Out of Gravy, one case
Vegan gravy substitutes
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Vegetable broth + flour
1 cup broth + 2 tbsp flour
The best vegan gravy substitutes are vegetable broth + flour (1 cup broth + 2 tbsp flour), mushroom gravy (1:1), or nutritional yeast + broth (1 cup broth + 2 tbsp nutritional yeast). Vegetable broth provides the most authentic gravy flavor.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- gravies
One casethe full gravy card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of gravy | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vegetable broth + flourgravies | 1 cup broth + 2 tbsp flourWorks | Works |
| 2 | Mushroom gravygravies | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Nutritional yeast + brothgravies | 1 cup broth + 2 tbsp nutritional yeastTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Coconut milk + flourgravies | 1 cup coconut milk + 2 tbsp flourTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Cashew cream + brothgravies | ½ cup cashew cream + ½ cup brothTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Soy sauce + broth + flourgravies | 1 cup broth + 1 tbsp soy sauce + 2 tbsp flourWorks | Works |
Vegetable broth + flour
similar taste and texture
Vegetable broth with flour is the best vegan gravy substitute. It provides similar texture and flavor to traditional gravy without animal products.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want authentic texture, most applications, vegan cooking
Heat vegetable broth and whisk in flour gradually to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened to desired consistency. This provides the most authentic vegan gravy texture.
Mushroom gravy
enhanced taste, similar texture
Mushroom gravy is an excellent vegan gravy substitute. It provides rich, umami flavor and similar texture to traditional gravy.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want umami flavor, rich taste, vegan cooking
Mushroom gravy provides rich, umami flavor and similar texture to traditional gravy. It's good for vegan cooking and adds depth of flavor.
Nutritional yeast + broth
different taste, similar texture
Nutritional yeast with broth creates a rich, cheesy vegan gravy substitute. It provides umami flavor and creaminess without dairy.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want cheesy flavor, umami taste, vegan cooking
Mix nutritional yeast with broth and simmer until thickened. This creates a rich, cheesy vegan gravy with umami flavor.
Coconut milk + flour
different taste, similar texture
Coconut milk with flour creates a creamy vegan gravy substitute. It provides richness and creaminess with a slightly sweet, coconut flavor.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want creaminess, tropical flavor, vegan cooking
Heat coconut milk and whisk in flour gradually. Simmer until thickened. This creates a creamy vegan gravy with tropical flavor.
Cashew cream + broth
different taste, similar texture
Cashew cream with broth creates a rich, creamy vegan gravy substitute. It provides creaminess and richness without dairy.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want creaminess, rich texture, vegan cooking
Mix cashew cream with broth and simmer until thickened. This creates a rich, creamy vegan gravy without dairy.
Soy sauce + broth + flour
enhanced taste, similar texture
Soy sauce with broth and flour creates a savory vegan gravy substitute. It provides umami flavor and depth without animal products.
- Best for
- gravies, when you want umami flavor, savory taste, vegan cooking
Add soy sauce to broth, then whisk in flour gradually. Simmer until thickened. This creates a savory vegan gravy with umami flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan gravy substitutes provide similar texture and flavor to traditional gravy without animal products. The key is using plant-based ingredients that provide richness, umami flavor, and proper thickening. When substituting, consider whether you want similar texture (vegetable broth + flour), umami flavor (mushroom gravy), or creaminess (coconut milk).
Tips for substituting gravy
7 tips- Vegetable broth provides the most authentic vegan gravy flavor
- Mushroom gravy adds rich, umami flavor to vegan dishes
- Nutritional yeast provides cheesy flavor without dairy
- Coconut milk adds creaminess with tropical flavor
- Cashew cream provides richness and creaminess
- Soy sauce adds umami flavor and depth
- Adjust seasoning as needed when using different substitutes
Notes on gravy
- For a completely different approach, try using other plant-based sauces like tahini or miso
- In some applications, you could use a combination of different plant-based ingredients for layered flavor
- For natural options, consider using pureed vegetables or nut butters
Questions
7 questionsWhat's the best vegan gravy substitute?
Vegetable broth + flour (1 cup broth + 2 tbsp flour) is the best vegan gravy substitute. Mushroom gravy (1:1) provides umami flavor, while nutritional yeast + broth (1 cup broth + 2 tbsp nutritional yeast) adds cheesy flavor.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of meat broth in gravy?
Yes, vegetable broth is an excellent substitute for meat broth in gravy. Use equal amounts (1:1 ratio) and add flour to thicken. It provides similar texture without animal products.
How do I make vegan gravy?
Heat vegetable broth and whisk in flour gradually (2 tbsp per cup of broth). Simmer until thickened. Add seasonings like soy sauce, nutritional yeast, or herbs for flavor.
What's the difference between vegan gravy and regular gravy?
Vegan gravy uses plant-based ingredients like vegetable broth instead of meat drippings, and plant-based thickeners instead of animal-based ones. It provides similar texture and flavor without animal products.
Can I use coconut milk in vegan gravy?
Yes, coconut milk is a good ingredient for vegan gravy. Use 1 cup coconut milk with 2 tbsp flour to create a creamy gravy with tropical flavor.
Why use vegan gravy substitutes?
Vegan gravy substitutes provide similar texture and flavor to traditional gravy without animal products. They're suitable for vegan diets and can be healthier and more sustainable.
Can I make gravy without animal products?
Yes, you can make gravy without animal products by using vegetable broth, plant-based milks, and plant-based thickeners. The result is a delicious vegan gravy with similar texture and flavor.