Does Bisto Gravy contain dairy or gluten?

Bisto Gravy contains wheat flour, so it is not gluten-free. It does not list milk or butter in the ingredients, so it is dairy-free.

Is Bisto Gravy good for weight loss?

It is low in calories, but the high sodium content may cause water retention. It is suitable for flavor without adding significant calories.

Where can I buy Bisto Gravy?

Bisto Gravy is widely available at major supermarkets (Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury's) and online retailers like Amazon.

Is Bisto Gravy safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids. It contains no caffeine or spicy ingredients, though the high salt content means it should be given in moderation.

Is Bisto Gravy Kosher?

Yes, Bisto Gravy is generally considered kosher. While the ingredient list contains items that can sometimes be questionable, such as E-numbers and complex flavorings, our investigation finds that Bisto Gravy contains no animal-derived fats or non-kosher additives. It is a safe choice for those adhering to kosher dietary laws.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food like Bisto Gravy is kosher, we have to look beyond the main ingredients and investigate the additives, flavorings, and processing aids. The primary ingredients are relatively benign: potato starch and maltodextrin serve as the thickening base. These are plant-derived and inherently kosher. The fat source is palm oil, which is a vegetable oil and poses no kosher concerns regarding animal fats.

The potential red flags in gravy powders usually lie in the flavorings and enhancers. Bisto uses flavourings that specifically contain barley. While barley is a grain that requires specific harvesting and processing rules to be considered kosher for Passover, it is perfectly acceptable for general year-round consumption. Furthermore, the flavour enhancers listed as E621 (Monosodium Glutamate) and E635 (Disodium Ribonucleotide) are synthetic compounds derived from plant fermentation. They do not contain animal products and are widely accepted in kosher diets. Finally, the emulsifier E322 is simply lecithin, usually derived from soy or sunflower, which is kosher.

Ultimately, the combination of vegetable starches, palm oil, and synthetic flavor enhancers means that Bisto Gravy does not violate the rules of kashrut. There are no hidden animal enzymes or non-kosher fats in this product.

Nutritional Value

While Bisto Gravy passes the kosher test, it is important to view it through a nutritional lens as well. A standard serving of this gravy is low in calories, making it a flavor enhancer rather than a heavy meal component. However, it is high in sodium due to the salt and flavor enhancers, which is typical for stock-based powders.

The product contains a small amount of added sugar and wheat flour. For those on a gluten-free diet, this wheat content is the main concern, not the kosher status. From a health perspective, it fits well into a balanced diet if consumed in moderation, particularly because it adds significant flavor without adding significant fat or carbohydrates.