Is there any potassium in chicken noodle soup?

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition data, a single serving of homemade chicken noodle soup can contain over 750mg of potassium, demonstrating that this classic dish does indeed contain this vital mineral. However, the exact amount of potassium in chicken noodle soup varies significantly depending on whether it's homemade or canned and the specific ingredients used.

Quick Summary

Yes, chicken noodle soup contains potassium, but the quantity fluctuates based on preparation. Homemade versions typically have a higher potassium count due to fresh ingredients, while processed canned varieties often contain less, alongside higher sodium levels.

Key Points

Yes, it contains potassium: Chicken noodle soup is a source of potassium, though the amount varies significantly depending on the ingredients and whether it's homemade or canned.
Potassium sources: The potassium primarily comes from the chicken, vegetables like carrots and celery, and the broth itself.
Homemade vs. canned difference: Homemade soup typically contains much higher levels of potassium and lower levels of sodium than its canned counterparts.
Maximize your intake: To increase potassium, use fresh ingredients, add more potassium-rich vegetables like spinach, and make broth from bones.
Considerations for low-potassium diets: Individuals with kidney issues or on certain medications may need to monitor their potassium intake and opt for lower-potassium versions.
Potassium benefits: The mineral is essential for proper nerve and muscle function, and helps manage blood pressure.

Yes, Chicken Noodle Soup Contains Potassium, but It Varies

It's a common assumption that broth-based soups are low in minerals, but the components of chicken noodle soup actually contribute a decent amount of potassium. The level you consume is largely determined by the type of soup. A bowl of soup, particularly homemade, can be a good source of this essential electrolyte, which is vital for nerve function, muscle contraction, and maintaining a healthy heart rhythm.

Where Does the Potassium Come From?

The potassium in chicken noodle soup doesn't come from a single source but is instead an amalgamation from several key ingredients. Understanding these sources helps in making more informed dietary choices, especially for those who need to monitor their potassium intake.

Here is a list of the main potassium contributors:

The Chicken: The protein in the soup is a primary source. A 3-ounce serving of chicken breast alone can provide a notable amount of potassium. As the chicken simmers, some of this mineral leaches into the broth, enriching the entire soup. Whole chicken pieces will contribute more than just broth.
The Vegetables: Ingredients like carrots, onions, and celery add potassium to the mix. While not as high in potassium as some other vegetables like potatoes, their cumulative contribution is significant, especially when cooked down into a broth.
The Broth: The broth itself contains potassium, though often in smaller amounts, especially in commercial, fat-free versions. When preparing broth from scratch using chicken bones and vegetables, the mineral content, including potassium, will be higher.
Noodles: While less significant than the other ingredients, enriched egg noodles can contain trace amounts of potassium, contributing to the overall total.

Homemade vs. Canned: A Potassium Comparison

The biggest factor influencing the potassium content of your chicken noodle soup is whether it is homemade or canned. Processed versions are often stripped of nutrients and contain high levels of sodium, which can counteract some of the benefits of potassium.


Feature	Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup	Canned Chicken Noodle Soup
Potassium per Serving	Up to 779mg or more	Varies, can be as low as ~108mg per cup
Sodium per Serving	Significantly lower, can be controlled	Often very high, over 1000mg per serving
Source of Potassium	Primarily fresh chicken and vegetables	May include potassium chloride and other additives
Nutritional Density	Higher in vitamins and minerals	Can be nutritionally poorer and highly processed
Ingredient Control	Full control over ingredients and sodium	Ingredients are predetermined and often artificial
Flavor Profile	Richer, more complex flavor	Salty, can taste artificial

Homemade soup not only allows for a higher potassium count but also gives you control over sodium levels, a crucial aspect for heart health. For those on low-sodium diets, this control is invaluable. Canned soups, on the other hand, are convenient but often present a nutritional trade-off.

Tips for Maximizing Potassium in Your Soup

If your goal is to boost the potassium content, here are some actionable tips:

Choose fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and vegetables over their processed or canned counterparts.
Add extra vegetables: Incorporate more potassium-rich vegetables like carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes. These additions can significantly increase the mineral content.
Use bones for broth: Making your own broth from a chicken carcass or bones will extract more minerals, creating a more nutrient-dense base than store-bought broth.
Reduce salt: By adding less salt, you can better taste the natural flavors of the ingredients and focus on the broth's inherent nutritional value. Potassium helps balance sodium, so a lower sodium intake is beneficial.

Low-Potassium Considerations

While most people benefit from higher potassium intake, some individuals with kidney disease or on specific medications need to monitor and restrict their potassium levels. In these cases, opting for a broth-only soup or a commercial, low-potassium version might be a better choice.

For more information on dietary minerals, consult authoritative resources like the American Heart Association (AHA) website for guidelines on potassium and sodium intake.

Conclusion

In summary, chicken noodle soup is a source of potassium, but the quantity depends on its preparation. Homemade versions with fresh ingredients offer a substantially higher potassium content and better nutritional profile compared to canned soups. By consciously choosing your ingredients, you can make this classic comfort food a healthier, more nutrient-rich addition to your diet.

How to create a homemade chicken noodle soup with high potassium

To create a homemade version rich in potassium, focus on nutrient-dense ingredients. Start with a broth made from simmering chicken bones and carrots, onions, and celery. Use a whole chicken or bone-in pieces for the meat, and add a generous portion of potassium-rich vegetables like spinach or sweet potato in addition to the standard carrots and celery. Keep the salt to a minimum to emphasize the natural flavors and minerals of the food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, chicken broth contains potassium, though the amount is relatively low compared to other ingredients like the chicken meat and vegetables. Commercially produced broths, particularly low-sodium types, may have very low potassium content.

The potassium content in chicken soup varies. Homemade versions with fresh ingredients like chicken and vegetables can be a good source of potassium. Canned versions, however, generally contain a moderate to low amount of potassium and are often high in sodium.

Chicken noodle soup can be part of a healthy diet, particularly when homemade with fresh ingredients. It provides hydration, electrolytes like potassium, protein from the chicken, and nutrients from vegetables. Canned versions may be high in sodium and preservatives, so it's important to check the nutritional label.

Homemade chicken noodle soup is almost always healthier. It allows you to control the amount of sodium and preservatives while maximizing the nutritional content, including potassium, by using fresh, whole ingredients.

Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions. It also plays a vital role in regulating blood pressure and protecting against cardiovascular disease.

While not necessarily low in potassium, many canned chicken noodle soups contain a significantly lower amount of potassium compared to homemade versions. They also typically contain very high levels of sodium, which can affect the body's mineral balance.

Many foods are rich in potassium, including vegetables like sweet potatoes and spinach, fruits like bananas, apricots, and oranges, and meats like chicken and fish.

Yes, you can easily boost the potassium in store-bought soup by adding fresh ingredients. Incorporating extra cooked chicken, fresh or frozen vegetables like spinach or carrots, or even a handful of low-sodium beans can increase the mineral content.