Gravy is a staple condiment for many classic American dishes like mashed potatoes, turkey, biscuits, and more. There are two main forms of manufactured gravy available in grocery stores: canned gravy and powdered gravy mixes. Both canned and powdered gravies aim to recreate the flavor and texture of homemade gravies in a quicker, more convenient format. But which one comes closest to that homemade gravy taste? And which one is easier and more budget-friendly for the average home cook? Let’s take a detailed look at the pros and cons of canned versus powdered gravy.
Canned Gravy Overview
Canned gravy was first introduced in the 1950s as a way for time-strapped home cooks to quickly and easily prepare gravy. Canned gravy is sold ready-made in cans or jars near the canned vegetables in the grocery store. Popular national brands of canned gravy include Campbell’s and Heinz, though store/generic brands are also common.
Pros of Canned Gravy
- Very convenient – no prep or cooking required, just open the can and heat
- Saves time compared to making homemade gravy from scratch
- Generally has a smooth, lump-free consistency
- Comes in different styles like brown, turkey, chicken, sausage, mushroom, and country gravy
- Typically low cost per serving
Cons of Canned Gravy
- Often contains preservatives, stabilizers, and other additives
- Flavor and texture is not as authentic as homemade gravy
- High in sodium – can contain 25% or more of daily recommended value per serving
- Not customizable or adaptable like homemade gravy
- Produces more packaging waste than powdered or homemade
Powdered Gravy Mix Overview
Powdered gravy mixes are essentially dehydrated gravy in powder form. To prepare, you simply add water or milk and whisk the powder into the liquid. Popular brands include McCormick, Swiss Miss, and store/generic brands. Powdered gravies were also introduced in the 1950s.
Pros of Powdered Gravy
- Very budget-friendly, gravy costs just pennies per serving
- Typically lower in sodium than canned gravy
- Small packaging takes up less storage space
- Can control thickness and flavor by adjusting liquid
- Produces less packaging waste than canned
Cons of Powdered Gravy
- Requires more prep and cooking than canned
- Can be lumpy if not properly whisked with liquid
- Flavor and aroma is less authentic than canned or homemade
- Usually only found in brown and country gravy flavors
- May use flavor enhancers like MSG
Nutrition Comparison
When comparing the nutritional value of canned versus powdered gravy, here are some key points:
- Canned gravy is significantly higher in sodium – a 1/4 cup serving can contain 400-700mg sodium versus 150-350mg in powdered.
- Powdered gravy is slightly higher in calories when prepared – 1/4 cup contains 60-80 calories versus 40-60 calories in canned.
- Both contain minimal protein and are low in nutrients and vitamins.
- Fat, cholesterol, and carbohydrates are comparable between the two forms.
This nutrition data table compares 1/4 cup servings of typical canned and powdered gravy:
| Nutrition Facts | Canned Gravy (1/4 cup) | Powdered Gravy Mix prepared (1/4 cup) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 50 | 70 |
| Fat | 2g | 3g |
| Sodium | 600mg | 200mg |
| Carbs | 6g | 8g |
| Protein | 1g | 1g |
So powdered gravy is slightly higher in calories while canned gravy provides significantly more sodium.
Ease of Preparation
When it comes to convenience, canned gravy is definitely faster and easier:
- Canned gravy can be heated and served immediately right out of the can.
- Powdered gravy requires measuring and whisking the powder into hot liquid.
- Canned gravy requires no prep work – just open and heat.
- Powdered gravy will take 5-10 minutes of active prep time.
- Canned gravy means no leftovers or gravy powder to store.
So if you need gravy in a hurry, canned gravy will be ready fastest. But powdered gravy requires minimal active effort beyond whisking, so the convenience difference is not drastically significant.
Flavor Comparison
When it comes to taste, homemade gravy is always going to be the most authentic and flavorful option. However, between canned and powdered gravy, there are some flavor differences to note:
- Canned gravy has a richer, more developed flavor profile.
- Powdered gravy tends to taste starchier and less complex.
- Canned gravy tastes closer to homemade for properties like aroma, mouthfeel, and savory flavor.
- Powdered gravy can taste overly salty if not adequately diluted with liquid.
- Canned gravy has more upfront flavor punch whereas powdered is more subtle.
Overall, canned gravy better replicates the complex flavors of homemade gravy, while powdered gravy tastes flat in comparison. With that said, adding extra seasonings and herbs to powdered gravy as it’s prepared can help boost the flavor significantly.
Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of canned versus powdered gravy, powdered gravy mixes are clearly the more budget-friendly option:
- Canned gravy ranges from $1 to $3 per 12 oz can.
- Powdered gravy mix packets start at $0.50 and are usually under $1 per packet.
- To cost per serving, canned gravy is $0.20-$0.60 per 1/4 cup serving.
- Powdered gravy costs just $0.10-$0.25 per serving.
The following table compares prices for some popular national brands:
| Gravy Type | Product | Typical Price | Price Per 1/4 Cup Serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canned | Campbell’s Turkey Gravy, 12 oz | $1.99 | $0.33 |
| Powdered | McCormick Brown Gravy, 2.5 oz | $0.99 | $0.10 |
As you can see, powdered gravy mix provides a 70-80% savings per serving compared to canned gravy. So if you are on a tight budget, powdered gravys greatest advantage is the cost efficiency.
Variety
When it comes to the diversity of flavor options, canned gravy has a decisive advantage over powdered:
- Canned gravy comes in turkey, chicken, brown, sausage, mushroom, onion, and country gravy flavors.
- Powdered gravy is typically limited to just brown and country flavors.
- Canned allows you to easily swap out flavored gravies.
- Powdered gravy tends to have a consistent starch-heavy flavor profile.
- Specialty canned gravy flavors are great for holidays like Thanksgiving.
So if you like having flavor options and versatility in your gravy, canned gravy is the clear winner here. Powdered gravy delivers reliable standby flavors but little variety.
Quality and Texture
When judging the quality and consistency of canned against powdered gravy, homemade gravy still reigns supreme. However, between manufactured forms, canned gravy has a better texture:
- Canned gravy has a smooth, lump-free, pourable consistency.
- Powdered gravy can become lumpy if not properly whisked and tends to be thicker.
- Canned gravy pours nicely over dishes while powdered is often better for topping/dipping.
- Canned gravy has a creamy mouthfeel closer to homemade.
- Powdered gravy can feel pasty or gloppy if the thickness isn’t correct.
Overall, canned gravy’s smooth, pourable texture works best for most applications. Powdered gravy takes more finesse to achieve an ideal consistency without lumps.
Storage and Shelf Life
When it comes to how long canned and powdered gravies last after opening, powdered gravy mix has the advantage:
- Opened canned gravy will last 4-7 days refrigerated.
- Dry powdered gravy mixes can last 8-12 months in the pantry.
- Canned gravy requires refrigeration once opened.
- Powdered gravy takes up very little storage space.
- Canned gravy needs to be used promptly before it goes bad.
- Unprepared powdered gravy essentially lasts indefinitely in the pantry.
So if you don’t go through gravy quickly, powdered mixes make more sense since they won’t spoil after opening. Canned gravy has a much shorter shelf life once opened.
Environmental Impact
When considering the environmental footprint of canned versus powdered gravy, powdered gravy is likely the better choice:
- Canned gravy produces more packaging waste, like metal cans or plastic tubs.
- Powdered gravy only requires a thin paper/cardboard packet.
- Canned gravy is heavier, resulting in more emissions to transport.
- Powdered gravy is highly portable and lightweight.
- Canned gravy manufacturing likely uses more resources like water.
- Powdered gravy is essentially dehydrated so requires less processing.
Overall, powdered gravy’s compact, lightweight nature gives it a smaller carbon footprint, generating less waste compared to canned gravy products.
Conclusion
So which is better, canned or powdered gravy? Here’s a quick summary of the key differences:
- Convenience – Canned gravy wins for quick, ready-to-use preparation.
- Cost – Powdered gravy is significantly cheaper per serving.
- Flavor – Canned gravy tastes closer to homemade.
- Texture – Canned gravy has a smoother, lump-free consistency.
- Variety – Canned gravy comes in far more flavor options.
- Storage – Powdered gravy lasts nearly indefinitely before opening.
- Environment – Powdered gravy has less packaging waste and emissions.
In the end, there’s no definitive “better” option. Canned gravy adds convenience and flavor but comes at a higher price. Powdered gravy is affordable and shelf-stable but requires more prep and has less authentic flavor. The choice comes down to your needs and preferences in the kitchen! Both canned and powdered gravy have their merits for quick, handy gravy on the go.