Roasts just wouldn't be the same without it! (Bisto Gravy Granules)

Member Name: ian22

Product:	Bisto Gravy Granules
Date:	22/04/07 (234 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great taste, easy to make

Disadvantages: Prices have gone up recently

I love a nice roast dinner, but somehow a roast just wouldn't be the same without the gravy. So I thought I'd review one of the most famous gravy brands of all: Bisto.

BACKGROUND

One of the things which has always intrigued me is how the Bisto name come about in the first place. So I set about doing some research and this is I found. Bisto was originally invented in 1908 by Messrs Roberts & Patterson. It was a meat flavoured gravy powder and was named "Bisto" because it "Browns, Seasons and Thickens in One"! Over the years, the Bisto brand became ever more dominant, and in 2005 it was estimated that Bisto had a market share of well over 70%.

FLAVOURS

If you were to ask most people what flavour they most associate with the Bisto brand, they would most likely say 'beef'. The synonymous red container has become somewhat of a shopper's 'favourite' and by far the most popular flavour of gravy. But let's not forget that Bisto do a range of other flavours too, including 'chicken', 'turkey', 'lamb' and a few other meat varieties. Today, I shall be reviewing my favourite flavour of Bisto gravy - yep, you've guessed it, it's 'beef'!

SUITABILITY FOR VEGETARIANS ETC...

The great thing about the beef variety is that it no longer contains beef (unlike in the past), therefore making it suitable for vegetarians. However, the gravy also contains celery, soya and wheat, so watch out if you are allegic to any of these ingredients.

THE GRAVY ITSELF

Making gravy is, in my experience, an art in itself. It can so easily become too thick or too thin, or worse still, lumpy. I absolutely abhore lumpy gravy! However, thanks to the makers of Bisto, we can now all enjoy gravy without the lumps with their new 'gravy granules'. The great thing about granules is that they do not go lumpy, like the original gravy powders many of us are more used to. This means that you should be able to make the perfect gravy every time.

THE GRANULES

The granules themselves are strangely very similar in appearance to chocolate 'hundreds and thousands', although of course do not smell in the slightest bit of chocolate! Instead, they exude a strong aroma, which is a combination of beef and a potent smell of onion.

DIRECTIONS

Making gravy is so easy now with these new gravy granules. Simpy put 4 heaped tablespoons of Bisto granules into a measuring jug, add 1/2 pint of boiling water and then keep stirring until the gravy is of the preferred consistency. This provides enough gravy for about 3 or 4 people. Alternatively, add the granules to a saucepan of cold water first and then simmer the gently on the hob. Either way, the gravy should only take a few minutes to thicken, and depending on how you like it, you can either add more granules to make it thicker or add water or juices from the roast to dilute the gravy mixture.

THE END RESULT

Since using Bisto's new gravy granules, I have not once been unsuccessful in making the perfect gravy. The end result is invariably lump-free and just the right consistency. If you wish to thicken the gravy, it is possible to add further granules, even as the gravy is simmering, whereas in the days of gravy powder, the end result would have been a thick, lumpy gel, barely akin to gravy.

Tastewise, the gravy is quite beefy, but not overpoweringly strong. In fact, it is actually pleasantly subtle, so can quite easily accompany any meat, not just beef. In my opinion, Bisto gravy granules make the perfect gravy and it tastes just as good as it always has.

PRICE

300g containers of Bisto Gravy Granules cost £1.40 and 170g containers cost around 82p in the major supermarkets, which, incidentally, is the same price as a packet of Bisto Original Gravy Powder (227g). All of these prices have gone up recently, but still represent good value for money. If you can, though, I'd recommend you look out for any special offers. For example, Tesco are currently selling the 300g containers on a 'buy one, get one free' offer, which obviously works out as a considerable saving.

CONCLUSION

Overall, I am very impressed by Bisto Gravy Granules and recommend you them, as they not only make a smoother gravy, but are also a lot easier to work with compared to traditional gravy powders, which have an annoying propensity to make thick and lumpy gravy.

A five star gravy!

Summary: NA