How much fiber is in Campbell's chicken noodle soup?

October 18, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, many Americans get only about 15 grams of fiber per day, far below the recommended 25-35 grams. Campbell's chicken noodle soup, a popular convenience food, contains a minimal amount of fiber, which can be a point of consideration for those monitoring their dietary intake.

Quick Summary

Campbell's chicken noodle soup typically offers a low amount of dietary fiber, usually around 1 gram per serving depending on the specific product line. It falls short of daily recommended fiber intake, and the low content is primarily due to the processed ingredients.

Key Points

Minimal Fiber Content: Campbell's condensed chicken noodle soup contains very little fiber, often less than 1 gram per serving.
Check Product Variations: Some versions, like 'Chunky,' might have slightly more fiber, but it's still not a significant amount.
Processed Ingredients are the Cause: The low fiber is due to the use of refined ingredients, such as white flour noodles, and minimal whole vegetables.
Easy to Increase Fiber: You can easily boost the fiber by adding legumes, extra vegetables, or whole grains to the prepared soup.
Read the Label: Always review the nutrition facts on the specific can to know exactly what you are consuming.
Fiber is Important for Health: A diet rich in fiber benefits digestion, heart health, and blood sugar control, which is why supplementing this soup is beneficial.

Understanding the Fiber Content in Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soup

When considering the nutritional profile of Campbell's chicken noodle soup, it is important to check the specific product, as there can be slight variations. For the standard condensed version, the fiber content is quite low. The reason for this low amount is that the ingredients, primarily broth and refined wheat noodles, are not naturally rich in fiber. The small pieces of chicken and seasoning contribute little to the overall bulk.

Comparing Different Campbell's Chicken Noodle Soups

While the classic condensed variety is a fiber-poor option, some other product lines, like the "Chunky" versions, may offer slightly more, though still not a significant amount. A closer look at the nutritional labels is always recommended. For example, a Chunky version might list 1-2 grams of fiber per serving, while a condensed soup may be closer to or less than 1 gram.

Why Processed Soups Lack Fiber

Processed soups, in general, are not known for their high fiber content. The ingredients are often heavily refined, stripping them of their natural fiber. For instance, the noodles are made from white flour, which has had the fiber-rich outer layer of the grain removed. The manufacturing process is designed for shelf stability and taste, which often means prioritizing ingredients low in fiber.

How to Boost the Fiber in Your Chicken Noodle Soup

If you want the comfort of chicken noodle soup but need more fiber, there are easy ways to add it yourself. This can transform a simple meal into a more nutritionally robust one. By adding whole, plant-based foods, you can significantly increase the fiber content.

Here are some excellent, fiber-boosting additions:

Add legumes: Stir in a handful of canned, rinsed chickpeas, white beans, or lentils during the last few minutes of heating.
Incorporate vegetables: Sautéed onions, carrots, and celery are traditional, but you can also add broccoli florets, peas, or bell peppers for extra fiber and nutrients.
Use whole grains: Swap out white flour noodles for a whole-grain variety, or add a scoop of cooked brown rice, quinoa, or barley.
Top with seeds: A sprinkle of chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp seeds can add both soluble and insoluble fiber.

Comparison Table: Fiber in Different Soups

To put the fiber content of Campbell's chicken noodle soup into perspective, here is a comparison with other common canned and homemade options.


Soup Type	Typical Fiber Content (per cup)	Notes
Campbell's Condensed Chicken Noodle	<1-1 gram	Low fiber, refined ingredients.
Campbell's Chunky Chicken Noodle	1-2 grams	Slightly higher, but still minimal.
Hearty Lentil Soup (Homemade)	8-10+ grams	Lentils are an excellent source of dietary fiber.
Vegetarian Bean Chili (Canned)	7-10+ grams	Beans are a primary ingredient and are very high in fiber.
Black Bean Soup (Homemade)	5-7+ grams	Naturally high in fiber from black beans.

The Health Benefits of Dietary Fiber

Understanding why fiber is important highlights why the low amount in chicken noodle soup is a limitation. Fiber is crucial for digestive health, and it also plays a role in weight management and disease prevention.

Key benefits of incorporating more fiber into your diet:

Digestive health: Fiber promotes regular bowel movements and helps prevent constipation.
Heart health: Soluble fiber can help lower cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Blood sugar control: Fiber helps slow the absorption of sugar, which can improve blood sugar levels and may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Weight management: Fiber-rich foods tend to be more filling, which can help control appetite and prevent overeating.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

While Campbell's chicken noodle soup is a beloved comfort food, it is not a significant source of dietary fiber. The amount is typically 1 gram or less per serving for the classic condensed version, with some Chunky varieties offering slightly more. For those seeking to increase their fiber intake, the soup's low content highlights the importance of checking nutritional labels and considering ways to enhance the meal with fiber-rich ingredients. Incorporating beans, lentils, whole grains, and vegetables is a simple way to boost the health benefits of your soup. By being aware of the nutritional limitations of processed foods like canned soups, you can make more informed choices to meet your daily dietary goals.

For more detailed nutritional information and recommendations on fiber, visit authoritative sources such as the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health website: The Nutrition Source.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard can of Campbell's condensed chicken noodle soup contains less than 1 gram of dietary fiber per serving. A full can, which is typically 2.5 servings, would still provide only a small amount.

The low fiber content is primarily due to the use of refined ingredients like enriched white flour for the noodles. The processing removes the fiber-rich outer bran layer of the grains.

Yes, some product lines like the "Chunky" soups or soups with more vegetables and beans tend to have higher fiber content, but it is still often not a substantial amount. Checking the label for each product is the best practice.

To increase the fiber, you can stir in cooked lentils or chickpeas, add extra vegetables like peas or spinach, or top your bowl with a sprinkle of seeds such as chia or flax.

No, Campbell's chicken noodle soup is not considered a good source of fiber. It contains a very minimal amount that will not significantly contribute to your daily recommended intake.

Most health authorities recommend that adults consume between 25 and 35 grams of fiber per day, depending on age and gender.

Yes, they can, but only as part of a meal that incorporates other high-fiber foods. For a balanced meal, you should pair the soup with a side salad, whole-grain crackers, or add extra vegetables directly to the soup.