Which Bisto gravy is vegan? A guide for plant-based diets

According to The Vegan Society, the global plant-based food market is experiencing significant growth, leading more consumers to ask, Which Bisto gravy is vegan? The good news for gravy lovers is that several Bisto products are now officially certified vegan, making it easier than ever to enjoy a classic comfort food while following a plant-based diet.

Quick Summary

Several Bisto products, including specific vegetable and 'Best' flavour granules, are certified suitable for vegans by the Vegan Society. Consumers must check the product packaging and labels for the vegan certification to ensure it aligns with their dietary choices.

Key Points

• Officially Vegan Products: Bisto offers several certified vegan products, including Vegetable Gravy Granules and flavours from the 'Best Vegan' range.

• Check for Certification: The most reliable way to identify vegan Bisto gravy is by looking for the 'Suitable for Vegans' label or the Vegan Society logo on the packaging.

• Not All Bisto is Vegan: Traditional meat-flavoured gravies (e.g., Poultry, Meat) are not vegan and some products were historically considered unsuitable due to cross-contamination concerns, though recent certifications have clarified this for specific products.

• Explore Alternatives: Numerous other brands and homemade recipes exist for vegan gravy, offering greater control over ingredients, sodium, and fat content.

• Consider the 'Best' Range: The Bisto 'Best Vegan' series offers specific beef and chicken-style flavours made with plant-based ingredients for those seeking a richer, more familiar taste.

Navigating the Bisto Range for Vegan Options

For decades, Bisto gravy has been a staple in British kitchens, but with the rise of plant-based diets, discerning which products are truly vegan has become a common question. While many traditional gravies rely on meat extracts, Bisto has responded to the shift in consumer demand by offering a dedicated range of vegan-friendly options. However, not all products are created equal, and it's essential to know exactly what to look for to ensure your choice fits a vegan lifestyle.

The Officially Certified Vegan Bisto Gravies

Several Bisto products now carry official certification from The Vegan Society, confirming their suitability for vegans. This means they are free from animal-derived ingredients and produced with protocols to minimise cross-contamination. The key products to look out for are:

• Bisto Vegetable Gravy Granules: This is one of the most widely available and reliable vegan options. It's explicitly labelled as suitable for vegans and is a go-to choice for a classic, savoury vegetable gravy.
• Bisto Best Vegan Beef Flavour Gravy Granules: For those who miss the rich flavour of beef gravy, this product provides a plant-based alternative. It achieves its savoury taste through mushroom stock and flavourings rather than animal products.
• Bisto Best Vegan Chicken Flavour Gravy Granules: Similar to the beef alternative, this product uses vegan chicken flavour stock and spices to replicate the taste of chicken gravy, making it ideal for plant-based roasts and meals.
• Bisto Best Vegan Onion Gravy: Featuring a rich onion flavour, this option is also certified vegan and is perfect for serving with vegan sausages or other savoury dishes.
• Bisto Original Gravy Granules and Bisto Reduced Salt Gravy Granules: In 2022, The Vegan Society certified these popular products as vegan, confirming their long-standing status as accidentally vegan staples for many. However, some vegans might still check for potential factory cross-contamination concerns, which newer, explicitly labelled products address more directly.

Why Ingredient Checking is Still Important

While the official certification is the strongest indicator, understanding the ingredients is also helpful, especially for those with cross-contamination concerns. Historically, the main concern for strict vegans with Bisto's standard 'vegetarian-friendly' products was the potential for cross-contamination with animal products during manufacturing. Modern, explicitly vegan-labelled products address this directly. Ingredients to be aware of in non-vegan Bisto products often include meat or poultry powders, or specific flavourings derived from animal sources. For instance, Bisto's Turkey Gravy contains turkey and chicken powder.

It is also worth noting that some Bisto products use palm oil. While technically plant-based, some vegans choose to avoid it due to environmental and animal welfare concerns related to its production. Checking the packaging for RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certification is a way to verify if the palm oil is sourced sustainably.

A Quick Comparison of Bisto Gravies

Product Name	Vegan Status	Key Flavours	Key Ingredients	Notes
Bisto Vegetable Granules	Certified Vegan	Vegetable, Savoury	Potato Starch, Maltodextrin, Dried Onion	Low in fat and sugar.
Bisto Best Vegan Beef Flavour	Certified Vegan	Roasted Beef-style	Potato Starch, Mushroom Stock, Rapeseed Oil	Uses mushroom stock for umami flavour.
Bisto Best Vegan Chicken Flavour	Certified Vegan	Roasted Chicken-style	Potato Starch, Vegan Chicken Flavour Stock	Vegan version of a classic flavour.
Bisto Best Vegan Onion	Certified Vegan	Rich Onion	Potato Starch, Onion Powder, Rapeseed Oil	A simple yet satisfying vegan gravy.
Bisto Original Granules	Certified Vegan	Rich, Savoury	Potato Starch, Palm Fat, Wheat Flour	Vegan Society certified as of 2022.
Bisto Favourite Granules	Certified Vegan	Classic	Potato Starch, Maltodextrin, Palm Fat	Also recently certified by Vegan Society.
Bisto Traditional Gravy Granules	Vegetarian (not vegan)	Rich, Savoury	Contains flavour enhancers with potential animal origins (E635).	Contains E635 which can be animal-derived.
Bisto for Poultry/Meat	Not vegan	Poultry, Meat	Contains chicken/turkey powder.	Clearly not for a plant-based diet.

Exploring Vegan Gravy Alternatives

While Bisto offers convenient vegan options, there are many other ways to create delicious plant-based gravies. From other instant brands to homemade recipes, the options are plentiful and often healthier or more flavourful.

Other Instant Vegan Gravy Brands

• Marigold Vegan Bouillon Powder: A popular choice for a delicious, savoury powdered stock that can be easily turned into gravy.
• Free & Easy Gluten-Free Vegetable Gravy: A ready-made gravy option that is smooth and flavourful, and suitable for those with coeliac disease.
• Kallo Organic Stock Cubes: Specific vegetable or garlic and herb cubes can be used as a base for a tasty vegan gravy.

Simple Homemade Vegan Gravy

Making your own vegan gravy is straightforward and allows for full control over ingredients and flavour. Here’s a basic recipe outline:

1. Create a roux: Melt vegan butter and whisk in all-purpose flour until it forms a thick paste.
2. Add liquid and flavour: Gradually whisk in vegetable stock and other umami-rich ingredients like nutritional yeast, soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), and mushroom powder.
3. Simmer and season: Bring to a boil while whisking, then reduce the heat and simmer until it reaches your desired thickness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutritional Considerations for Vegan Gravy

Gravy, whether vegan or not, is primarily a flavour enhancer rather than a significant source of macro- or micronutrients. However, there are some nutritional aspects to consider:

• Sodium: Many instant gravies are high in salt. Opting for a reduced-salt version or making your own allows you to control sodium intake.
• Fat: While vegan gravy can be lower in saturated fat than traditional meat-based gravy, some instant versions contain palm fat or rapeseed oil. Being mindful of these ingredients, especially with concerns over palm oil sourcing, is a good practice.
• Nutritional Yeast: When used in homemade recipes, nutritional yeast can offer a boost of B vitamins and a cheesy, umami flavour.

Conclusion

To answer the question, which Bisto gravy is vegan? clearly: several varieties are now officially certified by The Vegan Society, including the classic Vegetable, newer 'Best Vegan' flavours, and even the popular Original granules. While checking for the official certification on the packaging is the most reliable method, understanding the product ingredients and acknowledging potential cross-contamination concerns for older, non-certified lines is also important for stricter vegans. For ultimate control over ingredients and nutrition, exploring homemade vegan gravy recipes remains a fantastic option for a delicious, plant-based meal accompaniment.

For further details on Bisto's product line, you can visit their official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is all Bisto gravy vegan?

No, not all Bisto gravy products are vegan. Only specific varieties, such as the Vegetable Gravy Granules and the 'Best Vegan' range, are officially certified as vegan. Always check the packaging for the 'Suitable for Vegans' label.

Is Bisto Original gravy vegan?

Yes, as of 2022, Bisto Original Gravy Granules have been certified as vegan by The Vegan Society. This means they do not contain animal-derived ingredients.

What is Bisto Vegetable Gravy made of?

Bisto Vegetable Gravy Granules typically contain potato starch, maltodextrin, salt, palm fat, wheat flour, and flavourings derived from vegetables like onion and carrot. It is labelled as suitable for vegans.

Does Bisto Best Vegan Beef Flavour contain any beef?

No, Bisto Best Vegan Beef Flavour Gravy is completely meat-free. It uses a mushroom stock and other plant-based flavourings to achieve a rich, savoury beef-like taste.

Is Bisto gravy gluten-free?

Most standard Bisto gravies contain wheat flour and are not gluten-free. However, Bisto does offer a specific Gluten Free Gravy Granules product, which is suitable for coeliacs and is also typically vegetarian. Check the label carefully.

What are the main ingredients in vegan gravy?

Vegan gravy typically uses a plant-based stock (vegetable, mushroom, etc.), a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch, and flavour boosters such as nutritional yeast, soy sauce, onion, and garlic powder.

Can I make homemade vegan gravy with Bisto?

While it's easier to use Bisto's pre-made vegan granules, you can create a richer homemade version by using them as a base and adding extra ingredients like sautéed onions, herbs, and spices.