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What is “envelope gravy” and why does it get such a prominent place on supermarket signage?
That’s what British comedian Sarah Millican wants to know, as she shared a photo on X of a blue sign hanging above the shelves at a Real Canadian Superstore in Toronto, which listed Aisle 8 containing “cake mixes,” “sugar & spices,” “envelope gravy” and “rice crackers.”
The funnywoman captioned last weekend’s post: “Hey guys, does anyone know what ‘envelope gravy’ is? I previously assumed it was your arse crack when you’ve had a wet fart. ‘Oh no, I have envelope gravy!’ sort of thing.”
Canadians weigh in
Many people from Toronto, other parts of Canada and beyond replied to her query, with many taking it very seriously and explaining what it is — essentially, gravy granules used to make, well, gravy.
“‘Envelope gravy’ is a North American term for a pre-packaged, dehydrated powdered gravy mix sold in a small paper or foil packet (or ‘envelope’),” one user, Richard, detailed meticulously. “You simply mix the contents with hot water or milk and heat it on a stove to quickly make instant gravy.”
Matt Avery shared a photo he had coincidentally taken, writing that he “wondered the exact same thing,” adding, “I still don’t know what it is.”
Oh my goodness! I was in Toronto last Tuesday at a Real Canadian Superstore and wondered the EXACT same thing! I even took a similar picture. Life can be so weird and coincidental. Also, I still don’t know what it is! pic.twitter.com/pVfGKK0Roj
— Matt Avery (@MattKit) September 27, 2026
Others took issue with the word “envelope,” noting it should be called “packet,” “mix” or, if you want to get fancy, “sachet.”
Some pointed out that they are very popular in the U.K., but there they come in tubs, not “envelopes.”
Gravy train of jokes
Naturally, there were those who couldn’t resist an “envelope gravy” joke and ran with it.
“It’s usually next to the postcard custard and parcel sauce,” one user answered Millican.
Another joked, “What the postman leaves you when you piss him off.”
A third person added: “Dunno how you weirdos eat your envelopes, but we put gravy on ours like civilized folk.”
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We have our own questions
Why does Shake ‘n Bake get its own spot on the sign? What about KD or Hamburger Helper?
There are enough “soda crackers” and “rice crackers” to warrant signage instead of plain old “crackers?”
Also, wouldn’t “gravy” on the sign suffice? Or is canned gravy in a different aisle?
If so, that’s a whole other conundrum.