6 Best Store-Bought Turkey Gravies of 2026, Tested and Reviewed

Tested by Taylor Murray

For many people, gravy is the star of the show at a holiday dinner. It coats everything in delicious, savory flavor and has been known to add moisture to even the driest and most overcooked roasts (looking at you, Aunt Marge). Even though gravy made from pan drippings isn't that ambitious to pull off, sometimes getting dinner on the table can make things a little hectic.

Luckily, most stores offer some variety of pre-made turkey gravy. The type of gravy can vary, from fully ready-to-heat jarred varieties to simple dry mixes that can be heated with water on the stovetop. With all the choices, choosing one can be a dizzying experience. We gathered 15 of the most common turkey gravy brands and tried them ourselves to help you make the best choice for your dinner table.

How We Tested

To find the best store-bought turkey gravies, we started by reviewing each product's packaging, noting its format, serving size, yield and preparation instructions.

Preparation: We prepared each turkey gravy according to the package instructions, using the same saucepan and whisk for consistency and noting how easily it came together.

Appearance and Aroma: Once heated, we evaluated its color, glossiness and aroma, looking for an inviting appearance and savory poultry scent.

Texture and Consistency: We spooned and poured each gravy to assess its consistency, checking whether it was smooth and cohesive or watery, gummy, gelatinous or greasy.

Flavor and Seasoning: We tasted each one on its own at the same warm serving temperature, considering its richness, balance of seasonings and whether it tasted distinctly like turkey.

Mashed Potato Test: Finally, we spooned each gravy over plain mashed potatoes to see how well it coated them and whether its flavor complemented the potatoes without overpowering them.

What to Look for When Buying Turkey Gravy

Type: Turkey gravy comes in jars, cans, cartons and dry mixes, along with concentrated bases that need to be diluted. Most liquid gravies are ready to heat, while mixes and bases require water or milk. Format alone doesn't determine quality, and our winners included everything from a canned gravy to a powdered mix.

Flavor: Look for savory depth and balanced seasoning, but don't assume every turkey gravy will taste distinctly like turkey. Several products we tested leaned more toward general poultry flavor, with some offering subtle notes of sage and thyme. Consider how you'll serve it, too. A gravy that tastes a little salty on its own may work nicely over plain mashed potatoes, while a milder option can leave room for flavorful turkey drippings.

Serving Size: Check both the serving size and the number of servings per package when deciding how much to buy. A listed serving may be smaller than the amount your guests will pour over turkey, potatoes and stuffing. As a general rule of thumb, packages and jars of gravy tend to assign 2 ounces of finished gravy per serving. Depending on a diner's preferences, your guests could end up eating two to three times that amount.

Preparation Method: Ready-to-heat gravy is convenient when your stovetop is crowded, and dinner is nearly ready. Dry mixes require measuring liquid and whisking as they cook, while some concentrated bases need milk or other additives. Read the directions before shopping so you have any extra ingredients on hand, and factor in the attention required as well as cooking time.

Texture: The turkey gravies we tested ranged from thin and pourable to thick and gelatinous. The best consistency comes down partly to preference, but a good gravy should coat your food without feeling gummy or pasty. Follow the preparation directions before judging thickness, as some may loosen as they heat or thicken as they cool.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much gravy do you need per person?

Plan on about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of gravy per person, depending on how generously your guests pour. For a Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing, we'd lean toward 1/2 cup per person. That means about 4 cups for eight guests, plus extra for leftovers.

Can you make store-bought turkey gravy taste homemade?

A few small additions can give store-bought turkey gravy more character. Simmer it briefly with a sprig of thyme or sage, add freshly ground black pepper or stir in a small pat of butter for richness. Taste before adding salt, since prepared gravy may already have plenty. Start with small amounts so the additions complement the gravy without overwhelming it.

Can you mix store-bought gravy with turkey drippings?

Yes, drippings from your roasted turkey can give store-bought gravy a deeper, meatier flavor. Strain the drippings and skim off excess fat, then stir the juices into the gravy a little at a time as it heats. Taste as you go, especially if your turkey was brined or heavily seasoned, since the drippings can be salty.

How do you thicken store-bought turkey gravy?

For a small adjustment, simmer the gravy uncovered to reduce it slightly, keeping in mind that this also concentrates its saltiness. To thicken it without reducing, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of cold water for each cup of gravy. Whisk the slurry into the simmering gravy a little at a time and let it cook until thickened before deciding whether to add more. Avoid adding dry cornstarch directly to hot gravy, which can create lumps.

How do you thin turkey gravy that's too thick?

Heat the gravy first, since it may loosen as it warms. If it's still too thick, whisk in water or unsalted turkey or chicken stock a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency. Taste afterward and adjust the seasoning if needed.

How long does turkey gravy last in the refrigerator?

According to the USDA, gravy keeps in the refrigerator for three to four days. Follow any shorter storage window listed on the package. Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a shallow, covered container within two hours of serving, and keep the refrigerator at 40 degrees F or below. Bring leftover gravy to a boil when reheating.

Other Store-Bought Turkey Gravies We Tested

Store-bought turkey gravy can have flavors and textures that vary wildly from brand to brand. For example, Heinz HomeStyle Turkey Gravy comes in a glass jar and, in testing, had an unexpectedly acidic and sweet flavor that overwhelmed all other qualities. It was off-putting enough that we didn't want another bite.

Le Sauce & Co.'s Thanksgiving Turkey Gravy had an overpowering dried-herb flavor that dominated the gravy and also caused it to skew acidic.

Many of the dry mixes, like the ones from Kroger and McCormick, had mild, bland flavors and a very gelatinous texture due to the primary ingredient: modified food starch.

Why You Should Trust Our Tester

Taylor Murray is a graduate of Johnson and Wales University with a degree in Culinary Nutrition. She worked as a professional chef for over 10 years before moving into recipe and product testing and development. She has tested several hundred products for Food Network and other brands over the past six years, covering everything from carbon steel pans to food dehydrators.

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Food Network Shopping Experts believe the best method for testing products is based on how our fans are going to use them in the real world. In each of our Tested and Reviewed stories, products are tested in real home kitchens that reflect real-world use cases. Our testers follow rigorous testing rubrics designed by our expert editors and take copious notes during the testing process. When choosing the best products, our testers evaluate all of the testing data and take into consideration many factors, including ease of use, price, product availability and practicality. The products covered on FoodNetwork.com are chosen completely independently by our editors without any outside influence. Our editors do not accept products in exchange for a positive review or promised coverage.