Nutrition Diet: Answering How many calories are in Bisto gravy 1 tablespoon?

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a single tablespoon of dry Bisto Original Gravy Powder contains approximately 49 calories. Answering How many calories are in Bisto gravy 1 tablespoon? is not straightforward, however, as the exact count depends on the specific product (powder vs. granules) and its preparation.

Quick Summary

The number of calories in a tablespoon of Bisto gravy varies based on the specific product and whether the gravy is prepared or in its dry form. A tablespoon of dry mix can contain approximately 40 to 50 calories, while prepared gravy is much lower in calories per portion. A balanced diet involves understanding these variations and practicing moderation.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: The number of calories in a tablespoon of Bisto gravy depends on the product type (granules vs. powder) and whether it is prepared or dry.
Original Gravy Powder: One dry tablespoon (20g) of Bisto Original Gravy Powder contains approximately 49 kcal.
Traditional Granules: A 50ml serving of prepared Bisto Traditional Gravy Granules contains just 13 kcal.
Watch the Salt: Pre-packaged gravy mixes, including Bisto, are often high in sodium, which should be considered for a balanced diet.
Healthy Alternative: Opting for homemade gravy using low-sodium broth and cornstarch can significantly reduce calories and control ingredients.
Check Labels: Always verify the nutritional information on the specific Bisto product packaging to be accurate with your calorie tracking.

The Surprising Nuances of Bisto Gravy Calories

Many assume a tablespoon of gravy has a single, fixed calorie count, but this is a misconception when dealing with branded products like Bisto. The brand offers several variations, including traditional granules and original powder, each with different nutritional profiles. A tablespoon of dry Bisto Original Gravy Powder, which weighs about 20g, provides approximately 49 calories. In contrast, a 50ml serving of prepared Bisto Traditional Gravy Granules contains only 13 kcal. This difference is crucial for anyone monitoring their calorie intake.

Bisto Product Variations and Their Calorie Content

Understanding which product you are using is the most important step in calculating your gravy's calories. The Bisto website and other nutrition trackers provide specific data for their different lines.

Bisto The Original Gravy Powder: A single tablespoon (approx. 20g) of the dry powder contains about 49 kcal, primarily from carbohydrates and fat. This product requires mixing with water to create the final gravy.
Bisto Traditional Gravy Granules: The calories here are measured in a serving of the prepared gravy, not the dry granules. A 50ml portion of prepared granules contains roughly 13 kcal. To make this serving, one would typically use four heaped teaspoons (20g) of granules and 280ml of boiling water, so a tablespoon of the dry granules contributes more calories to the final product.
Bisto Instant Gravy for Beef Dishes (Canada): For those using Canadian products, a half-tablespoon (4.8g) of the dry instant mix has 20 calories, equating to 40 calories for a full tablespoon.

Making Healthier Gravy Choices

While Bisto gravy is relatively low in calories, a balanced nutrition diet means considering more than just the calorie count. Store-bought gravies, including Bisto, often contain high levels of sodium, flavor enhancers, and palm fat. For better nutritional control, consider making your own gravy.

Healthy Homemade Gravy Alternatives:

Vegetable-Based Gravy: Create a rich, flavorful gravy by pureeing roasted carrots, onions, and celery with a low-sodium vegetable broth. Thicken with a little cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour.
Herb and Spice Infusion: Use low-sodium broth as a base and add herbs like rosemary and thyme, along with a pinch of garlic or onion powder, for depth of flavor without added fat.
Cornstarch Thickener: A simple, low-fat option is to use a small amount of cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with cold water to thicken a pot of heated, low-sodium broth. This creates a smooth, low-calorie gravy with a clean flavor.

Bisto vs. Homemade: A Nutritional Comparison

To put the calorie and nutritional information into perspective, here is a comparison table for different gravy options.


Feature	Prepared Bisto Granules	Homemade Low-Fat Gravy	Dry Bisto Original Powder
Portion Size	50ml prepared	50ml prepared	1 tbsp (20g) dry
Calories	~13 kcal	~5 kcal	~49 kcal
Fat	0.5g	<0.5g	~1g
Sodium	0.47g	Varies (controlled)	Varies (high)
Control over Ingredients	Low	High	Low
Suitability for Specific Diets	Vegetarians (varies)	Easily customizable (e.g., vegan, GF)	Not ideal for low-sodium diets

Practical Application for Your Nutrition Diet

For those watching their weight or managing specific dietary needs like low sodium, the choice of gravy matters. A small serving of prepared Bisto granules adds minimal calories, but the dry powder is more calorie-dense. The biggest nutritional concern for pre-packaged gravy is often the sodium content, which can be easily controlled with a homemade version. Even a simple, low-fat homemade gravy can provide more nutrients while keeping calorie and sodium counts low. For more healthy cooking inspiration, explore recipe sites like Allrecipes for reduced-fat options.

Conclusion

In short, answering how many calories are in Bisto gravy 1 tablespoon? requires specifying the product. A tablespoon of dry Bisto Original Gravy Powder contains approximately 49 calories, while a serving of prepared Bisto Traditional Gravy Granules is much lower in calories. To make the healthiest choice for your nutrition diet, consider portion size, check the product's specific nutritional information, and explore low-sodium or homemade gravy alternatives for maximum control over your ingredients and sodium intake. Moderation and awareness are key to enjoying a little gravy without compromising your health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many Bisto gravy products are suitable for vegetarians, but it's important to check the specific product's ingredients and packaging. Both the Traditional Gravy Granules and The Original Gravy Powder are typically listed as suitable for vegetarians.

To reduce calories, consider making a homemade gravy with a low-sodium broth as the base. You can thicken it with cornstarch or arrowroot powder instead of flour and butter, and add flavor with herbs and spices.

Bisto gravy can be quite high in sodium, with the traditional granules containing a medium amount of salt per 50ml serving. Individuals on a low-sodium diet should look for the 'Reduced Salt' variety or opt for a homemade alternative.

Key ingredients in Bisto Traditional Gravy Granules include potato starch, maltodextrin, palm fat, salt, wheat flour, and a caramel coloring. It also contains flavor enhancers and emulsifiers.

The calorie difference is substantial. Dry Bisto Original Gravy Powder has about 49 kcal per tablespoon (20g). Once mixed with water, the calories are distributed, resulting in a much lower per-serving amount, such as 13 kcal for a 50ml prepared serving of Traditional Gravy Granules.

Yes, you can use Bisto gravy on a weight loss diet, but portion control is essential. A 50ml serving of prepared gravy is very low in calories (13 kcal), making it a suitable addition to your meal in moderation. However, be mindful of the sodium content.

Yes, different Bisto flavors and formulas, such as those for beef or onion, can have slightly different nutritional values, including calorie and fat content. Always check the specific product label for accurate information.