Are any Campbell's cream soups gluten free? A guide to new options and homemade alternatives

October 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2023 Campbell's survey, nearly one in five Americans were actively avoiding gluten, prompting many to ask: Are any Campbell's cream soups gluten free? The answer, which used to be a simple no, has recently changed, offering more options for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Quick Summary

Campbell's has introduced specific gluten-free versions of its popular condensed cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups. Consumers must always check the product labels, as the traditional soups still contain wheat. Making a homemade substitute is a simple and versatile alternative.

Key Points

Campbell's has specific GF cream soups: In 2023, Campbell's introduced new condensed gluten-free versions of Cream of Mushroom and Cream of Chicken soups.
Regular versions are not gluten-free: The traditional condensed cream soups from Campbell's still contain wheat flour and are not safe for a gluten-free diet.
Check for the explicit label: Always look for a clear "Gluten Free" designation on the can, as ingredients differ significantly from the classic recipes.
Substitute with cornstarch or rice flour: The gluten-free versions use alternative thickeners like rice flour and modified cornstarch instead of wheat flour.
Read all ingredient lists carefully: Pay close attention to the full ingredient list for any wheat, barley, or rye, as well as cross-contamination warnings.
Homemade is a great alternative: Making your own cream soup at home provides complete control over ingredients and sodium, often resulting in a fresher product.
Understand the FDA's definition: The FDA requires foods labeled "gluten-free" to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, which is a safe level for most individuals with celiac disease.

Campbell's New Gluten-Free Condensed Cream Soups

For many years, the answer to the question of whether Campbell's cream soups were gluten-free was a clear "no," as the standard varieties use wheat flour as a thickener. This posed a significant challenge for millions of people following a gluten-free diet for medical reasons, such as celiac disease, or by choice. In response to growing consumer demand, Campbell's launched specially formulated gluten-free condensed cream soups in 2023.

The company's new offerings are specifically labeled and can be found in two classic flavors:

Campbell's Condensed Gluten Free Cream of Mushroom Soup: This version is made with mushrooms, garlic, and farm-fresh cream, but swaps out the wheat flour for alternatives like rice flour and modified cornstarch to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
Campbell's Condensed Gluten Free Cream of Chicken Soup: Similarly, this variety features high-quality chicken stock, farm-fresh cream, and tender chicken meat, using gluten-free thickeners to create a smooth, delicious base for recipes or to enjoy on its own.

It is critical to remember that only these specific, clearly marked "Gluten Free" cans are safe for those on a strict gluten-free diet. The classic, regular condensed soups remain unsafe due to their gluten content. Always double-check the label before purchasing.

The Critical Practice of Label Reading

Even with dedicated gluten-free products available, label reading is a vital skill for anyone on a restricted diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the use of the "gluten-free" claim, requiring that products contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. Here’s what you need to look for:

The "Gluten-Free" Label: The most obvious sign is the clear "gluten-free" claim on the packaging. For products like Campbell's new soups, this will be prominently displayed.
The "Contains" Statement: The allergen declaration will list major allergens, including wheat. If a product contains wheat, it is not gluten-free. However, be aware that this statement doesn't cover barley, rye, or malt, so a simple check of the "Contains" list is not enough.
The Ingredient List: You must review the full ingredient list for any potential sources of gluten, such as wheat, rye, barley, or malt. For the gluten-free cream soups, you will see rice flour, modified cornstarch, or other substitutes instead of wheat flour.
Cross-Contamination Warnings: Some products may include voluntary advisory statements like "manufactured in a facility that also processes wheat." While research suggests products with a gluten-free label are safe despite these warnings, some individuals, especially those with severe celiac disease, may choose to avoid them to be extra cautious. The safest approach is to stick with products that are explicitly labeled gluten-free, like the new Campbell's options.

Canned vs. Homemade Gluten-Free Cream Soup

For those who prefer a homemade approach, or need a substitute when the new Campbell's versions aren't available, preparing your own gluten-free cream soup is straightforward and offers more control over ingredients and flavor. Here is a comparison of canned versus homemade options:


Feature	Campbell's Gluten-Free Canned Soup	Homemade Gluten-Free Cream Soup
Convenience	Highly convenient; quick to use from the can.	Requires preparation time, but can be made in batches and frozen.
Sodium Control	Sodium content is controlled by the manufacturer; can be high depending on the product.	You have complete control over the amount of salt added.
Flavor Customization	Pre-determined flavor; designed to replicate the traditional recipe.	Fully customizable; you can adjust seasonings and add herbs to your preference.
Ingredients	Ingredients are set; uses ingredients like modified cornstarch and rice flour.	You choose all ingredients, including thickening agents like cornstarch, rice flour, or tapioca starch.
Cost	Relatively inexpensive compared to some specialty items.	Can be more cost-effective, especially when making larger batches.

How to Make a Simple Homemade Gluten-Free Condensed Cream Soup

Making a quick, versatile cream soup substitute is a valuable skill for any gluten-free cook. This basic recipe can be adapted to become "cream of chicken," "cream of mushroom," or "cream of celery".

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter or dairy-free alternative
2-3 tablespoons gluten-free flour blend, cornstarch, or potato starch
1 cup gluten-free broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef)
1 cup milk of choice (dairy or dairy-free)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: Additional herbs or sautéed ingredients for flavor (e.g., minced garlic, diced onion, chopped mushrooms)

Instructions:

Melt and Thicken: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in your chosen gluten-free thickener to form a smooth paste, or roux.
Combine Liquids: Slowly whisk in the broth and then the milk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
Simmer and Season: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, until it thickens to the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add Flavor (Optional): For a cream of mushroom soup, you can first sauté finely chopped mushrooms and onions in the butter before adding the thickener.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Options

In summary, the question of "are any Campbell's cream soups gluten free?" now has a positive answer, thanks to the company's dedicated gluten-free line launched in 2023. This is excellent news for those who rely on the convenience of canned soup for quick meals and casseroles. However, it is essential to distinguish between the new gluten-free versions and the traditional ones by carefully reading the labels, as the older products still contain gluten. For maximum control over ingredients and sodium, and for a potentially more cost-effective option, a homemade substitute remains a powerful tool in any gluten-free kitchen. By being a vigilant consumer and knowing your alternatives, you can ensure that your meals are both safe and delicious.

Helpful Outbound Link

For more detailed information on living with celiac disease and understanding food labels, visit the Celiac Disease Foundation's resource page: Label Reading & the FDA.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of 2023, Campbell's offers new varieties of Condensed Gluten Free Cream of Mushroom and Condensed Gluten Free Cream of Chicken. These are explicitly labeled "Gluten Free" on the can.

No. The standard, non-labeled versions of Campbell's cream soups contain wheat flour as a thickener and are not suitable for a gluten-free diet.

The main difference is the thickener. The classic soups use wheat flour, while the gluten-free versions use substitutes like rice flour and modified cornstarch to achieve their creamy consistency.

No. Campbell's states that its new gluten-free soups are made with high-quality ingredients, such as farm-fresh cream and antibiotic-free chicken.

Always check the product packaging. The gluten-free versions will be clearly and explicitly labeled as such. Do not rely on old packaging or a product's name, as recipes can change.

You can make a quick homemade substitute by creating a roux with butter and a gluten-free thickener like cornstarch or rice flour, then whisking in broth and milk until thickened.

Making your own allows for full control over ingredients, flavor customization, and particularly, managing sodium content, which is often high in canned products.

The FDA mandates that for a product to be labeled "gluten-free," it must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

Campbell's has a validation process to ensure their gluten-free products meet FDA criteria. For those with severe sensitivities, adhering to clearly labeled products is the safest approach, and discussing specific manufacturing processes with the company can provide additional peace of mind.

Yes. Campbell's offers other gluten-free products, often under its Pacific Foods brand, which should also be checked for explicit gluten-free labeling.