Soups & sauces

Gravy, unspecified type, dry

FDC 171570cup (8 fl oz) (25 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 2 · -8 vs Soups & sauces median

Unspecified dry gravy mix scores 2 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, Low band, ranking 45 of 60 in Soups & sauces. As a concentrated powder it packs 26% DV protein along with 12% DV calcium and 11% DV magnesium, figures measured before any water is whisked in.

Made up with hot water or stock, it's poured over meat, potatoes, or stuffing, a cup of prepared gravy uses about 25 g of the dry mix. The clear caveat is sodium, high at 5730 mg per 100 g of the dry powder, so portioning the mix carefully matters more than usual. Sauce, barbecue scores higher in the same category and carries far less sodium at 1030 mg per 100 g, though it offers far less protein.

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

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 13 g · 15%Carb 58 g · 65%Fat 8 g · 20%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories344 kcal17%
Total fat8 g10%
Saturated fat2.9 g14%
Cholesterol4 mg1%
Sodium5730 mg249%
Carbohydrate58 g21%
Dietary fiber-
Sugars-
Protein13 g26%
Potassium262 mg6%
Calcium150 mg12%
Iron1 mg6%
Magnesium45 mg11%
Vitamin C7 mg8%
Vitamin A0 µg0%
Vitamin E-

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 171570

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.

Protein26% DV
Calcium12% DV
Magnesium11% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the soups & sauces median

Nutrient density2 vs 10 median
Protein / 100 g13 vs 3.1 median
Sodium / 100 g5730 vs 1030 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

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

Gravy, instant beef, dryDensity 2 vs 2Sauce, barbecueDensity 3 vs 2Sauce, steak, tomato basedDensity 4 vs 2

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

This unspecified dry gravy mix is a pantry powder stirred into hot water to make a quick sauce for potatoes, biscuits, meatloaf or poutine-style fries, standing in for pan drippings when there is no roast to build a gravy from. Its neutral labeling makes it a flexible base that home cooks often season further with black pepper, herbs, sauteed onions or a splash of pan juices to round out the flavor once it is mixed and simmered. Because it whisks together in a few minutes, it is a common shortcut on busy weeknights for a starch-and-gravy plate or a quick hot sandwich.

A cup, reconstituted here at 25 g of dry mix, provides roughly 86 calories and 3.25 g of protein, with the dry powder carrying 26% of the Daily Value for protein per 100 g, along with 12% for calcium and 11% for magnesium, mostly from the milk solids and wheat flour used to thicken it. Keep the packet sealed in a dry pantry until use, and whisk it into cold water first to avoid lumps before adding heat. With protein this high relative to its calories, it can round out a starchy side dish with more protein than plain potatoes or rice alone would provide, though its 5,730 mg of sodium per 100 g means it should be used as a topping rather than poured on generously.

Frequently asked questions about gravy, unspecified type

How many calories are in dry gravy mix?

It has about 344 calories per 100 g, which works out to roughly 86 calories in a 25 g serving.

Is dry gravy mix a good source of protein?

Yes, it supplies about 26% of the Daily Value for protein per 100 g, the highest of its standout nutrients.

How is dry gravy mix prepared?

The powder is whisked into hot water and simmered until thickened, then poured over potatoes, biscuits or meatloaf.

View the USDA source record