Quick Answer
Most US gravy contains wheat flour. Make your own using cornstarch or buy certified GF brands.
Key Takeaways
- •Safety Status: Contains gluten. Avoid completely.
- •Hidden Risks: Cross-contamination in shared equipment, thickeners, or hidden barley/wheat additives.
- •Recommended Brands: Pacific Foods GF Gravy, Trader Joe's Savory GF Gravy, Road's End Organics GF Gravy Mix .
- •Safe Alternatives: Homemade GF gravy (cornstarch-based), GF gravy mixes, Pan drippings without flour.
The Bottom Line: Gravy contains gluten and is not safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Look for certified gluten-free alternatives instead. Source: Check Gluten, reviewed by Sarah Mitchell, B.S. Nutrition Science. Last updated July 2026.
🌍 Regional Safety Checker
Most US gravy contains wheat flour. Make your own using cornstarch or buy certified GF brands.
In the US, gravy (especially turkey, beef, or country-style white gravy) is thickened with a wheat flour roux. Canned gravies and packet mixes from brands like McCormick contain wheat. Look for Pacific Foods or Pioneer GF mixes.
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The Full Answer
Traditional gravy is made with a roux — butter and wheat flour cooked together — then mixed with pan drippings or stock. This means virtually all restaurant gravy, canned gravy, and packet gravy mixes contain wheat and are NOT safe for celiacs.
Making gluten-free gravy at home is easy. Simply substitute cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or a GF flour blend for wheat flour. The technique is slightly different (mix cornstarch with cold water first to create a slurry), but the results are excellent.
Some brands make GF gravy mixes — Trader Joe's and Pacific Foods both offer options. But the vast majority of commercial and restaurant gravies are wheat-based. At Thanksgiving and holiday meals, gravy is the #1 hidden gluten trap.
Hidden Gluten Risks in Gravy
- ⚠Nearly all traditional gravy uses wheat flour
- ⚠Packet/canned gravy mixes contain wheat
- ⚠Restaurant gravy is almost always wheat-based
- ⚠Holiday gravy is the #1 hidden gluten trap
- ⚠Gravy on other dishes (biscuits, mashed potatoes, turkey)
Safe Brands
- ✅ Pacific Foods GF Gravy
- ✅ Trader Joe's Savory GF Gravy
- ✅ Road's End Organics GF Gravy Mix
Avoid These
- 🚫 Most canned gravy
- 🚫 All restaurant gravy
- 🚫 McCormick gravy packets
- 🚫 Heinz gravy
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Pacific Foods Organic Butternut Squash Soup, 32 Oz
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Related: Is This Gluten-Free?
Celiac Safety Glossary
- Gluten
- Gluten is a family of storage proteins (prolamins and glutelins) found naturally in cereal grains like wheat (including varieties like spelt, kamut, and farro), barley, and rye, which acts as a binder to give food elasticity and shape.
Sources & References
- FDA — Gluten-Free Labeling of Foods (21 CFR 101.91) — the U.S. under-20-ppm standard for "gluten-free" claims
- Celiac Disease Foundation — Gluten-Free Foods — which foods and ingredients are safe for celiacs
- Coeliac UK — Gluten-Free Diet & Lifestyle — UK/EU labeling rules and safe-food guidance
Brand gluten-free statuses reflect manufacturer information as of July 2026 and can change — always confirm on the current label.
About the Author
Sarah Mitchell
Lead Content Writer & Nutritionist, B.S. Nutrition Science
Sarah was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2018 and writes evidence-based guides combining clinical nutrition knowledge with 6+ years of personal gluten-free living experience.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or a registered dietitian before making dietary changes related to celiac disease. Read full disclaimer.