Soups & sauces

Gravy, pork, dry, powder

FDC 171173serving (7 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 2 · -8 vs Soups & sauces median

Dry pork gravy powder scores 2 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, Low band, ranking 46 of 60 in Soups & sauces. Weighed as a concentrate, it provides 22% DV iron and 18% DV protein, with a smaller 11% DV of calcium alongside.

It's reconstituted with hot water and served over pork, mashed potatoes, or biscuits, a single serving of the dry powder is about 7 g. Gram for gram it's high in sodium at 5360 mg per 100 g and high in sugars at 24.7 g per 100 g, so it's meant to season rather than to eat by the spoonful. Sauce, barbecue scores higher in the same category and carries far less sodium at 1030 mg per 100 g, though it offers none of this gravy's iron.

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

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 8.8 g · 10%Carb 63.6 g · 69%Fat 8.6 g · 21%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories367 kcal18%
Total fat8.6 g11%
Saturated fat4.3 g21%
Cholesterol10 mg3%
Sodium5360 mg233%
Carbohydrate64 g23%
Dietary fiber2.4 g9%
Sugars25 g
Protein8.8 g18%
Potassium235 mg5%
Calcium139 mg11%
Iron3.9 mg22%
Magnesium34 mg8%
Vitamin C1.4 mg2%
Vitamin A34 µg4%
Vitamin E0.26 mg2%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 171173

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.

Iron22% DV
Protein18% DV
Calcium11% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the soups & sauces median

Nutrient density2 vs 10 median
Protein / 100 g8.8 vs 3.1 median
Fiber / 100 g2.4 vs 0.7 median
Sodium / 100 g5360 vs 1030 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Gravy, unspecified type, dryDensity 2 vs 2Gravy, instant beef, dryDensity 2 vs 2Sauce, barbecueDensity 3 vs 2

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Pork gravy powder mixes with hot water into a smooth sauce that is a staple of Southern biscuits and gravy, and it is equally at home ladled over pork roast, mashed potatoes, dressing or fried pork chops at a holiday table. Its flavor leans savory and slightly peppery, built to complement pork specifically rather than the more neutral profile of a generic gravy mix, and cooks often finish it with extra black pepper or a splash of pan drippings for a classic sausage-gravy style dish served over split biscuits at breakfast.

A packet serving of about 7 g provides roughly 26 calories and 0.6 g of protein once measured dry, while the mix carries 22% of the Daily Value for iron, 18% for protein and 11% for calcium per 100 g, a reflection of the pork stock concentrate and milk solids in the formula. Because sodium runs to 5,360 mg per 100 g dry weight, it is best used as a flavorful finishing sauce spooned over a plate in a modest amount rather than mixed generously into other dishes. Keep unopened packets in a cool, dry cabinet, and once reconstituted, use the gravy the same day since it does not hold its texture well after being refrigerated and reheated.

Frequently asked questions about gravy, pork

How many calories are in pork gravy powder?

It has about 367 calories per 100 g, or roughly 26 calories in a typical 7 g packet serving.

Is pork gravy powder a good source of iron?

Yes, it supplies about 22% of the Daily Value for iron per 100 g.

What is pork gravy powder traditionally used for?

It's a base for Southern biscuits and gravy and is also ladled over pork roast, mashed potatoes or dressing.

View the USDA source record