How Many Carbs Are in a Cream of Mushroom Soup?

According to the USDA, a standard condensed cream of mushroom soup contains approximately 10g of carbohydrates per ½ cup serving. However, this number can vary significantly depending on whether the soup is homemade, canned, or low-fat. Understanding how many carbs are in a cream of mushroom soup is crucial for anyone managing their intake for weight loss or specific diets like keto.

Quick Summary

The carbohydrate content of cream of mushroom soup varies widely based on its preparation. Canned versions often contain thickeners like flour or cornstarch, increasing carb counts, while homemade or keto-friendly recipes minimize them. The total carb count is also affected by whether the condensed soup is prepared with water or milk.

Key Points

• Canned vs. Homemade: The carb count varies greatly between canned and homemade cream of mushroom soup, with canned versions being significantly higher due to added thickeners.

• Flour and Starches: Canned condensed soups use thickeners like flour or cornstarch, which drive up the carbohydrate content.

• Low-Carb Thickeners: Homemade, keto-friendly versions achieve a creamy texture using heavy cream, cream cheese, or by pureeing the mushrooms themselves.

• Adjustments for Keto: To make a keto-friendly version, replace the flour with a small amount of xanthan gum or rely on heavy cream for a natural, rich texture.

• Check the Label: Always read the nutritional label on canned soups, as carb counts can vary between brands and low-fat versions.

• Beware of Add-ins: The total carb count for a finished dish will increase with other high-carb ingredients, so always account for these in recipes.

Canned vs. Homemade: A Carbohydrate Comparison

The carbohydrate content of cream of mushroom soup depends heavily on whether it comes from a can or is prepared from scratch. Canned, condensed versions are designed for convenience and often include starches and thickeners to achieve a creamy consistency, which drives up the carbohydrate count. Homemade versions, on the other hand, allow for precise control over ingredients, enabling you to use low-carb thickeners or simply rely on heavy cream and reduction for richness.

For a standard, popular brand of condensed cream of mushroom soup, a half-cup serving typically contains around 8 to 10 grams of total carbohydrates. When prepared with milk, as the can often suggests, the carb count increases further. By contrast, a carefully crafted homemade version using heavy cream and no starchy thickeners could contain significantly fewer carbs per serving, making it a viable option for low-carb or ketogenic diets.

The Impact of Preparation on Carb Count

• Condensed vs. Prepared: A can of condensed soup has a specific carb count, but this increases when it's prepared by adding other ingredients. For example, preparing a half-cup of condensed soup with an equal amount of milk will increase the total carbohydrates of your final bowl.
• Added Thickeners: Canned soups use wheat flour or cornstarch as a thickener, which are high in carbohydrates. Homemade keto recipes often substitute these with heavy cream, cream cheese, or pureeing a portion of the mushrooms to create a thick texture naturally.
• Add-ins: Additional ingredients in prepared meals, such as noodles in a tuna casserole, will dramatically increase the carbohydrate load of the finished dish. This is a critical consideration for those monitoring their intake.

Low-Carb Alternatives and Recipe Modifications

For those watching their carb intake, there are simple ways to enjoy cream of mushroom soup without the high carbohydrate load of traditional recipes. The key is to replace the starchy thickeners with other ingredients that provide the same creamy texture.

How to reduce carbs in cream of mushroom soup:

1. Skip the Roux: A traditional roux is made from flour and butter. Replace this with a slurry of xanthan gum and water, or simply thicken the soup with heavy cream and reduction.
2. Use Heavy Cream: Adding heavy cream provides a rich, thick texture with minimal carbohydrates. It is a staple in many low-carb and keto recipes for this reason.
3. Immersion Blender Trick: Instead of a thickener, use an immersion blender to puree a portion of the cooked mushrooms. This releases their natural starches and creates a velvety consistency.
4. Cauliflower as a Base: Some recipes use cooked cauliflower that is blended with the mushrooms and broth to create a low-carb, creamy base.
5. Be Mindful of Broth: Use low-sodium, no-sugar-added broths to avoid hidden carbohydrates and reduce overall sodium content.

Comparison Table: Canned vs. Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup

Feature	Canned (Condensed, per ½ cup)	Homemade (Keto/Low-Carb, per 1 cup)
Total Carbohydrates	10g	~6-8g
Carb Source	Flour, starches, added sugars	Mushrooms, heavy cream
Control over Ingredients	Low, pre-made formula	High, customizable
Suitability for Keto	No (unless used in very small amounts)	Yes
Sodium Content	Often very high	Customizable to your preference
Effort to Prepare	Minimal	Requires more active cooking time

Making Your Own Cream of Mushroom Soup

Creating a homemade, low-carb cream of mushroom soup is a rewarding process that gives you complete control over the nutritional profile. It involves a few key steps that differ from using the canned version. The foundation of the soup is sautéed mushrooms and aromatics, which build a deep, earthy flavor. The creamy consistency is then achieved using heavy cream and either pureeing part of the mixture or using a keto-friendly thickener.

Steps for a low-carb version:

1. Sauté the aromatics: Begin by melting butter in a pot and sautéing minced onions and garlic until translucent.
2. Cook the mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and begin to brown. This process, known as caramelization, enhances their flavor significantly.
3. Add liquid and thicken: Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and heavy cream. For a thicker consistency, an immersion blender can be used to puree a portion of the mixture.
4. Season and simmer: Season to taste with salt, pepper, and fresh or dried herbs like thyme. Let it simmer gently to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken naturally.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Your Soup

When you're trying to figure out how many carbs are in a cream of mushroom soup, the answer is more nuanced than a single number. For quick convenience, canned versions offer a consistent but higher-carb option due to added starches. For those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet, the best approach is to make your own from scratch, which gives you complete control over the ingredients and allows for a rich, creamy, and flavorful result with far fewer carbohydrates. Whether you're using it as a standalone meal or as an ingredient in a casserole, being aware of these differences will help you make the best choice for your dietary needs. The mushrooms themselves are naturally low in carbs and packed with nutrients, so it's the added starches and sugars you must watch out for when evaluating this classic comfort food. For more information on mushroom nutrition and benefits, you can consult reputable sources like the National Institutes of Health.

Nutritional Considerations Beyond Carbohydrates

While this article focuses on how many carbs are in a cream of mushroom soup, it's important to consider other nutritional aspects as well. Canned soups, for example, are notoriously high in sodium, which can be a concern for those with high blood pressure. By making your own soup, you can drastically reduce the sodium content. Mushrooms themselves are a fantastic source of B vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, providing benefits beyond their low-carb profile.

Ultimately, understanding the differences between canned and homemade preparations empowers you to enjoy the rich flavor of cream of mushroom soup while aligning with your overall health and wellness objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are canned cream of mushroom soups high in carbs?

Yes, most canned cream of mushroom soups are relatively high in carbs for a soup, typically containing 8 to 10 grams per half-cup serving due to thickeners like flour and starches.

Can I make a low-carb cream of mushroom soup at home?

Yes, it is simple to make a delicious low-carb version at home by replacing starchy thickeners with heavy cream or by pureeing the cooked mushrooms.

Why do canned soups have so many carbs?

Canned cream of mushroom soups contain higher carbs primarily because they use flour or cornstarch to thicken the liquid and create a creamy consistency, in addition to added sugars.

Is cream of mushroom soup suitable for a keto diet?

No, traditional canned cream of mushroom soup is generally not keto-friendly due to its carbohydrate content. A homemade, low-carb version is the better option for those following a ketogenic diet.

How can I thicken my homemade cream of mushroom soup without adding carbs?

You can thicken homemade soup by using heavy cream and reducing the liquid, incorporating a small amount of a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum, or pureeing a portion of the cooked mushrooms with an immersion blender.

Are low-fat cream of mushroom soups lower in carbs?

Not necessarily. While they may have less fat, low-fat soups can sometimes have an equal or even higher carb count due to added thickeners or sugars to compensate for the flavor and texture lost by reducing fat.

Does adding milk to condensed soup increase the carbs?

Yes, preparing a condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk will increase the total carbohydrate count of the final dish, as milk contains natural sugars.