Does Cream of Mushroom Soup Raise Your Blood Sugar?

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to glycemic index data, condensed, canned cream of mushroom soup is estimated to have a medium glycemic index, meaning its effect on blood sugar can be significant. This article explores the nutritional factors that determine if and how does cream of mushroom soup raise your blood sugar, and provides insights for managing its impact.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the components of cream of mushroom soup, including carbohydrates, fat, and sodium, to explain their potential effects on blood sugar. It compares store-bought and homemade versions, highlighting the risks of hidden sugars and additives. You'll find practical advice on choosing diabetic-friendly options and preparing healthier recipes.

Key Points

Canned vs. Homemade: Canned cream of mushroom soup is more likely to raise blood sugar due to added refined starches and high sodium, while homemade versions allow for better control over ingredients.
Mushroom Benefits: Fresh mushrooms are low-carb, low-glycemic, and contain beneficial compounds like polysaccharides that support blood sugar management.
Low-Carb Thickeners: To reduce the glycemic impact, use alternatives like pureed cauliflower, xanthan gum, or a small amount of almond flour instead of traditional wheat flour.
Balanced Meals: Pairing the soup with lean protein or fiber-rich vegetables can help slow down glucose absorption and promote stable blood sugar levels.
Sodium Awareness: Be mindful of high sodium levels in canned soups, which can affect blood pressure and overall metabolic health, and opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added options.
Mindful Consumption: Portion control and checking nutrition labels are crucial for safely incorporating cream of mushroom soup into a diabetes-friendly eating plan.

The Core Components: Understanding the Ingredients

To understand how cream of mushroom soup affects blood sugar, you must analyze its ingredients. While fresh mushrooms themselves are low in carbohydrates and have a very low glycemic index, the additional ingredients in a typical recipe or store-bought can significantly alter the soup's overall impact. The main culprits for potential blood sugar spikes are often the thickening agents, added starches, and dairy products used.

The Role of Carbohydrates

Different versions of cream of mushroom soup can have vastly different carbohydrate counts. Canned, condensed varieties often contain added flour or modified starches to achieve their signature thick consistency. These refined carbohydrates are digested quickly, leading to a more rapid increase in blood sugar. In contrast, a homemade recipe that uses less flour or alternative thickeners like pureed cauliflower will have a much lower glycemic load.

The Impact of Fats and Protein

Contrary to refined carbs, fats and protein can actually help to slow down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. Heavy cream, a key component, contains fat that delays digestion. Similarly, adding a lean protein source, like shredded chicken, can help balance the meal and provide a more gradual energy release. However, excessive saturated fat, often found in less-healthy recipes, can lead to other health issues, particularly for those managing diabetes-related heart concerns.

The Hidden Sodium and Additives

Sodium and other additives, particularly in canned soups, are a major concern. High sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, a common comorbidity for individuals with diabetes. Canned soups can also contain hidden sugars and preservatives that negatively affect metabolic health. Always check the nutrition label for low-sodium and no-sugar-added versions when purchasing store-bought products.

Comparison: Canned vs. Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup


Feature	Canned, Condensed Soup	Homemade Soup
Carbohydrate Content	Higher; contains refined starches and flour for thickening.	Lower; allows for use of low-carb thickeners like pureed vegetables.
Glycemic Impact	Medium; can cause a moderate blood sugar spike.	Lower; more controlled and gradual blood sugar response.
Fat Content	Can be higher in saturated fats, depending on brand and recipe.	Variable; can be made with less or healthier fat options.
Sodium Level	Often very high; can contribute to high blood pressure.	Controlled; allows for minimal or no added salt.
Additives	May contain preservatives and other unhealthy additives.	None; made with whole, fresh ingredients.
Customization	Little to none; fixed ingredient list.	Full customization; ingredients can be tailored for blood sugar management.

Tips for Enjoying Cream of Mushroom Soup Safely

For those who enjoy cream of mushroom soup, several modifications can make it a healthier, more blood-sugar-friendly option. By controlling the ingredients and preparation method, you can minimize the risk of a blood sugar spike.

Low-Carb Thickening Agents

Pureed cauliflower: Cooked cauliflower can be blended into a creamy paste and added to the soup for thickness without the added carbs of flour.
Xanthan gum: A small amount of xanthan gum can be used as a gluten-free thickener with minimal carbohydrate impact.
Almond flour: Substituting almond flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour can reduce the carb count.

Healthy Fat and Protein Additions

Use broth: Starting with a low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth as the base is a great way to control salt content.
Incorporate Greek yogurt: For a creamy texture, consider adding non-fat Greek yogurt at the end of cooking for a protein boost and creamy texture, as seen in some diabetic-friendly recipes.
Add lean protein: Including lean protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas provides satiety and helps regulate blood sugar.

Blood Sugar Management Beyond the Soup

Managing blood sugar involves more than just one food item. A balanced diet and lifestyle are crucial. Eating meals that contain a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats is key to preventing rapid glucose spikes. Pairing your soup with a fiber-rich salad, for example, can improve its overall blood sugar impact. Light exercise after a meal has also been shown to help lower blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

While fresh mushrooms are a low-carb, diabetes-friendly food, the potential for cream of mushroom soup to raise your blood sugar depends heavily on its preparation and ingredients. Canned, condensed versions often contain refined starches and high sodium, which can contribute to blood glucose spikes. However, by opting for a homemade version and using low-carb thickeners and healthy additions, it's possible to enjoy a creamy, flavorful mushroom soup without negatively impacting blood sugar levels. Being mindful of ingredients and practicing moderation are key strategies for incorporating this comforting food into a diabetic-friendly diet.

Explore more low-carb, diabetic-friendly recipes and nutritional advice here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but with careful consideration. Opt for low-sodium, homemade versions using low-carb thickeners to minimize the risk of a blood sugar spike, and be mindful of portion sizes.

Canned varieties often contain refined starches like flour and thickeners that increase the carbohydrate load and cause a faster, more significant rise in blood sugar compared to fresh mushrooms.

Condensed, canned cream of mushroom soup is estimated to have a medium glycemic index, which can cause a moderate blood sugar spike. The glycemic impact of homemade soup is typically much lower.

Healthier alternatives to flour include pureed cauliflower, a small amount of xanthan gum, or a mixture of Greek yogurt and cornstarch, all of which have a lower glycemic impact.

To reduce sodium, use low-sodium or no-salt-added broth and season with herbs and spices instead of relying on canned soup with high salt content.

Fresh mushrooms are naturally low in carbs and contain beneficial polysaccharides that may help lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin resistance, and reduce inflammation.

While heavy cream contains fat that slows digestion, excessive saturated fat intake is unhealthy. For creamier soup, use it in moderation and consider healthier alternatives like unsweetened almond milk and Greek yogurt.