Complete Nutritional Breakdown of Heinz Vegetable Soup
For those monitoring their intake, a clear understanding of the nutritional content beyond just the calorie count is essential. A 400g tin of Heinz Classic Vegetable Soup is designed to offer a quick and convenient meal, and its full nutritional profile is quite balanced, especially for a ready-to-eat product.
Per 100g Nutrition
- Energy: 47 kcal (198 kJ)
- Fat: 0.8g
- Carbohydrates: 8.3g
- Protein: 1.1g
- Fibre: 0.9g
- Salt: 0.6g
Per Half Can (200g) Nutrition
- Energy: 94 kcal (396 kJ)
- Fat: 1.7g
- Carbohydrates: 16.6g
- Protein: 2.2g
- Fibre: 1.8g
- Salt: 1.2g
Deeper Dive into the Soup's Components
This vegetable soup is low in both fat and sugar, making it a fitting option for those looking to manage their weight. The ingredients list typically includes water, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, peas, and pasta tubes, among others. The combination of various vegetables and pasta contributes to its carbohydrate content and provides some dietary fibre. It is also suitable for vegetarians and contains no artificial colours or preservatives.
Calorie Comparison: Heinz Vegetable vs. Other Soups
To put the calorie count into context, it is useful to compare Heinz Vegetable Soup with other common tinned soups. This table offers a snapshot of how a 400g can of Heinz Vegetable stacks up against other popular Heinz varieties based on typical values per 100g.
| Soup Type (Heinz) | Per 100g Energy (kcal) | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Vegetable | 47 kcal | Lower in calories and fat compared to creamy varieties. |
| Cream of Tomato | 51 kcal | Slightly higher in calories, often with higher sugar content. |
| Big Soup Chicken & Vegetable | 50 kcal | Very similar in calories, but with added protein from chicken. |
| Classic Pea & Ham | 71 kcal (per 100g equivalent) | Higher in both calories and protein due to the ham content. |
As the table shows, the Classic Vegetable Soup remains one of the lower-calorie options in the Heinz range. Creamy and meat-based soups generally contain more calories due to added dairy or higher protein content. This makes the vegetable variant an excellent choice for a light and simple meal.
Serving Suggestions and Health Considerations
While a tin of soup is a convenient meal, it's important to consider its place within a balanced diet. A half-can serving of Heinz vegetable soup is also noted to count as one of your five-a-day vegetable servings.
For a more filling meal, you could serve the soup alongside a wholemeal roll for added fibre or with a sprinkle of cheese for extra protein and flavour. Remember that while this soup is low in fat, it is worth being mindful of the salt content, which is 1.2g per half can, representing 19% of an average adult's reference intake.
How to Create a More Substantial Meal
To turn a simple soup into a more satisfying main meal, you can easily add extra components:
- Add protein: Stir in some cooked shredded chicken, chickpeas, or red lentils while heating.
- Boost the fibre: Mix in extra chopped vegetables like spinach or courgette, or serve with a side salad.
- Incorporate healthy fats: Drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the top before serving.
- Enhance texture: Add croutons, pumpkin seeds, or a dollop of low-fat Greek yogurt for a richer mouthfeel.
Conclusion
In summary, a 400g tin of Heinz vegetable soup provides a modest 188 calories, or 94 calories per standard 200g serving. Its low-fat and low-calorie nature, combined with a serving of vegetables and no artificial additives, makes it a sensible and convenient option for those looking for a light meal. However, to make it a more balanced and complete meal, consider supplementing it with additional protein, fibre, and healthy fats.
Authority Link
For detailed information on nutritional reference intake guidelines, consult the National Health Service (NHS) website.
