Due to shortages and rationing during the early part of the twentieth century, British housewives needed to make food go as far as possible. For this reason, gravy was served up with potatoes, pies and vegetables to stretch the meagre provisions.
In 1908, two housewives had the idea of trying to find an easier way to make gravy than the traditional time consuming method of combining flour with meat juices. Their husbands helped create the Bisto Gravy we know and love today. The name Bisto is derived from its tag line "Browns, Seasons and Thickens in One".
Almost a century on and Bisto is still a brand leader in the UK with a market share of 62%.
An alternative use:
Food wasn't the only item in short supply during WWI - stockings were also rationed as the silk was needed to make parachutes. Women had to "make do" with what they had. Some women took this literally and used Bisto Gravy to make their legs look darker and then drew a line with eyeliner to give the illusion of stockings (tights hadn't yet been invented). Needless to say, women were very grateful to American servicemen who brought nylon stockings with them to England.
Meal changes
Bisto has had to adapt through the years as the traditional family unit has fragmented and eating habits have changed. The nuclear family tucking into a roast dinner each evening is no longer the norm - many families now eat at different times and with a much more varied diet and Bisto has adapted to meet the new demands.
In 1979, Bisto introduced its Bisto's Granules range that conveniently dissolves in hot water - tasty gravy in seconds.
Although curry is now Britain's favourite dish, more traditional dishes such as sausages and mash, cottage pie, chips and roasts all require some Bisto's Gravy to be complete so it looks like Bisto will be with us for a long time to come.
If you want some Bisto Gravy shipped direct to your door - make a request to the British Gopher.
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Flavours:
Aah Bisto Gravy Granules - for every meal occasion
Bisto Vegetarian Granules
Bisto Granules with Onion
Bisto Cheese Granules
Bisto Curry Granules
Bisto Chicken Granules
B isto White Sauce
