How many calories are in a bowl of Campbell's soup?

November 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Did you know that the calories in a single bowl of Campbell's soup can differ by hundreds depending on the flavor and type? Understanding the nutrition label is key to finding out precisely how many calories are in a bowl of Campbell's soup, a popular comfort food staple for many households.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of Campbell's soup varies significantly by flavor, line, and preparation method. Condensed soups, chunky varieties, and 'Healthy Request' lines each have distinct calorie profiles and serving sizes.

Key Points

Serving Size Varies: The total calories depend heavily on the specific product and your portion size, which often differs from the standard half-can serving.
Condensed vs. Chunky: Condensed varieties generally have lower base calories per serving, but add-ins like milk can increase the total significantly, while Chunky soups are more calorie-dense by design.
Milk Adds Calories: Preparing a cream-based condensed soup with milk, rather than water, substantially raises the final calorie count.
Healthy Request Options: For lower-calorie or reduced-sodium diets, Campbell's offers specific lines like "Healthy Request" designed to be a lighter option.
Check the Label: The most reliable way to know the exact calorie count is to read the nutrition facts on the product label, as recipes and serving sizes can change.
Add-ins Impact Total: Extra ingredients like crackers, cheese, or bread can easily increase the final calorie count of your soup bowl.

The Impact of Soup Type on Calorie Count

The most crucial factor influencing the calories in your Campbell's soup is the product line and whether it is condensed or ready-to-serve. Condensed soups, which are prepared by adding water or milk, often have lower initial calorie counts per serving, but the final total depends on what you mix in. For instance, a 1/2 cup serving of condensed soup might be 60 calories, but adding milk will increase that number significantly. Ready-to-serve and Chunky soups are pre-mixed and typically provide a more calorie-dense, filling meal.

Condensed Soups: A Look at the Calories

Condensed soups are classic for a reason, but their convenience hides a critical detail about their calorie calculation. The standard serving size listed on the can is for the condensed product, not the final bowl.

Here are approximate calories for a 250 mL bowl of some classic condensed Campbell's soups, assuming preparation with water:

Condensed Chicken Noodle: Around 70 calories
Condensed Vegetable: Around 90 calories
Condensed Cream of Mushroom (prepared w/ water): Approximately 100 calories
Condensed Cream of Chicken (prepared w/ water): Approximately 110 calories

Adding milk instead of water, especially full-fat milk, can double or triple the calorie count of a creamy condensed soup, a detail vital for those tracking their intake.

Calories in Campbell's Chunky Soups

The Chunky line is designed to be a heartier meal, and their higher calorie count reflects this. A single can is often two or more servings, so it is essential to check the label for the correct serving size.

Here are some examples of calories per cup (240 mL) for Campbell's Chunky soups:

Classic Chicken Noodle: 120 calories
Old Fashioned Vegetable Beef: 110 calories
Creamy Chicken & Dumplings: 170 calories
Baked Potato with Cheddar & Bacon (microwave bowl): 320 calories

These numbers provide a clearer picture for planning a meal, as they reflect the total calories ready-to-eat.

Beyond the Classics: Other Campbell's Soup Calories

Campbell's offers a wide array of other soups, from sipping varieties to the "Well Yes!" and "Healthy Request" lines.

Examples of other soup calories:

Well Yes! Italian-Style Wedding Soup (1 can): 220 calories
Healthy Request Chicken Noodle (1 cup): 110 calories
Creamy Tomato Microwavable Bowl (1 bowl): 130 calories

The caloric difference can be substantial. For example, a standard Creamy Tomato Microwavable Bowl is 130 calories, while a canned Creamy Tomato Soup, once milk is added, could be higher. Always verify the specific product and preparation method.

Comparison Table: Campbell's Soup Calorie Ranges

To help visualize the differences, here is a comparison table of calorie ranges for popular soup categories.


Soup Type	Serving Size	Approximate Calorie Range	Key Calorie Influencers
Condensed Broth-Based	250 mL prepared with water	70-90 calories	Addition of milk, toppings
Condensed Cream-Based	250 mL prepared with water	100-190 calories	Preparation with milk vs. water
Chunky	1 cup (240 mL)	110-320+ calories	Ingredients like meat, cream, pasta
Ready-to-Serve (other)	1 cup or 1 bowl	60-220+ calories	Specific product line, ingredients

How Preparation and Add-ins Affect Calorie Count

The number on the label is only part of the story. The way you prepare and customize your soup can significantly alter the final calorie count.

List of calorie-affecting factors:

Milk vs. Water: Using full-fat milk instead of water to prepare condensed cream-based soups adds a substantial number of calories and fat.
Extra Ingredients: Adding ingredients like shredded cheese, croutons, crackers, or a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese can quickly increase the total calories of your bowl.
Side Dishes: Pairing soup with a grilled cheese sandwich or a large piece of bread and butter will make it a more calorie-dense meal than eating it alone.
Serving Size: The most common mistake is assuming the entire can is a single serving. Read the "servings per container" on the nutrition label carefully.

Choosing the Right Soup for Your Diet

If you are trying to manage your weight or simply watch your calorie intake, not all Campbell's soups are created equal. The "Healthy Request" line, for example, is formulated with lower sodium and is a good starting point. Broth-based, vegetable-heavy options are also typically lower in calories.

For more detailed nutritional information and to find products that fit your dietary needs, consult the official Campbell's website at www.campbells.com or check out a comprehensive food database.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

The question of "How many calories are in a bowl of Campbell's soup?" has no single answer. The calorie count is highly dependent on the specific flavor, the product line (condensed, chunky, etc.), and the preparation method. By checking the nutrition label for serving size, considering preparation additives like milk, and being mindful of extra ingredients, you can make an informed decision about the role Campbell's soup plays in your diet. A simple bowl of Chicken Noodle might be a low-calorie lunch, while a full can of Creamy Chicken & Dumplings could be a substantial meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Adding milk significantly increases the calorie count of condensed soups, particularly cream-based varieties. Full-fat milk will add more calories than low-fat milk or water.

A 250 mL bowl of Campbell's Condensed Chicken Noodle soup, prepared with water, contains approximately 70 calories. However, "Chunky" and "Healthy Request" versions will have different calorie counts.

The calories vary. For instance, a microwaveable bowl of Creamy Tomato soup has 130 calories, while a Canadian condensed version prepared with milk could be higher. A classic condensed version prepared with water might be lower.

Yes, Campbell's Chunky soups are designed to be more substantial meals and generally have a higher calorie count per cup compared to condensed varieties.

You should check the "Nutrition Facts" panel for "Calories" and, most importantly, the "Serving size" and "Servings per container." The calories listed are per serving.

Yes, Campbell's offers lower-calorie options, including broth-based soups and products from their "Healthy Request" line. For example, a condensed beef broth might only have 15 calories per serving.

No, it is a common misconception. Most cans of soup contain multiple servings. You must check the label to see how many servings are in the can.