A Guide to What Progresso Soups Are Low in Sodium

According to the World Health Organization, adults should consume less than 2,000 mg of sodium per day, but many canned soups exceed a quarter of this in a single serving. Fortunately, Progresso offers a specific line of 'Reduced Sodium' products for those monitoring their salt intake, making it easier to find what Progresso soups are low in sodium.

Quick Summary

An analysis of Progresso's offerings reveals specific "Reduced Sodium" soups, including Creamy Tomato with Basil, Roasted Chicken Noodle, and Hearty Minestrone, which contain significantly less salt than their traditional counterparts.

Key Points

• Reduced Sodium Line: Progresso offers a specific "Reduced Sodium" line featuring popular flavors like Creamy Tomato with Basil and Roasted Chicken Noodle.

• Significant Sodium Cuts: These reduced-sodium soups contain at least 25% less salt than their traditional counterparts.

• Check the Label: Always look for the "Reduced Sodium" label, as many other Progresso soups are still high in salt.

• Healthier Alternative: Choosing lower-sodium soups supports better blood pressure management and cardiovascular health.

• Enhance with Your Own Ingredients: For even more flavor control, add fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices instead of extra salt.

Understanding Progresso's Reduced Sodium Options

When navigating the soup aisle for lower-sodium choices, it's crucial to look for labels that explicitly state "Reduced Sodium." The Progresso brand has a dedicated product line that offers a variety of flavors with this modification. These recipes are specifically formulated to deliver the familiar Progresso taste profile while significantly cutting down on the salt content.

The Official List of Progresso Reduced Sodium Soups

• Reduced Sodium Creamy Tomato with Basil: A classic flavor now with 25% less sodium than the Vegetable Classics version.
• Reduced Sodium Roasted Chicken Noodle: This variety boasts 30% less sodium than the traditional chicken noodle, and is low in fat.
• Reduced Sodium Savory Chicken & Wild Rice: A hearty and savory option with reduced salt content.
• Reduced Sodium Corn Chowder: A newer addition to the low-sodium line.
• Reduced Sodium New England Clam Chowder: A seafood option for those watching their sodium intake.
• Reduced Sodium Southwest Style Black Bean & Vegetable: A gluten-free and low-fat option with 25% less sodium than the leading competitor.
• Reduced Sodium Italian-Style Wedding with Meatballs: Enjoy this meatball and pasta soup with less sodium.
• Reduced Sodium Hearty Minestrone: A vegetarian choice packed with beans, vegetables, and pasta, featuring 30% less sodium than its classic equivalent.

Decoding Nutritional Labels for Low Sodium Choices

To confidently choose low-sodium soups, it’s essential to know what to look for on the nutrition facts label. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines several terms that can help consumers make informed decisions:

• Sodium Free: Less than 5 mg of sodium per serving.
• Very Low Sodium: 35 mg or less per serving.
• Low Sodium: 140 mg or less per serving.
• Reduced Sodium: At least 25% less sodium than the original product.
• Light in Sodium: At least 50% less sodium than the original or reference product.

Since most of Progresso's options fall under the "Reduced Sodium" category, they are a better choice than the traditional versions, but are not necessarily "low sodium" by the strict FDA definition. Always check the nutrition facts on the can to see the exact milligram count per serving and consider your overall daily sodium goals.

A Comparison of Progresso Soup Varieties

To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of some popular Progresso soups, highlighting the sodium reduction in their specialty lines.

Soup Variety	Sodium per Serving (Approx.)	Type	Notes
Traditional Chicken Noodle	690 mg	High Sodium	High sodium content in original versions.
Reduced Sodium Roasted Chicken Noodle	460 mg	Reduced Sodium	30% less sodium than traditional.
Vegetable Classics Tomato Basil	690 mg	High Sodium	The classic variety is high in salt.
Reduced Sodium Creamy Tomato with Basil	480 mg	Reduced Sodium	25% less sodium than Vegetable Classics.
Vegetable Classics Minestrone	690 mg	High Sodium	The base version has a high sodium count.
Reduced Sodium Hearty Minestrone	480 mg	Reduced Sodium	Contains 30% less sodium than Vegetable Classics.
Southwest Style Black Bean & Vegetable	~550 mg (Leading competitor)	High Sodium	Standard varieties are often high.
Reduced Sodium Southwest Style Black Bean & Vegetable	410 mg	Reduced Sodium	25% less sodium, gluten-free, and low-fat.

Benefits of Choosing Low-Sodium Canned Soups

Selecting lower-sodium options like those from Progresso is a straightforward way to start managing your daily salt intake. Excessive sodium consumption is linked to health concerns like high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Opting for canned soups with less salt can provide the following benefits:

• Better Blood Pressure Management: Reducing sodium is a key strategy for lowering high blood pressure and maintaining healthy levels.
• Improved Heart Health: Lowering your intake decreases the strain on your cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart-related issues.
• Reduced Water Retention: High salt intake can lead to bloating and puffiness from excess fluid buildup. Lowering sodium helps prevent this.
• Enhanced Flavor Palate: When you rely less on salt for flavor, you train your taste buds to appreciate the natural tastes of food, including the vegetables and herbs in the soup.

How to Further Control Sodium in Canned Soups

While Progresso's reduced-sodium line is a great starting point, you can take even more control over your sodium consumption. Here are some tips:

1. Rinse and Drain: If you're using canned beans or vegetables that are part of the soup recipe, rinsing them can wash away some of the surface salt.
2. Add Your Own Ingredients: Add extra fresh or frozen vegetables, herbs, and spices to the soup to boost flavor and volume without adding salt.
3. Dilute with Water or Low-Sodium Broth: For some soups, adding a small amount of water or a no-salt-added broth can help dilute the overall sodium content without significantly compromising taste.
4. Use Herbs and Spices: Flavor enhancers like garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, basil, oregano, and lemon juice can create a more complex flavor profile than just salt.
5. Don't Add More Salt: Resist the urge to add more salt at the table. Taste the soup first, and if you desire more flavor, reach for an alternative seasoning.

Conclusion

For those watching their sodium intake, Progresso offers a solid lineup of reduced-sodium soups that don’t compromise on flavor. By seeking out these specific options, you can enjoy a quick and comforting meal while making a healthier choice. Remember to always double-check the nutrition label and consider supplementing with your own fresh ingredients to enhance flavor while keeping your daily sodium in check. Making small, conscious decisions like choosing a reduced-sodium soup can contribute significantly to your long-term health goals.

Find a complete listing of these products on the official Progresso website to plan your next grocery trip: All Reduced Sodium Soups & Broths | Progresso

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'low sodium' and 'reduced sodium'?

'Low sodium' means the product contains 140 mg or less of sodium per serving, while 'reduced sodium' means the product has been reformulated to contain at least 25% less sodium than the original version.

Are Progresso Light soups also low in sodium?

Not necessarily. The 'Light' designation primarily refers to lower calories and fat, not sodium. Some Light varieties may still be high in sodium, so it is important to check the specific nutrition label on the can.

Where can I find Progresso's reduced-sodium soups?

These soups are available in most grocery stores and on online marketplaces. Look for the "Reduced Sodium" banner on the label of flavors like Creamy Tomato with Basil and Roasted Chicken Noodle.

Is Progresso's Hearty Minestrone a good low-sodium choice?

Yes, Progresso's Reduced Sodium Hearty Minestrone is a good option. It is a vegetarian soup packed with vegetables and beans and contains 30% less sodium than the classic version.

How much sodium do I need per day?

For most adults and teens, the recommended daily sodium intake is no more than 2,300 milligrams, according to dietary guidelines. The World Health Organization recommends even less, at under 2,000 mg.

What can I add to low-sodium soup for more flavor?

To add flavor without adding salt, you can use a variety of ingredients. Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil, a squeeze of lemon juice, a dash of black pepper, or a pinch of salt-free seasoning blends.

Are Progresso's reduced-sodium soups gluten-free?

Many of Progresso's reduced-sodium varieties are gluten-free, including the Reduced Sodium Creamy Tomato with Basil and the Reduced Sodium Southwest Style Black Bean & Vegetable. Always check the label for specific gluten-free certifications if this is a dietary concern.