Canned Cream of Shrimp Soup Calories
Canned cream of shrimp soup, like options from Campbell's, provides a convenient and quick meal base. A standard condensed can needs to be prepared with a liquid, which significantly affects the final calorie count per serving. According to product information from H-E-B, a half-cup serving of condensed cream of shrimp soup has about 100 calories. A full 10.75 oz can contains around 220 calories in its condensed form. However, this total changes based on what you add.
Preparation Methods and Calorie Impact
- Prepared with Water: Combining the condensed soup with an equal volume of water results in a lower-calorie final product per cup, though nutritional information is still influenced by the condensed base itself. A cup might contain around 127 calories, as noted by some nutrition tracking sites.
- Prepared with Milk: Using milk to prepare the condensed soup increases the calorie and fat content. For example, preparing the soup with an equal volume of low-fat (2%) milk can increase the calorie count to around 154 calories per cup. Using whole milk or heavy cream will increase the calorie count further due to higher fat content.
Homemade Cream of Shrimp Soup Calories
Cooking cream of shrimp soup from scratch offers complete control over the ingredients, allowing for a personalized nutritional profile. The number of calories is determined by the specific recipe used, with key contributors being the fat from the dairy and the amount of oil or butter used in the base.
Factors Influencing Homemade Soup Calories
Here is a list of factors that can alter the calorie count in a homemade cream of shrimp soup:
- Dairy Choice: The choice of dairy product is a primary determinant. Heavy cream adds the most calories, while low-fat milk, half-and-half, or a dairy-free substitute will reduce the total.
- Fat Used: Butter or oil used to sauté aromatics and create a roux for thickening adds a considerable number of calories.
- Shrimp Volume: Adding more shrimp increases the protein content and overall calories, but shrimp itself is relatively low in calories.
- Added Vegetables: Ingredients like onions, garlic, and celery add minimal calories and can boost fiber and nutrients.
- Thickeners: Flour or cornstarch used as thickeners contribute carbs and some calories.
Comparison of Soup Varieties
To illustrate the difference, consider this comparison table for various types of cream of shrimp soup preparations.
| Soup Type | Dairy Used | Approximate Calories (per 1 cup) | Sodium (per 1 cup) | Key Calorie Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canned, with Water | Water | ~127 kcal | ~998 mg | Condensed soup base, high sodium |
| Canned, with 2% Milk | 2% Milk | ~154 kcal | ~896 mg | Milk, condensed soup base |
| Restaurant-Style | Heavy Cream | 250-400+ kcal (Estimated) | Varies, potentially high | Cream, butter, oil, larger portions |
| Homemade, Lightened | Skim Milk, Broth | ~200-250 kcal | Customizable, lower | Shrimp, reduced fat dairy |
Making a Healthier, Lower-Calorie Soup
For those seeking a healthier version, several strategies can lower the calorie and fat content without sacrificing flavor. Substituting ingredients is a simple and effective approach. Instead of heavy cream, use milk (skim or low-fat), or a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened almond or cashew milk. Use broth instead of milk for an even lighter base. Thicken the soup with a slurry of cornstarch and water rather than a butter-based roux. Consider adding extra vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to increase volume and nutrients without adding many calories.
Conclusion
The number of calories in cream of shrimp soup is not a fixed number and varies substantially depending on the preparation method. Canned, condensed soup can range from under 100 calories per half-cup serving to over 150 calories when prepared with milk. Homemade soup allows for the greatest flexibility, giving individuals the power to control ingredients and manage the calorie, fat, and sodium content. By making mindful choices about dairy and fats, a delicious and satisfying bowl of cream of shrimp soup can easily fit into a healthy eating plan.
Key takeaways
- Calorie Count Varies: The calorie content for cream of shrimp soup depends heavily on whether it's canned or homemade, and the specific recipe used.
- Canned Soup Preparation Matters: Adding milk instead of water to condensed cream of shrimp soup increases its calorie count.
- Homemade Options Offer Control: Preparing the soup from scratch allows you to use lighter ingredients like low-fat milk or broth to reduce calories.
- Key Calorie Factors: High-fat dairy (cream), butter, and oil are the primary sources of calories in most recipes.
- Lower-Calorie Swaps: Substituting high-fat ingredients with low-fat dairy or broth can significantly decrease the total calorie load without sacrificing flavor.
- Watch Sodium Levels: Canned versions of cream of shrimp soup can be high in sodium, so monitoring intake is wise for health-conscious individuals.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporating extra vegetables is a great way to increase volume and nutrition for minimal calories.
FAQs
Q: How many calories are in a cup of prepared canned cream of shrimp soup? A: A single cup of prepared canned cream of shrimp soup can contain around 127 calories when made with water, though this number changes if milk is used.
Q: Is homemade cream of shrimp soup lower in calories than canned? A: Homemade soup can be lower in calories than canned versions, but it depends entirely on the recipe and ingredients used. A recipe with low-fat dairy will be lower, while one with heavy cream might be higher.
Q: Does adding milk to canned cream of shrimp soup increase the calorie count? A: Yes, adding milk, especially higher-fat varieties, will increase the total calories and fat content of the soup compared to preparing it with water.
Q: What are some ways to reduce the calories in cream of shrimp soup? A: To reduce calories, use skim milk or broth instead of heavy cream, use less butter or oil, and add more low-calorie vegetables.
Q: How many calories are in shrimp itself? A: Shrimp is naturally low in calories and is a great source of lean protein. The calories in the soup come primarily from the cream, butter, and other additives.
Q: Is canned cream of shrimp soup high in sodium? A: Yes, many canned versions of cream of shrimp soup are notably high in sodium, with some containing a large portion of the daily recommended intake per serving.
Q: Can I use a dairy substitute to make cream of shrimp soup? A: Yes, unsweetened almond milk, cashew milk, or oat milk can be used as dairy substitutes to make a creamier, potentially lower-calorie soup, but the final taste and texture will differ slightly.
