Does Progresso Soup Have a Lot of Sodium?

November 3, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the American Heart Association, more than 70% of the sodium Americans consume comes from processed and restaurant foods, making it crucial to check labels. When it comes to canned products, a common question is, "Does Progresso soup have a lot of sodium?" The answer depends on the specific variety, but many standard Progresso soups do contain significant amounts, often well over 600 mg per serving.

Quick Summary

This article examines the sodium levels in various Progresso soup products, from standard recipes to reduced-sodium and light versions, to help consumers make informed dietary choices. It details how to interpret nutrition labels and compares the brand's sodium content to general health guidelines and other competitors.

Key Points

Standard soups are high in sodium: Many traditional Progresso soups contain well over 600 mg of sodium per serving, a significant portion of the recommended daily limit.
Reduced-sodium versions are available: Progresso offers a variety of 'Reduced Sodium' soups, such as Roasted Chicken Noodle, which contain considerably less salt than their traditional counterparts.
Label reading is crucial: A product labeled 'Reduced Sodium' has at least 25% less salt, but still may be a significant source of sodium, so checking the specific milligrams is essential.
Single cans often contain multiple servings: The nutrition information listed on the can is often for a single serving, so consuming the whole can means multiplying the sodium amount by the number of servings.
High sodium has health risks: Excessive sodium intake is linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and kidney issues.
Consider other brands or modifications: Brands like Amy's and Pacific Foods often have even lower sodium options. Diluting soup with water or adding fresh ingredients can also reduce the overall sodium content of a meal.

Standard Progresso Soups and Sodium

For many years, canned soups, including those from Progresso, have been recognized as a major contributor to high sodium intake. A typical single serving of a traditional Progresso soup can easily contain a third or more of the recommended daily maximum for sodium. For instance, a serving of Progresso's Rich & Hearty Chicken & Homestyle Noodles lists 690 mg of sodium, which is 30% of the 2,300 mg daily value. A full can, which is often consumed as a single meal, would double that amount to a staggering 1,380 mg.

Manufacturers like Progresso add sodium for two primary reasons: as a preservative to extend shelf life and as a flavor enhancer. The canning process and the need for long-term preservation make high sodium levels a default for many conventional recipes. For consumers, this means that while the convenience is appealing, the nutritional trade-off, particularly regarding sodium, is substantial.

Navigating Progresso's Lower-Sodium Options

Recognizing growing consumer demand for healthier products, Progresso has introduced a number of reduced-sodium options. These products offer a significantly better alternative for those monitoring their salt intake. When shopping, it's essential to understand the different labeling terms, as they have specific regulatory definitions:

Reduced Sodium: This means the product contains at least 25% less sodium than the standard version. For example, the Reduced Sodium Roasted Chicken Noodle soup drops its sodium from 690 mg to 460 mg per serving compared to its traditional counterpart.
Light in Sodium / Lightly Salted: Indicates at least 50% less sodium per serving than the regular product.
Very Low Sodium: The product must contain 35 mg or less of sodium per serving.
Sodium-Free / Salt-Free: The product must have less than 5 mg of sodium per serving.

Progresso's Reduced Sodium lineup includes popular flavors like Creamy Tomato with Basil, Savory Chicken & Wild Rice, and Hearty Minestrone. These are designed to provide a flavorful experience without the excessive salt found in the traditional varieties.

Comparison: Progresso vs. Other Canned Soups

To put Progresso's sodium content in perspective, it's useful to compare it with other brands. While many canned soup manufacturers struggle with high sodium, some offer excellent low-sodium choices. Below is a comparison table of sodium levels for standard chicken noodle soups across several brands:


Brand	Product	Sodium per Serving	Notes
Progresso	Rich & Hearty Chicken Noodle	690 mg	Standard formula, high sodium.
Progresso	Reduced Sodium Chicken Noodle	460 mg	30% reduction from traditional version.
Campbell's	Healthy Request Chicken Noodle	410 mg	A lower-sodium option from a main competitor.
Amy's Kitchen	Light in Sodium Lentil Soup	310 mg	Organic, plant-based option with very low sodium.
Pacific Foods	Creamy Tomato Low Sodium	320 mg	A low-sodium option from another major brand.

This comparison highlights that while many traditional soups are high in sodium, viable, lower-sodium alternatives exist from both Progresso and its competitors. Brands like Amy's and Pacific Foods often have an edge in the organic and naturally low-sodium categories.

How to Make Canned Soup Healthier

Beyond just choosing a lower-sodium variety, there are simple steps consumers can take to reduce the salt in their meal.

Read the label carefully: Always check the nutrition facts, especially the serving size. Some cans contain two or more servings, so a full can could mean double or triple the sodium listed.
Rinse and drain: If using a canned ingredient like beans from a different product, rinsing them can remove a significant amount of sodium.
Dilute the soup: You can add water, a low-sodium broth, or even unsalted milk to a canned soup to decrease its overall sodium concentration.
Add fresh ingredients: Adding fresh vegetables like spinach, carrots, or peppers can bulk up the meal and add nutrients without increasing the sodium.
Use your own seasonings: Flavor can be added with herbs, spices, or a squeeze of lemon juice instead of relying on salt.

Health Implications of High Sodium Intake

For most healthy adults, the recommended daily limit for sodium is 2,300 mg, while the ideal limit is closer to 1,500 mg for optimal heart health. Exceeding these limits regularly can lead to serious health issues.

High Blood Pressure: Excess sodium intake is a leading cause of hypertension, which can strain blood vessels and the heart.
Cardiovascular Disease: Elevated blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Kidney Disease: The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering sodium. Excessive intake puts added stress on these organs over time.
Water Retention and Bloating: Short-term effects of high sodium include bloating and swelling as the body retains excess fluid.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Ultimately, the question "Does Progresso soup have a lot of sodium?" has a nuanced answer. While many of the brand's standard products are indeed high in sodium, Progresso also offers a readily available selection of reduced-sodium alternatives. For health-conscious consumers, it's essential to read the nutrition labels, compare sodium levels across different versions and brands, and consider incorporating fresh ingredients to balance out the meal. By making informed choices, it is possible to enjoy canned soup as a convenient and flavorful part of a low-sodium diet.

Does Progresso soup have a lot of sodium?

Progresso's sodium content varies: Standard recipes often have high sodium, while 'Reduced Sodium' and 'Light' varieties offer lower-salt alternatives.
Check the nutrition label: Always read the nutrition facts to see the exact sodium amount, paying close attention to the serving size, as one can may contain multiple servings.
Compare to health guidelines: Many standard Progresso soups contain a significant portion of the recommended 2,300 mg daily sodium limit in just one serving.
Alternative brands exist: Other brands, like Amy's and Pacific Foods, offer organic and naturally lower-sodium options that may contain even less salt.
Customize your soup: You can make canned soup healthier by adding fresh vegetables, diluting it with water or low-sodium broth, and seasoning with herbs instead of salt.
High sodium risks: Consistently high sodium intake is linked to increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and kidney issues.
Reduced sodium options are common: Progresso's Reduced Sodium line is a widely available option for those needing to watch their salt intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

The amount of sodium varies significantly by product. A standard can often contains two servings, and the sodium can range from around 400-600 mg per serving for 'Reduced Sodium' varieties to 690 mg or more for traditional recipes.

Yes, Progresso has a 'Reduced Sodium' line, featuring flavors like Roasted Chicken Noodle and Savory Chicken & Wild Rice, which are significantly lower in sodium than their standard soups.

For most healthy adults, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend a limit of no more than 2,300 mg per day. The American Heart Association suggests an ideal limit of 1,500 mg per day.

Progresso Light soups are generally lower in calories but still contain notable amounts of sodium. While often less than the traditional versions, they may not be as low as the specific 'Reduced Sodium' line, so it's always best to check the label.

To reduce sodium, you can dilute the soup with water or low-sodium broth, or add fresh, unsalted vegetables. You can also rinse and drain any added ingredients, like canned beans, before adding them.

Excessive sodium intake can cause water retention and is a major contributing factor to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Many of Progresso's standard soups have sodium levels comparable to other major brands' traditional offerings. However, brands like Amy's and Pacific Foods are known for having more options with significantly lower sodium content overall.