Out of Gravy, one case
Keto gravy substitutes
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Xanthan gum
¼ tsp xanthan for every 2 tbsp flour
The best keto gravy substitutes are xanthan gum (¼ tsp = 2 tbsp flour), almond flour (1:1), or cream + broth (½ cup cream + ½ cup broth). Xanthan gum provides the most similar thickening power without carbs.
- Best for —
- gravies
One casethe full gravy card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of gravy |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Xanthan gumgravies | ¼ tsp xanthan per 2 tbsp flour |
| 2 | Almond flourgravies | Same amount |
| 3 | Cream + brothgravies | ½ cup cream + ½ cup broth |
| 4 | Coconut flourgravies | ¼ cup coconut flour = 2 tbsp flour |
| 5 | Psyllium huskgravies | 1 tsp psyllium per 2 tbsp flour |
| 6 | Chia seedsgravies | 1 tbsp chia per 2 tbsp flour |
Xanthan gum
neutral taste, smooth texture
Xanthan gum is the best keto gravy substitute. It provides excellent thickening power and creates a smooth, stable sauce without carbohydrates.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want smooth texture, keto cooking, most applications
Add xanthan gum gradually to hot liquid while whisking. It provides 8x the thickening power of flour, so use sparingly. It's good for keto cooking.
Almond flour
nutty · similar texture
Almond flour is a good keto gravy substitute. It provides similar thickening power and creates a slightly nutty, creamy sauce without carbohydrates.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want similar texture, keto cooking, nutty 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
rich
Cream with broth creates a rich, creamy keto gravy substitute. It provides creaminess and richness without carbohydrates.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want creaminess, keto cooking, rich texture
- Texture
- creamy
Mix cream with broth and simmer until thickened. This creates a rich, creamy keto gravy without carbohydrates.
Coconut flour
coconut · similar texture
Coconut flour is a good keto gravy substitute. It provides thickening power and creates a slightly sweet, coconut-flavored sauce without carbohydrates.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want coconut flavor, keto cooking, sweet 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
neutral taste, smooth texture
Psyllium husk is a good keto gravy substitute. It provides thickening power and creates a smooth sauce without carbohydrates.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want smooth texture, keto cooking, fiber benefits
Mix psyllium husk with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. It provides thickening power and fiber benefits for keto cooking.
Chia seeds
neutral taste, smooth texture
Chia seeds are a good keto gravy substitute. They provide thickening power and create a smooth sauce with added nutrition.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want nutrition, keto cooking, smooth texture
Mix chia seeds with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. They provide thickening power and added nutrition for keto cooking.
How it behaves in this recipe
Keto gravy substitutes provide similar thickening power to flour without carbohydrates. The key is using low-carb thickeners that provide proper texture and consistency. When substituting, consider whether you want similar texture (almond flour), smooth texture (xanthan gum), or creaminess (cream + broth).
Tips for substituting gravy
7 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 keto gravy
- Coconut flour adds coconut flavor and sweetness
- Psyllium husk provides fiber benefits
- Chia seeds add nutrition and thickening power
- Store keto thickeners in a cool, dry place
Notes on gravy
- For a completely different approach, try using other keto thickeners like konjac flour or glucomannan
- In some applications, you could use a combination of different keto thickeners for layered texture
- For natural options, consider using pureed vegetables or nut butters
Questions
7 questionsWhat's the best keto gravy substitute?
Xanthan gum (¼ tsp = 2 tbsp flour) is the best keto gravy substitute. Almond flour (1:1) provides similar texture, while cream + broth (½ cup cream + ½ cup broth) creates rich, creamy gravy.
Can I use xanthan gum instead of flour in gravy?
Yes, xanthan gum is an excellent keto substitute for flour in gravy. Use ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum for every 2 tablespoons flour. Add gradually to hot liquid while whisking.
How much xanthan gum equals 2 tablespoons flour?
Use ¼ 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 keto 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 keto gravy substitutes?
Keto gravy substitutes are necessary for low-carb diets. They provide similar thickening power without carbohydrates and help maintain ketosis.
Can I make gravy without flour or cornstarch on keto?
Yes, you can make gravy without flour or cornstarch on keto by using keto-friendly thickeners like xanthan gum, almond flour, or cream. These provide thickening power without carbohydrates.