Gravy powders are the powdered form of instant gravy: a dry mix that produces a ready-to-serve sauce on addition of boiling water. Starch thickeners, flavourings, salt, colour and dried meat or vegetable extracts make up the blend, milled fine for rapid hydration. The powder format packs compactly and keeps long, but it demands vigorous stirring to avoid lumps. Manufacturers balance flavour strength against salt content, since the whole sachet seasons the finished gravy. Sachets are portioned for jug or pan preparation, giving caterers tight cost control.