For anyone watching their caloric intake, understanding the nutrition facts of what you eat, even condiments, is important. When it comes to Cracker Barrel, a common point of confusion arises from the restaurant's different gravy options and whether you're looking at the retail mix or the gravy served hot in-store.
The Retail Mix vs. Restaurant Gravy
When most people search for the calories in Cracker Barrel brown gravy, they often find conflicting information, which stems from the two different products. The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Brown Gravy Mix is the powdered, at-home version sold in their retail store and elsewhere. A single prepared serving (based on the mix) is indeed very low in calories, approximately 20. However, this is not the gravy that typically comes with meals like mashed potatoes in the restaurant.
The gravy served in the restaurant is most often the Sawmill Gravy, a creamy, Southern-style white gravy made with pan drippings. This is a completely different product with a much higher calorie count. For example, a side serving of Sawmill Gravy can contain 160 calories, while larger portions, like a 10 oz serving, can reach 400 calories. Some sources also list a brown gravy for catering, showing 16 oz for 430 calories, further indicating the caloric difference in restaurant-prepared items.
A Closer Look at Ingredients and Preparation
The ingredient list for the retail mix reveals why it is so low in calories, primarily consisting of modified food starch, maltodextrin, salt, and enriched bleached flour. It relies on a blend of ingredients for flavor and thickening, with minimal fat. In contrast, the sawmill gravy and other restaurant-style gravies are thickened with a roux (flour and fat) and incorporate pan drippings or other fatty components, leading to a much richer, and more calorically dense, final product.
Nutritional Information Comparison
To highlight the nutritional differences, let's compare three common gravy options:
| Feature | Cracker Barrel Brown Gravy Mix (1 serving) | Cracker Barrel Sawmill Gravy (Side) | Average Homemade Brown Gravy (1/4 cup) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 20 kcal | 160 kcal | ~23 kcal |
| Total Fat | 1 g | 10 g | ~0.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g | 4 g | ~0.2 g |
| Sodium | 140 mg | 320 mg | ~190 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g | 12 g | ~3.6 g |
Note: Serving sizes and preparation methods can cause variations. The homemade gravy calories can change based on the type and amount of fat used.
Navigating Your Cracker Barrel Order for Nutrition
When ordering at Cracker Barrel, it's crucial to be mindful of the significant caloric impact of side dishes, and gravy is a prime example. The seemingly innocent drizzle can add hundreds of calories, particularly when served with other calorie-dense items like biscuits (140-160 cal each) or mashed potatoes (160 cal for a side).
Here are a few tips to make more informed choices:
- Ask for Gravy on the Side: This gives you full control over how much you add to your meal, allowing you to moderate your intake.
- Opt for Sauces with Fewer Calories: While sawmill gravy is a Southern staple, there are other, lighter ways to flavor your food. Consider asking for alternative sauces or just enjoying the natural flavor of the meat.
- Create Your Own Gravy at Home: For those who want the flavor without the high calories, making gravy at home is a great alternative. You can use less fat and low-sodium broth to create a healthier version. Many recipes use a cornstarch slurry instead of a fatty roux for thickening.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the calorie count for Cracker Barrel brown gravy is not as straightforward as it may seem at first glance. While the retail mix is low in calories, the restaurant's Sawmill Gravy adds substantial calories and fat to a meal. By understanding the distinction between these two products and practicing portion control, you can still enjoy the classic country flavors without derailing your nutritional goals. For the most accurate nutritional information for your specific order, refer to Cracker Barrel’s official website.
