Which Cream of Chicken Soup is Gluten Free? A Guide to Brands and Recipes

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2023 Campbell's press release, nearly one out of five Americans are currently avoiding gluten, making the demand for safe, allergen-friendly products higher than ever. Navigating grocery store aisles for gluten-free options, especially for common casserole ingredients like cream of chicken soup, can be tricky without careful label reading.

Quick Summary

Several brands, including specific products from Campbell's and Pacific Foods, offer gluten-free cream of chicken soup, while most standard versions contain wheat thickeners. Homemade alternatives are also easy to prepare.

Key Points

Check Labels: Most standard cream of chicken soups are not gluten-free due to wheat flour, so always read the ingredient list carefully.
Trusted Brands: Campbell's offers a specific 'Condensed Gluten Free Cream of Chicken Soup,' and Pacific Foods has a reliable 'Organic Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup' that is gluten-free.
Homemade Option: Making your own gluten-free cream of chicken soup at home is easy and provides total control over ingredients, using thickeners like rice flour or cornstarch.
Key Thickener Rule: Be cautious of unlabeled "modified food starch," although US labeling laws require wheat to be disclosed if it is the source.
DIY Versatility: A homemade recipe can be used as a direct substitute for a can of condensed soup in casseroles and other recipes.

Common Pitfalls: Why Most Cream of Chicken Soup Isn't Gluten-Free

Many traditional cream of chicken soups, including the standard versions from major brands like Campbell's, are thickened using wheat flour. Wheat is one of the top eight allergens and contains gluten, making these soups unsafe for individuals with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or a wheat allergy. The wheat flour acts as a binding agent, giving the soup its signature rich and creamy texture. Without the specific 'gluten-free' certification on the label, it is safest to assume that a cream-style soup contains wheat-based thickeners.

The Importance of Reading Ingredients

Even with an increasing number of gluten-free products, it is vital to check the ingredient list on every product you purchase. Some soups may contain "modified food starch". In the United States, if this starch is derived from wheat, it must be declared on the label, but it is always best to double-check. For those with severe gluten allergies, ensuring the product is certified gluten-free is the highest level of safety. Always read the entire label and look for specific 'gluten-free' claims on the front of the packaging, which indicates the product has met strict manufacturing standards.

Store-Bought Gluten-Free Cream of Chicken Soups

For those seeking the convenience of canned soup, a few reliable options are available. These brands have specifically formulated gluten-free versions of the classic recipe.

Campbell's® Condensed Gluten Free Cream of Chicken Soup: In 2023, Campbell's unveiled a gluten-free version of its classic condensed cream of chicken soup. It is made with rice flour and modified cornstarch instead of wheat flour, and is thickened with high-quality chicken stock and farm-fresh cream. This product is a direct substitute for the traditional condensed version in recipes.
Pacific Foods® Organic Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Pacific Foods offers a widely available organic and gluten-free condensed cream of chicken soup. It uses organic cornstarch and rice flour as thickeners and is praised for its quality and flavor. Pacific Foods also explicitly labels its product as gluten-free on the packaging, providing extra assurance.

Homemade Gluten-Free Cream of Chicken Soup

For those who prefer to control every ingredient or have a hard time finding store-bought options, making your own gluten-free cream of chicken soup is simple and requires minimal effort. It is also an excellent way to avoid added preservatives and excess sodium.

A Simple Recipe for Condensed Soup

This recipe yields a condensed soup equivalent to a standard 10.5 oz can, perfect for recipes like casseroles.

Ingredients:

3 Tbsp butter (or dairy-free alternative)
3 Tbsp gluten-free flour blend (e.g., sweet rice flour or a blend like King Arthur Measure for Measure)
½ cup chicken stock
½ cup milk (or dairy-free alternative like oat or coconut milk)
Seasoning: ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
Whisk in the gluten-free flour to form a smooth paste (a roux), cooking for 1-2 minutes until it bubbles.
Slowly whisk in the chicken stock until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Add the seasonings and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue to cook and whisk for about 5 minutes, until the soup thickens.
Remove from heat and use immediately in your recipe.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Comparison Table


Feature	Homemade Gluten-Free Soup	Store-Bought GF Soup (e.g., Pacific Foods)
Ingredients	Fully controllable, often simpler, and fresher.	Pre-made, includes additives for preservation and shelf-stability.
Convenience	Requires 10-20 minutes of preparation.	Open and pour; instant use.
Taste	Can be customized to your exact preference.	Consistent flavor, but less customizable.
Cost	Typically more cost-effective per serving.	Often priced at a premium due to special formulation.
Texture	Smooth and creamy; can be adjusted with more or less liquid.	Reliably thick and consistent.
Allergens	Complete control over all ingredients.	Must be vigilant about reading labels for other allergens (e.g., milk, soy).

Conclusion

Finding a gluten-free cream of chicken soup is now easier than ever, thanks to brands like Campbell's and Pacific Foods offering dedicated versions. These products provide a convenient, safe alternative for those following a gluten-free diet. However, for complete control over ingredients, flavor, and cost, a homemade version is a simple and reliable choice. Whether you opt for a store-bought can or a DIY recipe, always prioritize label reading and ingredient checking to ensure your meal is both delicious and safe.

For more information on Campbell's gluten-free line, you can visit their press release: Campbell's Adds Gluten Free Soups To Condensed Cooking Line.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the standard Campbell's cream of chicken soup is not gluten-free, as it contains wheat flour as a thickener. However, Campbell's now offers a separate, specifically labeled Condensed Gluten Free Cream of Chicken Soup.

Brands known for producing specific gluten-free cream of chicken soup varieties include Campbell's, with its Condensed Gluten Free version, and Pacific Foods, which offers an Organic Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup that is explicitly labeled as gluten-free.

The main ingredient to watch for in cream-style soups is wheat flour, which is commonly used as a thickener. Some products may list "modified food starch," and in the US, if this contains wheat, it must be declared.

Yes, making your own is a quick and straightforward process. Recipes typically use gluten-free flour blends, cornstarch, or rice flour as thickeners, along with chicken stock and milk or a dairy-free alternative.

You can use either a store-bought gluten-free condensed cream of chicken soup, like the versions from Campbell's or Pacific Foods, or prepare a homemade substitute using a recipe that mimics the condensed consistency.

Store-bought gluten-free versions of cream soups can sometimes be more expensive than their traditional counterparts due to specialized ingredients and production. Making soup from scratch is often a more budget-friendly option.

Yes, cornstarch is an excellent gluten-free alternative for thickening soup. You can create a slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold liquid before adding it to the hot soup to avoid lumps.