Is gravy gluten-free? Usually not, unless it’s made to be

Usually not. Traditional gravy is thickened with wheat flour, and many gravy granules and ready-made gravies contain wheat or barley. Gravy made with cornflour (cornstarch) and a gluten-free stock is fine.

What to check

• Gravy granules and powders: read the ingredient list; gluten-free versions are labelled.
• The stock underneath: many stock cubes contain wheat or barley too.
• Gravy browning and caramel colour are fine; the flour and the stock are what matter.

Eating out

Roast dinners, pies and poutine usually come with a flour-thickened gravy. Ask whether the gravy is made with flour or from granules, and whether there’s a gluten-free one. If nobody knows, have the meal without it.

Keep reading

• The Hidden-Gluten Watchlist: the 15 forbidden names and the ones to check
• Are stock cubes gluten-free?
• Is caramel colour gluten-free?
• Is corn gluten-free?

Sources: EU Regulation 1169/2011 and 828/2014, US FDA gluten-free rule and FALCPA, Coeliac UK, Codex Alimentarius (gluten-free = 20 mg/kg or less). We inform, we don’t diagnose: for medical questions, your doctor or dietitian has the last word.