What is Gravy Browning Made Of?
Gravy browning is a kitchen essential for many cooks, used to deepen the color of sauces, stews, and, of course, gravy. Contrary to some assumptions, most modern, commercially produced gravy browning is not derived from animal products. The primary ingredient is typically ammonia caramel (also known as E150c), a food coloring created by heating sugar with ammonia. This process gives it a deep brown color and a slightly burnt sugar flavor that is used to enhance the appearance of food without significantly altering the taste. Common components also include water and salt, with specific recipes varying by brand.
Common Ingredients in Commercial Gravy Browning
A typical bottle of gravy browning contains only a few key ingredients, making it relatively simple to check its suitability for a vegetarian diet. Here’s a breakdown of what you'll find:
- Colour (Ammonia Caramel / E150c): This is the main ingredient responsible for the rich brown color. It is made from sugar and is not an animal product.
- Salt: Used for seasoning and preservation.
- Water: The base liquid for the concentrate.
Because the core ingredient is a plant-derived caramel, and no animal fats or meat extracts are traditionally used in the preparation of standard gravy browning, it is widely considered suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike. However, it is always crucial to check the label for any added ingredients, particularly if it's not a pure 'browning' but a thickened gravy powder mix, which can contain other flavorings.
Brand-Specific Gravy Browning Information
While most standard browning products are safe, brands can differ slightly in their ingredients and production methods. Always read the product label for the most accurate information. Several popular brands explicitly state their vegetarian and vegan suitability on their packaging.
- Schwartz Gravy Browning: Clearly labeled as suitable for a vegetarian and vegan diet, making it a reliable choice. Its primary ingredients are color (ammonia caramel), salt, and water.
- Sarson's Gravy Browning: Often explicitly states its vegetarian suitability. Open Food Facts analysis confirms its ingredients are vegan and vegetarian friendly.
- Bisto Gravy Powder vs. Browning: Be aware of the distinction. Bisto's Original Gravy Powder is suitable for vegetarians and uses color E150c. However, some other Bisto products, particularly granules or flavor-specific mixes, may contain animal products, so checking the specific product is vital.
Comparison of Gravy Browning Products and Alternatives
For a clearer picture, here is a comparison table of typical gravy browning products and other vegetarian alternatives you can use to achieve a deep, rich color and flavor in your cooking.
| Feature | Commercial Gravy Browning (e.g., Sarson's) | Homemade Burnt Sugar Browning | Vegetarian Bouillon/Stock | Dark Soy Sauce or Tamari |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian/Vegan | Yes, for most pure browning products. Check label. | Yes | Yes, check ingredients for dairy/animal products. | Yes, Tamari is a great GF option. |
| Main Use | Adds rich, dark color to sauces and gravies. | Adds deep color and a slightly smoky flavor. | Adds deep flavor and some color. | Adds umami flavor and darkens sauce. |
| Ingredients | Ammonia Caramel, Salt, Water. | Caramelized sugar and water. | Dehydrated vegetables, seasonings, yeast extract. | Fermented soybeans, salt, wheat (or GF soybeans). |
| Color Intensity | Very intense. A small amount is all you need. | Can vary based on how dark you burn the sugar. | Adds a golden to light brown hue, not a deep brown. | Adds a rich, dark brown color. |
| Flavor Impact | Minimal, slightly burnt sugar taste. | Smoky, slightly bitter if overcooked. | Significant, savory flavor. | Strong, salty, umami flavor. |
| Best For | Quickly adjusting color of any gravy or sauce. | Stews, curries, and rich, long-simmered dishes. | Base for vegetarian gravy. | Adding depth and saltiness to sauces. |
Homemade Vegetarian Gravy Browning
For those who prefer to avoid store-bought additives or want to control their ingredients completely, making your own gravy browning is simple. The process involves caramelizing sugar until it reaches a dark, almost burnt state, then adding water to create a concentrated liquid.
Here is a simple recipe for homemade browning:
- Melt Sugar: Place 1 cup of cane sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Do not stir initially; let the sugar melt and start to turn amber. Gently swirl the pan to ensure even melting.
- Caramelize: Continue cooking until the sugar turns a very dark brown, just before it starts to smoke. This will be the point where it adds maximum color. Be careful not to burn it completely, as this will result in a bitter taste.
- Add Water: Carefully add 1/2 cup of hot water. The mixture will seize and steam vigorously. Remove from the heat and stir until the hardened caramel has dissolved back into a smooth, dark liquid.
- Store: Once cool, store the mixture in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. A small spoonful will be enough to darken your gravy beautifully.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
The good news for vegetarians is that standard gravy browning is almost always a safe and suitable ingredient. Most commercial brands rely on ammonia caramel, a non-animal derived coloring, to achieve their deep brown color. The key takeaway is to develop a habit of checking the ingredient list to be certain, especially when considering powdered mixes that might contain other, non-vegetarian flavorings. For those who want to avoid all additives or simply enjoy a hands-on approach, crafting a homemade version from caramelized sugar is a straightforward and rewarding alternative. By being informed, vegetarians can continue to enjoy rich, deeply colored gravies and sauces without compromise.
Alternative Ways to Darken Vegetarian Gravy
Beyond traditional browning, there are several other techniques to add a darker hue and deeper flavor to vegetarian gravy:
- Toasted Flour: Instead of using plain flour for your roux, lightly toast it in a dry pan over low heat until it turns a deep golden brown before adding your fat. This adds a nutty flavor and darker color.
- Dark Miso Paste: A spoonful of dark, rich miso paste can add a fantastic umami punch and a beautiful, deep brown color to your gravy.
- Yeast Extract (e.g., Marmite): This concentrated spread is an excellent vegetarian and vegan-friendly ingredient for adding depth, color, and a savory flavor. Use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasting your vegetables until they are well-caramelized before making your stock or gravy can impart a natural brown color and a rich, complex flavor.
- Dried Mushrooms: Rehydrating dried porcini or shiitake mushrooms and using the dark, flavorful liquid can significantly deepen the color and add an earthy, savory note to the gravy.
By exploring these various options, both store-bought and homemade, vegetarians can effortlessly achieve a rich, appealing brown gravy that rivals any traditional version.
