A good gravy can truly elevate a meal, especially in our home. While my husband prefers to craft his gravy from scratch, blending flavors to perfection, I often rely on gravy granules when time is tight. Though Bisto has long been our go-to, its premium price prompted me to explore supermarket own-brand options to see how they stack up.
I purchased beef gravy granules from seven supermarkets—Asda, Tesco, M&S, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons—and tested them on roast dinners, beef casseroles, and cottage pies. I assessed each one based on price, texture, and flavor.
Let’s dive into what I discovered.
READ MORE: West Midlands School Becomes First to Achieve Three ‘Exceptional’ Ofsted Ratings
READ MORE: Birmingham Trails Behind French Twin City in Tram Network Size
Bisto Beef Gravy Granules — £3 for 190g (£15.79/kg)
Renowned for its rich taste, Bisto didn’t disappoint. The gravy had a deep, luscious color and a pronounced meaty flavor. It complemented our Sunday roast perfectly, with everyone enjoying every last drop. Close to homemade but not quite there, I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.
Sainsbury’s Beef Gravy Granules — 56p for 170g (£3.29/kg)
Unfortunately, this option fell flat with a bland taste requiring more granules to boost flavor. It lacked the depth I hoped for. I gave it 2 out of 5 stars.
Tesco Beef Gravy Granules — 66p for 200g (£3.30/kg)
This gravy blended easily and presented a rich, smooth texture packed with flavor. It enhanced meals without fuss. I rated it 4 out of 5 stars.
Morrisons Beef Gravy Granules — 73p for 200g (£3.65/kg)
Offering a glossy finish and hearty flavor, Morrison’s gravy was well balanced—not overly salty but satisfyingly rich. It earned 4 out of 5 stars.
Lidl Beef Gravy Granules — £1.09 for 300g (£3.63/kg)
Lidl’s gravy was meaty with a nice sheen, though a few lumps detracted slightly. Still a solid choice, I gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Aldi Beef Gravy Granules — £1.09 for 300g (£3.63/kg)
Silky smooth with great versatility, Aldi’s gravy worked well on pies and roasts alike. Its flavor was pleasing enough to merit 4 out of 5 stars.
M&S Beef Gravy Granules — £2 for 200g (£10/kg)
The standout among all, M&S’s gravy had a beautifully smooth, glossy texture. Unique to this blend were dried beef and dried onions, which lent a truly rich, homemade taste. Family members couldn’t stop commenting on its delicious depth, unknowingly tasting it blind. While pricier than other supermarket options, it was still cheaper than Bisto and deserving of a full 5 out of 5 stars.
Asda Beef Gravy Granules — 66p for 200g (£3.30/kg)
Though it mixed well and developed a dark, shiny color, Asda’s gravy leaned too oniony for my preference and was slightly too salty. I rated it 2 out of 5 stars.
Conclusion
After sampling all seven, it was clear M&S’s gravy granules delivered the best balance of flavor, texture, and cost—tasting the closest to homemade gravy and outperforming even Bisto. For those seeking a satisfying gravy without breaking the bank, M&S offers a fantastic choice I’ll happily return to.