Has gravy got dairy in? It depends on the type

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to food allergy statistics, dairy is one of the most common food allergens, so it's a critical question for many: has gravy got dairy in? While classic brown gravy is often dairy-free, popular varieties like creamy white gravy and some commercial brands typically include dairy ingredients like butter or milk during preparation.

Quick Summary

The dairy content in gravy varies significantly by type and brand. Traditional brown gravies, made with meat drippings and stock, are usually free of dairy, but creamy white gravies are prepared with milk and butter. Packaged gravies and mixes can also contain dairy, so checking the ingredient list is crucial for those with allergies.

Key Points

Check the Gravy Type: Traditional brown gravies made from meat drippings and stock are typically dairy-free, but creamy white gravies are made with milk and butter.
Read Store-Bought Labels: Many instant gravy mixes and packets, including some common brands like Bisto, list milk or milk derivatives as ingredients.
The Roux is Key: A roux, the thickener base for many gravies, can be made with butter (dairy) or with non-dairy fats like oil or pan drippings.
Substitute with Alternatives: To make dairy-free gravy, replace butter with oil or vegan butter and substitute milk with a neutral-flavored non-dairy milk or more stock.
Pan Drippings are Dairy-Free: If you're making gravy from a roast, the pan drippings are a naturally dairy-free fat source that can be used to start your roux.
Gluten-Free Options are Often Dairy-Free: Many gluten-free gravies use cornstarch or potato starch and are also created without dairy, making them a safe option.

Understanding the Gravy Ingredients

To figure out if gravy has dairy, it helps to understand its basic components. A standard gravy is made from a few key ingredients: a fat, a thickener, and a liquid.

The Role of Fat in Gravy

The fat is often the deciding factor for dairy content. For a classic brown gravy, the fat is typically rendered from the roasted meat (pan drippings), which is naturally dairy-free. Alternatively, a non-dairy fat like oil can be used. However, many recipes, particularly for country or white gravy, specifically call for butter to make the roux. Butter is a dairy product, meaning the gravy will contain dairy.

The Thickener and Liquid

The thickener is almost always flour or, for a gluten-free option, cornstarch or potato starch. These are naturally dairy-free. The liquid component is where most of the flavor comes from. For a brown gravy, this is typically a stock—beef, chicken, or vegetable. For a creamy white gravy, milk or half-and-half is the primary liquid, making it dairy-based.

Brown Gravy vs. White Gravy: A Comparison

To illustrate the difference, here is a table comparing the ingredients and dairy status of two common types of gravy.


Feature	Brown Gravy (Classic Pan Gravy)	White Gravy (Country or Sawmill Gravy)
Primary Fat	Meat pan drippings (e.g., from beef, chicken, or turkey) or oil.	Butter, bacon grease, or sausage fat.
Primary Liquid	Meat stock (beef, chicken, turkey) or vegetable broth.	Milk or half-and-half.
Thickener	All-purpose flour or cornstarch.	All-purpose flour.
Typical Dairy Status	Usually dairy-free.	Contains dairy from butter and milk.
Flavor Profile	Rich, savory, and meaty from the pan drippings.	Creamy, peppery, and often milder.
Best Served With	Roast meat, mashed potatoes, poutine.	Biscuits, fried chicken, potatoes.

Making Dairy-Free Gravy

For those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, making a delicious dairy-free gravy is straightforward. The key is to swap out dairy-based ingredients for suitable alternatives. Here's how:

Use the Right Fat: Instead of butter, use oil, vegan butter, or a non-dairy fat like schmaltz (rendered chicken fat).
Choose the Right Liquid: Substitute milk or cream with a dairy-free alternative. Unsweetened, neutral-flavored non-dairy milks like almond or oat milk can work, though they can affect color and flavor. Vegetable broth is a simple and effective choice for a dairy-free base.
Follow a Dedicated Recipe: Many recipes online, like those from The Taste of Kosher and Make It Dairy Free, provide step-by-step instructions for delicious, dairy-free gravy.

Store-Bought and Packaged Gravy

When you're not making gravy from scratch, checking labels is essential. Many instant gravy granules and ready-made sauces can contain hidden dairy products. Ingredients to look out for include milk powder, butter, and whey protein. Always read the allergen information carefully. For instance, while some Bisto products are labeled as dairy-free and vegan, others may not be, so verification is a must.

The Verdict on Gravy and Dairy

The presence of dairy in gravy is not a given. While classic brown gravy is naturally dairy-free, variations like country or white gravy are intentionally made with dairy products. For those with dietary restrictions, the best path is to either make gravy from scratch using dairy-free ingredients or to carefully scrutinize the labels of pre-packaged options. With a little care, everyone can enjoy a rich and flavorful gravy.

Conclusion: Know Your Gravy

Ultimately, whether gravy contains dairy depends entirely on the recipe and preparation. Traditional brown gravies are often safe for those avoiding dairy, but creamy white gravies and many store-bought options are not. By understanding the key ingredients and being mindful of labels, you can confidently enjoy your meal while accommodating your dietary needs. The variety of dairy-free alternatives available today makes it easy to enjoy delicious gravy without compromise. For more cooking inspiration, check out this guide on how to make a roux without butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, classic brown gravy, which uses meat drippings or stock and flour for thickening, is typically dairy-free. However, it is always best to verify the specific recipe or ingredients list, especially if it was not prepared from scratch.

Yes, white or country gravy almost always contains dairy. It is made with a roux of butter and flour, with milk or cream as the primary liquid.

The main difference is the base liquid. Brown gravy is made with a meat or vegetable stock, while white gravy is made with milk. This difference in liquid is why white gravy contains dairy and brown gravy often does not.

Yes, you can easily make dairy-free gravy at home. Use oil, vegan butter, or pan drippings instead of butter for the roux, and use a dairy-free liquid like vegetable or meat stock instead of milk.

Many gravy granules and mixes can contain dairy, especially milk powder or whey. Always check the allergen information on the packaging, as some brands also offer dairy-free alternatives.

For a creamy white gravy, you can use a neutral-flavored unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. For a brown gravy, simply use more meat or vegetable stock.

When dining out, your best option is to ask a server or manager directly about the gravy's ingredients and preparation. Many restaurants use different recipes, and they can confirm if it contains milk or butter.