CAKEID.DIET

Is Chicken Gravy Keto?

No, standard store-bought Chicken Gravy is not keto-friendly. While it promises savory comfort, the ingredient label reveals a cocktail of hidden sugars and starches that will likely spike your blood sugar and kick you out of ketosis. If you are following a strict low-carb diet, this specific product is a hard pass.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, looking at this ingredient list is frustrating because the first few ingredients dictate the product's metabolic effect. In this gravy, the primary ingredients are not chicken stock or fat, but thickeners and fillers. The very first ingredient is FOOD STARCH-MODIFIED. This is a chemically altered starch used to create viscosity, but it is essentially pure carbohydrate that digests rapidly.

Right alongside it is MALTODEXTRIN. Maltodextrin has a glycemic index (GI) even higher than table sugar—often around 110 compared to sugar's 65. For a keto dieter, this is arguably the worst ingredient to see on a label because it causes a rapid insulin response, potentially halting fat burning immediately.

The sweetness and preservation come from a CREAMER containing CORN SYRUP SOLIDS and DEXTROSE. Dextrose is a form of glucose derived from corn. While the gravy is savory, manufacturers use these sugars to balance the saltiness and enhance the mouthfeel. Even small amounts of dextrose add up quickly in a powdered mix.

Finally, there are hidden carbs in the flavorings. The NATURAL FLAVOR contains MALTODEXTRIN and SOY SAUCE (which contains WHEAT), and the HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN can also contribute to the carb count. This combination of corn, wheat, and sugar derivatives makes this product metabolically similar to a sugary snack, despite being savory gravy.

đźš« Culprit Ingredients:
corn syrupstarchmaltodextrindextrosewheatcorn

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this gravy offers very little value to a keto dieter. While it contains CHICKEN FAT, which provides some satiating calories, the volume of fat is likely low compared to the carbohydrates. The primary issue is the net carbohydrate count. Because the thickeners are concentrated powders, a small serving size can easily contain 10 to 15 grams of carbohydrates.

On a standard ketogenic diet, the daily limit is usually 20 to 50 grams of net carbs. Consuming a single serving of this gravy could use up a significant portion—or even the entirety—of your daily carb allowance. Furthermore, the presence of CARAMEL COLOR and SOYBEAN OIL indicates a highly processed food product lacking in micronutrients. It is essentially 'empty calories' in liquid form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chicken Gravy contain dairy or gluten?

Yes. It contains dairy via the 'Creamer' (sodium caseinate) and likely gluten via the 'Natural Flavor' which includes soy sauce made with wheat.

Is Chicken Gravy good for weight loss?

No. It is high in calories derived from processed oils and corn-based sugars, which can trigger hunger and fat storage due to insulin spikes.

Where can I buy Chicken Gravy?

This specific type of shelf-stable gravy mix is widely available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon in the canned or jarred soup aisle.

Is Chicken Gravy safe for kids?

While it is generally safe, it contains artificial colors and high levels of sodium and processed sugars, so it should be consumed in moderation by children.
Chicken Gravy

Chicken Gravy

Keto Analysis

The Verdict
Not Keto
Find Alternative

We recommend searching for certified Keto alternatives.

Pro Tip

Always double-check the label. Manufacturers change ingredients frequently without notice!