A Look at the Labels: What are the ingredients in great value French onion soup?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), some canned condensed French onion soups contain over half of a day's recommended sodium intake in just one serving. Understanding what are the ingredients in great value French onion soup? is essential for making informed dietary choices that balance convenience with health goals.

Quick Summary

This article provides a comprehensive ingredient breakdown of Great Value French onion soup products. It analyzes nutritional considerations like sodium content, discusses food additives, lists potential allergens, and compares store-bought versus homemade versions for a healthier diet.

Key Points

High Sodium Content: Great Value French onion soup, especially the condensed version, is very high in sodium, which is a key concern for blood pressure and heart health.
Processed Ingredients: The soup contains multiple additives, including MSG, caramelized color, hydrolyzed proteins, and other flavor enhancers that signify a moderate to highly processed food.
Common Allergens: Consumers should be aware that both the condensed soup and the powdered mix contain common allergens like wheat and soy. The condensed version also contains milk.
Homemade is Healthier: Making French onion soup from scratch allows for complete control over ingredients, leading to a much lower sodium content, a cleaner nutritional profile, and greater health benefits from fresh onions.
Easy Upgrades for Store-Bought Soup: You can enhance the nutritional value and flavor of store-bought soup by adding fresh vegetables, herbs, and healthy fats like olive oil.

Decoding the Ingredients: Great Value Condensed French Onion Soup

Many consumers opt for store-bought soups for convenience. However, a closer look at the ingredients can reveal the nutritional trade-offs involved. Great Value offers two primary French onion soup options: a condensed canned soup and a powdered soup mix for preparing dip or soup.

The Condensed French Onion Soup

The ingredients for the condensed French onion soup with beef stock, as listed on the label, include:

Water
Onions
Dehydrated Onions
Corn Starch
Salt
Canola Oil
Sugar
Potassium Chloride
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Natural Flavors
Beef Extract
Beef Tallow
Soy Sauce (Water, Soybean, Wheat, Salt)
Caramel Color
Yeast Extract
Citric Acid
Disodium Inosinate and Guanylate
Dextrose
Spice

This list highlights the use of both fresh and dehydrated onions, a beef base, and a collection of flavor enhancers, colors, and preservatives. Notably, the product contains soy and wheat from the soy sauce, which are common allergens.

The Onion Recipe Soup & Dip Mix

Alternatively, Great Value offers a powdered soup mix for a different consumer need. Its ingredients differ slightly and include:

Dehydrated Onion
Salt
Maltodextrin
Sugar
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Hydrolyzed Corn Protein
Corn Starch
Caramel (Color)
Hydrolyzed Corn, Soy and Wheat Protein
Dehydrated Garlic
Autolyzed Yeast Extract
Soybean Oil
Corn Syrup Solids
Thiamine Hydrochloride
Disodium Guanylate
Disodium Inosinate

This mix also contains several highly processed ingredients, including multiple sources of hydrolyzed proteins, corn-derived additives, and flavor enhancers.

The Nutritional Impact: Deciphering the Health Trade-offs

While convenient, store-bought French onion soup products have significant nutritional drawbacks, primarily centered on sodium content, additives, and the degree of processing.

The Major Sodium Concern

One of the most prominent nutritional considerations for Great Value French onion soup is its high sodium level. The condensed version has been reported to contain up to 650mg of sodium per half-cup serving, which is 28% of the daily value. For those managing high blood pressure or other health conditions, this can be a serious issue. High sodium intake is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Processed Ingredients and Additives

Beyond salt, these soups contain a range of additives. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) and the related disodium inosinate and guanylate are commonly used flavor enhancers. Caramel color provides a consistent brown hue, while hydrolyzed proteins (from soy and corn) add a savory, umami flavor profile. These ingredients are indicative of a highly processed food, which is often less nutritionally dense than whole foods.

Allergen Information

For those with dietary restrictions or allergies, checking the label is crucial. The condensed soup contains soy and wheat (from the soy sauce) and milk (from cheese flavor). Similarly, the powdered mix contains wheat and soy proteins. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should be particularly cautious with these products.

Store-Bought vs. Homemade: A Nutritional Comparison

To better understand the nutritional profile of Great Value French onion soup, it's helpful to compare it with a classic, homemade version. Here is a simplified comparison of key nutritional components:


Feature	Great Value (Store-Bought)	Homemade (Controlled)
Ingredients	Water, onions, dehydrated onions, broth, canola oil, sugar, MSG, soy sauce, caramel color, yeast extract, stabilizers.	Onions, real beef broth (preferably homemade), butter, cheese, bread, fresh herbs (thyme).
Sodium	High (e.g., 650mg+ per serving).	Can be controlled to be very low by using low-sodium broth and less salt.
Processing Level	Moderately to highly processed with multiple additives and preservatives.	Minimally processed, using fresh, whole ingredients.
Additives	Contains MSG, caramel color, hydrolyzed proteins, and other enhancers.	Typically contains no artificial additives, colors, or preservatives.
Nutritional Density	Lower, with less fiber and fewer vitamins from fresh ingredients.	Higher, providing more fiber and naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals.

The Benefits of a Homemade Alternative

Crafting your own French onion soup offers significant dietary advantages. Onions are rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium, as well as the potent antioxidant quercetin. Making your soup from scratch allows you to maximize these nutritional benefits by using fresh ingredients and controlling the cooking process. You can use homemade bone broth for added protein and collagen, or a vegetable broth for a plant-based option. This level of control ensures a fresher, more flavorful, and nutritionally superior meal without the drawbacks of high sodium or artificial additives.

How to Enhance Your Store-Bought Soup (for a Healthier Diet)

If time is a factor and you need to use a store-bought option, there are ways to improve its nutritional profile and flavor. By adding fresh, whole food ingredients, you can make the meal more wholesome and satisfying. You can:

Add Fresh Ingredients: Sauté extra onions and garlic to mix in for more flavor and nutrients. Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. Stir in spinach or other leafy greens for extra vitamins.
Use Acid to Brighten: A splash of red wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice can balance the saltiness and add brightness.
Enrich with Fat: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving adds richness and a pleasant, fruity flavor.
Bulk it Up: Add cooked rice, pasta, or lentils to increase fiber and make the soup more filling.
Enhance with Protein: Adding shredded chicken or other cooked meat can boost the protein content.
Improve with Toppings: Garnish with low-sodium cheese, croutons made from whole-grain bread, or a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt for extra texture and flavor.

For more great tips on upgrading canned soup, check out this guide from Tasting Table: 12 Ways To Improve Store-Bought Canned Soup.

Conclusion

While Great Value French onion soup offers a convenient and affordable option, its ingredient list reveals a high level of sodium, flavor enhancers, and preservatives that may not align with all dietary goals. Both the condensed canned soup and the powdered mix contain multiple processed components and potential allergens, including soy and wheat. For optimal nutrition and a cleaner ingredient profile, opting for a homemade version is the superior choice. However, with a few fresh additions and mindful preparation, you can still improve the quality of a store-bought product within a balanced nutrition diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The sodium content in Great Value French onion soup is quite high. The condensed version with beef stock contains around 650mg of sodium per half-cup serving, which accounts for 28% of the Daily Value.

No, Great Value condensed French onion soup is not gluten-free, as its ingredients list includes soy sauce derived from wheat. Individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should avoid this product.

Yes, the condensed version of Great Value French onion soup lists Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) as an ingredient, along with disodium inosinate and guanylate, which are also used as flavor enhancers.

Yes, some versions of Great Value French onion soup may contain milk. The condensed soup contains 'Enzyme Modified Cheddar Cheese,' which includes milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes.

You can improve the flavor by adding fresh ingredients such as sautéed onions and garlic, a splash of red wine vinegar for brightness, or fresh herbs like thyme. Finishing with a drizzle of olive oil also helps.

Yes, homemade French onion soup is generally healthier. It allows you to control the sodium content and avoid artificial additives, while maximizing the nutritional benefits of fresh onions.

The main flavor enhancers include Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), yeast extract, and hydrolyzed soy and corn proteins, which contribute to the savory, umami taste.