Do Biscuits and Gravy Have a Lot of Carbs?

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

A single restaurant serving of biscuits and gravy can contain over 50 grams of carbohydrates, making this a high-carb dish for many people. The question, "Do biscuits and gravy have a lot of carbs?" is typically answered with a resounding yes, although the exact amount varies depending on the specific recipe and portion size.

Quick Summary

A standard serving of biscuits and gravy is a high-carb meal, primarily due to the flour used in both the biscuits and the thickened gravy. The exact amount varies significantly by recipe and portion size, but it is generally not suitable for low-carb diets.

Key Points

High in Carbs: A standard serving of biscuits and gravy is very high in carbohydrates, primarily due to the white flour in the biscuits and gravy.
Biscuits are the Main Source: The biscuits themselves contribute the most carbohydrates, with a single biscuit potentially containing 20 grams or more.
Gravy Adds Carbs Too: Traditional flour-based gravy also adds to the total carb count, although less than the biscuits.
Portion Control is Key: Eating a smaller serving size is one of the simplest ways to manage the carb intake.
Low-Carb Swaps are Possible: You can significantly lower the carb count by using almond or coconut flour and a keto-friendly thickener like xanthan gum.

The Carbohydrate Breakdown: A Detailed Look

Biscuits and gravy is a classic comfort food, but for those managing carbohydrate intake, it's a dish that requires careful consideration. The carbohydrates in this meal come from two main components: the biscuits and the gravy itself.

The Biscuit's Contribution

The biscuits are the most significant source of carbohydrates in the dish. Traditional Southern biscuits are made with all-purpose white flour, which is a refined grain and is very high in carbohydrates. A single, medium-sized biscuit can contain between 17 and 21 grams of carbs. These carbs are primarily starches and are quickly digested, which can lead to a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Furthermore, the classic biscuit recipe relies on fat, typically butter or shortening, to create its flaky texture, adding to the meal's overall calorie count.

The Gravy's Role

The gravy, particularly a traditional sausage gravy, also adds to the carbohydrate count. The thickening agent used in the roux—a mixture of fat and flour—is the culprit here. White flour or cornstarch is traditionally used to create the thick, creamy consistency. While the carb content from the gravy is often less than that of the biscuits, it's still a notable contributor. According to some sources, a serving of sausage gravy can add around 9 to 11 grams of carbs, depending on the thickness and ingredients. Some modern recipes or processed gravies may contain more sugars or additional thickeners, further increasing the carbohydrate load.

How Many Carbs Are in a Typical Serving?

For an average diner, a plate of biscuits and gravy often consists of two or more biscuits smothered in a generous amount of sausage gravy. This can push the carbohydrate total well past 30 or 40 grams, and in some cases, over 50 grams. For instance, a serving with two biscuits and a cup of sausage gravy could easily exceed 50 grams of carbs. This places the meal firmly in the high-carb category, especially for those following a low-carb, keto, or diabetic-friendly diet.

Strategies for a Lower-Carb Version

If you love biscuits and gravy but need to reduce your carb intake, there are several ways to modify the dish. These swaps focus on replacing high-carb ingredients with lower-carb alternatives.

Here are some popular modifications:

Swap Flour: Replace traditional white flour with low-carb flours like almond flour or coconut flour in both your biscuit and gravy recipes.
Thicken with Alternatives: Instead of a flour-based roux for the gravy, use a pinch of xanthan gum to achieve the desired thickness without the added carbs.
Choose Lower-Carb Liquids: While whole milk is common, opting for a lower-carb liquid like heavy whipping cream or a nut-based milk (e.g., unsweetened almond milk) can help reduce the carb count in the gravy.
Portion Control: Simply eating a smaller portion, such as one biscuit instead of two, can significantly reduce the carb load.
Add Non-Starchy Sides: Balance your plate with non-starchy vegetables or a protein source like eggs, which can make a smaller portion more filling.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Low-Carb Biscuits and Gravy

To illustrate the impact of these substitutions, consider the nutritional differences between a traditional recipe and a low-carb version. Values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.


Feature	Traditional Biscuits and Gravy	Low-Carb Biscuits and Gravy (Keto Friendly)
Biscuits	White all-purpose flour, butter	Almond flour, coconut flour, butter/cream cheese
Gravy Thickener	White flour or cornstarch	Xanthan gum or cream cheese
Carbohydrates	Often 40+ grams per serving	As low as 5-10 grams per serving
Carb Source	Refined starches and sugars	Nut flours and trace carbs from dairy
Glycemic Impact	High, potentially causing a rapid blood sugar spike	Low, with minimal impact on blood sugar levels

Conclusion

In short, do biscuits and gravy have a lot of carbs? The answer is unequivocally yes, in their traditional form. The combination of flour-based biscuits and a flour-thickened gravy results in a high-carbohydrate meal that may not align with certain dietary goals. The majority of the carbs come from the biscuits themselves, though the gravy also contributes significantly. However, for those unwilling to give up this comfort food, numerous low-carb and keto-friendly recipes and modification techniques exist. By swapping out high-carb flours for alternatives and using different thickening agents, it is possible to enjoy a version of this classic dish with a dramatically lower carbohydrate count. Making conscious choices about ingredients and portion size allows for indulgence without derailing dietary efforts. For additional inspiration on healthier alternatives, sources like the YMCA offer several helpful tips on enjoying this dish in a healthier way.

Frequently Asked Questions

The carbohydrate content of a single restaurant biscuit can vary, but typical values are often in the 17-21 gram range, though some larger biscuits may contain more.

The ingredient that adds the most carbs to traditional gravy is the thickener, which is typically white flour or cornstarch. For a low-carb alternative, these can be replaced with alternatives like xanthan gum.

In their traditional form, biscuits and gravy are not suitable for a low-carb diet. However, low-carb versions made with almond flour and alternative thickeners can be made to fit a low-carb eating plan.

Generally, the biscuit is the higher-carb component of the dish. While gravy does contain carbs, the biscuits, especially multiple ones, contribute more significantly to the overall total.

Yes, there are many keto-friendly recipes available that use ingredients like almond flour, heavy cream, and xanthan gum to replicate the classic taste and texture with a much lower carb count.

Since biscuits and gravy are typically served in generous portions, often with multiple biscuits, controlling the portion size is a direct way to manage the carb intake. Eating a single biscuit instead of several will greatly reduce the total carbs.

Beyond carbs, biscuits and gravy are also high in calories due to the high fat content from the butter or shortening in the biscuits and the fat from the sausage and dairy in the gravy.