Soups & sauces

Gravy, turkey, dry

FDC 171569serving (7 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 6 · -4 vs Soups & sauces median

Dry turkey gravy mix scores 6 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low-band placement at rank 39 of 60 in Soups & sauces, driven mainly by its protein content at 21% DV alongside smaller showings of iron (18% DV), calcium (11% DV), and magnesium (10% DV).

It's whisked into hot water or pan drippings to build a quick gravy for turkey dinners, mashed potatoes, or stuffing, with a small packet typically making a cup or more once reconstituted. The mix is concentrated, and even a 7 g serving carries real sodium, since the dry mix runs high in sodium at 4390 mg per 100 g before any water is added. Sauce, hoisin, ready-to-serve is a listed alternative that scores higher in the same category.

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

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 10.4 g · 11%Carb 65.1 g · 71%Fat 7.2 g · 18%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories367 kcal18%
Total fat7.2 g9%
Saturated fat2 g10%
Cholesterol14 mg5%
Sodium4390 mg191%
Carbohydrate65 g24%
Dietary fiber-
Sugars-
Protein10 g21%
Potassium428 mg9%
Calcium146 mg11%
Iron3.3 mg18%
Magnesium44 mg10%
Vitamin C0.2 mg0%
Vitamin A8 µg1%
Vitamin E-

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 171569

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.

Protein21% DV
Iron18% DV
Calcium11% DV
Magnesium10% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the soups & sauces median

Nutrient density6 vs 10 median
Protein / 100 g10 vs 3.1 median
Sodium / 100 g4390 vs 1030 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Sauce, hoisin, ready-to-serveDensity 6 vs 6WasabiDensity 6 vs 6Gravy, chicken, dryDensity 7 vs 6

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Dry turkey gravy mix is a powdered blend of starch, dehydrated turkey stock, and seasonings that is whisked into hot water, or into pan drippings from a roasted turkey, and simmered for a few minutes until it thickens into gravy. It is poured over sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and biscuits, and shows up most often around holiday meals when a quick, reliable gravy is needed alongside a roast.

Store the packet in a cool, dry pantry and use it before the date on the box, since the powder can clump if it picks up moisture. Because the numbers on the package reflect the dry mix rather than the finished gravy, the 10.4 grams of protein and 18% Daily Value of iron per 100 grams are more concentrated than what actually lands on the plate once the mix is diluted with water. The same goes for sodium, at 4390mg per 100 grams dry, which is spread across the several cups of gravy a single packet typically makes.

Frequently asked questions about gravy, turkey

How is dry turkey gravy mix prepared?

It's whisked into hot water, often along with pan drippings, and simmered a few minutes until it thickens into gravy.

Does turkey gravy mix contain iron?

The dry mix supplies about 18% of the Daily Value for iron per 100 grams, though that's before it's diluted with water.

Is turkey gravy mix high in sodium?

Yes, the dry mix is concentrated at 4390mg of sodium per 100 grams, though this is diluted considerably once water is whisked in.

View the USDA source record