Is Gravy Animal-Based? Understanding the Ingredients

October 29, 2025 •

3 min read

Traditional gravy is typically made from the juices left in the pan after roasting a joint of meat, but this is far from the only type available. The question, "is gravy animal-based?" therefore has a complex answer that depends on the specific ingredients and recipe being used.

Quick Summary

Gravy can be either animal-based, using meat drippings, fat, and stock, or plant-based, using vegetable broth and other vegan ingredients. The core components, such as the fat and liquid, determine if it is suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets.

Key Points

Traditional Gravy is Animal-Based: Classic recipes rely on meat drippings, fat, and animal stock for flavor.
Not All Gravy is Animal-Based: Many delicious vegan and vegetarian alternatives are available, using vegetable stock and other plant-based ingredients.
Check the Ingredients: For pre-made or restaurant gravy, always ask about the ingredients or check the label, as many contain animal products.
Plant-Based Alternatives are Flavorful: Ingredients like mushrooms, nutritional yeast, and soy sauce can create a rich, savory flavor that rivals traditional gravy.
Homemade is Safest for Dietary Needs: The most reliable way to ensure your gravy is animal-based or plant-based is to prepare it yourself.

The Traditional Animal-Based Gravy

Historically, and in many kitchens today, gravy is deeply connected to meat cookery. The most traditional method of making gravy involves using the pan drippings from a roasted meat, such as beef, chicken, or turkey. These flavorful drippings are combined with a thickener, typically flour, and then whisked with a liquid, like meat stock, to create a rich and savory sauce. Dairy products, particularly butter, are also common in these recipes, especially for richer varieties like white or country gravy.

Key components of animal-based gravy

Meat drippings and fat: The flavorful juices and fats rendered from meat during cooking form the base.
Stock: A broth made by simmering animal bones and meat with vegetables, adding depth of flavor.
Dairy: Ingredients like butter or milk are frequently used for thickening and creating a creamy texture, especially in white gravies.

The Rise of Plant-Based and Vegetarian Gravy Options

As diets have diversified, so too has the world of gravy. Many people now seek or prefer vegetarian and vegan options, and creative chefs have developed equally delicious plant-based alternatives. These gravies replace animal products with vegetarian-friendly ingredients to achieve a similar taste, texture, and richness.

Ingredients in vegetarian and vegan gravy

Instead of meat drippings, plant-based gravies build flavor using different ingredients. Here are some common substitutions and flavor enhancers:

Vegetable Broth: This provides the liquid base and savory flavor without the use of meat.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms and mushroom powder are excellent for creating a deep, umami flavor that mimics the richness of meat-based gravy.
Nutritional Yeast: This deactivated yeast adds a cheesy, nutty, and savory dimension, boosting the overall flavor.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: These ingredients add a rich, salty, and umami quality, similar to the complex flavor profile of meat stock.
Vegan Butter or Oil: Plant-based fats like vegan butter or olive oil are used to create the roux for thickening.
Wine: A splash of red or white wine can add another layer of complexity and depth to the flavor profile.

Comparison Table: Animal-Based vs. Plant-Based Gravy


Feature	Animal-Based Gravy	Plant-Based Gravy
Flavor Base	Meat drippings, meat stock, and rendered fat	Vegetable broth, mushrooms, nutritional yeast, or soy sauce
Thickener	Flour and/or cornstarch, often combined with butter for a roux	Flour and/or cornstarch, combined with oil or vegan butter for a roux
Texture	Can range from thin to thick and creamy, depending on ingredients	Easily made to achieve a rich and creamy texture similar to traditional gravy
Flavor Profile	Often savory and meaty, varying based on the type of meat used (e.g., beef, chicken, pork)	Can be earthy (mushroom), savory, or herbaceous, depending on the flavorings used
Dietary Suitability	Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans	Suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets

How to Determine if Your Gravy is Animal-Based

When dining out or buying pre-made gravy, the ingredients may not be obvious. Here's how to tell:

Restaurant or deli gravy

Most traditional restaurants and delis serve animal-based gravy made with meat drippings and stock, especially if it's brown gravy served with a meat dish. It is always best to ask the staff if you have dietary restrictions.

Packaged gravy mixes

Reading the ingredient label is crucial for packaged gravies. While some major brands like Bisto have inadvertently vegan versions, many others contain animal-derived ingredients like beef powder, chicken stock, or milk products. Look for phrases like "beef flavor," "chicken bouillon," or "hydrolyzed milk solids."

Homemade gravy

The most reliable way to ensure a gravy is animal-based or plant-based is to make it yourself. Controlling the fat, stock, and seasonings guarantees it meets your dietary needs.

Conclusion: Navigating the World of Gravy

To answer the question, "is gravy animal-based?" the definitive response is that it depends. While traditional recipes are founded on meat drippings and stock, the culinary landscape has evolved to include many delicious plant-based versions. Whether you are a devoted carnivore, a vegan, or somewhere in between, the ingredients will determine the final product. Fortunately, with the right knowledge, you can easily find or create a gravy that satisfies your palate and your dietary preferences. For those seeking reliable plant-based options, preparing your own gravy from scratch with ingredients like vegetable stock, mushrooms, and nutritional yeast is a foolproof method.

Authoritative Link

For more information on making traditional and modern gravies from scratch, visit BBC Food's guide to making gravy.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, while traditional brown gravy is typically made from meat drippings and stock, many plant-based versions exist that use vegetable broth, mushrooms, and soy sauce for flavor.

It depends on the gravy. Vegetarians should avoid traditional meat-based gravies but can enjoy gravies made with vegetable stock or other plant-based ingredients, such as mushroom gravy.

Traditional gravy is made from meat drippings, fat, flour (to form a roux), and meat stock, simmered together until thickened.

Vegan gravy is typically made with vegetable broth, plant-based fats like oil or vegan butter, and flavor enhancers such as nutritional yeast, soy sauce, and sautéed mushrooms.

A simple gravy without meat drippings can be made by creating a roux with butter or oil and flour, and then whisking in a liquid like beef or chicken stock (for animal-based) or vegetable stock (for plant-based).

Some store-bought gravy mixes are animal-based, while others may be accidentally vegan, but it is important to always check the ingredient label for animal products like beef powder or milk solids.

White or cream gravy is traditionally made with meat fat, flour, and milk or cream, and is a staple in Southern U.S. cuisine.