Bisto Gravy Granules Ingredients
Complete breakdown of Bisto Original Gravy Granules - Britain's best-selling gravy since 1908.
Quick Facts
Contains MSG (E621)
Bisto Original contains Monosodium Glutamate (E621) and other flavour enhancers (E635). While approved as safe, some people prefer to avoid MSG or report sensitivity.
High in Salt
Made gravy contains approximately 1g salt per 50ml serving. A full portion could contribute significantly to your daily salt intake (recommended max 6g).
Low in Calories
Bisto gravy is low in calories - around 15-20 calories per 50ml serving, making it one of the lower-calorie condiments.
Full Ingredients List
Ingredients for Bisto Original Gravy Granules:
Potato Starch, Maltodextrin, Salt, Wheat Flour, Colour (Ammonia Caramel), Vegetable Oil (Palm), Flavouring, Sugar, Flavour Enhancers (Monosodium Glutamate, Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides), Onion Powder, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin), Citric Acid
Additives Explained
| Additive | E-Number | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ammonia Caramel | E150c | Colour (brown) | Gives Bisto its brown colour. Made by heating carbohydrates with ammonia. Some studies have raised questions about 4-MEI byproduct, but levels in food are considered safe by regulators. |
| Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) | E621 | Flavour enhancer | Enhances savoury/umami taste. Approved as safe but some people report sensitivity (headaches, flushing). "Chinese Restaurant Syndrome" has been largely debunked by science. |
| Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides | E635 | Flavour enhancer | Works synergistically with MSG to boost flavour. Derived from nucleotides. Generally considered safe. |
| Soya Lecithin | E322 | Emulsifier | Helps ingredients mix and stay blended. Derived from soya. Generally considered safe - it's a natural component of cell membranes. |
| Citric Acid | E330 | Acidity regulator | Adjusts acidity and enhances flavour. Found naturally in citrus fruits. Considered safe. |
Base Ingredients
- Potato Starch - Main thickening agent that gives gravy its body when hot water is added.
- Maltodextrin - Carbohydrate derived from starch. Helps the granules dissolve and provides body.
- Salt - Significant contributor to the salty taste. Main nutritional concern with Bisto.
- Wheat Flour - Traditional thickening agent. Contains gluten.
- Palm Oil - Adds richness and mouthfeel. Bisto uses RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil.
- Flavouring - Proprietary blend to create the distinctive Bisto taste.
- Onion Powder - Natural flavouring ingredient.
Nutrition Information
Per 100ml made-up gravy (using typical dilution):
| Nutrient | Per 100ml | Per 50ml Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 134kJ / 32kcal | 67kJ / 16kcal |
| Fat | 1.3g | 0.7g |
| - of which saturates | 0.6g | 0.3g |
| Carbohydrate | 4.4g | 2.2g |
| - of which sugars | 0.5g | 0.3g |
| Protein | 0.5g | 0.3g |
| Salt | 2.0g | 1.0g |
Salt Content Context
A typical serving (50ml) contains 1g salt - 17% of the recommended daily maximum (6g). If you have a generous portion (100ml), that's 2g or 33% of your daily limit. People watching salt intake should use sparingly.
Bisto Variants
Bisto makes several variants with different ingredient profiles:
- Bisto Original - Contains MSG and flavour enhancers (analysed above).
- Bisto Best - Often contains real meat extracts and may have fewer additives.
- Bisto Reduced Salt - Lower sodium content for those watching salt intake.
- Bisto for Chicken/Beef/Onion - Different flavourings but similar additive profile.
- Bisto Vegetable Gravy - Suitable for vegetarians, no meat derivatives.
Note: Ingredients vary between products. Always check the specific product packaging for accurate information.
Gravy Options Compared
| Gravy Type | Salt (per 100ml) | MSG | Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bisto Original | ~2.0g | Yes (E621) | Flavour enhancers, caramel colour |
| Bisto Reduced Salt | ~1.0g | Yes | 50% less salt |
| Homemade (meat juices) | Variable | No | No additives, natural flavour |
| Stock cube gravy | ~1.5-2.5g | Usually | Similar profile to Bisto |
For lowest additive content, homemade gravy from meat juices with flour is the simplest option. For convenience, Bisto provides consistent flavour but with more additives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bisto contain MSG?
Yes, Bisto Original Gravy Granules contain Monosodium Glutamate (E621) and Disodium 5'-Ribonucleotides (E635), both flavour enhancers. MSG is approved as safe by food safety authorities, though some people prefer to avoid it.
Is Bisto vegan?
Bisto Original and most standard variants are not certified vegan but don't contain obvious animal ingredients. The "Flavouring" may be of animal origin. Bisto Vegetable Gravy is suitable for vegetarians. Check specific product labelling.
Is Bisto gluten-free?
No, Bisto Original contains wheat flour and is not suitable for people with coeliac disease. Bisto does make a gluten-free variant for those who need it.
Why is Bisto so salty?
Salt is a key flavour component in gravy and also acts as a preservative. The concentrated granule format means salt content is noticeable when diluted. For lower salt, use less granules, try Bisto Reduced Salt, or make homemade gravy.
What gives Bisto its brown colour?
Bisto uses Ammonia Caramel (E150c) for its characteristic brown colour. This is made by heating carbohydrates with ammonia compounds. It's approved for use in food across the UK, EU, and most countries.
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