Supermarket Gravy Granules Taste Test: The Surprising Winner
In a household where gravy can make or break a meal, the quest for the perfect packet mix is serious business. While some prefer the art of scratch-made gravy, busy weeknights often call for the convenience of granules. Bisto has long been a trusted name, but its premium price prompted a thorough investigation into supermarket own-brand alternatives.
Beef gravy granules from Asda, Tesco, M&S, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury's, and Morrisons were put to the test on roast dinners, beef casseroles, and cottage pies. Each was evaluated on price, texture, and flavour to determine which offers the best balance of quality and value.
The Contenders: A Detailed Breakdown
Bisto Beef Gravy Granules set the benchmark at £3 for a 190g tub (£15.79/kg). With a lush, dark colour and meaty flavour, it earned 4 out of 5 stars. However, it fell just short of matching homemade gravy.
Sainsbury's Beef Gravy Granules at 56p for 170g (£3.29/kg) proved bland and lacking in flavour, scoring only 2 stars. It required extra granules to achieve any depth.
Tesco Beef Gravy Granules offered rich, smooth gravy at 66p for 200g (£3.30/kg). Easy to mix and packed with flavour, it secured a solid 4-star rating.
Morrisons Beef Gravy Granules cost 73p for 200g (£3.65/kg), producing a glossy, flavoursome gravy that was warming and hearty. It also earned 4 stars.
Lidl Beef Gravy Granules at £1.09 for 300g (£3.63/kg) were meaty and glossy, though slightly lumpy. They received 3.5 stars.
Aldi Beef Gravy Granules matched Lidl's price and weight, delivering a silky smooth texture that performed well in pies and roasts. It scored 4 stars.
Asda Beef Gravy Granules at 66p for 200g (£3.30/kg) mixed well but tasted overly oniony and salty, earning just 2 stars.
The Clear Winner: M&S Beef Gravy Granules
M&S Beef Gravy Granules stood out dramatically. Priced at £2 for 200g (£10/kg), it was the only product containing dried beef and dried onions, contributing to its rich, moreish flavour. It mixed beautifully into a smooth, glossy texture that impressed the entire family.
Scoring a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, it was unanimously preferred over Bisto and all other supermarket brands. While more expensive than most own-brand options, it remains cheaper than Bisto, offering superior taste that closely mimics homemade gravy.
Overall Verdict
The taste test revealed a definitive champion. M&S gravy granules not only surpassed Bisto in flavour but also provided exceptional value. For those seeking a convenient yet high-quality gravy option, M&S proves to be the top choice, delivering a homemade taste without the scratch-made effort.
