Which Campbell's Soups Are Low in Sodium?

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, the average global sodium intake is more than double the recommended amount. For those looking to reduce their sodium consumption, navigating the grocery store can be a challenge, especially when searching for low-sodium Campbell's soups.

Quick Summary

This guide details the specific Campbell's soup varieties that offer lower sodium options, including their 'Healthy Request' and 'Unsalted' product lines. It covers how to read nutritional labels for sodium content and suggests healthier alternatives and preparation tips for heart-conscious consumers.

Key Points

Unsalted Condensed Soups: For the lowest possible sodium, Campbell's offers 'Unsalted' condensed varieties of Cream of Chicken, Cream of Mushroom, and Tomato, which contain only naturally occurring sodium.
Healthy Request Options: The 'Healthy Request' line is formulated to be heart-healthy, containing 410mg of sodium per serving in soups like Chicken Noodle and Cream of Mushroom.
Read the Fine Print: Don't be fooled by 'Reduced Sodium' claims; always check the Nutrition Facts label. Look for less than 140mg per serving for a truly 'Low Sodium' product.
DIY Sodium Control: You can lower the sodium of any canned soup by adding water or unsalted broth, and bulking it up with fresh, sodium-free vegetables.
Explore Other Brands: Alternative brands like Health Valley and Amy's offer specific 'No Salt Added' and 'Light in Sodium' products for stricter low-sodium diets.
Spice, Don't Salt: Flavor can be added back to lower-sodium soups using herbs, spices, lemon juice, or vinegar instead of additional salt.

Understanding Sodium Levels in Campbell's Soups

When it comes to canned goods, especially soup, sodium content is a major factor to consider for health-conscious consumers. Campbell's, a household name in soup, offers a range of options, some of which are significantly lower in sodium than their traditional counterparts. For those managing blood pressure or simply seeking a healthier diet, identifying these specific varieties is crucial.

The 'Unsalted' Product Line: The Lowest Sodium Option

For the absolute lowest sodium options, Campbell's offers a line of 'Unsalted' condensed soups. These products contain only the naturally occurring sodium from the ingredients, with no additional salt added. This gives consumers complete control over the seasoning, allowing them to add as much or as little salt as they prefer, or use salt-free spices for flavor.

Unsalted Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: A versatile base for many recipes, containing only natural sodium.
Unsalted Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: Perfect for casseroles or creamy sauces, with no added salt.
Unsalted Condensed Tomato Soup: A classic tomato soup for a no-added-salt base.

The 'Healthy Request' Line: A Reduced Sodium Choice

Campbell's 'Healthy Request' soups are specifically formulated to be lower in sodium, along with reduced fat and cholesterol, to be considered 'heart-healthy'. These products typically contain 410 mg of sodium per serving, a significant reduction compared to standard varieties.

Healthy Request Chicken Noodle Soup: A classic comfort soup with reduced sodium.
Healthy Request Cream of Mushroom Soup: A healthier version of a recipe staple, with 50% less sodium and fat than the regular version.
Healthy Request Tomato Soup: A lower-sodium alternative for a warm and comforting meal.

The '25% Less Sodium' Option

Another variety is the '25% Less Sodium' line, which offers a noticeable reduction in sodium compared to their original recipes. While not as low as the 'Healthy Request' or 'Unsalted' options, it's a good step toward reducing intake without a drastic change in flavor for those accustomed to the original taste.

25% Less Sodium Chicken Noodle Soup: A familiar taste with a quarter less sodium.
25% Less Sodium Cream of Mushroom Soup: A cooking soup with a healthier profile.

Comparison of Campbell's Low Sodium Soups

To help you compare and make an informed decision, here is a table highlighting the key differences between various low-sodium Campbell's soup options.


Soup Variety	Sodium Level per Serving	Primary Use	Best For	Notes
Unsalted Condensed	~50-60 mg	Cooking base, recipes	Strict low-sodium diets	Gives full control over seasoning; not a sodium-free food.
Healthy Request (e.g., Chicken Noodle)	410 mg	Ready-to-serve, recipes	Heart-conscious diets, general reduction	Heart-healthy label (low saturated fat, cholesterol); convenient.
25% Less Sodium (e.g., Chicken Noodle)	660 mg	Ready-to-serve, recipes	Moderate sodium reduction	Noticeable reduction from regular versions but still higher than other options.
Regular Condensed	800-890+ mg	Ready-to-serve, recipes	No dietary restrictions	Very high sodium content; requires careful moderation.

Practical Tips for Reducing Sodium from Canned Soup

Even with lower-sodium products, a few simple tips can further reduce your overall intake and enhance flavor.

Dilute with water or unsalted broth: For condensed soups, adding an extra splash of water or a low-sodium broth will help dilute the sodium content per serving.
Add fresh vegetables: Bulk up your soup with fresh or frozen vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, or broccoli. This increases the nutritional value and decreases the sodium concentration per spoonful.
Use herbs and spices: Enhance flavor with herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano, and spices like garlic powder or black pepper instead of relying on salt. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar can also brighten the flavors.
Rinse canned ingredients: If a recipe calls for other canned items, like beans, rinsing them thoroughly can remove a surprising amount of added sodium.

Low-Sodium Alternatives Beyond Campbell's

While Campbell's offers some good choices, other brands specialize in very low-sodium canned products. Exploring these can provide even more options for maintaining a heart-healthy diet.

Health Valley: The 'No Salt Added' varieties from Health Valley, including their chicken noodle and vegetable soups, contain very low levels of sodium.
Amy's Light in Sodium: Amy's offers several 'Light in Sodium' organic soups, including lentil and minestrone, that are a great alternative.
Pacific Foods: For those who cook with broth, Pacific Foods offers organic chicken bone broth with a very low sodium content.

Making Informed Choices for Your Health

Selecting the right canned soup is more than just picking a flavor; it's about making a conscious choice for your health. Always read the nutrition label, compare brands, and be wary of marketing terms like 'Reduced Sodium,' which simply means less than the regular version, not necessarily low. A product labeled 'Low Sodium' must contain 140 mg or less per serving. By understanding these distinctions, you can make smarter decisions that support your dietary goals.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of canned soup on a low-sodium diet is manageable with the right information. Campbell's offers several worthwhile options, most notably their 'Unsalted' and 'Healthy Request' varieties, which significantly reduce sodium content compared to their traditional lines. Supplementing these choices with low-sodium alternatives from other brands and employing simple cooking techniques like dilution and using fresh ingredients ensures that you can enjoy flavorful, convenient soup while keeping your sodium intake in check. For those managing hypertension or other health conditions, being diligent in reading labels and choosing the lowest sodium option is a vital step toward a healthier lifestyle.

For more information on dietary sodium guidelines, consider visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website on reducing sodium intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

'Reduced Sodium' means the product has at least 25% less sodium than the original version, but it can still be high. 'Low Sodium' is a regulated claim, meaning the food must contain 140 mg or less of sodium per serving.

Campbell's 'Healthy Request' soups contain 410 mg of sodium per serving, which is lower than the regular versions and meets criteria for a 'heart-healthy' label, but it is not as low as the 'Unsalted' options.

To lower the sodium content, you can dilute the soup with water or unsalted broth. You can also add fresh or frozen vegetables to increase the volume and decrease the sodium concentration per serving.

Campbell's offers an 'Unsalted' line of condensed soups, including Cream of Chicken, Cream of Mushroom, and Tomato, which have no salt added and only contain the naturally occurring sodium from their ingredients.

The '25% Less Sodium' soups are a moderate step down from the regular versions. For example, the Chicken Noodle version contains 660mg per serving, which is still a substantial amount of sodium, especially compared to the 'Healthy Request' or 'Unsalted' options.

Other brands like Health Valley offer 'No Salt Added' soups, and Amy's has a 'Light in Sodium' product line. Pacific Foods also makes low-sodium broths that can be used as a cooking base.

You can add flavor using a variety of herbs, spices, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of vinegar. Try adding fresh ingredients like garlic, onion powder, or pepper to enhance the taste without increasing the sodium.