How many carbs are in mushroom soup? A guide to different varieties

According to nutritional data, a single cup of homemade mushroom soup can contain as few as 8 grams of total carbohydrates, with the final carb count varying significantly based on preparation. This variability raises a key question for those monitoring their intake: how many carbs are in mushroom soup across different types? The answer depends heavily on the ingredients and whether it's a homemade or store-bought option.

Quick Summary

The carb content of mushroom soup varies widely, from low-carb homemade versions to higher-carb canned varieties with thickeners. Factors like added flour, heavy cream, or other ingredients directly influence the final count. A simple, broth-based soup has fewer carbs than a rich, cream-based recipe, making ingredient choice crucial for managing dietary intake.

Key Points

• Mushroom Carbs Vary: The number of carbs in mushroom soup depends on whether it is canned or homemade, and the ingredients used.

• Canned is Higher: Canned, condensed mushroom soups often contain higher carb levels due to added flour, starches, and other thickeners.

• Homemade is Controllable: Making mushroom soup from scratch allows for strict control over the carb count, often resulting in a low-carb or keto-friendly dish.

• Low-Carb Thickeners: To keep carbs down, use alternatives like heavy cream, cream cheese, or pureed cauliflower instead of flour.

• Read Labels: Always check the nutrition facts on canned soups to understand the total carbohydrate and net carb content per serving.

• Simple is Best: A simple, broth-based mushroom soup recipe is inherently lower in carbs than a rich, cream-based version, though both can be adapted for low-carb diets.

Understanding the Carb Count in Mushroom Soup

Mushroom soup is a beloved comfort food, but its nutritional profile, particularly its carbohydrate content, can vary dramatically depending on the ingredients and preparation method. While mushrooms themselves are naturally low in carbohydrates, the total carb count of the soup is influenced by added ingredients such as flour, starches, thickeners, and dairy.

Homemade vs. Canned Mushroom Soup: A Carb Comparison

The most significant difference in carb content comes from the comparison between homemade and commercially canned versions. When you prepare a soup from scratch, you have complete control over every ingredient, allowing you to minimize or eliminate high-carb additions. Canned soups, on the other hand, often contain various thickeners and fillers that increase their carbohydrate load.

Homemade Mushroom Soup (Low-Carb Recipe):

• Carb Count: Often yields a very low-carb soup, with some keto-friendly recipes featuring as little as 4-8 grams of net carbs per serving.
• Thickeners: Uses low-carb alternatives like cauliflower cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream instead of flour or cornstarch.
• Ingredients: Typically consists of mushrooms, broth, aromatic vegetables (onions, garlic), and low-carb dairy or dairy alternatives.

Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup:

• Carb Count: Condensed canned versions often contain significantly more carbohydrates. For example, a ½ cup serving of condensed cream of mushroom soup can have around 10 grams of total carbohydrates before being diluted.
• Thickeners: Standard canned soups use wheat flour or modified cornstarch as a thickener, which contributes to a higher carb count.
• Ingredients: Includes flour, oil, and often a higher sodium content. Some varieties may also have added sugars.

Factors That Influence Carb Content

Beyond the basic homemade versus canned distinction, several ingredients can swing the final carb tally. Being mindful of these can help you tailor your soup to your specific dietary needs.

• Thickeners: The use of a flour-based roux is a classic method for thickening cream of mushroom soup, but it adds substantial carbohydrates. Using low-carb alternatives like xanthan gum, blended cauliflower, or a touch of cream cheese is a popular keto strategy.
• Dairy: While mushrooms are low-carb, many creamy soup recipes call for heavy cream or milk. Heavy cream is very low in carbs, but milk and some cream alternatives contain more sugar, impacting the final count. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream is a rich, low-carb alternative.
• Vegetables: Onions and carrots are common additions but contain natural sugars. While the amount is typically small, it's worth noting for those on a very strict ketogenic diet. Opting for low-carb veggies like celery and garlic can keep the carb count minimal.
• Serving Size: All nutritional figures are based on a standard serving size. Be sure to compare like-for-like—a 1-cup serving versus a ½-cup condensed serving—to get an accurate picture of the carb load.

Low-Carb Recipe Ideas and Tips

For those seeking a healthier, lower-carb mushroom soup, making it from scratch is the best approach. Here are some tips and an example of a low-carb preparation method:

• Start with a rich broth: Use a high-quality chicken or vegetable bone broth. This provides a deep, savory flavor base without added carbs.
• Sauté your mushrooms well: Properly browning the mushrooms is key to developing their rich, umami flavor. This step is crucial for flavor depth in a lower-carb soup.
• Use a low-carb thickener: Instead of a traditional roux, you can use a high-speed blender to purée a portion of the soup, including some cooked cauliflower florets, to achieve a creamy texture without adding carbs from flour. Another option is to stir in a portion of full-fat cream cheese or heavy whipping cream at the end.
• Spice it up: Use herbs and spices like fresh thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and paprika to build complexity without relying on high-carb ingredients.

A Simple Low-Carb Mushroom Soup Method

1. Sauté: In a large pot, melt butter or olive oil. Sauté chopped onions and garlic until softened.
2. Add Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and begin to brown. Add fresh thyme and seasonings.
3. Simmer: Pour in a good quality vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
4. Thicken: For a creamy finish, add heavy cream or full-fat cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Alternatively, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Season: Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.

Comparison of Different Mushroom Soup Varieties

Soup Type	Typical Carb Range (per cup)	Key Ingredients Affecting Carbs	Suitable for Low-Carb Diet?
Simple Homemade Broth-Based	8-12g	Mushrooms, broth, minimal aromatics.	Yes
Homemade Creamy (Keto)	4-8g	Cream cheese, heavy cream, no flour.	Excellent choice
Condensed Canned (Prepared with water)	8-10g	Flour, modified cornstarch, wheat.	Poor choice
Prepared Canned (Prepared with milk)	14-16g	Milk, flour, modified starches.	No
Hungarian Mushroom Soup	12-15g	Paprika, flour thickener, sour cream.	Varies by recipe

Conclusion

The carbohydrate content of mushroom soup is far from uniform. It's a spectrum, with the final number depending heavily on the ingredients and method of preparation. While canned, condensed versions typically contain higher amounts of carbs due to added thickeners like flour, homemade versions offer a low-carb-friendly alternative, especially when thickened with heavy cream, cream cheese, or pureed cauliflower. For those on a keto or low-carb diet, scrutinizing labels for ingredients and opting for homemade recipes is the most effective way to manage and minimize carbohydrate intake while still enjoying a delicious bowl of mushroom soup.

Low-Carb Thickening Agents

• Xanthan Gum: A small amount can effectively thicken soups without adding carbs. Start with a tiny pinch and add more gradually.
• Cream Cheese: A rich and tangy option that adds creaminess and thickness with a minimal carb footprint.
• Heavy Cream: A classic for creamy soups that adds richness and body while remaining low-carb.
• Pureed Cauliflower: Blending steamed cauliflower into the soup provides a silky, thick texture and extra nutrients without excess carbs.

By being aware of these differences and choosing your ingredients wisely, you can easily enjoy a satisfying and healthy mushroom soup that fits your dietary goals. For more healthy recipe inspiration, consider exploring a wide variety of keto-friendly recipes online.

Low-Carb Mushroom Soup Recipe

This simple recipe demonstrates how to create a delicious, creamy mushroom soup that is naturally low in carbs, using healthy alternatives to traditional thickeners.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb mushrooms (cremini or mixed), sliced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and fresh herbs. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their liquid and are browned, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Remove the herb sprigs. For a chunky soup, you can skip this step, but for a smooth, creamy texture, use an immersion blender to purée the soup directly in the pot until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender and blend until smooth.
6. Stir in the heavy cream. Return the pot to low heat and warm the soup through, but do not let it boil.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or a swirl of cream if desired.

This recipe provides a comforting and savory bowl of mushroom soup with a carb count that is significantly lower than many store-bought or traditional flour-thickened versions.

Final Thoughts on Mushroom Soup Carbs

While mushrooms themselves are low-carb, the final carbohydrate count of mushroom soup depends entirely on its preparation. Canned versions often use high-carb thickeners, leading to higher counts, while homemade soups can be easily controlled. For those following a low-carb or keto diet, choosing homemade and using low-carb thickeners like heavy cream or pureed cauliflower is the best approach. Always check labels and consider how every ingredient contributes to the nutritional profile to make the best choice for your health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many carbs are in a typical can of cream of mushroom soup?

A half-cup serving of condensed canned cream of mushroom soup typically contains around 10 grams of total carbohydrates before it is prepared with water or milk. The final carb count per bowl will depend on the dilution and any other ingredients added during preparation.

Can mushroom soup be part of a low-carb diet?

Yes, mushroom soup can be part of a low-carb diet, but it is best to make it from scratch. Low-carb versions use heavy cream, cream cheese, or pureed cauliflower as thickeners instead of high-carb flour or starch.

How do I make mushroom soup low-carb and keto-friendly?

To make mushroom soup low-carb, start with a rich broth, sauté mushrooms, and use a low-carb thickener like heavy cream, cream cheese, or pureed cauliflower instead of flour. Avoid adding starchy vegetables or other high-carb ingredients.

Are mushrooms themselves high in carbs?

No, mushrooms are naturally very low in carbohydrates. Most of the carbs in mushroom soup come from added ingredients such as starches, flour, or certain types of dairy used during preparation.

What is the net carb count in homemade mushroom soup?

A typical homemade, low-carb mushroom soup can have as little as 4-8 grams of net carbs per serving, depending on the specific recipe. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting fiber from total carbohydrates.

Is it better to use canned or homemade mushroom soup for a low-carb diet?

For a low-carb diet, homemade mushroom soup is always the better choice. It gives you full control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid high-carb thickeners and fillers commonly found in canned versions.

Does adding milk to cream of mushroom soup increase the carb count?

Yes, preparing condensed cream of mushroom soup with milk will increase the total carbohydrate count compared to using water, as milk contains natural sugars (lactose). Some nutrition calculators estimate a cup prepared with milk to have around 14-16g of total carbs.