It depends on the type you buy, (or make).
The days are getting shorter and colder in many parts and that often means turkey is on its way. And gravy. The real stuff tastes great. Gravy from a mix also has its allure too though, and in a pinch, it can be easier to piece together.
But aside from time constraints, is there any other benefit to eating the instant stuff? Which one is actually better for you, real gravy or store-bought brands?
Our research shows it depends on your choices. If you choose to buy a fat-free turkey gravy in a can, you could be limiting your calorie intake to about 20 calories per ¼ cup. And your grams of fat would be at zero. By going this route, store-bought gravy definitely could be better for you than homemade gravy, which often clocks in at about 30 calories per ¼ cup. The homemade stuff likely also has some fat from the added drippings. So, going the “fake” route is better in this case.
Related: This is Why You Should Include Cranberries in Your Diet
But not all homemade gravy is the same. If you make your from stock, flour and water, it may be healthier. You could be limiting your calories to fewer than 20 per ¼ cup, some say. And this would have you one step ahead. But it’s the case that most people add in some drippings from the meat, which raises both calories and fat.
What about powdered mixes? Here’s what we think. They could be lower in calories and fat, but chances are they could also contain a considerable amount of salt.
If sticking to the healthiest choice is key, make your gravy from vegetable stock, and leave out the drippings. Or, get a can of fat free gravy. Otherwise, go for taste and indulge in whatever version you like.
