Is Cream of Mushroom Soup Considered Healthy? A Dietitian's Guide to the Best Choice

November 10, 2025 •

2 min read

Did you know that a single cup of many canned soups can contain over a third of your recommended daily sodium intake? This fact is crucial when asking, 'is cream of mushroom soup considered healthy?'. The answer hinges entirely on its preparation—store-bought condensed versions versus nutrient-rich homemade alternatives.

Quick Summary

The healthiness of cream of mushroom soup varies significantly based on whether it is canned or homemade. While canned varieties are often high in sodium, saturated fat, and additives, homemade versions can be a nutritious, low-sodium option.

Key Points

Canned is Unhealthy: Store-bought condensed cream of mushroom soup is typically high in sodium, saturated fat, and preservatives, posing risks like high blood pressure and heart disease.
Homemade is Healthy: Homemade versions allow for complete control over ingredients, making them a nutritious option rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber from fresh mushrooms.
Control Sodium: Opt for low-sodium broth and flavor your soup with fresh herbs and spices instead of relying on excessive salt.
Use Healthy Thickeners: Replace heavy cream with alternatives like low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, or nut milks to achieve a creamy texture with less saturated fat.
Mushrooms Offer Benefits: Fresh mushrooms provide essential nutrients like B vitamins and antioxidants, which support immune function and digestion.
Read Labels: If purchasing canned soup is necessary, choose varieties explicitly labeled as low-sodium and low-fat to minimize health risks.

The Nutritional Breakdown: Canned vs. Homemade

The Risks of Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup

While convenient, store-bought cream of mushroom soup typically poses health concerns, primarily due to its high sodium content. A single serving can exceed recommended daily limits, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health issues. Canned versions are also often high in saturated fats and may contain preservatives and artificial additives. Some concern exists regarding potential BPA in can linings.

The Benefits of a Homemade Version

Making your own cream of mushroom soup allows you to control ingredients and maximize the nutritional benefits of mushrooms. Mushrooms are rich in B vitamins, vitamin D, fiber, and antioxidants, contributing to immune health, digestive health, and heart health.

How to Create a Healthier Cream of Mushroom Soup

Homemade soup is healthier and often more flavorful. Key strategies for a healthier version include using a healthy cream base like low-fat milk or almond milk, opting for low-sodium broth, thickening naturally with cornstarch or pureed vegetables, and boosting flavor with fresh herbs.

Canned vs. Homemade: A Comparative Table


Feature	Canned Condensed Soup	Healthy Homemade Soup
Sodium Content	Very high (often over 700mg per serving)	Controlled, low to moderate amounts
Fat Content	High in saturated fat and possibly trans fats	Low in saturated fat, uses healthy fats like olive oil
Nutrient Density	Limited, often with lower bioavailability	High in vitamins (B, D), minerals, and fiber
Additives & Preservatives	May contain MSG, artificial flavors, and preservatives	None, uses fresh, whole ingredients
Flavor Control	Fixed, often salty and artificial	Customizable, uses fresh herbs and spices
Ingredient Quality	Highly processed ingredients	Fresh, whole, and natural ingredients

Making the Right Choice for Your Nutrition

Whether cream of mushroom soup is healthy depends on its preparation. Homemade is more nutritious, offering control over ingredients. If choosing canned, read labels carefully for low-sodium, lower-fat options. Regular consumption of canned soup with high sodium can risk heart health. Homemade is the healthier choice.

Healthy substitutions for creaminess include Greek yogurt, pureed cauliflower, nut milks, or full-fat coconut milk. For a healthier soup, consider recipes focusing on fresh ingredients and healthy swaps, like those from Healthy Seasonal Recipes.

Conclusion

Canned, condensed cream of mushroom soup is generally not healthy due to high sodium, saturated fat, and additives. In contrast, a homemade version, made with fresh ingredients and healthier alternatives, can be a nutritious addition to your diet. Preparing it yourself allows for control over ingredients, transforming a processed food into a wholesome meal that supports health. Homemade is the optimal choice for nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Canned cream of mushroom soup is often considered unhealthy due to its high sodium content, saturated fat, and potentially unhealthy additives like MSG and BPA in can linings.

Yes, a homemade cream of mushroom soup is a very healthy alternative. It allows you to use fresh ingredients, control the sodium level, and choose healthier sources of creaminess, such as low-fat milk or Greek yogurt.

Mushrooms are a nutritious source of B vitamins, vitamin D, potassium, and antioxidants. They support the immune system, improve digestion with their fiber content, and contribute to heart health.

For a healthier version, you can substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk, almond milk, unsweetened cashew milk, or Greek yogurt. For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk.

You can thicken soup by making a cornstarch slurry, using pureed vegetables like potatoes, or blending a portion of the soup itself to incorporate some of the solid ingredients.

No, it is not recommended to eat canned cream of mushroom soup daily due to its extremely high sodium content. Excessive daily sodium intake can significantly increase your risk for high blood pressure and other heart-related issues.

If you must use canned soup, you can reduce its sodium impact by diluting it with water or low-sodium broth. You can also mix it with fresh, low-sodium ingredients like mushrooms, vegetables, and herbs to balance the flavor.