Which Canned Soups Are Gluten Free? A Comprehensive Guide

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 3 million Americans have celiac disease, and countless others have gluten sensitivity, making it crucial to know which canned soups are gluten free before a purchase. Navigating the soup aisle can be challenging, but many top brands now offer clearly labeled options for safe and convenient meals, simplifying a once-difficult task.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive list of safe, pre-packaged soup options for gluten-free diets. It covers major brands, explains labeling, details ingredients to avoid, and addresses common concerns for worry-free shopping and dining.

Key Points

Look for Official Labels: The FDA mandates products labeled 'gluten-free' contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, making this a reliable marker for safe products.
Major Brands Offer GF Options: Progresso, Amy's Kitchen, Campbell's, and Pacific Foods all have specific canned soups verified as gluten-free, with many featuring dedicated GF product lines.
Read Ingredient Lists Carefully: Hidden sources like malt extract, certain starches, and natural flavors can contain gluten, so always double-check the full ingredient list.
"Wheat-Free" Isn't "Gluten-Free": A product labeled 'wheat-free' can still contain gluten from other grains like barley or rye, which are equally problematic for celiac disease.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: For severe sensitivity, look for products with third-party certifications (e.g., GFCO) for added safety, as these verify manufacturing processes to prevent gluten exposure.
Dedicated Product Lines Simplify Shopping: Brands that have entire gluten-free ranges, like Amy's Kitchen or the Progresso GF line, are easier to shop from confidently.
Confirm Specific Product Labels: Never assume a brand's entire range is gluten-free. For instance, not all of Campbell's soups are GF, so verify the label on each specific can.

Navigating the grocery store for gluten-free options can be a challenge, especially when many processed foods, including canned soups, contain hidden gluten ingredients like thickeners and flavorings. However, with the rising demand for allergen-friendly products, many major manufacturers have started offering dedicated gluten-free soup lines. Knowing which canned soups are gluten free requires careful label reading, brand knowledge, and an understanding of the FDA's labeling regulations. This guide will help you confidently choose safe and delicious canned soup options for your gluten-free diet.

The Top Gluten-Free Canned Soup Brands

Progresso: A Wide Gluten-Free Range

Progresso is one of the most reliable brands for gluten-free canned soups, offering a wide variety of explicitly labeled options. They have a dedicated section on their website listing all their gluten-free products, making it a great place to start your search. Some popular choices from their gluten-free line include:

Vegetable Classics Tomato Basil: A flavorful and hearty tomato soup.
Traditional Split Pea with Ham: A classic, comforting favorite.
Traditional Chicken & Wild Rice: A satisfying chicken soup without the gluten.
Rich & Hearty New England Clam Chowder: A creamy, delicious option for seafood lovers.
Gluten Free Minestrone: A vegetable-packed and flavorful choice.

Amy's Kitchen: Organic and Clearly Labeled

Amy's Kitchen is a well-known brand specializing in organic and dietary-friendly foods, with a large selection of gluten-free soups. Their products are typically sold in cans and are clearly marked with dietary claims. Examples include:

Organic Lentil Soup: A simple yet nutritious plant-based option.
Fire Roasted Southwestern Vegetable: A soup with a hint of spice.
Cream of Tomato: A creamy, classic tomato soup.
Organic Quinoa, Kale & Red Lentil Soup: A nutrient-dense, vegan choice.

Campbell's: Condensed Classics and Broths

Campbell's, a long-standing soup giant, has introduced a specific line of gluten-free condensed soups to meet the needs of celiac and gluten-sensitive consumers. It is crucial to remember that not all Campbell's soups are gluten-free, so always check the label carefully. Their gluten-free options include:

Gluten Free Cream of Chicken: A versatile soup base for cooking.
Gluten Free Cream of Mushroom: Perfect for gravies and casseroles.
Swanson Broths: Many Swanson broths and stocks, owned by Campbell's, are also gluten-free.

Pacific Foods: Organic Cartons and Cans

Pacific Foods offers a variety of organic, gluten-free soups in convenient carton packaging, as well as some canned varieties. Some popular gluten-free selections are:

Organic Creamy Butternut Squash: A smooth and flavorful soup.
Organic Creamy Tomato: A delicious pantry staple.
Organic Chicken & Wild Rice: A wholesome and hearty choice.
Organic Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato: A rich, savory bisque.

Navigating the Labels: What to Look For

To ensure a product is safe for a gluten-free diet, understanding the labeling is critical.

The 'Gluten-Free' Label

The FDA regulates the term 'gluten-free,' meaning any product with this label must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This is a reliable standard for most individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Beyond the Label

If a product isn't labeled 'gluten-free,' you must carefully inspect the ingredients list. Look for known gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat, barley, rye, and malt. Also, be wary of ambiguous ingredients like 'natural flavors,' 'yeast extract,' or 'modified food starch,' as these can be derived from gluten-containing grains unless specified otherwise.

Cross-Contamination Warnings

Some products may not contain gluten ingredients but are produced on shared equipment with gluten-containing items. Warnings like 'processed in a facility with wheat' are voluntary but indicate a risk. For those with severe sensitivity, opting for products with a third-party certification, like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) mark, which tests for less than 10 ppm, provides an extra layer of assurance.

Comparison of Popular Gluten-Free Canned Soups


Brand	Gluten-Free Labeling	Organic Options	Common GF Varieties	Price Range	Notes
Progresso	Explicitly Labeled GF Line	No	Clam Chowder, Tomato Basil, Split Pea with Ham	$	Wide variety available in most supermarkets.
Amy's Kitchen	Explicitly Labeled GF	Yes	Lentil, Cream of Tomato, Southwestern Vegetable	$$	Focuses on organic ingredients.
Campbell's	New Condensed Soups Only	Yes (Organic Broths)	Cream of Chicken, Cream of Mushroom	$	Not all products are GF; check labels.
Pacific Foods	Explicitly Labeled GF	Yes	Butternut Squash, Creamy Tomato, Chicken & Wild Rice	$$	Known for organic and flavorful options.
Imagine Foods	Explicitly Labeled GF	Yes	Butternut Squash, Creamy Tomato, Portobello Mushroom	$$	Good selection of creamy and pureed soups.

Hidden Gluten: Ingredients to Avoid

While reading labels, be vigilant for less obvious sources of gluten that can be used in canned soups. These include:

Malt or Malt Flavoring: Typically derived from barley.
Brewer's Yeast: A byproduct of the beer-making process.
Soy Sauce: Traditional soy sauce is fermented with wheat, though gluten-free tamari is an alternative.
Modified Food Starch or Dextrin: Can be wheat-based; source should be specified.
Natural or Smoke Flavors: Can sometimes contain gluten components.

What About Broths and Stocks?

Many canned broths and stocks are naturally gluten-free, but like soups, it's essential to check the ingredients list. For instance, Swanson offers a range of gluten-free broths and stocks. However, some brands might add gluten-containing seasonings or use a non-gluten-free yeast extract. The safest practice is to select a broth that is clearly labeled 'gluten-free.'

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Choosing which canned soups are gluten free doesn't have to be a guessing game. By focusing on brands known for their gluten-free offerings, such as Progresso, Amy's Kitchen, and Pacific Foods, you can find safe and delicious options. For all other brands, careful label-reading is your best defense against hidden gluten. Remember to check for the official 'gluten-free' seal, scrutinize ingredient lists for hidden sources like malt or non-specific starches, and consider third-party certification for added security. With this knowledge, you can confidently navigate the soup aisle and enjoy a quick, convenient, and worry-free meal.

For more in-depth information on safe products and ingredients, consult the resources available at the Celiac Disease Foundation website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, only the specific varieties that are explicitly labeled 'gluten-free' are safe for a gluten-free diet. Progresso has a dedicated gluten-free line, so always look for that specific designation on the can.

Yes. While their traditional chicken noodle is not gluten-free, Campbell's has introduced new condensed gluten-free versions of Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom. Many Swanson broths, owned by Campbell's, are also gluten-free.

No, you cannot. A product can be free of wheat but still contain gluten from other grains like barley or rye. For a product to be safe for a gluten-free diet, it must be labeled 'gluten-free'.

Common hidden sources include ingredients used for thickening or flavoring, such as malt extract, certain food starches, and some natural flavors. Always check for wheat, rye, barley, and malt in the ingredients list.

The risk varies by brand and facility. For those with severe gluten sensitivity, products with third-party gluten-free certification offer the highest assurance, as they have specific protocols to minimize cross-contamination risk.

Many broths and stocks, like those from Swanson, are naturally gluten-free, but you must still check the label. Always confirm that no gluten-containing additives or seasonings have been used.

The FDA requires that any product labeled 'gluten-free' must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. This is the standard threshold considered safe for most individuals with celiac disease.

Yes, Amy's Kitchen and Pacific Foods are known for offering many organic, gluten-free canned and boxed soups, with clear labeling for both dietary preferences.