🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Calorie-Free Gravy Substitute: Complete Guide Guide

Find the best calorie-free gravy substitutes for weight management and low-calorie cooking. Learn about broth-based gravies, natural thickeners, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips.

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Quick Answer

The best calorie-free gravy substitutes are broth + cornstarch (1 cup broth + 2 tbsp cornstarch), arrowroot powder (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour), or pureed vegetables (1/2 cup = 2 tbsp flour). Broth provides the most authentic flavor without calories.

Best Substitutes

Broth + Cornstarch

1 cup broth + 2 tbsp cornstarch

Broth with cornstarch is the best calorie-free gravy substitute. It provides similar flavor and texture without added calories.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want authentic flavorcalorie-free cookingmost applications

Use any type of broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable) and thicken with cornstarch. Mix cornstarch with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. Simmer until thickened.

Arrowroot Powder

1 tbsp arrowroot = 2 tbsp flour

Arrowroot powder is a good calorie-free gravy substitute. It provides excellent thickening power and creates a clear, glossy sauce without added calories.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want clear saucecalorie-free cookingmost applications

Mix arrowroot with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. Simmer until thickened and clear. Arrowroot provides 2x the thickening power of flour.

Tapioca Starch

1 tbsp tapioca = 2 tbsp flour

Tapioca starch is a good calorie-free gravy substitute. It provides similar thickening power and creates a clear, glossy sauce without added calories.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want clear saucecalorie-free cookingmost applications

Mix tapioca starch with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. Simmer until thickened and clear. Tapioca provides 2x the thickening power of flour.

Pureed Vegetables

1/2 cup pureed vegetables = 2 tbsp flour

Pureed vegetables are a good calorie-free gravy substitute. They provide thickening power and add nutrition and flavor without added calories.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want nutritioncalorie-free cookingenhanced flavor

Puree cooked vegetables and add to hot liquid. Simmer until thickened. This adds nutrition and flavor to calorie-free gravy.

Coconut Flour

1/4 cup coconut flour = 2 tbsp flour

Coconut flour is a good calorie-free gravy substitute. It provides thickening power and creates a slightly sweet, coconut-flavored sauce without added calories.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want coconut flavorcalorie-free cookingsweet taste

Coconut flour provides 4x the thickening power of wheat flour. Add gradually to hot liquid while whisking. It adds a slight coconut flavor.

Almond Flour

1:1

Almond flour is a good calorie-free gravy substitute. It provides similar thickening power and creates a slightly nutty, creamy sauce without added calories.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want similar texturecalorie-free cookingnutty flavor

Almond flour provides similar thickening power to wheat flour. Add gradually to hot liquid while whisking to avoid lumps. It adds a slight nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Broth provides the most authentic calorie-free gravy flavor
  • 💡Arrowroot powder provides the most similar thickening power to flour
  • 💡Tapioca starch creates clear, glossy gravy
  • 💡Pureed vegetables add nutrition and flavor
  • 💡Coconut flour adds natural sweetness and coconut flavor
  • 💡Almond flour adds a slight nutty flavor
  • 💡Store calorie-free thickeners in a cool, dry place

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best calorie-free gravy substitute?

Broth + cornstarch (1 cup broth + 2 tbsp cornstarch) is the best calorie-free gravy substitute. Arrowroot powder (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour) is also excellent, while pureed vegetables (1/2 cup = 2 tbsp flour) add nutrition and flavor.

Can I use arrowroot instead of flour in calorie-free gravy?

Yes, arrowroot powder is an excellent calorie-free substitute for flour in gravy. Use 1 tablespoon arrowroot for every 2 tablespoons flour. Mix with cold water first, then add to hot liquid.

How much arrowroot equals 2 tablespoons flour?

Use 1 tablespoon arrowroot for every 2 tablespoons flour. Arrowroot provides 2x the thickening power of flour, so you need half the amount.

What's the difference between flour and arrowroot in calorie-free gravy?

Flour creates a cloudy, opaque gravy, while arrowroot creates a clear, glossy gravy. Arrowroot also provides 2x the thickening power of flour and is naturally calorie-free.

Can I use tapioca starch instead of flour in calorie-free gravy?

Yes, tapioca starch is an excellent calorie-free substitute for flour in gravy. Use 1 tablespoon tapioca for every 2 tablespoons flour. Mix with cold water first, then add to hot liquid.

Why use calorie-free gravy substitutes?

Calorie-free gravy substitutes are necessary for people following low-calorie diets, those managing weight, or anyone wanting to reduce calorie intake. They provide similar thickening power without added calories.

Can I make gravy without flour or cornstarch for calorie-free cooking?

Yes, you can make gravy without flour or cornstarch for calorie-free cooking by using calorie-free thickeners like arrowroot, tapioca starch, or pureed vegetables. These provide thickening power without added calories.

Summary

Find the best calorie-free gravy substitutes for weight management and low-calorie cooking. Learn about broth-based gravies, natural thickeners, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips.