Core Ingredients in Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup
The ingredient list for Campbell's condensed cream of chicken soup reveals a combination of pantry staples and food additives designed for flavor, texture, and stability. The primary components form the creamy, chicken-flavored base that is a hallmark of the product.
The Foundational Elements
- Chicken Stock: The foundation of the soup is chicken stock, providing the core savory flavor. In the standard condensed variety, this is listed first, meaning it's the most prominent ingredient by weight.
- Cream: The inclusion of cream (milk) is what gives the soup its rich, creamy texture and name. This provides the familiar smoothness and mouthfeel that people expect from this product.
- Chicken Meat: The soup contains pieces of chicken meat, specified as 'tender chicken meat with no antibiotics' in some descriptions. Dehydrated chicken is also listed as an ingredient in the standard condensed soup.
Thickeners and Emulsifiers
To achieve its signature condensed and creamy consistency, the soup relies on a few key thickeners and emulsifiers.
- Modified Cornstarch: This is a common food additive used to thicken products and create a smooth texture. Unlike simple flour, it provides a consistent viscosity even when heated and re-heated.
- Wheat Flour: Alongside cornstarch, wheat flour acts as a thickener, contributing to the condensed nature of the soup.
- Vegetable Oil & Chicken Fat: These fats contribute to the soup's richness and smooth texture. The standard version includes both, while other varieties may adjust the amount or type of oil used.
Flavorings and Seasonings
A combination of seasonings and flavor enhancers is responsible for the distinct taste of the soup.
- Salt: A major seasoning component, salt gives the soup its savory taste. This is often an ingredient to monitor for dietary reasons, as the soup has a high sodium content.
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): A flavor enhancer, MSG is included to amplify the savory notes of the chicken and other ingredients.
- Yeast Extract: Another flavor enhancer that contributes an umami taste, similar to MSG.
- Natural Flavoring: A broad term for flavor additives derived from natural sources, such as spices, fruits, or vegetables.
- Onion Extract, Celery Extract, and Garlic Juice Concentrate: These provide distinct vegetable notes that complement the chicken flavor.
Other Ingredients and Additives
- Soy Protein Concentrate and Isolate: These are added to increase protein content and can also aid in thickening and emulsifying the soup.
- Beta Carotene for Color: This natural pigment is used to give the soup a subtle yellow-orange hue.
- Sodium Phosphate: A stabilizing agent that helps maintain the texture and appearance of the soup.
Comparison of Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup Varieties
While the classic condensed soup is the most well-known, Campbell's offers several versions with adjusted ingredient lists. Here's a comparison of some of the key differences.
| Ingredient Category | Standard Condensed | 98% Fat Free Condensed | Heart Healthy Condensed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fats | Vegetable Oil, Chicken Fat | Vegetable Oil | Vegetable Oil, Chicken Fat |
| Sodium/Seasoning | Salt, MSG, Yeast Extract | Salt, MSG, Yeast Extract | Lower Sodium Salt, Natural Flavoring (Potassium Salt) |
| Chicken | Chicken Meat, Dried Chicken | Chicken Meat, Dried Chicken | Chicken Meat, Dried Chicken |
| Thickeners | Modified Cornstarch, Wheat Flour | Modified Cornstarch, Wheat Flour | Modified Cornstarch, Wheat Flour |
| Soy Protein | Soy Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate | Soy Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate | Soy Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate |
A Look at Additives and Allergens
The presence of certain ingredients can be important for those with dietary restrictions or allergies.
- Allergens: The standard condensed soup contains milk, wheat, and soy, so individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid it. Other variants may have slightly different allergen warnings depending on their formulation.
- Additives: The inclusion of MSG and yeast extract are worth noting for those who prefer to avoid flavor enhancers. Sodium phosphate is also an additive used for stabilizing the product.
- Color: The soup's appearance is maintained with beta carotene, a natural colorant.
Making Homemade vs. Canned Soup
Understanding what are the ingredients in Campbell's cream of chicken soup can inspire you to create a homemade version. A homemade cream of chicken soup would likely involve a simple roux (butter and flour), chicken stock, and heavy cream or milk. While a homemade version offers control over sodium and additives, the canned soup provides unmatched convenience and a consistent result for recipes.
Conclusion
The ingredients in Campbell's cream of chicken soup create a familiar, creamy, and savory base for countless recipes. Its condensed nature is achieved through a combination of chicken stock, cream, and thickeners like modified cornstarch and wheat flour. A blend of seasonings, including MSG and yeast extract, provides the robust flavor profile, while additives ensure its stability and appearance. Understanding this ingredient list allows consumers to make informed dietary choices and appreciate the formulation of this kitchen staple. For official product details and ingredient sourcing, you can always visit the Campbell's company website.
