Is Canned Soup High in Carbs? A Nutritional Breakdown

November 4, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition analysis, a single cup of some popular condensed tomato soups contains around 23g of total carbohydrates. This reveals that, depending on the variety, canned soup can indeed be high in carbs, posing a challenge for those watching their intake.

Quick Summary

The carb content of canned soup varies significantly by type and brand. Factors like thickeners, added sugars, and ingredients determine if a soup is high-carb. Learning to read labels is key for managing your intake, especially for low-carb diets.

Key Points

Carb content varies: The amount of carbohydrates in canned soup differs dramatically by variety and ingredients.
Check for thickeners: Ingredients like cornstarch, maltodextrin, and flour are common carb-heavy thickeners.
Watch for hidden sugar: Many tomato and creamy soups contain added sugars that increase the carb count.
Read the label carefully: Always check the nutrition facts for total carbs and be mindful of the serving size.
Choose broth-based soups: Broth-based options, especially those with non-starchy vegetables, are generally the lowest in carbs.
Be cautious with 'hearty' soups: Soups with noodles, rice, potatoes, or beans are typically high in carbohydrates.
Net carbs matter for keto: Subtracting fiber from total carbs gives a more accurate picture of a soup's impact on a low-carb diet.

The Hidden Carbohydrates in Canned Soups

While a bowl of canned soup might seem like a simple, light meal, its carbohydrate content can vary dramatically. Many people, particularly those following low-carb or ketogenic diets, are often surprised to find that their favorite condensed or creamy soups can be a significant source of daily carbohydrate intake. The main culprits behind the high carb count are often added ingredients used for flavor, texture, and shelf-stability. These can include starchy vegetables, sugar, and thickening agents.

Common High-Carb Additives

To achieve a desired thickness and consistency, manufacturers frequently add ingredients that can dramatically increase the carbohydrate count. Understanding these additions is the first step toward making more informed choices.

Here is a list of common high-carb additives found in canned soups:

Thickeners: Cornstarch, modified food starch, and maltodextrin are often used to thicken soups without adding much fat, but they are carbohydrate-dense.
Sugars: Many tomato-based and other savory soups contain added sugars to balance acidity or enhance flavor. Check the ingredient list for sucrose, high-fructose corn syrup, and other sweeteners.
Starchy Vegetables and Grains: Ingredients like potatoes, rice, noodles, and beans are natural sources of carbohydrates and are common in many hearty soups. While some of these, like beans, offer valuable fiber, they still contribute to the overall carb total.

How to Decipher Nutrition Labels

Simply looking at the front of a can can be misleading. To accurately determine if a canned soup is high in carbs, it is essential to look at the nutritional information panel on the back.

Check the serving size: A single can often contains two or more servings, so the listed carbohydrate count might need to be doubled or tripled.
Analyze net carbs: For those on a low-carb diet, focusing on net carbs (total carbs minus fiber) is crucial. Some soups, particularly those with added beans or vegetables, might have higher fiber content, which can lower the net carb impact.
Review the ingredients list: Ingredients are listed in descending order by weight. If a starchy ingredient or sugar is near the top of the list, the soup is likely higher in carbs.

Comparison of Canned Soup Types

Not all canned soups are created equal when it comes to carbohydrate content. Broth-based soups typically contain fewer carbs, while creamy and hearty varieties often have more due to thickeners and fillers. Here is a comparison to illustrate the differences.


Soup Type	Typical Carb Sources	Relative Carb Count	Best For Low-Carb Diets?
Broth-Based	Vegetables, small amount of grains	Low	Yes, often a safe choice.
Hearty/Chunky	Noodles, rice, beans, potatoes	High	No, typically high carb.
Creamy/Condensed	Thickeners (cornstarch), cream, sugar	High	No, generally not recommended.
Vegetable	Vegetables (corn, potatoes)	Variable	Depends heavily on ingredients; check label.
Tomato	Added sugar, thickeners	Variable	Often high in carbs due to sugar.

Tips for Choosing Low-Carb Canned Soups

For those who prefer the convenience of canned options but need to monitor their carbohydrate intake, there are strategies to find suitable products.

Look for low-carb labels: As low-carb diets become more popular, more brands are offering specifically labeled low-carb or keto-friendly soups.
Choose broth-based varieties: Simple chicken, beef, or vegetable broths are naturally low in carbohydrates and can serve as an excellent base.
Stick to simple ingredients: Opt for soups with short ingredient lists that focus on lean proteins and non-starchy vegetables.
Beware of “healthy” claims: Terms like “light” or “healthy” on packaging don't necessarily indicate a low-carb count. Always double-check the nutrition label.

The Health Implications of High-Carb Soups

Consuming high-carb canned soups can have several health implications, especially for individuals with specific dietary needs.

Blood Sugar Management: For people with diabetes, the rapid absorption of simple carbohydrates from thickeners and added sugars can cause blood sugar spikes.
Weight Management: High-carb soups, particularly those lacking fiber and protein, can contribute to weight gain and leave you feeling less full, leading to overeating.
Keto Diet Compliance: A single serving of a high-carb canned soup can contain the majority of a person's daily carbohydrate allowance on a ketogenic diet, making it difficult to maintain ketosis.

Conclusion

In summary, the question "is canned soup high in carbs?" doesn't have a single answer; it depends on the type and brand. While simple broth-based varieties can be low in carbohydrates, many popular options, particularly condensed and creamy soups, contain significant amounts due to thickeners, added sugars, and starchy fillers. Becoming a careful label reader is the most effective strategy for managing your carb intake. By understanding what to look for, you can enjoy the convenience of canned soup while staying on track with your dietary goals.

For more information on managing your diet and nutritional intake, visit the American Diabetes Association website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, broth-based soups like chicken broth or beef broth, and vegetable soups made primarily with non-starchy vegetables, are the lowest in carbs.

Most conventional canned soups are not suitable for a strict ketogenic diet because they contain too many carbs from thickeners, sugars, or starchy ingredients. However, some specialty brands offer specific keto-friendly options.

Many canned tomato soups are high in carbs because manufacturers add sugar to reduce acidity and use thickeners like cornstarch to improve consistency.

You can lower the carb count of a can of soup by choosing a broth-based variety and adding your own low-carb ingredients, such as shredded chicken, extra non-starchy vegetables, or a source of healthy fat.

Yes, soups with beans are typically higher in carbs. While beans do offer fiber, which lowers the net carb count, they still contribute a significant amount of carbohydrates.

Yes, creamy canned soups often have higher carb counts. This is because they frequently contain thickeners like modified food starch and other fillers to achieve a rich, creamy texture.

No, high sodium and high carbs are separate nutritional issues in canned soups. A soup can be high in both, or high in one and low in the other. It is important to check both the carb and sodium content on the nutrition label.