Is there such a thing as vegan gravy? Yes, and it’s a nutritious culinary delight

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 7% of the world's population identifies as vegan, prompting a rise in delicious plant-based alternatives to classic dishes. For those wondering, 'Is there such a thing as vegan gravy?', the answer is a resounding yes. It can be prepared using a variety of savory ingredients to create a rich, flavorful, and satisfying sauce that rivals its traditional counterpart.

Quick Summary

This article explores the world of plant-based gravy, detailing the key ingredients that replace meat drippings and dairy. It covers the essential components for achieving a rich umami flavor and creamy texture. The guide also compares the nutritional benefits of vegan versus traditional gravy and provides a simple, foundational recipe.

Key Points

Yes, Vegan Gravy Exists: It is entirely possible to create a rich, savory, and satisfying gravy using only plant-based ingredients.
Umami from Plants: The deep, savory flavor, known as umami, is achieved using ingredients like mushrooms, nutritional yeast, miso, and soy sauce.
Healthier Profile: Vegan gravy typically contains significantly less saturated fat and is cholesterol-free compared to traditional gravy.
Thickening Options: Common plant-based thickeners include a roux made with vegan butter and flour, a cornstarch slurry, or blending in ingredients like cooked beans.
Incredibly Versatile: Vegan gravy pairs perfectly with a wide array of dishes, including mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and vegan roasts.
Easy Preparation: Many vegan gravy recipes are surprisingly simple and can be made in under 30 minutes with common pantry ingredients.

The Flavor Foundation of Vegan Gravy

Traditional gravy relies on meat drippings and animal fats for its depth of flavor and rich consistency. Vegan gravy, however, draws on a wealth of plant-based ingredients to build complex layers of savory, umami taste. The flavor foundation is typically built on aromatic vegetables, high-umami ingredients, and a flavorful liquid base. By combining these elements, you can achieve a gravy that is every bit as satisfying as a meat-based version.

The Umami Boost: Mushrooms, Miso, and Soy Sauce

Umami, the fifth basic taste, is what gives traditional gravy its meaty, savory character. For vegan versions, several plant-based ingredients provide this crucial element. Mushrooms are a classic choice, as they release a deep, earthy flavor when sautéed. Shiitake and cremini mushrooms are particularly effective. Miso paste, a fermented soybean paste, offers a concentrated savory flavor that instantly adds depth. A touch of soy sauce or tamari also contributes to the rich, salty, and savory profile. Nutritional yeast, often referred to as "nooch," provides a cheesy, nutty, and savory note that enhances the overall flavor without any animal products.

Creating the Creamy Base and Thickeners

Texture is key to a great gravy. For a creamy consistency, vegan butter or olive oil is often used to create a roux with all-purpose flour or a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch. A cornstarch slurry, mixed with a portion of the liquid and added at the end, is another popular method for thickening the gravy without clumps. Some recipes even utilize cooked cannellini beans blended into the mix for a smooth, thick, and healthy finish. The base liquid is typically a high-quality vegetable broth, though some recipes call for specialized "no-beef" or "no-chicken" flavored broths for a more specific taste profile.

Different Kinds of Vegan Gravy

Gravy can be as simple or complex as you like, and the vegan varieties offer similar versatility. A simple brown gravy can be made with just a few pantry staples, while a mushroom gravy adds a chunky, rustic texture. Here are a few options to explore:

Simple Vegan Brown Gravy: A classic made with a vegan butter and flour roux, vegetable broth, and soy sauce.
Vegan Mushroom Gravy: Incorporates sautéed mushrooms for a richer, meatier flavor and texture.
Herbed Vegan Gravy: Infused with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage for an aromatic, festive sauce.
Creamy White Gravy: Uses a non-dairy milk base, such as soy or canned coconut milk, for a smooth, rich, and decadent finish.

Nutritional Considerations

One of the main advantages of vegan gravy is its healthier nutritional profile compared to its traditional, meat-based counterpart. By swapping out animal fats and drippings, vegan gravy can be lower in saturated fat and calories while still delivering a satisfying flavor.


Feature	Traditional Gravy	Vegan Gravy
Fat Source	Animal fat/drippings	Plant-based butter or oil
Saturated Fat	Often high	Generally low to none
Cholesterol	Contains cholesterol	Cholesterol-free
Protein Source	Meat drippings	Nutritional yeast, miso, beans
Micronutrients	Can be limited	Can be fortified with nutrients from ingredients like nutritional yeast (B vitamins)

For those watching their sodium intake, using low-sodium vegetable broth and tamari instead of soy sauce can help manage the salt content without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make a Simple Vegan Gravy

Making vegan gravy is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. A standard method involves creating a roux and then building the flavor with broth and seasonings. Here is a simple, effective recipe:

Melt 1/4 cup of vegan butter or oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Sauté 1/2 a chopped onion for 5-10 minutes until soft and translucent. You can also add 1-2 cloves of minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour until a thick paste forms. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in 2-3 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option) and 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning. Don't worry, poultry seasoning is a blend of herbs and contains no animal products.
Simmer the gravy for 5-10 minutes, or until it reaches your desired thickness. For a smoother gravy, you can strain out the onions after simmering or use an immersion blender.

Perfect Pairings for Vegan Gravy

Vegan gravy is incredibly versatile and can elevate many dishes. It’s perfect for the holidays and everyday comfort food alike.

Classic Comfort: Drizzle over mashed potatoes for a creamy, savory side dish.
Holiday Mains: Serve alongside a vegan meatloaf or nut roast for a traditional holiday feel.
Savory Breakfast: Pour over vegan biscuits for a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Vegetable Topper: Enhance roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or parsnips.
Poutine: Create a vegan version of the Canadian classic by pouring it over fries and vegan cheese curds.

Conclusion: The Delicious Reality of Vegan Gravy

For those who adhere to a plant-based lifestyle, the absence of animal products does not mean sacrificing the rich, savory taste of a good gravy. As we've explored, creating a flavorful, comforting vegan gravy is not only possible but also offers a healthier alternative. With a few key plant-based ingredients like nutritional yeast, mushrooms, and miso, and the right thickening techniques, anyone can master this kitchen staple. Whether for a special holiday meal or a simple weeknight dinner, vegan gravy proves that a plant-based diet is filled with delicious possibilities. Its nutritional benefits and versatility make it a compelling choice for everyone at the table, vegan or not.

For a great vegan mashed potato recipe to pair with your gravy, try this guide from The Edgy Veg.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vegan gravy is made from a flavorful vegetable broth base, and often uses ingredients such as sautéed mushrooms, onions, garlic, nutritional yeast, miso paste, and soy sauce for a deep, umami flavor. It is thickened with flour or a cornstarch slurry and typically uses vegan butter or oil as a fat source.

Yes, vegan gravy can easily be made gluten-free. Instead of using all-purpose flour for thickening, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or create a cornstarch slurry. For flavor, use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Despite its name, poultry seasoning is a blend of herbs and spices and is typically 100% vegan. Common ingredients include sage, thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and nutmeg, and it adds a savory, herbaceous flavor to vegan gravy.

To achieve a richer flavor, consider using dark miso paste, a high-quality, concentrated vegetable broth like Better Than Bouillon, or even adding a small splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan and add complexity.

Yes, vegan gravy can be made up to 3-5 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, it will likely have thickened, so you may need to add a splash of water or extra broth to achieve your desired consistency.

For those avoiding soy, you can substitute soy sauce with tamari (if gluten isn't an issue), coconut aminos (which are slightly sweeter), or by simply increasing the amount of vegetable bouillon and nutritional yeast.

For creamy gravy, unsweetened, full-fat canned coconut milk is an excellent choice for its richness and texture without a strong coconut flavor. Soy milk or oat milk can also be used for a slightly less rich but still creamy result.