Is there dairy in gravy? Your guide to understanding ingredients and alternatives

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

The dairy content in gravy is not a given; it's a variable dependent on the recipe used. The question of 'is there dairy in gravy?' arises from the fact that many classic preparations, especially white or country-style gravies, traditionally incorporate milk or butter, while many savory alternatives exist.

Quick Summary

Gravy's dairy content depends on the recipe. While classic country gravies often include milk and butter, traditional brown gravies and vegan options are made without dairy, using stock or plant-based alternatives.

Key Points

Gravy type matters: The presence of dairy in gravy depends entirely on the recipe, with white or country gravies containing dairy and traditional brown gravies typically being dairy-free.
Dairy is found in creamy gravies: White or country-style gravies typically use milk and butter, making them dairy-heavy. These are the primary types to watch out for if you have dairy restrictions.
Brown gravy is often safe: Traditional brown gravies, made from meat drippings and stock, are usually dairy-free and are a good option for those avoiding dairy.
Substitutions are easy: Making dairy-free gravy from scratch is simple by swapping butter for oil or vegan butter, and milk for broth or neutral plant-based milk like oat milk.
Check labels for store-bought: Always read the ingredients on pre-made gravies and mixes, as they can contain hidden dairy products like milk powder, butter, or whey.
Vegan gravy is dairy-free: Many delicious and savory vegan gravy recipes use vegetable stock and plant-based fats, guaranteeing a dairy-free result.

The Dairy Debate: What's in Traditional Gravy?

Gravy recipes vary widely, with the presence of dairy hinging on the type of gravy being made. The base of many gravies is a roux, a thickener made from a fat and flour cooked together. The liquid then added to the roux is what most often dictates whether the final product contains dairy.

Classic Brown Gravy: Often Dairy-Free

Traditional brown gravies, such as those served with a Sunday roast or mashed potatoes, are often naturally dairy-free. They are typically made from the savory meat drippings left in the pan, a fat, and flour to create a roux. The liquid component is usually a rich broth or stock (beef, chicken, or vegetable), which adds deep color and flavor without the need for milk. For individuals with a lactose intolerance or dairy allergy, traditional brown gravies are often a safe and delicious option.

Country or White Gravy: The Dairy Connection

On the other hand, country or white gravies are where you will almost always find dairy. Popular in Southern US cuisine, this creamy sauce is famously served over biscuits. The classic recipe calls for butter and milk to create the thick, opaque, and creamy consistency. Sausage gravy, a common variation, also includes milk. For those avoiding dairy, it is crucial to either confirm the ingredients of a restaurant-made version or to seek a specifically dairy-free recipe for homemade versions.

Navigating Gravy in a Dairy-Free Diet

For people managing dairy restrictions, whether for an allergy, lactose intolerance, or personal choice, the key is awareness. It is entirely possible to enjoy rich, flavorful gravy without a single dairy product.

Checking Store-Bought Gravy

Read the Label: The most reliable method is to check the ingredients list. Look for milk, butter, or milk powder. Be aware that some products may contain whey or casein, which are milk derivatives.
Consider Vegan Options: Many companies now offer vegan gravy mixes and canned gravies. These are typically made with vegetable broth and thickeners like cornstarch or flour and are guaranteed to be dairy-free.
Inspect Gravy Mixes: Some country gravy mixes, in particular, may contain powdered milk. Always review the ingredients before purchasing.

Making Dairy-Free Gravy from Scratch Creating a delicious dairy-free gravy is straightforward with the right substitutions. By understanding the role of each ingredient, you can create a perfect sauce for any meal.

Fat: Replace butter with a neutral oil, such as olive oil, canola oil, or vegan butter. For a richer flavor, use pan drippings from a roast or a flavorful cooking oil.
Thickener: All-purpose flour is a standard thickener, forming a roux with the fat. For a gluten-free option, cornstarch or arrowroot powder can be used as a slurry (mixed with cold liquid) added at the end of cooking.
Liquid: Substitute milk or cream with a rich broth, stock, or a plant-based milk. Unsweetened, neutral-flavored oat milk is an excellent option for creamy gravies, and a full-bodied stock can add depth to brown gravies.

Traditional Gravy vs. Dairy-Free Alternatives

To better illustrate the differences, here is a comparison of typical gravy types:


Feature	Traditional Brown Gravy	Traditional White/Country Gravy	Dairy-Free Gravy Alternative
Primary Fat	Meat drippings, butter, or oil	Butter	Oil, vegan butter, or meat drippings
Thickening Agent	All-purpose flour	All-purpose flour	Flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
Liquid Base	Beef, chicken, or vegetable stock/broth	Milk (often whole or 2%)	Broth, water, or plant-based milk (e.g., oat milk)
Flavor Profile	Rich, savory, and meaty	Creamy, peppery, and often milder	Savory, adaptable, and can be rich in flavor depending on the stock
Texture	Smooth and moderately thick	Thick and opaque	Smooth and can be made to desired thickness
Dairy Content	Typically dairy-free, but check for butter	Always contains dairy	Dairy-free

Dairy-Free Gravy Recipes and Tips

With a little creativity, you can craft a delicious gravy for any meal without dairy. Here are some options:

Simple Vegetable Gravy: Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, make a roux with flour, and slowly whisk in a robust vegetable broth. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or sage.
Mushroom Gravy: For a rich umami flavor, sauté mushrooms and shallots in oil before adding flour and vegetable broth. Soy sauce or miso can deepen the color and savory taste.
Creamy Vegan Gravy: For a country-style substitute, use a neutral plant-based milk like oat milk or unsweetened almond milk. Thicken with a roux made from vegan butter and flour. Add plenty of black pepper for that classic bite.
Using Pan Drippings: For a roast, collect the pan drippings and use them as your fat source. Deglaze the pan with broth or wine to capture all the flavorful bits before proceeding with your dairy-free roux.

Conclusion: Your Gravy, Your Choice

So, is there dairy in gravy? The definitive answer is that it depends on the recipe, but it is certainly not a requirement. With an understanding of the basic components of gravy and the many dairy-free substitutions available, you can confidently prepare a delicious, savory sauce that meets your dietary needs. Whether you stick with a traditional brown gravy, opt for a simple vegan alternative, or experiment with a creamy plant-based version, you can enjoy this classic comfort food worry-free. For more ideas on how to manage your diet, you can find helpful resources online, such as the Healthy Food Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, gravy is not always made with dairy. The dairy content depends on the type of gravy. While white or country gravies traditionally contain milk and butter, many brown gravies are made with meat drippings, stock, and flour, and are dairy-free.

The main difference is the liquid base. Brown gravy typically uses meat or vegetable stock, while white or country gravy is made with milk, cream, or butter, which are dairy products.

Yes, you can easily make gravy without milk. Many delicious recipes use stock, broth, or water as the liquid base instead of milk. For a creamy texture, unsweetened plant-based milks like oat or almond milk can also be used.

Dairy-free gravy can be thickened using a few methods. The most common is making a roux with fat (like oil or vegan butter) and flour. Alternatively, a slurry made from cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with cold liquid can be whisked in at the end of cooking.

No, traditional biscuits and gravy are not dairy-free. Both the biscuits and the sausage gravy are typically made with milk and butter. However, many recipes are available for dairy-free versions that use plant-based substitutes.

For a creamy gravy, unsweetened oat milk is often recommended for its neutral flavor and rich texture. Unsweetened almond milk and full-fat canned coconut milk can also be used, though they may impart a slight flavor.

Always read the ingredients list on the packaging. Look for 'milk' or 'butter', as well as milk derivatives like 'whey', 'casein', or 'lactose'. Vegan products are guaranteed to be dairy-free.

No, traditional beef gravy is typically dairy-free. It uses beef drippings, flour, and beef stock to create a savory, rich brown sauce. However, some variations may add butter, so it's always best to check the specific recipe.