Gravy from fast food or budget-friendly restaurants is more likely to be vegetarian because it’s made on a tight budget. Scratch-made gravy takes time and effort that most fast food restaurants can’t afford. These restaurants cut corners by using pre-made or artificial ingredients, and powdered gravy is a prime example of that. It’s a cheap product, generally consisting of a seasoning packet or bouillon cube and cornstarch or flour that quickly combine and thicken with boiling water.
While budget restaurants are more likely to use vegetarian gravies, it’s not a guarantee. You should always ask your server whether they make gravy with animal products or not. You can also opt for gravy alternatives by ordering other types of creamy, rich sauces. Roux-based, vegetarian sauces like béchamel or Alfredo closely resemble white gravy. Teriyaki sauce is a good vegetarian alternative to brown gravy.
Indian and Asian cuisines are known for their vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, many of which include thick, creamy sauces. Tomato-based or coconut cream curries and umami-rich, cornstarch-thickened stir-fry sauces are wonderful options to pour over veggies, plant-based meats, mashed potatoes, and rice.
