Understanding the Carb Count in Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup
For many home cooks, Campbell's condensed cream of mushroom soup is a pantry staple, essential for everything from green bean casserole to a quick weeknight sauce. However, for those on specific diets or simply trying to track their macros, the carbohydrate content is a critical factor. The standard 10.5-ounce can contains more carbs than many people might assume, primarily due to the thickeners used in the condensed recipe.
The Nutritional Breakdown
The nutrition label on a standard 10.5-ounce can of Campbell's condensed cream of mushroom soup reveals that the condensed soup has a serving size of 1/2 cup (120 mL), which contains about 8 grams of total carbohydrates. Since the entire can contains 2.5 servings, the total carbohydrate load for the full, condensed can is $8 \text{ grams} \times 2.5 \text{ servings} = 20 \text{ grams}$. This is a crucial distinction, as the nutrition facts are listed per serving, not per can.
Why Are There Carbs in Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup?
While fresh mushrooms themselves are very low in carbohydrates, the manufacturing process for canned, condensed soup introduces other ingredients to achieve the desired texture and shelf stability. The main culprits for the carb content are thickening agents and flavor enhancers. Key ingredients include:
- Modified Cornstarch: A common thickener used to achieve the soup's creamy consistency.
- Wheat Flour: Another thickening agent that adds to the overall carbohydrate total.
- Other Additives: While present in smaller quantities, other ingredients contribute to the total macro profile.
Carb Comparison: Regular vs. Other Varieties
It is important to note that the carbohydrate content can vary between different versions of Campbell's cream of mushroom soup. For example, the low-fat version has a slightly different nutritional profile. Here is a comparison of some popular varieties based on a 1/2 cup condensed serving size:
| Product Variety | Carbs per 1/2 cup condensed serving | Total Carbs per 10.5 oz can | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Condensed | 8 g | 20 g | A classic pantry staple, used as a versatile recipe base. |
| Low Fat Condensed | 10 g | 25 g | Slightly higher in carbs, but reduced fat content. |
| No Salt Added Condensed | 8 g | 20 g | Same carb count as the standard, but with lower sodium. |
| Ready-to-Serve (Canada) | 8 g (per 1 cup prepared) | ~16 g (per 515 mL can) | Already prepared, so the per-can carb count is different. |
Tips for Managing Carbs in Recipes
If you're using canned cream of mushroom soup in recipes and want to minimize the carbohydrate impact, consider these strategies:
- Reduce the Amount: Simply use less canned soup and supplement the liquid with low-carb alternatives like heavy cream or broth.
- Dilute with Broth: For sauces and casseroles, use chicken or vegetable broth to thin the soup instead of adding more soup base.
- Make Your Own: For maximum control, consider making your own cream of mushroom soup from scratch using fresh mushrooms, heavy cream, and a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum.
- Check Labels for Varieties: Always check the nutrition facts for different product varieties, as some may have slightly different carb counts.
- Divide Into Smaller Portions: For a recipe like a casserole, the total carb count per serving decreases significantly once the dish is divided into individual portions.
Conclusion
While a full can of Campbell's cream of mushroom soup contains 20 grams of carbohydrates, this is spread across multiple servings, making it manageable for many diets when used in moderation. The bulk of these carbs comes from the added thickeners, not the mushrooms themselves. By understanding the nutrition label and exploring alternative ingredients or methods, you can easily control the carb content of your meals. For detailed nutritional information and recipe ideas, check the official website of the manufacturer. For specific product information, always consult the label on the can you purchase.
Visit Campbell's Official Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Campbell's cream of mushroom soup high in carbs? A: No, with 8 grams of total carbohydrates per 1/2 cup condensed serving, it is not considered high-carb, but the total in a full 10.5 oz can is 20 grams.
Q: Why does canned cream of mushroom soup have carbs if mushrooms are low-carb? A: The main source of carbohydrates in the canned soup comes from the thickeners, such as modified cornstarch and wheat flour, that are used to create its creamy consistency.
Q: How does the low-fat version compare in carbs? A: The Campbell's Condensed Low Fat Cream of Mushroom soup has 10 grams of carbohydrates per 1/2 cup condensed serving, which is slightly more than the standard version.
Q: Can I use this soup on a keto diet? A: A full can contains 20 grams of carbohydrates, which is high for a strict ketogenic diet, though it might be acceptable in small amounts as part of a larger, multi-serving recipe.
Q: Does adding milk or water change the total carb count of the can? A: The total carbohydrate count of the condensed can itself does not change, but adding milk or water will reduce the carb density per individual serving.
Q: What are net carbs in a can of Campbell's cream of mushroom soup? A: The standard condensed soup contains minimal to no fiber, so the net carbs (total carbs minus fiber) are essentially the same as the total carbs, around 20 grams per can.
Q: How can I reduce the carbs when cooking with this soup? A: You can reduce the carbs by using less of the canned soup and supplementing with other low-carb thickening agents, such as cream cheese or xanthan gum, or using a homemade, low-carb cream of mushroom alternative.
