How Many Calories Are In a Can of Cream of Mushroom Soup?

December 2, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard 10.5 oz can of condensed cream of mushroom soup, such as Campbell's, contains around 240-280 calories when prepared, but the condensed calorie count is much lower. The final calorie count depends heavily on whether you mix it with water or milk, and the type of milk used.

Quick Summary

The calories in a can of cream of mushroom soup vary widely based on brand, condensed vs. ready-to-eat versions, and liquid added. Preparation with milk significantly increases the total.

Key Points

Condensed vs. Prepared: The calorie count on the can is for the condensed product; preparing with milk dramatically increases the final calorie total.
Liquid Matters: Adding water for preparation results in a lower-calorie soup than adding milk, especially whole milk.
Label Reading: Always check the nutrition facts label for both condensed and prepared options to understand the serving size and calorie count.
High in Sodium: Be mindful that canned cream of mushroom soup is often high in sodium, with standard versions containing a large percentage of your daily intake.
Healthier Alternatives: Consider low-sodium versions or making a homemade soup to have full control over the ingredients, fats, and salt content.

Demystifying the Calorie Count in Your Soup Can

Understanding the calories in a can of cream of mushroom soup is not as straightforward as it seems. Most people don't consume the soup directly from the can without preparing it. The most common varieties are condensed, meaning you must add liquid before heating. This is the single biggest factor influencing the total caloric intake of your bowl of soup. Whether you opt for water, low-fat milk, or full-fat milk will drastically change the nutritional profile.

Condensed vs. Prepared: A Calorie Breakdown

Most well-known canned cream of mushroom soups, like Campbell's Condensed, are sold in a concentrated state. For example, a 10.5-ounce can contains approximately 2.5 servings. According to Campbell's, a single half-cup serving of the condensed soup is about 120 calories. However, the instructions typically suggest mixing the can's contents with an equal volume of liquid. If you add a can of water, you're looking at a total of 300 calories for the entire can, or 120 per half-cup prepared serving. If you choose to add a can of whole milk, the calories jump considerably, potentially adding hundreds more depending on the milk's fat content.

Ready-to-serve options, while less common, offer a different calorie profile. These soups require no added liquid and are meant to be heated and served as-is. Their labels provide a more accurate and final calorie count per serving directly on the can. However, they are often still high in sodium and sometimes contain added fats and thickeners to maintain their creamy texture.

Factors That Impact Your Soup's Caloric Content

Several elements work together to determine the final calorie count of your prepared cream of mushroom soup. By being aware of these, you can make more informed choices.

Liquid choice: Mixing with water vs. milk is the most impactful decision. Substituting water saves hundreds of calories compared to adding whole milk.
Added fats: Many recipes, especially classic casseroles, call for adding butter or other fats to enhance flavor. This will increase the calorie content significantly.
Sodium content: While not a calorie source, sodium is a crucial nutritional factor to consider with canned soups. Standard cream of mushroom soup can contain up to 860mg of sodium per serving, while low-sodium versions dramatically cut this down.
Other ingredients: The soup itself contains cream, vegetable oil, and modified cornstarch, which are the primary calorie contributors besides the preparation liquid.
Serving size: Canned soups often have small serving sizes (e.g., ½ cup condensed) listed on the label. Paying attention to how much you actually consume is vital for an accurate calorie count.

Comparison Table: Calories in Different Cream of Mushroom Soup Types


Soup Type	Serving Size	Liquid Added	Approximate Calories per Serving	Sodium per Serving	Source
Condensed (Can)	½ cup condensed	None (as packaged)	100-120 kcal	860 mg
Condensed (Prepared)	1 cup prepared	1 can of water	100-120 kcal	~860 mg
Condensed (Prepared with Milk)	1 cup prepared	1 can of whole milk	Varies significantly	Varies significantly
Reduced Sodium (Condensed)	½ cup condensed	None (as packaged)	~60 kcal	~410 mg
Ready-to-Serve	1 cup	None	250 kcal	660 mg
Homemade	1 cup (varies)	Varies	200-400+ kcal	Varies

Making Healthier Choices with Your Canned Soup

If you regularly use canned cream of mushroom soup, a few simple tweaks can make a big difference for your health. Choosing a reduced-sodium version is a great start. When preparing it, opt for water instead of milk or use a low-fat or plant-based milk alternative to cut calories and fat. For casseroles, consider a homemade substitute to have complete control over the ingredients, sodium, and fat levels.

For a significantly healthier option, making soup from scratch allows you to use fresh ingredients, control sodium, and utilize healthier fats or milk. Recipes often use a base of sautéed mushrooms, vegetable broth, and a small amount of heavy cream or a flour-based roux for thickening. This provides a rich flavor with a more balanced nutritional profile.

The Final Word on Calories

When considering how many calories are in a can of cream of mushroom soup, the crucial takeaway is to always read the nutritional label and check whether the product is condensed or ready-to-serve. For condensed soups, the method of preparation is paramount to determining the final calorie count. By choosing water over milk and opting for lower-sodium versions, you can enjoy this pantry staple as part of a more balanced and mindful diet. By understanding the ingredients and making simple substitutions, you can minimize the caloric impact while still enjoying the rich, creamy flavor of mushroom soup. For a more precise understanding, you can compare different brands' nutritional information on their websites.

Conclusion

While a can of cream of mushroom soup is a quick and convenient ingredient, its calorie count and nutritional value are not fixed. The primary determining factors are whether it is a condensed or ready-to-serve product and, if condensed, what liquid you use for preparation. On average, a half-cup serving of condensed soup contains about 100-120 calories, but this is before adding any milk, which will increase the calorie total. By understanding these variables and reading the labels, you can make smarter choices about how you incorporate canned cream of mushroom soup into your meals and recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Using water instead of milk for preparing condensed cream of mushroom soup saves a significant number of calories. Adding a can of water will maintain the soup's base calories, while adding a can of whole milk can easily add over 100 calories per serving, depending on the milk's fat content.

Reduced-sodium versions of canned cream of mushroom soup typically have a lower calorie count. For example, a reduced-sodium Campbell's version is around 60 calories per condensed half-cup serving, compared to 100-120 calories in the regular condensed variety.

The calorie count for ready-to-serve soup is usually higher per serving than the condensed version straight out of the can, but it is a final number. For example, a 1-cup serving of ready-to-serve soup might be 250 calories, while the same volume of condensed soup prepared with water is lower.

The main sources of calories in the soup are cream, vegetable oil (such as corn, canola, or soybean oil), and modified cornstarch used as a thickener.

Yes, preparing homemade cream of mushroom soup gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can use less fat, healthier oils, and skim milk or a plant-based milk alternative to reduce both the calories and sodium significantly.

To accurately count the calories, first determine the calories per serving for the condensed soup. Then, account for the calories in the liquid you add for preparation (e.g., water, milk). Finally, factor in the calories from any other ingredients used in your recipe, such as butter or other fats.

Many canned cream of mushroom soups, especially the cream-based ones, are high in total fat, and often contain saturated fat, which can contribute to higher cholesterol levels. However, specific nutritional profiles vary by brand and product type.