brown sauces

Brown sauces and gravies are sold as powdered mixes, ready-to-eat jars, and bottled liquid sauces.

Powdered mixes are combined with water and cooked briefly. Common directions include mixing one package with about 1 cup of water, whisking with cold water and then bringing to a boil, or simmering for about a minute until thickened.

Package weights range from powdered packets under 1 ounce (about 0.87–1 oz) to ready sauces and gravies in the low-to-mid teens of ounces (12 oz, 14.1 oz, 15.5 oz, and 18 oz).

Labels commonly highlight attributes such as reduced sodium; 0 g saturated fat; no artificial flavors; no added MSG; no high-fructose corn syrup; gluten-free; and kosher. Some jarred sauces also note they are preservative-free.

They’re commonly used over meats and mashed potatoes, as sandwich dips or au jus for roast beef, and as marinades, basting sauces, glazes, or dipping sauces for grilled items and sides. Some shoppers also use them on pasta, pizza, or as a general topping.

Jarred gravies provide quick microwave guidance; one description notes heating for about 3 minutes to be ready.

Au jus mixes typically instruct whisking a packet with several cups of water and bringing it to a boil. Common tweaks include adding flour to thicken the gravy or stirring in herbs for extra flavor.