11-19-2024 4:50am

6 STORE-BOUGHT

I Tried 6 Store-Bought Gravies & The Best Tasted Homemade

Not every supermarket gravy is a winner. We tasted six popular brands to find the best sauce for your holiday feast.

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Whether you're hosting a hungry crowd for Thanksgiving, cooking for one or two, or simply bringing yourself to dinner across the street, you'll probably be making something on Nov. 28: an appetizer, side dish, or dessert. And while there are some things on the menu every family insists on making from scratch—apple pie and cornbread stuffing over here—other items are just easier to pick up at the store.

If you'd rather skip dealing with giblets and making a roux minutes before sitting down to eat, there's no shame in opting for a store-bought gravy instead. Of course, you'll want to ensure your choice helps your beautiful bird shine (and doesn't drown anything in salty goop).

I tasted six of the most popular packaged gravy brands at the grocery store, and believe me, this is one item you do not want to go blind on. I was shocked by the differences in flavor, texture, and looks between the six sauces I sampled. Before you stock up for the holiday, here's what to look for in the best-tasting store-bought gravy.

Here are the six gravies I tested, ranked from worst to best.

McCormick Turkey Gravy

Nutrition: (Per 1/4 Cup Serving)
Calories: 25
Fat: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g)
Sodium: 280 mg
Carbs: 5 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
Protein: <1 g

The well-known spice brand McCormick makes several gravies in cartons as well as dry mixes to whisk together your own sauce. I tested the turkey gravy, which is made from turkey stock, corn, and potato starch, plus flavorings. A 12-ounce carton cost me $3.39.