Are There Carbs in Beef Gravy? A Comprehensive Guide to Carbs and Keto-Friendly Options

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

While pure beef stock contains virtually zero carbs, the carbohydrate content in beef gravy depends almost entirely on the thickeners and ingredients used. For those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, understanding the difference between traditional and alternative gravy recipes is crucial for staying on track.

Quick Summary

The carb count for beef gravy varies significantly by preparation method. Traditional gravies thickened with flour or cornstarch contain notable carbohydrates, whereas versions made with low-carb thickeners like xanthan gum or egg yolks can be virtually carb-free.

Key Points

Thickeners Determine Carbs: The primary source of carbohydrates in beef gravy is the thickener; flour and cornstarch add significant carbs.
Homemade is Best for Low-Carb: Using low-carb thickeners like xanthan gum or egg yolks with pan drippings results in a delicious, keto-friendly gravy.
Instant Mixes Are Carb-Heavy: Convenient instant and canned gravies often contain added starches and sugars, leading to a higher carb count.
Plain Broth is Carb-Free: High-quality beef broth or stock has virtually no carbohydrates, making it a safe and flavorful base.
Xanthan Gum is a Top Alternative: For a low-carb, grain-free thickener, a very small amount of xanthan gum is highly effective.
Au Jus is an Option: Skipping the thickener and simply reducing the pan drippings creates a flavorful, carb-free au jus.

The Main Culprit: Gravy Thickeners

The most significant factor influencing whether a gravy is high or low in carbs is its thickener. Traditional gravy relies on a roux, a mixture of equal parts fat and flour, or a cornstarch slurry. Both flour and cornstarch are pure carbohydrates, and they add a substantial number of grams to each serving. A tablespoon of all-purpose flour contains approximately 6.5 grams of carbs, which, while seemingly small, can add up quickly, especially when gravy is used liberally.

How Different Thickeners Impact Carb Count

Wheat Flour: A classic thickener that is high in carbs due to its high starch content. It forms a roux with fat to create a smooth, thick gravy but is not suitable for low-carb diets.
Cornstarch: Often used as an alternative to flour for thickening gravies and sauces. While gluten-free, it is still a significant source of carbohydrates, with about 7 grams of carbs per tablespoon.
Low-Carb Alternatives: Modern cooking offers several solutions for those avoiding carbs. Xanthan gum and glucomannan are powerful, nearly carb-free thickeners. Egg yolks can also be used to temper and thicken liquids, while some recipes rely on puréed vegetables or cream cheese for a rich consistency.

Carb Content by Gravy Type

The carb count can vary dramatically depending on whether the gravy is homemade, from a packet, or canned. This variation is primarily due to the type and amount of thickeners and other additives used by manufacturers.

Homemade Gravy (Standard, Flour-Thickened): If you make gravy the traditional way with beef drippings, broth, and a flour-based roux, a quarter-cup serving can contain around 3-5 grams of total carbohydrates.

Instant Gravy Mix (Dry Granules): These convenient mixes are often packed with thickeners like starches and sometimes fillers. A single serving can contain a notable amount of carbs. For example, some products list total carbohydrates at 11g per cup prepared, while dry mixes can contain far more by weight.

Canned or Ready-to-Serve Gravy: These products vary widely but generally contain more carbs than homemade, low-carb alternatives. They are often thickened with cornstarch or modified food starch, and some brands may add sugars or other flavor enhancers. Canned gravies can have 5-11 grams of carbs per cup.

Homemade Gravy (Low-Carb): This is the ideal option for those watching their carb intake. Using a high-quality beef broth base and a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum, egg yolks, or heavy cream results in a savory, delicious gravy with minimal carbohydrates. Some keto gravy recipes report near-zero carb counts.

Comparison Table: Gravy Carb Counts


Gravy Type	Thickening Agent	Typical Carbs (per serving)	Keto-Friendly?
Homemade (Standard)	Flour Roux	~3-5g per 1/4 cup	No
Homemade (Low-Carb)	Xanthan Gum, Egg Yolks, Cream	~1g or less per 1/4 cup	Yes
Instant Mix	Starch, Fillers	~5g per 2 oz prepared	No
Canned/Ready-to-Serve	Cornstarch, Additives	~5-11g per 1 cup	No
Beef Au Jus	No Thickener	<1g per serving	Yes

Creating Your Own Low-Carb Gravy

Making a delicious, low-carb beef gravy is simple and ensures you can enjoy a classic meal without the carb load. The key is using the right ingredients and technique.

Low-Carb Thickening Options

Xanthan Gum: A little goes a very long way. Add a tiny pinch while whisking vigorously to avoid clumping. It thickens beautifully and has a neutral flavor.
Egg Yolks: Tempering egg yolks with hot liquid and whisking them back into the gravy creates a rich, creamy texture and acts as an effective thickener.
Heavy Cream: Reducing heavy cream into the gravy adds richness and body, though it slightly increases calories. It's a great option for creamy sauces.
Cream Cheese: A popular keto choice, a few ounces of softened cream cheese can be whisked into the gravy for a thick, velvety texture.
Just Reduce it (Au Jus): For the absolute lowest-carb option, skip the thickener entirely. Simply simmer the pan drippings and broth until reduced, concentrating the flavor into a rich au jus.

Simple Low-Carb Beef Gravy Recipe

Collect Drippings: After roasting beef, pour off most of the fat from the pan, leaving the browned bits (fond) and about 1-2 tablespoons of fat.
Deglaze: Add a cup of beef broth to the hot pan, scraping up the fond with a wooden spoon. Simmer for a few minutes.
Thicken: Sprinkle in a tiny pinch (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) of xanthan gum while whisking constantly. Alternatively, whisk in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or a tempered egg yolk mixture.
Simmer and Season: Let the gravy simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.

For a detailed keto gravy recipe using xanthan gum, consider referencing a specialized resource like this My Keto Kitchen.

Conclusion: Making the Right Gravy Choice

In conclusion, the answer to "Are there carbs in beef gravy?" is a resounding "it depends." While traditional, flour-based gravies do contain a notable amount of carbohydrates, it's easy to create delicious, rich-flavored beef gravy that is perfectly suited for low-carb and ketogenic diets. By opting for a homemade version and using alternative thickeners, you can enjoy this classic condiment guilt-free. Always check nutrition labels for store-bought products, as carb counts can vary dramatically between brands and types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Traditional gravy typically gets its thick texture from a roux, which is a mixture of fat and wheat flour. Since flour is a carbohydrate, it adds carbs to the finished gravy.

No, pure beef broth or stock is naturally very low in carbohydrates. One cup of beef stock can contain less than 1 gram of carbs, making it an excellent base for low-carb gravies.

While cornstarch is gluten-free, it is still a carbohydrate and will add carbs to your gravy. Some people use a small amount, but it is not ideal for strict keto diets. Low-carb alternatives like xanthan gum or egg yolks are better choices.

Xanthan gum is widely considered one of the best keto-friendly thickeners. It is a powerful, nearly carb-free fiber that thickens sauces effectively with only a tiny amount. Other options include egg yolks or a little cream cheese.

To make gravy without flour, you can use low-carb thickeners like xanthan gum, or use egg yolks, heavy cream, or cream cheese to add thickness. You can also simply reduce the pan drippings and broth into an au jus for a naturally thinner, carb-free sauce.

Generally, no. Instant gravy mixes often contain high-carb thickeners like starches and fillers. They typically have a higher carb count per serving compared to homemade, low-carb options.

Homemade gravy is almost always the lower-carb choice, especially if you use a keto-friendly recipe. Store-bought gravies (canned or instant) rely on high-carb starches for thickening and may contain added sugars.