What Gravy Is Lactose Free? Your Complete Guide

Did you know that most traditional brown gravy is naturally lactose free? For those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, identifying what gravy is lactose free is crucial for enjoying classic comfort food meals, especially during the holidays, without any digestive distress.

Quick Summary

This guide explains which gravies are typically dairy-free, explores the best lactose-free alternatives for creamy gravy, and provides recipes for both classic brown and white gravy, ensuring flavorful meals for everyone at the table.

Key Points

• Brown Gravy: Traditional brown gravy, made with meat drippings, flour, and stock, is typically lactose-free if made without dairy butter.

• Country Gravy: Creamy country or white gravy, traditionally dairy-based, can be made lactose-free by using non-dairy milk and vegan butter or oil.

• Thickening: Use a flour-based roux with non-dairy fat or a cornstarch/arrowroot slurry to thicken gravy without dairy.

• Milk Alternatives: Unsweetened, unflavored oat, soy, and almond milks are ideal for creamy dairy-free gravy.

• Store-bought Options: Read labels for explicitly 'dairy-free' or 'vegan' gravy mixes and ready-made sauces from brands like Massel or Primal Kitchen.

• Fat Substitutes: Replace butter with equal parts oil or vegan margarine when creating a dairy-free roux.

Naturally Lactose-Free Gravy Options

Many classic gravies are naturally free of lactose, making them safe for those with dietary restrictions. These gravies rely on meat drippings, stock, and a thickening agent, rather than milk or cream. Traditional brown gravy, for instance, is often made by creating a roux from animal fat and flour, then whisking in a liquid like beef or chicken stock. As long as no dairy butter is used in the roux, and no milk is added to finish it, this type of gravy is naturally lactose-free.

• Pan-Dripping Gravy: Made with the leftover fat and flavorful bits from a roasted turkey, chicken, or beef roast. The base is the animal fat, a flour thickener, and stock, making it a reliable dairy-free option.
• Mushroom Gravy: Often made with vegetable stock and sautéed mushrooms, this savory gravy can be made entirely without dairy. Vegan versions use oil or vegan butter for the roux and vegetable stock as the liquid.
• Au Jus: Not a thick gravy, but a flavorful sauce made by reducing meat juices. Since it is simply a reduction of meat stock, it contains no dairy whatsoever.

Making Creamy, Lactose-Free Gravy

While brown gravy is straightforward, creating a creamy white or country-style gravy requires a few smart substitutions. The key is to replace the dairy fat and milk with non-dairy alternatives that still provide the right texture and flavor.

The Roux: Building a Dairy-Free Base

To make a dairy-free roux, simply swap out the butter for a non-dairy fat. Vegan butter, margarine, or a neutral-flavored oil like olive or canola oil works perfectly. The process remains the same: combine equal parts fat and flour over medium heat and whisk until it forms a paste and is cooked through.

Lactose-Free Milk Alternatives

When creating a creamy gravy, the choice of non-dairy milk is crucial for achieving the right taste and consistency. Opt for unsweetened, unflavored varieties to prevent unwanted sweetness.

• Oat Milk: With its naturally creamy texture and neutral flavor, full-fat oat milk is an excellent stand-in for dairy milk in country gravies.
• Soy Milk: Unsweetened soy milk has a rich, creamy consistency that mimics dairy well, making it a popular choice for thick gravies.
• Almond Milk: Choose an unsweetened barista-style or cooking almond milk for a creamier result than standard almond milk.
• Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk can add a creamy richness, but be aware that it may impart a subtle coconut flavor.

Thickening Agents Beyond Flour

For those who prefer a clearer, silkier gravy, or need a gluten-free option, starch-based thickeners are an excellent alternative to a flour roux.

• Cornstarch: Create a “slurry” by mixing equal parts cornstarch and cold water, then whisk it into simmering liquid. Cornstarch provides a glossy finish and is naturally gluten-free.
• Arrowroot Powder: Similar to cornstarch, arrowroot is a potent thickener that creates a clear, glossy sauce. Unlike cornstarch, it holds up better to freezing.
• Potato Starch: Often used in kosher cooking, this thickener creates a very silky texture and is naturally gluten-free.

Lactose-Free Gravy Recipes

Simple Lactose-Free Brown Gravy

1. Prep: If using, collect ¼ cup of pan drippings from your roast. If not, use vegan butter or oil. Have 3-4 cups of beef or vegetable stock ready.
2. Roux: Melt the fat in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup all-purpose flour or 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (for a slurry). Cook until golden brown.
3. Simmer: Gradually whisk in the stock until a smooth sauce forms. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Thicken: Simmer until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency. For a cornstarch slurry, add at the end and simmer briefly until thick.

Creamy Lactose-Free Country Gravy

1. Roux: Melt ¼ cup vegan butter in a skillet. Whisk in ¼ cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a paste forms.
2. Liquid: Slowly whisk in 2 cups of unsweetened non-dairy milk (like oat or soy) until smooth.
3. Season: Season generously with salt and black pepper. A pinch of nutmeg can enhance the flavor.
4. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking frequently, until it thickens to the desired consistency.

Store-Bought Lactose-Free Gravy Options

For a quick and easy solution, many companies offer pre-made or mixable gravies that are dairy-free. Always read the ingredients label carefully to check for milk solids, casein, or whey, especially with country-style mixes.

• Vegan Gravy Mixes: Brands like Massel, Orgran, and Mingle offer vegan options that are clearly labeled.
• Bone Broth Gravy: Primal Kitchen offers a turkey bone broth gravy that is both dairy and gluten-free.
• Browning Sauces: Products like GravyMaster are vegan and gluten-free, providing color and flavor without any dairy.

Comparison of Gravy Options

Gravy Type	Key Ingredients	Dairy-Free Status	Flavor Profile
Traditional Brown	Meat Drippings, Flour, Broth	Often Lactose-Free (Check Butter)	Rich, Savory, Umami
Traditional Country	Flour, Butter, Milk	Contains Lactose	Creamy, Peppery, Mild
Lactose-Free Brown	Oil/Vegan Butter, Flour/Starch, Stock	Lactose-Free	Savory, Meat-Forward
Lactose-Free Country	Oil/Vegan Butter, Flour, Non-Dairy Milk	Lactose-Free	Creamy, Peppery, Comforting
Vegan Mushroom	Vegan Butter, Flour/Starch, Vegetable Stock	Lactose-Free	Earthy, Savory, Umami

Conclusion

Knowing what gravy is lactose free is a simple matter of understanding the key ingredients. While classic brown gravies often fit the bill naturally, delicious and creamy dairy-free gravies are easily made with modern substitutions. By swapping dairy butter for a vegan alternative and using unsweetened plant-based milk, you can create a country-style gravy that is just as satisfying as the traditional version. For those in a hurry, checking labels for vegan or dairy-free certification on store-bought mixes is a reliable path to a worry-free meal. No matter your dietary needs, there’s no reason to miss out on this beloved comfort food.

For more great tips on thickening sauces, check out this guide from Taste of Home on how to thicken sauce in multiple ways.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is brown gravy always lactose free?

Not always. Traditional brown gravy, made with meat drippings and stock, is usually lactose-free. However, some recipes or pre-made mixes might use dairy butter in the roux or add milk for creaminess, so it is essential to check the ingredients.

What is the best milk substitute for creamy white gravy?

Unsweetened, neutral-flavored, full-fat oat milk is often considered the best substitute for creamy white gravy due to its thick texture and mild taste. Unsweetened soy milk is also an excellent option.

How do I thicken lactose-free gravy without flour?

You can thicken lactose-free gravy with a starch slurry. Mix equal parts cold water and a starch like cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Whisk the slurry into the simmering gravy and cook until thickened.

Can I use any non-dairy milk for lactose-free gravy?

While most non-dairy milks work, it is best to use unsweetened and unflavored varieties. Sweetened or flavored milks will negatively impact the final taste. For the creamiest texture, opt for full-fat milks like oat or soy.

Is country gravy lactose free?

No, traditional country gravy is not lactose free as it is made with milk. However, it can be easily adapted by substituting dairy milk with a non-dairy alternative like oat or soy milk and using vegan butter.

Can I make lactose-free gravy ahead of time?

Yes, lactose-free gravy can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of extra stock or non-dairy milk if it has thickened too much.

Are there any gluten-free and lactose-free gravies?

Yes. You can make gravy both gluten-free and lactose-free by using gluten-free flour (or a starch like cornstarch) to create a roux with oil or vegan butter, and combining it with dairy-free stock.