Nutrition Facts for Biscuits and Gravy – The Best 2025 Health Breakdown

Biscuits and gravy—warm, rich, and dripping with Southern flavor—are a classic comfort breakfast across American tables. But as irresistible as they taste, how healthy is this popular dish? In this complete guide, we break down the nutrition facts for biscuits and gravy, compare calorie counts, fat, carbs, and protein, and explore ways to make this meal a bit more diet-friendly. Whether you enjoy sausage gravy poured over buttery biscuits or you’re experimenting with healthier swaps, understanding what’s actually on your plate helps you make smarter choices without giving up flavor.

Don’t miss our guide to Homemade Biscuit Nutrition for an even deeper dive into biscuit breakdowns.

Introduction to Biscuits and Gravy Nutrition

What Makes Biscuits and Gravy So Popular?

Rooted in Southern American cuisine, biscuits and gravy are known for their creamy texture and hearty taste. This breakfast combination typically features soft, flaky biscuits topped with thick sausage gravy made from pan drippings, milk, and flour.

People love the dish because it’s:

• Comforting: Warm and filling, perfect for a cozy morning
• Hearty: Contains fats and proteins that satisfy quickly
• Customizable: You can modify ingredients for diet needs

But with richness comes responsibility—especially when you’re tracking macros, calories, or sodium.

Why Understanding the Nutrition Is Important

It’s easy to underestimate the calorie count when a meal looks homemade and fresh. But biscuits and gravy often contain hidden sodium, refined carbs, and saturated fats that can add up fast—especially when eaten in large portions.

Knowing the nutrition facts for biscuits and gravy empowers you to:

• Manage weight loss or fitness goals
• Make substitutions that reduce fat and sodium
• Decide how often this meal fits into your plan

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Basic Nutrition Facts for Biscuits and Gravy

Macronutrient Breakdown (Calories, Fat, Protein, Carbs)

Let’s start with the basics. A traditional serving—1 large biscuit with ½ cup of sausage gravy—typically includes:

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	450–650 kcal
Total Fat	25–38 g
Saturated Fat	10–15 g
Carbohydrates	28–35 g
Protein	10–14 g
Sodium	900–1,200 mg

Looking for inspiration? Try our Maple Biscuit Recipe for a lighter, slightly sweet twist on traditional biscuits.

Typical Serving Size and Nutritional Range

• One biscuit (medium, ~55g): 180–220 calories
• ½ cup sausage gravy: 250–400 calories depending on fat content
• Combined dish: 450–650 calories

Higher-fat sausages and whole milk push these numbers up, while lean ground turkey and low-fat milk can bring them down.

Calories in a Homemade Biscuit with Gravy

Calories from the Biscuit vs. the Gravy

Each component contributes differently to the total calorie count:

Component	Calories	Notes
Biscuit (homemade)	180–220	White flour and butter-based
Gravy (½ cup, pork)	250–400	Sausage fat, flour, milk base
TOTAL (average)	450–600	Varies based on ingredients used

Homemade versions may include less preservatives and additives, but they can still be calorie-dense.

Check out Lemon Sandwich Biscuits if you’re looking for a biscuit variation that’s lighter and citrusy.

Calorie Chart Based on Common Ingredients

Ingredient	Calories (per serving)
Pork sausage (2 oz)	200
Whole milk (½ cup)	75
All-purpose flour (1 tbsp)	30
Butter (1 tbsp in biscuit)	100
Biscuit (homemade, 55g)	200

Use lean protein and alternative flours to cut calories significantly. Swapping almond milk for whole milk can reduce 50+ calories per serving.

Nutritional Value of Homemade Biscuits

Standard Ingredients and Their Impact

Most homemade biscuits are made with:

• All-purpose flour – high in simple carbs, low in fiber
• Butter or shortening – high in saturated fat
• Milk or buttermilk – adds protein and calcium
• Baking powder/soda & salt – contributes sodium
• Optional sugar – minimal but adds quick carbs

A standard biscuit (55g) contains:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	180–220 kcal
Carbs	23–25 g
Fat	9–12 g
Saturated Fat	4–7 g
Protein	3–4 g
Sodium	300–500 mg

These values contribute significantly to the nutrition facts for biscuits and gravy, especially when paired with a rich sausage gravy.

Healthier Homemade Biscuit Variations

You can modify your biscuit recipe for better nutritional value by:

• Using whole wheat or almond flour instead of white
• Replacing butter with Greek yogurt or avocado oil
• Skipping added sugar entirely
• Using low-fat buttermilk instead of whole milk

Discover great ideas like our Homemade Biscuit Nutrition Guide for more healthy swaps and comparisons.

Gravy Nutrition – Calories, Fat, and Sodium

Types of Gravy and Their Nutritional Profiles

Gravy is where calories and saturated fats climb quickly. Here’s a breakdown of common gravy types:

Gravy Type	Calories (½ cup)	Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)
Sausage Gravy	250–400	20–30	800–1,200
Cream Gravy	180–260	15–22	600–900
Mushroom Gravy	120–160	8–12	400–600
Turkey Gravy (lean)	90–120	5–8	300–500

Gravy made from pan drippings is often high in saturated fat. Opting for a broth-based or milk-alternative version can make a dramatic nutritional difference.

How Sausage Gravy Compares to Other Versions

Sausage gravy, the Southern favorite, typically uses:

• Pork sausage (high in fat)
• Butter or grease
• Whole milk
• White flour

Compared to lighter gravies, sausage gravy ranks highest in saturated fat and sodium, making it the least diet-friendly option—yet it’s the most flavorful. Swapping pork for ground turkey or chicken sausage and using unsweetened almond milk can save up to 150 calories per serving.

Are Biscuits and Gravy Healthy or Not?

Pros and Cons of the Dish

Pros:

• Satisfying and filling – May prevent overeating later
• Homemade versions allow ingredient control
• Good protein source when meat is included
• Comfort food appeal for emotional satisfaction

Cons:

• High in saturated fats and sodium
• Low in fiber and micronutrients
• May exceed daily sodium limits in one serving
• Refined carbs can spike blood sugar levels

When It Fits into a Balanced Diet

Biscuits and gravy can be part of a balanced diet if:

• You limit portions (½ cup gravy + 1 biscuit)
• Use lean meats and milk alternatives
• Make it a treat, not a daily staple
• Pair it with high-fiber sides like sautéed greens or fresh fruit

Don’t miss our Healthy Desserts with Dates for post-breakfast sweets that won’t wreck your progress.

Tips for Making Biscuits and Gravy Healthier

Ingredient Swaps to Reduce Calories and Fat

If you’re aiming to improve the nutrition facts for biscuits and gravy, start with the ingredients. Here are some easy swaps:

Traditional	Healthier Alternative
Pork sausage	Turkey or chicken sausage
Whole milk	Unsweetened almond milk
Butter in biscuits	Greek yogurt or avocado oil
White flour	Almond or oat flour
Salt-heavy gravy base	Low-sodium broth + herbs

Swapping even one of these can shave off 100–150 calories per serving.

Cooking Techniques to Enhance Nutrition

• Bake instead of fry: Reduces extra oil
• Use smaller biscuit cutters: Keeps portions in check
• Skim fat from pan drippings: Lowers saturated fat
• Add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to gravy: Boosts fiber and nutrients

Diet-Specific Considerations

Low-Carb, Low-Fat, and Gluten-Free Options

For Low-Carb Diets:

• Use almond flour biscuits
• Make keto sausage gravy with heavy cream and coconut flour

For Low-Fat Diets:

• Skip sausage and make gravy with low-fat milk
• Use egg whites and whole wheat biscuits

For Gluten-Free Diets:

• Use gluten-free biscuit mix or oat flour
• Thicken gravy with cornstarch instead of wheat flour

Are Biscuits and Gravy Okay for Weight Loss Diets?

Yes—if portioned and prepared mindfully. Choose one biscuit, use lean protein, and skip the extra butter. Keep total calories under 500, and it fits easily into most calorie-restricted meal plans.

Sample Meal Plans & Light Recipes

Healthier Biscuits and Gravy Recipe Breakdown

Serves: 4
Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 390
• Fat: 16g
• Carbs: 28g
• Protein: 18g
• Sodium: 580mg

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 8 oz turkey sausage
• 1 tbsp whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Mix biscuit ingredients, cut into circles, and bake for 12–15 mins.
3. Brown sausage, sprinkle in flour, and stir.
4. Slowly add almond milk and simmer until thickened.
5. Serve gravy over warm biscuits.

How to Fit It into Your Weekly Plan

Day	Meal
Monday	Turkey sausage biscuit + sautéed greens
Thursday	Gluten-free biscuit with mushroom gravy
Sunday	Keto gravy over almond flour biscuit

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Biscuits and gravy may be a classic indulgence, but that doesn’t mean they’re off-limits. By understanding the nutrition facts for biscuits and gravy, you can make better ingredient choices, control portion sizes, and still enjoy every creamy bite. Whether you’re managing weight, lowering sodium, or just trying to eat smarter, it’s all about balance. From lean meats to almond flour biscuits, the path to a healthier Southern breakfast starts in your own kitchen.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out our Cream Cheese Nutrition Facts for more comforting yet healthy snacks.