Out of Gravy, one case
Low-carb gravy substitutes
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Xanthan gum
¼ tsp xanthan for every 2 tbsp flour
The best low-carb 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 low-carb gravy substitute. It provides excellent thickening power and creates a smooth, stable sauce without carbohydrates.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want smooth texture, low-carb 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 low-carb cooking.
Almond flour
nutty · similar texture
Almond flour is a good low-carb gravy substitute. It provides similar thickening power and creates a slightly nutty, creamy sauce without carbohydrates.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want similar texture, low-carb 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 low-carb gravy substitute. It provides creaminess and richness without carbohydrates.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want creaminess, low-carb cooking, rich texture
- Texture
- creamy
Mix cream with broth and simmer until thickened. This creates a rich, creamy low-carb gravy without carbohydrates.
Coconut flour
coconut · similar texture
Coconut flour is a good low-carb gravy substitute. It provides thickening power and creates a slightly sweet, coconut-flavored sauce without carbohydrates.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want coconut flavor, low-carb 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 low-carb gravy substitute. It provides thickening power and creates a smooth sauce without carbohydrates.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want smooth texture, low-carb cooking, fiber benefits
Mix psyllium husk with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. It provides thickening power and fiber benefits for low-carb cooking.
Chia seeds
neutral taste, smooth texture
Chia seeds are a good low-carb gravy substitute. They provide thickening power and create a smooth sauce with added nutrition.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want nutrition, low-carb cooking, smooth texture
Mix chia seeds with cold water first, then add to hot liquid. They provide thickening power and added nutrition for low-carb cooking.
How it behaves in this recipe
Low-carb 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 low-carb gravy
- Coconut flour adds coconut flavor and sweetness
- Psyllium husk provides fiber benefits
- Chia seeds add nutrition and thickening power
- Store low-carb thickeners in a cool, dry place
Notes on gravy
- For a completely different approach, try using other low-carb thickeners like konjac flour or glucomannan
- In some applications, you could use a combination of different low-carb thickeners for layered texture
- For natural options, consider using pureed vegetables or nut butters
Questions
7 questionsWhat's the best low-carb gravy substitute?
Xanthan gum (¼ tsp = 2 tbsp flour) is the best low-carb 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 low-carb 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 low-carb 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 low-carb gravy substitutes?
Low-carb gravy substitutes are necessary for low-carb diets. They provide similar thickening power without carbohydrates and help maintain ketosis or other low-carb goals.
Can I make gravy without flour or cornstarch on a low-carb diet?
Yes, you can make gravy without flour or cornstarch on a low-carb diet by using low-carb thickeners like xanthan gum, almond flour, or cream. These provide thickening power without carbohydrates.