🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Carb-Free Gravy Substitutes: Complete Guide

Find the best carb-free gravy substitutes for low-carb and ketogenic cooking. Learn about xanthan gum, almond flour, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips.

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Quick Answer

The best carb-free gravy substitutes are xanthan gum (1/4 tsp = 2 tbsp flour), almond flour (1:1), or cream + broth (1/2 cup cream + 1/2 cup broth). Xanthan gum provides the most similar thickening power without carbs.

Best Substitutes

Xanthan Gum

1/4 tsp xanthan = 2 tbsp flour

Xanthan gum is the best carb-free gravy substitute. It provides excellent thickening power and creates a smooth, stable sauce without carbohydrates.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want smooth texturecarb-free cookingmost applications

Add xanthan gum gradually to hot liquid while whisking. It provides 8x the thickening power of flour, so use sparingly. It's perfect for carb-free cooking.

Almond Flour

1:1

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

Best for:

gravieswhen you want similar texturecarb-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.

Cream + Broth

1/2 cup cream + 1/2 cup broth

Cream with broth creates a rich, creamy carb-free gravy substitute. It provides creaminess and richness without carbohydrates.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want creaminesscarb-free cookingrich texture

Mix cream with broth and simmer until thickened. This creates a rich, creamy carb-free gravy without carbohydrates.

Coconut Flour

1/4 cup coconut flour = 2 tbsp flour

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

Best for:

gravieswhen you want coconut flavorcarb-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.

Psyllium Husk

1 tsp psyllium = 2 tbsp flour

Psyllium husk is a good carb-free gravy substitute. It provides thickening power and creates a smooth sauce without carbohydrates.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want smooth texturecarb-free cookingfiber benefits

Mix psyllium husk with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. It provides thickening power and fiber benefits for carb-free cooking.

Chia Seeds

1 tbsp chia = 2 tbsp flour

Chia seeds are a good carb-free gravy substitute. They provide thickening power and create a smooth sauce with added nutrition.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want nutritioncarb-free cookingsmooth texture

Mix chia seeds with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. They provide thickening power and added nutrition for carb-free cooking.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Xanthan gum provides the most similar thickening power to flour
  • 💡Almond flour adds a slight nutty flavor to gravy
  • 💡Cream + broth creates rich, creamy carb-free gravy
  • 💡Coconut flour adds coconut flavor and sweetness
  • 💡Psyllium husk provides fiber benefits
  • 💡Chia seeds add nutrition and thickening power
  • 💡Store carb-free thickeners in a cool, dry place

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best carb-free gravy substitute?

Xanthan gum (1/4 tsp = 2 tbsp flour) is the best carb-free gravy substitute. Almond flour (1:1) provides similar texture, while cream + broth (1/2 cup cream + 1/2 cup broth) creates rich, creamy gravy.

Can I use xanthan gum instead of flour in gravy?

Yes, xanthan gum is an excellent carb-free substitute for flour in gravy. Use 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum for every 2 tablespoons flour. Add gradually to hot liquid while whisking.

How much xanthan gum equals 2 tablespoons flour?

Use 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum for every 2 tablespoons flour. Xanthan gum provides 8x the thickening power of flour, so you need much less.

What's the difference between flour and xanthan gum in gravy?

Flour creates a cloudy, opaque gravy, while xanthan gum creates a smooth, clear gravy. Xanthan gum also provides 8x the thickening power of flour and is carb-free.

Can I use almond flour instead of flour in gravy?

Yes, almond flour is a good carb-free substitute for flour in gravy. Use equal amounts (1:1 ratio) and add gradually to hot liquid while whisking. It adds a slight nutty flavor.

Why use carb-free gravy substitutes?

Carb-free gravy substitutes are necessary for low-carb diets, ketogenic diets, or anyone wanting to reduce carbohydrate intake. They provide similar thickening power without carbohydrates.

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

Yes, you can make gravy without flour or cornstarch for carb-free cooking by using carb-free thickeners like xanthan gum, almond flour, or cream. These provide thickening power without carbohydrates.

Summary

Find the best carb-free gravy substitutes for low-carb and ketogenic cooking. Learn about xanthan gum, almond flour, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips.