The best store-bought gravy is savory, it actually tastes like meat—and it probably comes from a packet. We tasted some of the biggest gravy brands in a variety of flavors to find out which store-bought gravy should moisten your next big meal.
We’re so lucky to have gravy. It’s like salty meat you can drink. Seriously, don’t park the gravy boat next to me at a big family dinner or you’re liable to find a suspicious lipstick stain on the rim. George Costanza once said he would drape himself in velvet if it were socially acceptable—well, that’s how I feel about gravy.
Okay, so I was already a gravy admirer, but after this taste test I believe I can proudly call myself a gravy expert. Here’s some advice from a fledgling gravy expert: If you’re going with store-bought gravy rather than making gravy from scratch, a packet of powder is probably your best bet. Cans ain’t it. Jars ain’t it. Read on to learn which packets you should be picking up if you’re looking for the best store-bought gravy at the grocery.
The following article contains affiliate links that may generate a small commission to us when you make a purchase through the link. Learn more about how we work with affiliates here.
- Knorr Roasted Turkey Gravy Mix
-
You won’t believe it, but I said, “I’d drink this,” after I downed a spoonful of Knorr Roasted Turkey gravy. My colleague Danny Palumbo often praises products for their “alchemy of ingredients,” and that’s what’s going on here. Somehow, this turkey gravy doesn’t just taste like turkey, it tastes like roasted turkey. The meat flavor is deep and rich, making this an excellent blank slate. Toss in a bundle thyme and rosemary if you like an herbaceous gravy; add some pan drippings if you want just a little more of a fatty pop. That said, this gravy will do well all on its own—and all you need is water and a whisk. I’m confident this is the best store bought gravy out there.
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Instacart
- Knorr Roasted Chicken Gravy Mix
-
A different powdered Knorr gravy for a different main course, but this Roasted Chicken variety is delicious all the same. I tasted this alongside Campbell’s canned chicken gravy as well as Heinz’s jarred gravy and it’s really stunning how much more chicken flavor this has. Again, I think you can zshush this up with some herbs, but it already has chicken fat in the ingredients list. If you’re looking for something you can whip up quickly to moisten a batch of instant mashed potatoes (surprise! I love powdered potatoes too) on a weeknight, this is an excellent option. As I said during our taste test, I would buy this on a regular basis (and threaten to drink it, obviously).
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Instacart
- McCormick Brown Gravy Mix
-
Brown gravy is kind of funny, if a gravy can be funny. It’s kind of like when you ask a kid what flavor candy they want and they say “red.” Brown isn’t a meat and it isn’t a flavor, but “brown” also manages to perfectly encapsulate the rich taste of this gravy, used largely for things like meatloaves and roasts. McCormick was the best store-bought gravy in the brown department, much better than Knorr, in fact. It’s thick and beefy tasting. If you like the packet of seasoning that comes with beef ramen noodles, you’ll love this.
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Target
- McCormick Chicken Gravy Mix
-
McCormick’s packet of chicken gravy didn’t quite live up to Knorr’s packet of chicken gravy, but it’s delicious: salty and umami and with all the chicken flavor that was missing from its canned and jarred counterparts. This tastes like straight-up chicken bullion, but with a wonderful silky texture. It doesn’t have the “roasty” quality that the Knorr has, but it would be great with a bunch of freshly cracked pepper, poured over a gorgeous roast chicken thigh.
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Target
- Knorr Classic Brown Gravy Mix
-
We’ve all choked down dry meatloaf. I know plenty of people are content to moisten it with ketchup (no shame!), but if you’re serving meatloaf, I really think you should consider having some gravy on the table. Knorr’s Classic Brown gravy is the best store-bought gravy for meatloaf night. It lacks a little in the beefy-flavor department, but while McCormick tastes like something to be enjoyed with rare roast beef, this would really compliment a mound of ground chuck.
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Instacart
- McCormick Turkey Gravy Mix
-
This wasn’t our top turkey gravy, but I can’t deny that it has all the appeal of hot meat juice all the same. If you want something a little more neutral to accompany a big bowl of mashed potatoes, something with less roasted turkey flavor, this packet hits the spot. If you’re making mashers from scratch, all that butter and cream you’re adding (please tell me you add lots of butter and cream to your mashed potatoes) can still shine through here. Not the best gravy we tried, but a totally solid option to have on hand in the pantry.
Credit: Sarah Demonteverde / Walmart

Best of the Best

Best Chicken

Best Brown

Best Chicken (Runner-Up)

Best with a Meatloaf

Best for Mashed Potatoes
Other products we tried: Campbell’s Chicken Gravy, McCormick Chicken Gravy Mix, Heinz Homestyle Chicken Gravy, Heinz Roasted Turkey Gravy, Campbell’s Turkey Gravy, Primal Kitchen Classic Gravy, Campbell’s Beef Gravy
Find the best store-bought gravy at home and share with us using #SporkedTasteTest for a chance to be featured on our social pages!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen the word “Meatloves” before, but I like it.
And I’m planning on grabbing all the dry/non-perishable goods I can for Thanksgiving very soon, so many of these recent ones have been very helpful. Appreciated!
Hell yeah! I’m so glad these have been helpful!
No vegetarian or vegan gravy? I was expecting a mushroom gravy to be on this list. This year I’m trying Primal Kitchen Organic Mushroom Gravy with Cashew Butter because it was on sale at Thrive Market.
Sorry nothing beats Heinz Chicken Gravy for mashed potatoes and for turkey
Did this taste test include Bisto?
My favorite gravy mix seems to have been discontinued because I’ve not been able to find it in a couple of years. It was the Cracker Barrel turkey gravy mix. It was so delicious! I really wish they would bring it back.
We need worst of lists too