🍯 Sauces & Condiments

Dairy-Free Gravy Substitutes: Complete Guide

Find the best dairy-free gravy substitutes for lactose-intolerant and vegan cooking. Learn about plant-based milks, broths, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips.

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Quick Answer

The best dairy-free gravy substitutes are broth + cornstarch (1 cup broth + 2 tbsp cornstarch), coconut milk + flour (1 cup coconut milk + 2 tbsp flour), or arrowroot powder (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour). Broth provides the most authentic flavor.

Best Substitutes

Broth + Cornstarch

1 cup broth + 2 tbsp cornstarch

Broth with cornstarch is the best dairy-free gravy substitute. It provides similar flavor and texture without dairy products.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want authentic flavordairy-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.

Coconut Milk + Flour

1 cup coconut milk + 2 tbsp flour

Coconut milk with flour is a good dairy-free gravy substitute. It provides creaminess and richness with a slightly sweet, coconut flavor.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want creaminessdairy-free cookingtropical flavor

Heat coconut milk and whisk in flour gradually. Simmer until thickened. This creates a creamy dairy-free gravy with tropical flavor.

Arrowroot Powder

1 tbsp arrowroot = 2 tbsp flour

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

Best for:

gravieswhen you want clear saucedairy-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 dairy-free gravy substitute. It provides similar thickening power and creates a clear, glossy sauce without dairy.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want clear saucedairy-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.

Almond Milk + Flour

1 cup almond milk + 2 tbsp flour

Almond milk with flour is a good dairy-free gravy substitute. It provides creaminess and richness with a slightly nutty flavor.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want creaminessdairy-free cookingnutty flavor

Heat almond milk and whisk in flour gradually. Simmer until thickened. This creates a creamy dairy-free gravy with nutty flavor.

Soy Milk + Flour

1 cup soy milk + 2 tbsp flour

Soy milk with flour is a good dairy-free gravy substitute. It provides creaminess and richness with a slightly bean-like flavor.

Best for:

gravieswhen you want creaminessdairy-free cookingbean flavor

Heat soy milk and whisk in flour gradually. Simmer until thickened. This creates a creamy dairy-free gravy with bean flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Broth provides the most authentic dairy-free gravy flavor
  • 💡Coconut milk adds creaminess with tropical flavor
  • 💡Arrowroot powder provides the most similar thickening power to flour
  • 💡Tapioca starch creates clear, glossy gravy
  • 💡Almond milk adds creaminess with nutty flavor
  • 💡Soy milk adds creaminess with bean flavor
  • 💡Store dairy-free thickeners in a cool, dry place

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best dairy-free gravy substitute?

Broth + cornstarch (1 cup broth + 2 tbsp cornstarch) is the best dairy-free gravy substitute. Coconut milk + flour (1 cup coconut milk + 2 tbsp flour) provides creaminess, while arrowroot powder (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour) offers clear texture.

Can I use coconut milk instead of dairy milk in gravy?

Yes, coconut milk is an excellent dairy-free substitute for dairy milk in gravy. Use 1 cup coconut milk with 2 tbsp flour to create a creamy gravy with tropical flavor.

How much coconut milk equals 1 cup dairy milk in gravy?

Use 1 cup coconut milk for every 1 cup dairy milk. Coconut milk provides similar creaminess and richness with a slightly sweet, coconut flavor.

What's the difference between dairy milk and coconut milk in gravy?

Dairy milk creates a neutral-flavored gravy, while coconut milk creates a slightly sweet, coconut-flavored gravy. Both provide creaminess and richness, but coconut milk is dairy-free.

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

Yes, arrowroot powder is an excellent dairy-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.

Why use dairy-free gravy substitutes?

Dairy-free gravy substitutes are necessary for people with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or vegan diets. They provide similar texture and flavor without dairy products.

Can I make gravy without dairy milk?

Yes, you can make gravy without dairy milk by using plant-based milks like coconut milk, almond milk, or soy milk. You can also use broth with thickeners for a completely dairy-free option.

Summary

Find the best dairy-free gravy substitutes for lactose-intolerant and vegan cooking. Learn about plant-based milks, broths, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips.