How Many Calories Are in Au Jus Gravy Mix? A Nutritional Deep Dive

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

A standard 1/4 cup serving of prepared au jus gravy mix typically contains just 5 to 10 calories, making it a very low-calorie flavor enhancer. While the calorie count is minimal, it's important to understand the full nutritional picture, especially the sodium content, when considering how many calories are in au jus gravy mix.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of prepared au jus gravy mix is low, but the sodium levels can be high. This overview compares popular brands, details key ingredients, and discusses the differences between packaged and homemade versions.

Key Points

Low Calorie: A typical prepared serving of au jus gravy mix contains only 5 to 10 calories.
High Sodium: The main nutritional drawback is the high sodium content found in most packaged mixes.
Brand Variation: Calorie counts can differ slightly between brands like McCormick and Knorr, so always check the product's label.
Au Jus vs. Brown Gravy: Au jus is much thinner and generally lower in calories and fat than traditional brown gravy.
Homemade Alternative: Making au jus from scratch allows for greater control over both calories and sodium.
Thickening Agents: The low calorie count is largely due to the use of starches instead of a high-fat roux.

Understanding the Calorie Count in Au Jus Gravy Mix

When assessing the nutritional profile of a pre-packaged food like au jus gravy mix, it's crucial to look beyond just the calorie count. Most people are surprised to learn how low the caloric value of a prepared serving actually is. This is because the primary ingredients are simple, and the mix is reconstituted with water.

Calorie Comparison: Au Jus Mix vs. Other Gravies

Au jus is a French term meaning 'with juice,' and it refers to a thin, light sauce. This is in stark contrast to traditional brown gravies, which are thickened with a roux (a combination of flour and fat). The difference in preparation is the key reason for the difference in calorie and fat content. As a result, au jus is often the lighter option.


Feature	Au Jus Gravy Mix (prepared)	Traditional Brown Gravy	Homemade Au Jus (with drippings)
Calories (per 1/4 cup)	~5-10 calories	~20-30+ calories	~15-60+ calories (varies)
Thickness	Thin and light	Thick and rich	Thin, naturally based
Primary Thickener	Cornstarch, modified starch	Flour-based roux (flour and fat)	Naturally reduced juices, optional starch
Sodium	Often very high	Can be high, varies	User-controlled
Fat Content	Very low to zero	Often higher due to fat content	Varies, can be skimmed

What's Inside the Packet?

Au jus gravy mix is not a single ingredient but a blend of several components designed to provide a rich, savory flavor. The specific list can vary by brand, but here are some of the most common ingredients you will find:

Salt: The most significant ingredient by weight and a primary driver of the flavor profile, often leading to a high sodium count.
Hydrolyzed Proteins: These are broken-down proteins, often from corn, soy, or wheat, used to provide a savory, umami flavor.
Starches: Modified cornstarch or corn syrup solids are used to provide the mix with a thickening property, though au jus remains relatively thin.
Caramel Color: A coloring agent used to give the sauce a deep, rich brown color, similar to real meat drippings.
Flavor Enhancers: Ingredients like dextrose, autolyzed yeast extract, disodium inosinate, and disodium guanylate enhance the overall taste.
Spices and Aromatics: Garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices are included to round out the flavor.

The Sodium Factor in Packaged Mixes

For many health-conscious consumers, the sodium content in au jus mix is a more significant concern than the calories. A single prepared serving can contain several hundred milligrams of sodium, a considerable portion of the daily recommended intake. For individuals monitoring their blood pressure or following a low-sodium diet, checking the nutrition label and opting for low-sodium versions or a homemade alternative is crucial.

Homemade vs. Packaged Au Jus

Making au jus from scratch gives you ultimate control over the nutritional content, including calories and sodium. A homemade version typically starts with beef pan drippings and is thinned with broth and other flavorings, but the excess fat can be skimmed off to reduce calories. While this requires more effort, it provides a much healthier alternative.

For a homemade version, you can combine a few tablespoons of pan drippings (or just beef broth), some flour or cornstarch for a slight thickening, red wine, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. This provides a fresh, flavorful sauce with no artificial additives or excessively high sodium levels.

Conclusion

Au jus gravy mix is an excellent way to add rich, beefy flavor to a meal without significantly increasing the caloric load. With most prepared servings containing 10 calories or less, it's a very light addition. However, the convenience of a packaged mix comes with a trade-off: high sodium content. Understanding the full nutritional profile and considering homemade, lower-sodium options can help you make a more informed choice for your diet. If you're looking for a low-calorie, flavorful enhancement, au jus mix can be a great option, provided you are mindful of its sodium levels.

For further information on nutritional facts, you can reference reliable sources like the USDA National Nutrient Database, which provides detailed data on many food items.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a single prepared serving of au jus gravy mix is typically very low in calories, often containing just 5 to 10 calories.

While low in calories, many au jus mixes are very high in sodium. Therefore, while not a calorie-dense food, the high sodium content is a nutritional factor to consider, especially for those with blood pressure concerns.

Au jus is typically lower in calories and fat than traditional brown gravy. This is because au jus is a thinner, broth-based sauce, whereas brown gravy is often thickened with a fatty roux.

Common ingredients include salt, starches like modified cornstarch, hydrolyzed proteins (soy, corn, wheat), caramel color, spices (onion, garlic), and flavor enhancers.

To reduce sodium, look for low-sodium au jus mix versions. Alternatively, you can make a homemade version from scratch using low-sodium beef broth and control the amount of added salt.

A homemade version's calorie count depends on the ingredients. If made with pan drippings, it can be higher in fat and calories. However, skimming the fat or using low-fat broth can result in a very low-calorie sauce.

A common serving size for prepared au jus is 1/4 cup. This is typically made from a small amount of dry mix, such as 1/2 or 1 teaspoon.