Nutrition Explained: How many servings are in bisto gravy?

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the official Bisto website, a 190g pack of their Traditional Gravy Granules makes approximately 57 portions. For anyone monitoring their diet, understanding exactly how many servings are in bisto gravy is the first step toward managing overall caloric and sodium intake.

Quick Summary

This article explains how to accurately determine the serving count for various Bisto gravy products based on package type and size. It details the nutritional profile, focusing on fat and sodium, and provides actionable advice for integrating gravy into a balanced diet, including healthier preparation methods.

Key Points

Serving Size Varies: The number of servings in Bisto gravy depends on the product and package size, with a standard serving defined as 50ml prepared.
High in Sodium: Many Bisto varieties are high in sodium, which should be considered when managing dietary salt intake for health conditions like high blood pressure.
Reduced Salt Option: Bisto offers a reduced salt version containing 25% less sodium, providing a healthier choice for frequent consumption.
Nutritional Awareness: Despite being low in calories and sugar per serving, the high fat and salt content warrants mindful portion control and informed choices.
Homemade Alternatives: For optimal health, consider making your own gravy using low-sodium stock and vegetables to control ingredients more effectively.
Portion Control is Key: Sticking to the recommended serving size and not over-pouring is crucial for keeping sodium and fat intake in check.

Understanding Bisto Gravy Servings

For many, Bisto gravy is a staple, but interpreting the serving information on the package can be confusing. The standard serving size for most Bisto products is 50ml of prepared gravy. However, the total number of servings you get from a single package depends on the specific product and its weight. The manufacturer calculates these servings based on standardized measurements, which helps in understanding the product's nutritional impact.

Serving Calculations by Bisto Product

Here is a breakdown of the approximate servings for some common Bisto products, based on their typical package sizes:

Bisto Traditional Gravy Granules (190g): This pack typically yields around 57 portions.
Bisto The Original Gravy Granules (300g): This larger pack contains roughly 90 portions.
Bisto Best Beef Gravy Granules (150g): A smaller, premium version, this jar makes approximately 38 portions.
Bisto Reduced Salt Gravy Granules (450g): The number of servings varies by package, but the preparation method is similar, yielding a large number of portions suitable for regular use.
Catering/Bulk Granules (1.8kg): Designed for larger-scale use, this size can produce approximately 25 litres of gravy, or over 500+ standard 50ml servings.

To be precise, you can always refer to the specific preparation instructions on your package, as ratios of granules to boiling water can be adjusted for thicker or thinner gravy, which will affect the total volume and calorie distribution.

Bisto Gravy and Your Nutritional Goals

While gravy can add flavor and moisture to meals, it's important to be mindful of its nutritional content, especially if you are managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Standard gravy, including Bisto, can be high in sodium and saturated fat, which are key considerations for cardiovascular health.

Nutritional Information Comparison

This table compares the nutritional breakdown per 50ml prepared portion for different Bisto varieties:


Nutritional Value (per 50ml)	Bisto Traditional	Bisto Reduced Salt	Bisto Best Beef	Notes
Energy	~13 kcal	~14 kcal	Not specified per 50ml, likely similar	Calories are relatively low per serving.
Fat	0.5g	0.5g	0.5g	Mostly saturated fat from palm oil.
Saturated Fat	0.4g	0.4g	0.4g	Consistent across most varieties.
Salt	0.47g (8% RI)	0.28g (5% RI)	0.50g	Major dietary difference; Reduced Salt has 25% less.
Carbohydrate	2.0g	2.2g	Not specified per 50ml, likely similar	Primarily from potato starch and maltodextrin.
Sugars	<0.5g	0.6g	<0.5g	Very low sugar content.

*RI = Reference Intake for adults.

Incorporating Gravy into a Healthy Diet

To enjoy gravy without derailing your nutritional goals, consider the following strategies:

Practice portion control: Stick to the recommended 50ml serving size, especially for those watching their sodium or fat intake. Using a smaller utensil or a measuring spoon can help. The FDA emphasizes the importance of understanding the serving size listed on labels.
Opt for lower-salt versions: Bisto Reduced Salt granules offer a 25% reduction in sodium compared to the standard version, a simple and effective choice for lowering salt intake.
Dilute your gravy: If you find the flavor too intense, simply use a little less powder and more water. This reduces the concentration of sodium and fat per serving without sacrificing the overall meal experience.
Pair with lean protein: Serving gravy with lean meats like chicken breast or turkey, rather than fattier cuts, can help balance the overall nutritional profile of your meal.

Making Healthier Gravy Alternatives

For those who prefer a more wholesome approach, making your own gravy or modifying a packet mix offers greater control over ingredients. The high sodium content in pre-packaged gravy is often the biggest nutritional drawback, but this can be managed with mindful preparation.

To create a healthier, homemade gravy, you can use low-sodium stock, adding flavor through herbs, spices, and finely chopped vegetables like onions and carrots, which can be blitzed for a smooth consistency. Other thickeners like cornflour mixed with cold water can be used instead of relying solely on the fat content. Another option is to thicken with pureed beans, which adds fiber and neutralizes excess salt.

Even with a packet mix, you can enhance its nutritional value. For instance, you could add water that you've used to boil vegetables, incorporating some of the nutrients back into the gravy. For those following specific diets, such as a keto diet, alternative flours and thickeners can be used.

Conclusion

Determining how many servings are in bisto gravy is not just about counting portions but about understanding the nutritional implications of each. While convenient and flavorful, Bisto gravy can be high in sodium. By selecting reduced-salt versions, controlling portion sizes, or exploring healthier homemade alternatives, you can ensure that this classic addition to your meal fits within a balanced and mindful diet. Always read the label and adjust your consumption to match your personal health goals. For further information on portion control and nutrition labels, consult reliable resources like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Frequently Asked Questions

To calculate the servings, check the package for the total number of portions it yields. For example, a 190g pack of traditional granules makes approximately 57 portions, based on a standard 50ml prepared serving.

The recommended serving size for Bisto gravy is typically 50ml of the prepared gravy. All nutritional information on the packaging is based on this standard amount.

Bisto gravy is not inherently bad for you, but its high sodium and fat content should be managed through portion control. Healthier options like the Reduced Salt version or homemade gravy are also available.

Yes, Bisto offers a Reduced Salt Gravy Granules product, which contains 25% less salt than the standard equivalent, making it a better choice for those monitoring their sodium intake.

You can make Bisto gravy healthier by using less powder and more water to dilute the sodium, choosing the reduced-salt version, or adding vegetable water for extra nutrients. You can also pair it with lean meats and high-fiber vegetables.

Yes, Bisto Traditional and some other gravy granules are suitable for vegetarians. It is important to check the specific product's packaging for a vegetarian suitability claim, as ingredients can vary.

The primary thickening agents in Bisto gravy are potato starch and maltodextrin. For homemade alternatives, cornflour or even pureed beans can be used for thickening.