stirred into simmering liquid until it thickens, then poured over mashed potatoes, roast meat, biscuits, and rice, or used to build a fast pan sauce and to season casseroles and stuffing. Cooks often bump it up with sauteed fresh mushrooms, a splash of cream, or a knob of butter to make it taste more homemade. As a dry powder its texture is fine and loose, dissolving smoothly if whisked steadily to avoid lumps, and once cooked it carries a savory, earthy mushroom flavor that pairs naturally with poultry, beef, and buttery starches.

The powder is concentrated, so a little makes a lot of gravy. Per 100 g of the dry mix it lists 328 calories, 64.7 g carbohydrate, 10 g protein (20% of the Daily Value), 4.8 g fiber (17% of the DV), 4 g fat, and 18% of the DV for calcium. The figure that dominates is sodium at 6580 mg per 100 g, very high because it is a dry seasoning base, so measure it carefully and taste before adding any more salt to the dish. A cup of prepared gravy uses only about 21 g of powder. Store the mix in a sealed container away from moisture so it stays free-flowing, whisk it into hot liquid gradually, and lean on fresh mushrooms and herbs rather than extra salt to round out the flavor.

Frequently asked questions about gravy, mushroom

How do I avoid lumps when making the gravy?

Whisk the powder gradually into hot liquid and keep stirring steadily until it thickens smoothly.

Why is the sodium figure so high?

At 6580 mg per 100 g it is a concentrated dry seasoning base, but a cup of finished gravy uses only about 21 g of powder, so measure carefully and taste before adding salt.

Can I make it taste more homemade?

Yes, stirring in sauteed fresh mushrooms, a splash of cream, or a little butter rounds out the flavor.

View the USDA source record