How many calories are in a can of Campbell's cream of broccoli soup?

November 5, 2025 •

4 min read

A 10.5-ounce can of Campbell's Condensed Cream of Broccoli soup contains approximately 250 calories when prepared with one can of water, but this number changes significantly when using milk instead. Understanding these variances is crucial for accurately tracking your nutritional intake when enjoying this classic pantry staple.

Quick Summary

This article explores the total calorie count for a can of Campbell's Cream of Broccoli soup, outlining the nutritional facts and detailing how different preparation methods impact the final calorie content. It also offers lower-calorie preparation alternatives and nutritional comparisons with other soup options.

Key Points

Standard Calorie Count: A full 10.5-ounce can of Campbell's Condensed Cream of Broccoli soup, prepared with water, contains approximately 250 calories, based on 2.5 servings per can.
Impact of Milk Addition: Preparing the soup with milk significantly increases the calorie count. Using skim milk adds around 100 calories, while whole milk can add over 200 calories.
Low-Fat Version Available: For a lighter option, Campbell's offers a low-fat version. The condensed low-fat variety contains fewer calories and less fat per serving compared to the regular version.
High Sodium Content: Both the regular and low-fat versions contain a high amount of sodium, so it's important to balance the rest of your meal with low-sodium foods.
Lower-Calorie Preparation Alternatives: To reduce calories, consider substituting milk with water, low-sodium broth, or a water/milk blend. You can also thicken the soup with pureed vegetables instead of milk.
Serving Size Awareness: The nutrition facts on the can's label are for a half-cup of condensed soup, not the full can. A full can contains about 2.5 servings.

Understanding the Calorie Count of Campbell's Cream of Broccoli Soup

When considering the calories in a can of Campbell's Cream of Broccoli soup, the most important detail to remember is that the soup is condensed. This means the nutrition facts on the label are for the product as packaged, not as prepared. The 10.5-ounce can contains roughly 2.5 servings, with each half-cup of condensed soup containing about 90 to 100 calories, depending on the exact product and sourcing. To get the total calorie count for the entire can, you must account for all 2.5 servings and the liquid used for dilution.

The Standard Preparation: Adding Water

The most straightforward way to prepare this condensed soup is by adding one can of water. This is the simplest method and results in the lowest final calorie count, as water contains zero calories. Since the 10.5-ounce can holds about 2.5 servings of condensed soup, the calculation is as follows:

Servings per can: 2.5
Calories per serving (condensed): 100
Total can calories (condensed): 2.5 servings * 100 calories/serving = 250 calories

Therefore, a full can prepared with water will provide approximately 250 calories.

The Creamier Preparation: Adding Milk

Many people prefer a richer, creamier soup and use milk instead of water to prepare the condensed soup. This significantly increases the final calorie count. The additional calories will vary based on the type of milk used. Here is a breakdown of the approximate additional calories for one can (10.5 oz or about 1.25 cups) of milk:

Skim milk: Approximately 100 calories
2% milk: Approximately 150 calories
Whole milk: Approximately 230 calories

With these figures, the total calorie count for a can prepared with milk is:

With skim milk: 250 (soup) + 100 (milk) = ~350 calories
With 2% milk: 250 (soup) + 150 (milk) = ~400 calories
With whole milk: 250 (soup) + 230 (milk) = ~480 calories

Nutritional Comparison: Original vs. Low-Fat Options

For those watching their calorie or fat intake, Campbell's offers a low-fat version of its Cream of Broccoli soup. A quick comparison reveals significant differences in nutritional profiles, demonstrating how product choices can affect your dietary goals.


Nutrient	Condensed Cream of Broccoli (per 1/2 cup)	Condensed Low-Fat Cream of Broccoli (per 1/2 cup)
Calories	100	70
Total Fat	6g	2g
Saturated Fat	1g	0.5g
Cholesterol	0mg	5mg
Sodium	790mg	640mg
Total Carbohydrate	9g	12g
Protein	2g	2g

Tips for Reducing Calories and Enhancing Flavor

If you want the creamy texture without the extra calories from milk, here are some simple adjustments you can make to your preparation:

Use a water/milk blend: Mix half a can of water with half a can of skim or 2% milk to cut calories while maintaining a hint of creaminess.
Add vegetable broth: Substitute some or all of the water with low-sodium vegetable broth to enhance the flavor profile without adding extra fat or calories.
Incorporate non-dairy alternatives: For a lower-calorie, dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond milk. Just be mindful that non-dairy liquids can sometimes split when heated, so add it near the end of cooking.
Thicken naturally: A great tip is to use pureed steamed potatoes or cauliflower. Simmer them with the soup and then blend for a rich, thick texture that is low in fat.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, a dash of white pepper, or some fresh parsley to elevate the taste without impacting the calorie count.

Additional Considerations for a Balanced Meal

While knowing the calorie count of a can of Campbell's cream of broccoli soup is a good start, it's also helpful to consider the bigger picture of your meal. The sodium content, for instance, is quite high in both the original and low-fat versions, so balancing your meal with fresh, low-sodium foods is important. Pairing the soup with a fresh salad or a whole-wheat sandwich can create a more well-rounded and satisfying meal. You could also mix in additional steamed broccoli or other vegetables to increase the fiber and nutrient density of your bowl. For recipe ideas and inspiration, visit the official Campbell's website.

Conclusion

The calories in a can of Campbell's Cream of Broccoli soup depend entirely on how you prepare it. The basic, condensed soup provides about 250 calories per can when diluted with water. However, using milk dramatically increases this number. For a healthier option, choose the low-fat version or use low-calorie additions like water, vegetable broth, or certain non-dairy milks to create a delicious and satisfying meal. By understanding these key differences, you can better manage your calorie intake while still enjoying this creamy, comforting soup.

Note: Nutritional information can vary slightly by region and specific product formulation. It is always best to check the most current nutrition label on the product packaging.

Sources:

CalorieKing: Calories in Campbell's Condensed Cream of Broccoli Soup
Food 4 Less: Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Broccoli Soup Can, 10.5 oz
Amazon.com: Campbell's Condensed Cream of Broccoli Soup, 10.5 oz Can
Campbell Company of Canada: Campbell's Condensed Low Fat Cream Of Broccoli
Hello Veggie: Cream of Broccoli Soup - A Healthier Version
Ahead of Thyme: Light Cream of Broccoli Soup
Nutritionix: Cream of Broccoli Soup - 1 bowl (2 cups)
Food 4 Less: Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Broccoli Soup Can, 10.5 oz

Frequently Asked Questions

A full 10.5-ounce can of Campbell's Condensed Cream of Broccoli soup contains about 250 calories when prepared with one can of water. If you prepare it with milk, the calorie count will be higher, depending on the type of milk used.

Yes, adding milk significantly increases the calorie count. For example, using a can of whole milk can add over 200 calories, while skim milk adds roughly 100 calories.

A standard 10.5-ounce can of Campbell's Condensed Cream of Broccoli soup contains about 2.5 servings, with the nutrition facts listed per half-cup of condensed soup.

Yes, Campbell's offers a Condensed Low-Fat Cream of Broccoli soup, which has fewer calories and less fat per serving compared to the regular version.

Yes, both the regular and low-fat versions of Campbell's Cream of Broccoli soup are high in sodium. The regular version contains 790mg of sodium per half-cup serving of condensed soup.

To reduce calories, prepare the soup with water or low-sodium vegetable broth instead of milk. You can also use a water and milk blend or thicken the soup with pureed steamed vegetables like potato or cauliflower.

No, the nutrition information on the label is for the condensed, or 'as packaged,' soup. The final nutritional value will change based on what you add during preparation.