Is Chicken Noodle Soup High in Carbs? The Surprising Truth About Your Favorite Comfort Food

A single cup of some store-bought chicken noodle soup can pack up to 25 grams of carbohydrates. This fact makes many wonder, 'Is chicken noodle soup high in carbs?' The answer is not simple, as the carbohydrate content depends heavily on the preparation method and ingredients used.

Quick Summary

This article breaks down the variable carb content of chicken noodle soup, highlighting how store-bought brands differ from homemade versions and what to watch out for. It also offers actionable advice on creating a low-carb alternative.

Key Points

• Canned is different than homemade: Carb counts vary significantly between processed, canned soups and those made from scratch due to different ingredients and recipes.

• Noodles are the main carb source: The high carbohydrate content in most chicken noodle soup comes primarily from the refined wheat flour noodles, not the chicken or broth.

• Low-carb alternatives exist: Replace traditional noodles with options like shirataki noodles, spiralized zucchini, or spaghetti squash to drastically cut down on carbs.

• Homemade offers control: Making your own soup from scratch allows you to control all ingredients, minimizing carbs and excess sodium while maximizing nutrients.

• Keto-friendly options are possible: By omitting traditional noodles and adding extra low-carb vegetables, you can create a keto-friendly chicken soup.

The Carb Culprit: It’s All About the Noodles

At its core, a simple chicken soup consisting of broth and chicken is a naturally low-carb meal. The core ingredients—chicken, water, and basic herbs and seasonings—contain very few carbohydrates. Even many of the traditional vegetables like celery and onions are not major contributors to the carb count. The real source of high carbohydrates in chicken noodle soup is the noodles. Most traditional egg noodles and pasta are made from refined wheat flour, which is a concentrated source of carbohydrates. When consumed in high quantities, especially in condensed soups, these noodles can quickly elevate the total carb count, making a seemingly light meal surprisingly carb-heavy.

Canned vs. Homemade: A Nutritional Comparison

The carb count in chicken noodle soup can differ dramatically depending on whether it's a store-bought, canned version or a freshly prepared homemade recipe. Canned soups, in particular, must be viewed with caution. Besides the noodles, many manufacturers add thickeners and fillers to their recipes that contribute to the total carbohydrate count. They are also notoriously high in sodium, with some containing over 1,500mg per serving. In contrast, a homemade recipe allows for complete control over the ingredients, making it easy to create a nutrient-rich, low-carb soup. This comparison highlights why simply asking "Is chicken noodle soup high in carbs?" is not enough; the preparation method is a critical factor.

Nutritional Comparison: Canned vs. Homemade Soup

Feature	Typical Canned Soup (e.g., Campbell's)	Traditional Homemade Soup	Low-Carb Homemade Soup
Carbohydrates	15-25g per serving	18-24g per serving	Less than 10g per serving
Primary Carb Source	Refined pasta, thickeners	Egg noodles, carrots	Low-carb noodle substitutes
Sodium	Often very high, over 1000mg	Moderate, depending on stock	Low, controlled by ingredients
Ingredients	Preservatives, additives	Fresh ingredients, real stock	Fresh ingredients, keto-friendly
Dietary Suitability	Generally not keto or low-carb	Depends on portion size	Excellent for low-carb/keto diets

Making a Low-Carb Chicken Noodle Soup

For those watching their carb intake, ditching the traditional pasta is the most effective strategy. The good news is that this doesn't mean sacrificing the texture and flavor of a comforting bowl of soup. Several excellent low-carb noodle alternatives can be used to recreate the classic dish while keeping the carbohydrate count low.

Simple Substitutions for Low-Carb Noodles

• Shirataki Noodles: Also known as konjac noodles or 'miracle noodles,' these are made from glucomannan fiber and contain very few net carbs. They require a good rinse and sauté to improve their texture.
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Spiralized zucchini creates thin, vegetable-based noodles that work perfectly in soup. Add them at the very end of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft.
• Spaghetti Squash: The fibrous strands of cooked spaghetti squash can mimic the texture of noodles beautifully. Cook it separately and add to the soup just before serving.
• Cabbage Strips: Finely shredded cabbage can provide a noodle-like texture when added to the broth.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a heartier alternative, riced cauliflower can be added to the soup to create a thicker texture and mimic the appearance of rice or small pasta.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the carbohydrate content of chicken noodle soup is a matter of preparation. While many store-bought options are high in carbs due to refined pasta and additives, a homemade version offers complete control. By substituting traditional noodles with low-carb alternatives like shirataki noodles, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash, you can enjoy the classic comfort of chicken noodle soup without compromising your dietary goals. For reliable nutritional information, it's always best to consult sources like MyPlate.gov.

Can I eat chicken noodle soup on a keto diet? The carb count is the key determining factor. Traditional or canned chicken noodle soup, with its high refined pasta content, is not typically suitable for a ketogenic diet, which requires very low carb intake. However, a modified, low-carb version with noodle substitutes is keto-friendly.

How can I reduce the carbs in my chicken noodle soup? You can reduce the carb count by replacing traditional wheat noodles with low-carb alternatives like spiralized zucchini, shirataki noodles, or spaghetti squash. You can also minimize the amount of starchy vegetables like carrots.

Are canned chicken noodle soups low in carbs? No, most canned chicken noodle soups are not low in carbs. They typically contain traditional pasta and sometimes other fillers that increase the overall carbohydrate content, making them unsuitable for low-carb diets.

Is there a healthy, low-carb version of chicken noodle soup? Yes, homemade versions can be made very healthy and low-carb. By focusing on a quality broth, lean chicken, and low-carb vegetables, and using alternative 'noodles,' you can create a nutritious, carb-conscious version.

Does homemade chicken noodle soup have fewer carbs? A homemade soup made with traditional egg noodles and starchy vegetables will likely have a similar carb count to a canned version. However, homemade soup gives you the control to significantly reduce carbs by swapping out ingredients.

Can I still have carrots in a low-carb chicken noodle soup? Yes, carrots are acceptable in small amounts. While they contain carbs, the amount used in a typical serving of soup is minimal. For very strict keto diets, you can reduce or omit them, but they add important flavor and nutrients.

Why are refined flour noodles bad for a diet? Refined flour noodles are high in carbohydrates and have had most of their fiber and nutrients stripped away during processing. This can cause rapid blood sugar spikes, which is undesirable for weight management and overall metabolic health.

Is chicken noodle soup okay on a keto diet? Traditional chicken noodle soup is not keto-friendly because of the high-carb noodles. Keto-approved soup must be made without starchy ingredients like pasta, rice, or potatoes.

Are shirataki noodles a good low-carb alternative? Yes, shirataki noodles are an excellent low-carb, keto-friendly alternative for chicken noodle soup. They are made from glucomannan fiber, providing a similar texture with very few net carbs.

Is chicken noodle soup good for weight loss? Homemade chicken noodle soup, especially a low-carb version with lean protein and vegetables, can be beneficial for weight loss. It is low in calories, filling, and nutrient-dense. Canned versions can be high in sodium and less ideal.

Can I use a can of condensed soup for a low-carb diet? It is not recommended. Most condensed soups are high in carbohydrates from fillers and refined flour. Starting with a low-carb broth and fresh ingredients is the best approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are canned chicken noodle soups low in carbs?

No, most canned chicken noodle soups are not low in carbs. They typically contain traditional pasta and sometimes other fillers that increase the overall carbohydrate content, making them unsuitable for strict low-carb diets.

Is there a healthy, low-carb version of chicken noodle soup?

Yes, homemade versions can be made very healthy and low-carb. By focusing on a quality broth, lean chicken, and low-carb vegetables, and using alternative 'noodles,' you can create a nutritious, carb-conscious version.

How can I reduce the carbs in my chicken noodle soup?

You can reduce the carb count by replacing traditional wheat noodles with low-carb alternatives like spiralized zucchini, shirataki noodles, or spaghetti squash. You can also minimize the amount of starchy vegetables like carrots.

Does homemade chicken noodle soup have fewer carbs?

A homemade soup made with traditional egg noodles and starchy vegetables will likely have a similar carb count to a canned version. However, homemade soup gives you the control to significantly reduce carbs by swapping out ingredients.

Can I still have carrots in a low-carb chicken noodle soup?

Yes, carrots are acceptable in small amounts. While they contain carbs, the amount used in a typical serving of soup is minimal. For very strict keto diets, you can reduce or omit them, but they add important flavor and nutrients.

Why are refined flour noodles bad for a diet?

Refined flour noodles are high in carbohydrates and have had most of their fiber and nutrients stripped away during processing. This can cause rapid blood sugar spikes, which is undesirable for weight management and overall metabolic health.

Is chicken noodle soup good for weight loss?

Homemade chicken noodle soup, especially a low-carb version with lean protein and vegetables, can be beneficial for weight loss. It is low in calories, filling, and nutrient-dense. Canned versions can be high in sodium and less ideal.

Are shirataki noodles a good low-carb alternative?

Yes, shirataki noodles are an excellent low-carb, keto-friendly alternative for chicken noodle soup. They are made from glucomannan fiber, providing a similar texture with very few net carbs.