Does Instant Gravy Have Carbs? A Comprehensive Guide

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, most store-bought instant gravy mixes do contain a significant amount of carbohydrates. This is because starches and thickeners like wheat flour or maltodextrin are common ingredients used to achieve the desired consistency.

Quick Summary

Instant gravy mixes typically contain carbohydrates from thickeners like starches or flour. A deeper look at ingredient lists and nutrition labels is necessary to understand the carb count, which can vary significantly between brands.

Key Points

Thickeners are the main carb source: Instant gravies use starches like maltodextrin and cornstarch to achieve their texture, making them carb-heavy.
Carb counts vary by brand: Not all instant gravies are the same; always check the nutrition label for specific carbohydrate content per serving.
Serving sizes are often misleadingly small: The carb count on the label is based on a tiny serving size; a typical portion will have more carbs.
Low-carb alternatives exist: Homemade gravies using pan drippings and keto-friendly thickeners like xanthan gum or glucomannan are excellent options.
Label reading is crucial: A quick scan of the ingredient list for starchy fillers can help you identify high-carb instant gravies.
Most instant gravies are not keto-friendly: Because they rely on starchy thickeners, most varieties are not suitable for a ketogenic diet.

The Hidden Carbs in Instant Gravy

When you're watching your carb intake, every component of your meal counts. Instant gravy is a popular, convenient option for many, but its speed and convenience come with a hidden cost for those on a low-carb, keto, or other carbohydrate-restricted diet. Unlike traditional gravy made from meat drippings and a small amount of flour, instant versions rely heavily on cheap, starchy thickeners to produce a quick, smooth sauce.

Why Instant Gravy Is Not Carb-Free

The primary reason that instant gravy contains carbs is the use of thickeners. These ingredients are necessary to create the smooth, consistent texture that defines gravy. While traditional recipes use flour, instant mixes often opt for more processed and efficient alternatives.

Maltodextrin: A common ingredient, maltodextrin is a highly processed carbohydrate often derived from corn, rice, or potato starch. It is used as a thickener and filler, contributing to the total carb count with no nutritional value. It also has a high glycemic index, which can spike blood sugar levels.
Cornstarch or Wheat Flour: Many mixes list cornstarch or wheat flour as an ingredient. These are standard thickening agents that are almost pure carbohydrate.
Sugars: Some instant gravies add small amounts of sugar to enhance flavor, further increasing the carb content, although this is often a smaller component than the starch.

How to Identify and Calculate Carbs in Instant Gravy

Reading the nutrition label is the most reliable way to determine the carb count in your gravy mix. Look for the "Total Carbohydrates" line, which includes all starches and sugars. Remember to consider the serving size, as it's often a very small quantity, and people typically consume more than one serving with a meal.

Key steps for label reading:

Check Serving Size: Instant gravy serving sizes are usually tiny (e.g., 1/2 tbsp or 1 packet), so adjust the math for how much you actually use.
Look for Thickeners: Scan the ingredient list for words like 'maltodextrin,' 'cornstarch,' or 'modified food starch.' If these are listed high up, the mix is likely carb-heavy.
Cross-Reference Brands: Don't assume all brands are the same. A quick comparison reveals significant variation in ingredients and carbohydrate levels.

Low-Carb Alternatives to Instant Gravy

For those needing a low-carb solution, there are several delicious alternatives to instant gravy. These require a little more effort but offer superior flavor and are much healthier.

Using Pan Drippings: The most flavorful option is to use the meat drippings from your roast. This liquid is naturally flavorful and can be thickened with low-carb alternatives.
Xanthan Gum: This is a popular keto-friendly thickening agent that requires only a very small amount to create a thick, smooth sauce without adding carbs.
Glucomannan Powder: Also known as konjac flour, this is another fiber-based thickener that works similarly to xanthan gum.
Blended Vegetables: Some low-carb recipes suggest blending cooked, flavorful vegetables like caramelized onions with broth and a bit of butter to create a rich, thick sauce.

Low-Carb Gravy Recipe: Quick Xanthan Gum Method

This simple method uses pan drippings and a keto-friendly thickener for a rich, carb-free gravy.

Ingredients: Pan drippings from roasted meat, 1-2 cups of beef or chicken broth, 1/4 tsp xanthan gum, salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions:
1. Remove meat from pan, and scrape up brown bits (fond) from the bottom.
2. Add broth to the pan and bring to a simmer, whisking to combine.
3. Gradually whisk in xanthan gum, a tiny bit at a time, until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. Note: a little goes a long way, and too much will make it slimy.
4. Season with salt and pepper.

Instant vs. Homemade: A Carb Comparison


Feature	Instant Gravy Mix (e.g., Bisto)	Low-Carb Homemade (Xanthan Gum)
Key Thickener	Maltodextrin, Cornstarch, or Wheat Flour	Xanthan Gum, Glucomannan, or Cream Cheese
Carbohydrate Content	Typically 2-4g per prepared serving (can be much higher per dry weight)	Near-Zero Net Carbs
Ingredients	Processed starches, flavorings, salt, colorants	Meat drippings, broth, low-carb thickener, seasonings
Nutritional Impact	Can cause blood sugar spikes; low nutrient density	Minimal impact on blood sugar; high flavor from natural sources
Prep Time	1-2 minutes	10-15 minutes

Conclusion

Yes, instant gravy has carbs, and in many cases, a surprisingly high amount per dry weight, due to the use of starchy thickeners and fillers. For those on a carb-conscious diet like keto, relying on these mixes is not recommended. The good news is that creating a delicious, low-carb gravy from scratch is not only possible but can be a quick and satisfying process. By using pan drippings and a suitable thickener like xanthan gum, you can enjoy a rich, flavorful sauce without derailing your dietary goals.

Visit The Low Carb Grocery for more on low-carb sauces and alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Instant gravy has carbs because manufacturers use cheap and efficient starchy thickeners, such as maltodextrin or cornstarch, to create a smooth, thick consistency quickly.

No, most instant gravy mixes are not suitable for a keto diet because they contain high-carb thickeners and fillers. There are, however, specific low-carb recipes you can make at home.

To make a low-carb gravy, you can use meat drippings and thicken them with a keto-friendly agent like xanthan gum, glucomannan powder, or even a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese.

The primary carbohydrate source in most instant gravy is processed starch, such as maltodextrin, cornstarch, or wheat flour, which is used as a thickening agent.

Yes, carb counts can vary between brands, so it is essential to compare the nutrition facts and ingredient lists of different products before purchasing.

While a very small amount may not have a major impact, even a single serving can contain several grams of carbs and cause a blood sugar spike, making it an inefficient choice for those on a strict low-carb diet.

Besides xanthan gum and glucomannan, you can thicken gravy naturally by reducing the liquid, adding blended, caramelized vegetables, or whisking in some cream cheese or heavy whipping cream.

Gravy made solely from pan drippings and broth is carb-free. However, the addition of starchy thickeners like flour will add carbohydrates, which is why low-carb thickeners like xanthan gum are a better alternative.

Some specialty brands have begun to offer keto-friendly instant gravy mixes that use almond flour or other non-starchy ingredients, so it is worth checking health food stores or online for these products.