Nutrition Diet: Does Campbell's Cream of Chicken Contain Gluten?

October 28, 2025 •

3 min read

In 2023, Campbell's announced the release of new gluten-free condensed soups to serve the nearly one out of five Americans reportedly avoiding gluten. But for decades, many have wondered: does Campbell's cream of chicken contain gluten in its original, beloved formula?

Quick Summary

The traditional Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken soup is not gluten-free due to the inclusion of wheat flour as a thickener, but the company now offers a specially marked gluten-free alternative.

Key Points

Classic vs. Gluten-Free: The traditional Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken soup contains gluten, but a specific 'Gluten-Free' version was introduced in 2023.
Wheat Flour is the Culprit: The gluten in the classic recipe comes from wheat flour, which is used as a thickener.
Look for the Label: To identify the gluten-free version, always check for the clear 'Gluten Free' logo or statement on the can.
Rice Flour Replaces Wheat: The gluten-free formula uses rice flour instead of wheat flour to achieve a creamy texture.
Homemade Alternatives: For those who prefer or can't find the gluten-free version, it is easy to make a substitute at home using gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
Check all Varieties: Do not assume all Campbell's cream of chicken products are the same; even 'fat-free' options contain gluten in their classic formulations.

The Gluten Question: Original vs. Gluten-Free

For decades, Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken has been a staple ingredient in kitchens across the country, prized for its thick, creamy texture and comforting flavor. However, those following a gluten-free diet have long had to avoid it, as the classic recipe uses wheat flour as a primary thickener. A quick glance at the ingredients list on the standard can confirms this, typically listing 'wheat flour' prominently. This makes it unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy. Even the '98% Fat-Free' and 'Heart Healthy' versions of the condensed soup also contain wheat flour, so simply opting for a different nutritional profile isn't enough to avoid gluten.

Recognizing the growing demand for gluten-free options, Campbell's introduced a dedicated gluten-free line of condensed cooking soups in July 2023. These new products, including a Gluten-Free Cream of Chicken soup, provide a safe alternative for many consumers. The recipe for this new version is specifically formulated to be gluten-free, using rice flour instead of wheat flour, and is made with high-quality chicken stock and fresh cream. This provides a suitable substitute that can be used in classic recipes without compromising flavor or texture.

How to Tell the Difference: Classic vs. Gluten-Free

With both the classic and gluten-free versions available, it's crucial for those with dietary restrictions to know how to distinguish between them. This is not a situation where all products from the same brand are safe. You must carefully inspect the product label before purchasing.

Key Differences on the Label

The 'Gluten Free' Logo: The most obvious difference is the explicit declaration. The gluten-free version will have a clear 'Gluten Free' logo or statement on the front of the can. The classic version will not.
Ingredient List: The traditional soup lists "Wheat Flour" as an ingredient, while the gluten-free alternative will list "Rice Flour" or "Modified Cornstarch" as its thickener.
Allergen Statement: The allergen statement, typically located under the ingredients list, will explicitly state 'Contains: Wheat' on the standard can. The gluten-free version will not list wheat as an allergen.

Comparison Table: Campbell's Cream of Chicken


Feature	Classic Condensed Cream of Chicken	Gluten-Free Condensed Cream of Chicken
Key Thickener	Wheat Flour	Rice Flour
Allergen Statement	Contains: Wheat, Milk, Soy	Contains: Milk, Soy (No Wheat)
Gluten Status	Not Gluten-Free	Certified Gluten-Free
Labeling	Does not have a 'Gluten Free' label	Prominently displays 'Gluten Free' on the can
Availability	Widely available in most grocery stores	May have more limited availability, sold alongside other gluten-free products

Adapting Recipes for a Gluten-Free Diet

For those who have relied on the classic condensed soup for casseroles and other dishes, switching to the gluten-free version is straightforward. It is designed to be a one-to-one replacement in recipes. However, if the gluten-free option is not available, or you prefer a homemade, whole-food alternative, you can make your own cream of chicken soup from scratch.

Tips for homemade gluten-free cream of chicken soup:

Use a gluten-free flour blend, rice flour, or cornstarch to create a roux with melted butter.
Slowly whisk in a gluten-free chicken broth and milk to form a thick, creamy base.
Add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and poultry seasoning for a deeper flavor.
Use cooked, shredded chicken to complete the soup.

Conclusion

While the original Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken soup has always contained gluten from wheat flour, the company's 2023 introduction of a dedicated gluten-free version has changed the game for those with dietary restrictions. This means that individuals can once again enjoy creamy, chicken-flavored dishes safely, as long as they carefully check the product's label to ensure they are purchasing the correct can. Always look for the explicit 'Gluten Free' marking and verify the ingredients list, as brand recognition alone is not a guarantee of safety. By being vigilant, those on a gluten-free diet can continue to enjoy classic comfort foods with confidence.

For more information on the range of gluten-free options offered, you can visit the official Campbell's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the original formula of Campbell's Condensed Cream of Chicken soup is not gluten-free because it contains wheat flour as a thickener.

Yes, Campbell's launched a specific line of gluten-free condensed cooking soups, including a Gluten-Free Cream of Chicken, in July 2023.

You can tell them apart by looking for the clear 'Gluten Free' logo on the front of the new version's label. The original can will not have this marking.

Instead of wheat flour, the gluten-free version is thickened using rice flour and modified cornstarch, according to its ingredients list.

Yes, the new gluten-free condensed soup is specifically designed to be a direct substitute for the classic version in recipes like casseroles and sauces.

No, only the versions explicitly labeled 'Gluten Free' are safe for a gluten-free diet. The original, 98% Fat-Free, and Heart Healthy condensed versions still contain wheat.

The new product can be found in many major supermarkets, often in the soup aisle alongside other Campbell's condensed soups or in a dedicated gluten-free section.