How Many Carbs Are in a Serving of Beef Gravy?

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

Gravy's carbohydrate content is not static and can vary significantly, with store-bought versions often containing more than homemade recipes. The number of carbs in a serving of beef gravy primarily depends on the thickening agent used, making it a key factor for those on low-carb diets.

Quick Summary

The carb count in beef gravy varies based on whether it is homemade or store-bought and the type of thickening agent used. Traditional thickeners like flour and cornstarch add significant carbohydrates, while low-carb alternatives like xanthan gum or pure reduction can drastically lower the count. Nutritional information can differ greatly between products.

Key Points

Thickener is Key: The primary source of carbs in beef gravy is the thickener, such as flour or cornstarch.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade gravy tends to have fewer carbs than many canned or instant mixes, which often contain added starches and sugars.
Keto-Friendly Alternatives: Low-carb gravies can be made using thickeners like xanthan gum, glucomannan, or by reducing the sauce naturally.
Gravy Carbs Vary Widely: A standard 1/4 cup serving of traditional gravy can have several grams of carbs, while a low-carb alternative can have less than one gram.
Reduction is an Option: Simmering pan juices can naturally thicken the gravy, eliminating the need for starchy thickeners entirely.
Check the Label: Always read nutrition facts on store-bought gravy to understand the carb count and ingredients, especially if you have dietary restrictions.

The Carb Breakdown: What Influences Beef Gravy's Nutrition?

The carbohydrate content of beef gravy is not a fixed number; it's a dynamic value influenced by several factors, most notably the ingredients and preparation method. While the beef broth base itself contains minimal carbs, the additives used for flavor and thickness are the primary contributors. For many traditional recipes and store-bought varieties, the culprit is a starchy thickening agent. Understanding these ingredients is the first step to controlling your carb intake when enjoying this classic sauce.

Traditional Thickeners: The Primary Source of Carbs

The most common way to thicken gravy is with a roux, a mixture of flour and fat, or a cornstarch slurry. These ingredients are pure carbohydrates and, therefore, directly contribute to the overall carb count of the final product. A single tablespoon of all-purpose flour contains approximately 4.2 grams of carbs, while cornstarch has about 7.3 grams per tablespoon. A typical gravy recipe might use multiple tablespoons of flour or cornstarch, spreading that carb load across several servings. The quantity and type of thickener used can make a substantial difference in the nutritional profile of the gravy.

How Homemade and Store-Bought Gravy Compare

There is a notable difference between the carbohydrate levels in homemade beef gravy and its store-bought counterpart. Homemade gravy often relies on a simple flour-and-fat roux, with carb counts fluctuating based on the recipe. On the other hand, commercial gravies may contain added sugars, modified food starches, and other thickeners that can increase their carb load. Reading the nutrition label is crucial for store-bought products to ensure you know exactly what you are consuming. Some brands offer healthier or reduced-sodium versions, but these may also have different carb content.

Low-Carb Alternatives for Thickening Gravy

For those following a ketogenic, paleo, or other low-carb diet, traditional gravy is often off-limits. However, with a few substitutions, you can achieve a thick, flavorful beef gravy with very few net carbs.

Xanthan Gum: A small amount of this powdered thickener goes a long way. It creates a smooth consistency without adding any carbs, making it a popular choice for keto recipes.
Glucomannan Powder: Similar to xanthan gum, glucomannan is a fiber-based thickener derived from the konjac plant that contains very few carbs.
Heavy Cream or Cream Cheese: Adding a high-fat dairy product can naturally thicken and enrich the gravy without relying on starchy thickeners.
Reduction: By simply simmering the beef stock or pan juices for a longer period, you can reduce the liquid and naturally concentrate its flavors, resulting in a thicker consistency without any additives.

These low-carb alternatives provide a way to enjoy the rich flavor of beef gravy while adhering to specific dietary restrictions.

Comparison Table: Carb Count by Gravy Type

To better illustrate the variance in carb content, here is a comparison of different types of beef gravy based on typical preparation methods and thickening agents.


Gravy Type	Thickening Agent	Estimated Carbs per 1/4 cup (approx.)	Typical Serving Size	Key Dietary Considerations
Homemade Flour Gravy	Flour, Fat	~2-5 grams	1/4 cup	Carbs vary with recipe; gluten content
Store-Bought Canned	Modified Food Starch, Sugars	~3-5 grams	1/4 cup (2 oz)	Check label for additives; higher sodium
Homemade Keto Gravy	Xanthan Gum, Cream	<1 gram	1/4 cup	Low carb; excellent for keto diet
Powdered/Instant Mix	Wheat Flour, Starches	~6-8 grams (prepared)	1/4 cup	Highest carb potential; check ingredients

What This Means for Your Diet

For individuals on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, traditional beef gravy made with flour or cornstarch is a significant source of carbohydrates that can easily exceed daily limits. A small serving of homemade gravy can have 2-5g of carbs, while a similar serving of instant or canned gravy can be higher due to added ingredients. Substituting thickeners with low-carb options like xanthan gum or heavy cream is the most effective strategy for making gravy keto-friendly. However, for those not restricting carbs, moderate portions of traditional gravy are an acceptable part of a balanced diet. Ultimately, the nutritional impact depends on the total amount consumed and the specific ingredients used.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Gravy for Your Needs

In summary, the question of how many carbs are in a serving of beef gravy is not straightforward; it depends on the ingredients. Traditional gravies, thickened with flour or cornstarch, can contain several grams of carbohydrates per serving, while store-bought versions may have even more due to added starches and sugars. For those following a low-carb lifestyle, homemade keto-friendly gravies thickened with xanthan gum or heavy cream offer a delicious, virtually carb-free alternative. By being mindful of the thickening agent and checking nutritional labels, you can enjoy beef gravy regardless of your dietary goals. For an excellent low-carb option, try a reduction-based recipe that uses no thickeners at all, relying solely on concentrated flavor.

For a delicious, carb-conscious gravy recipe, check out this guide on How to Make Keto Gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, traditional beef gravy typically has carbs, primarily from the thickening agents used, such as flour or cornstarch. The base beef broth has very few carbs, but the final product's carb count depends heavily on how it is thickened.

The carb count varies by brand and type. For example, a 2 oz (1/4 cup) serving of a canned, ready-to-serve beef gravy can contain around 4 grams of total carbohydrates. Always check the product's nutrition label for the most accurate information.

To make a lower-carb beef gravy, use an alternative thickener like xanthan gum, glucomannan powder, or heavy cream instead of flour or cornstarch. You can also thicken it by simply simmering and reducing the liquid.

Traditional beef gravy is generally not suitable for a strict keto diet due to its high carb content from thickeners. However, a specially prepared keto-friendly beef gravy using alternative thickeners like xanthan gum is appropriate.

Cornstarch significantly increases the carb content of gravy. It is a pure starch and has nearly double the thickening power of flour, so even a small amount can add a notable number of carbs to the final dish.

A reduced gravy is made by simmering the liquid to evaporate water and concentrate flavor, thickening it naturally without adding any extra carbs. This is a great option for those seeking a carb-free sauce.

Flour adds carbs and creates a more opaque gravy, while cornstarch adds more carbs per tablespoon but produces a glossier, more transparent sauce. Cornstarch also has stronger thickening power, so you can use less of it.