Is Cream of Mushroom Soup Good for Type 2 Diabetes?

January 6, 2026 •

5 min read

While mushrooms themselves are a low-glycemic vegetable with potential anti-diabetic properties, the answer to "is cream of mushroom soup good for type 2 diabetes?" is more complex, primarily due to the high sodium and saturated fat content found in many canned varieties. For individuals managing their blood sugar, focusing on the preparation method and ingredients is crucial.

Quick Summary

This article examines the nutritional content of both canned and homemade cream of mushroom soup for type 2 diabetics. It addresses the issues of high sodium and fat in commercial products while offering guidance on preparing a healthier, low-carb version at home to support stable blood sugar levels.

Key Points

Canned vs. Homemade: The key distinction lies in the preparation; canned cream of mushroom soup is typically high in sodium and unhealthy fats, while a homemade version can be made diabetes-friendly.
High Sodium Warning: Many store-bought condensed soups contain excessive sodium, which can elevate blood pressure and is a concern for diabetics.
Avoid Refined Thickeners: Starches and flours used in canned soups can cause rapid blood sugar spikes; use alternatives like whole wheat flour or xanthan gum sparingly in homemade recipes.
Mushrooms are Beneficial: Fresh mushrooms are low in carbs and calories while being rich in vitamins, fiber, and compounds that can help manage blood glucose levels.
Control Your Fats: Choose heart-healthy fats like olive oil for cooking your soup instead of the high saturated fats often found in processed versions.
Control Portion Sizes: Even healthy foods require portion control; a balanced meal paired with soup is important for managing overall carbohydrate and calorie intake.
Modify for Health: By using unsweetened milk and low-sodium broth, you can create a creamy, flavorful, and low-glycemic soup.

Understanding the Nutritional Differences

When considering if is cream of mushroom soup good for type 2 diabetes, it is vital to distinguish between store-bought, condensed versions and a homemade recipe. A standard canned cream of mushroom soup often contains high levels of sodium, fat, and starches, which can negatively impact blood sugar control and heart health.

The Downsides of Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup

High Sodium Content: Many condensed canned soups are packed with sodium, with some brands containing over 800mg per serving. High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure, a common comorbidity for people with type 2 diabetes.
Refined Thickeners: Canned soups often use refined wheat flour or other starches as a thickening agent, which can cause blood sugar spikes.
Unhealthy Fats: The creamy texture in store-bought versions is often achieved with added oils, creams, or milk fat, which can increase the saturated fat content.

The Benefits of a Homemade, Diabetes-Friendly Version

Conversely, a homemade version allows for complete control over ingredients, making it an excellent addition to a diabetic's diet. By focusing on nutrient-dense ingredients, you can create a satisfying and healthy soup.

Low-Glycemic Ingredients: Mushrooms are naturally low in carbohydrates and have a low glycemic index, meaning they have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels.
Heart-Healthy Fats: Using healthy fats like olive oil for sautéing can provide monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
High Fiber Content: Mushrooms are a source of fiber, which helps slow down digestion and stabilize blood sugar. You can further boost the fiber by adding vegetables like celery or onions.

Comparison Table: Canned vs. Homemade Soup

To illustrate the nutritional differences, consider this comparison based on typical recipes and facts:


Feature	Canned Cream of Mushroom Soup (Condensed)	Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup (Diabetic-Friendly)
Carbohydrates	10g or more per serving (often from refined thickeners)	5g or less per serving (from mushrooms and vegetables)
Sodium	Often 400-900mg or more per serving	Easily controlled; less than 200mg per serving
Added Sugars	May contain 1-2g or more	Zero added sugar
Creaminess Source	Heavy cream, fat, or processed ingredients	Low-fat milk, plant-based milk, or pureed vegetables
Health Impact	Can cause blood sugar spikes and raise blood pressure	Supports stable blood sugar and heart health

Making a Healthy Cream of Mushroom Soup at Home

Creating a delicious, diabetes-friendly soup is a straightforward process. Here is a simple approach that incorporates the principles of a balanced diet.

Ingredients:

Olive oil or coconut oil
Fresh mushrooms (cremini, button, or a mix)
Diced onion and minced garlic
Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or oat) or low-fat dairy milk
A small amount of whole wheat flour or xanthan gum for thickening (optional)
Fresh thyme, rosemary, salt-free seasoning, and black pepper

Instructions:

Sauté aromatics: Sauté the onion and garlic in a pot with olive oil until softened.
Cook mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms and cook until golden brown and they have released their moisture.
Create a roux (optional): If using a thickener, stir in a small amount of whole wheat flour and cook for a minute.
Add liquid: Pour in the low-sodium broth, seasonings, and bring to a simmer.
Blend and add cream: Use an immersion blender to partially or fully puree the soup. Stir in the low-fat or plant-based milk.
Simmer and season: Simmer gently until heated through, then season with pepper and fresh herbs to taste.

This homemade version is not only delicious but also supports your health goals without the hidden pitfalls of processed foods.

Additional Considerations for a Diabetic Diet

For people with type 2 diabetes, a successful dietary approach relies on more than just swapping out single ingredients. It involves a comprehensive strategy focused on whole foods, fiber, portion control, and healthy fats.

Portion Control: Even with a healthy homemade soup, controlling portion size is important for managing overall calorie and carbohydrate intake.
Paired Meals: Pair your soup with a source of lean protein or a side salad to create a balanced meal. The protein and fiber will help further stabilize your blood sugar.
Reading Labels: For all packaged foods, reading nutrition labels is essential. Always check for sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar content.

Conclusion

So, is cream of mushroom soup good for type 2 diabetes? The answer is a clear 'yes', but only if you take control of the ingredients. While condensed canned versions are generally not recommended due to their high sodium and fat content and blood-sugar-spiking thickeners, a thoughtfully prepared homemade alternative can be a delicious and healthy part of a diabetic-friendly meal plan. By focusing on fresh mushrooms, low-sodium broth, healthy fats, and unsweetened milk, you can enjoy this comforting classic without compromising your health goals. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.

Sources

The International Diabetes Federation provides detailed guidelines on healthy nutrition for diabetes management, emphasizing whole foods and low-glycemic options.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers advice on diabetes meal planning, including the importance of portion control and focusing on non-starchy vegetables.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has research articles on the anti-diabetic potential of mushrooms, highlighting their bioactive compounds.

Key Takeaways

Canned is Generally Unsafe: Most commercial canned cream of mushroom soups are high in sodium, saturated fats, and refined carbs, making them unsuitable for regular consumption by type 2 diabetics.
Homemade is Highly Recommended: A homemade version of cream of mushroom soup can be a nutritious and diabetes-friendly meal when prepared with fresh ingredients and mindful of fats and thickeners.
Mushrooms Offer Health Benefits: Fresh mushrooms are a low-glycemic food rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, and fiber, which support blood sugar regulation and heart health.
Control Your Ingredients: To make a healthy soup, use low-sodium broth, healthy fats like olive oil, and unsweetened plant-based milk or low-fat dairy.
Watch the Sodium: High sodium in many canned soups can contribute to high blood pressure, a concern for many with type 2 diabetes.
Prioritize Fiber: The fiber in mushrooms and other vegetables helps stabilize blood sugar spikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, type 2 diabetics can eat mushroom soup, but it depends heavily on the type. Homemade versions made with healthy ingredients are a great option, while most canned, condensed versions should be avoided due to high sodium and unhealthy additives.

Canned cream of mushroom soup is often high in sodium, unhealthy saturated fats, and refined starches that can cause blood sugar spikes. These factors can negatively impact blood pressure and overall heart health, which are critical concerns for those with type 2 diabetes.

Mushrooms are a low-carb, low-glycemic food rich in antioxidants, B vitamins, and fiber. They can help regulate blood sugar, improve insulin resistance, and support heart health, making them an excellent addition to a diabetic diet.

Instead of refined white flour, use a small amount of whole wheat flour, a dash of xanthan gum, or simply puree a portion of the soup with an immersion blender to achieve a creamy texture.

A homemade cream of mushroom soup can be low-carb if prepared with fresh ingredients, low-carb milk alternatives, and mindful thickening agents. However, many canned varieties contain refined flour and additives that increase the carb count.

To reduce sodium, use low-sodium or salt-free broth and seasonings instead of salt. A homemade recipe gives you complete control over the amount of salt added.

For a diabetes-friendly soup, use unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, or low-fat dairy milk. These options are lower in sugar and fat than heavy cream and are better for blood sugar management.