Whole30 Gravy Substitutes: Complete Guide
Find the best Whole30-compliant gravy substitutes for clean eating. Learn about arrowroot, tapioca starch, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips.
Quick Answer
The best Whole30 gravy substitutes are arrowroot powder (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour), tapioca starch (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour), or pureed vegetables (1/2 cup = 2 tbsp flour). Arrowroot provides the most similar thickening power.
Best Substitutes
Arrowroot Powder
1 tbsp arrowroot = 2 tbsp flourArrowroot powder is the best Whole30 gravy substitute. It provides excellent thickening power and creates a clear, glossy sauce without grains or additives.
Best for:
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 flourTapioca starch is an excellent Whole30 gravy substitute. It provides similar thickening power and creates a clear, glossy sauce without grains or additives.
Best for:
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 flourPureed vegetables are a good Whole30 gravy substitute. They provide thickening power and add nutrition and flavor to gravy.
Best for:
Puree cooked vegetables and add to hot liquid. Simmer until thickened. This adds nutrition and flavor to Whole30 gravy.
Coconut Flour
1/4 cup coconut flour = 2 tbsp flourCoconut flour is a good Whole30 gravy substitute. It provides thickening power and creates a slightly sweet, coconut-flavored sauce without grains or additives.
Best for:
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
1:1Almond flour is a good Whole30 gravy substitute. It provides similar thickening power and creates a slightly nutty, creamy sauce without grains or additives.
Best for:
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.
Chia Seeds
1 tbsp chia = 2 tbsp flourChia seeds are a good Whole30 gravy substitute. They provide thickening power and create a smooth sauce with added nutrition.
Best for:
Mix chia seeds with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. They provide thickening power and added nutrition for Whole30 cooking.
Cooking Tips
- 💡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 coconut flavor and sweetness
- 💡Almond flour adds a slight nutty flavor
- 💡Chia seeds add nutrition and thickening power
- 💡Store Whole30 thickeners in a cool, dry place
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best Whole30 gravy substitute?
Arrowroot powder (1 tbsp = 2 tbsp flour) is the best Whole30 gravy substitute. Tapioca starch (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 gravy?
Yes, arrowroot powder is an excellent Whole30 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 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 grain-free.
Can I use tapioca starch instead of flour in gravy?
Yes, tapioca starch is an excellent Whole30 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 Whole30 gravy substitutes?
Whole30 gravy substitutes are necessary for Whole30 diets. They provide similar thickening power without grains, dairy, or additives and are suitable for clean eating.
Can I make gravy without flour or cornstarch on Whole30?
Yes, you can make gravy without flour or cornstarch on Whole30 by using Whole30-friendly thickeners like arrowroot, tapioca starch, or pureed vegetables. These provide thickening power without grains or additives.
Summary
Find the best Whole30-compliant gravy substitutes for clean eating. Learn about arrowroot, tapioca starch, and other alternatives with proper ratios and tips.