Which mushroom soup is gluten free? A Comprehensive Guide to Brands and Ingredients

October 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, strict avoidance of gluten is the only treatment for celiac disease. This makes reading labels essential, especially for common pantry staples. If you are wondering which mushroom soup is gluten free, this guide will help you find safe, delicious options for your recipes and meals.

Quick Summary

This guide reviews several gluten-free mushroom soup brands, including Campbell's, Pacific Foods, and Kroger, detailing their ingredients and what to look for when shopping for safe options.

Key Points

Check for Certified Label: Always look for a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal for the safest option.
Read Ingredient Lists: Scrutinize ingredients for wheat flour, modified food starch, malt, or barley if a product isn't certified.
Brands Offer GF Options: Several brands, including Campbell's, Pacific Foods, and Kroger, now provide explicitly labeled gluten-free mushroom soup.
Homemade is an Option: You can make safe, delicious gluten-free mushroom soup at home using cornstarch or rice flour as a thickener.
Beware of Standard Soups: Traditional cream of mushroom soups often contain wheat flour for thickening and are not gluten-free.
Consider Store Brands: Many supermarket chains now carry their own affordable gluten-free mushroom soup options.

Understanding the Gluten-Free Challenge with Mushroom Soup

Many classic, canned cream of mushroom soups are not naturally gluten-free because they use wheat flour to create a roux, a standard thickening base. This makes it crucial for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to carefully check product labels before purchasing. While mushrooms themselves are naturally gluten-free, the other ingredients added during the manufacturing process—such as broth, thickeners, and flavorings—can contain hidden gluten. Manufacturers are increasingly aware of this dietary need, and as a result, a growing number of explicitly labeled gluten-free products are available on the market.

Reading Labels for Gluten-Free Assurance

The most straightforward way to ensure a mushroom soup is safe for a gluten-free diet is to look for a certified gluten-free label on the packaging. However, if a product isn't certified, you must inspect the ingredient list carefully for any wheat-based components or potential sources of gluten. Some common red flags include:

Wheat flour
Modified food starch (unless specified as derived from a gluten-free source like corn or rice)
Malt
Barley
Rye
Triticale

Even with an ingredient list, cross-contamination during manufacturing can be a risk. Therefore, brands that specifically label their products as gluten-free or are manufactured on dedicated gluten-free equipment are the safest choice.

Reliable Gluten-Free Mushroom Soup Brands

Thankfully, several brands have stepped up to offer delicious and safe options for gluten-free diets. Here are some of the most prominent ones found in stores and online:

Campbell's Condensed Gluten Free Cream of Mushroom Soup: A well-known brand that offers a condensed version specifically marked as gluten-free. It is crafted with mushrooms, garlic, and cream and is a reliable, familiar option for recipes. Its ingredients include rice flour and modified cornstarch instead of wheat flour for thickening.
Kroger® Gluten Free Cream Of Mushroom Condensed Soup: For those shopping at Kroger-affiliated stores like Fred Meyer, this house brand offers a budget-friendly and certified gluten-free condensed cream of mushroom soup option.
Pacific Foods Gluten Free Cream of Mushroom Soup: This brand often prioritizes organic ingredients and cleaner labels. Their gluten-free mushroom soup is known for its thicker consistency and is a great choice if you are seeking a version without seed oils.
Great Value Gluten Free Cream of Mushroom Soup: Walmart's store brand provides an affordable gluten-free alternative, making it an accessible option for many. Some users note its very thick texture out of the can, which may require thinning for certain recipes.
Progresso Cream of Mushroom Soup: Some specific Progresso soups, including their cream of mushroom, are labeled gluten-free and vegetarian. Always double-check the label, as formulations can change, but it's a convenient ready-to-eat option.
Aylmer Gluten Free Cream of Mushroom Soup (Canada): A notable option for Canadian consumers, this brand explicitly marks its cream of mushroom soup as gluten-free.
Mom's Place Gluten-Free Cream of Mushroom Soup Mix: This brand offers a mix for making gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free cream of mushroom soup, suitable for those with multiple sensitivities.

Comparison of Popular Gluten-Free Mushroom Soups


Brand	Format	Key Thickener	Best For...
Campbell's GF	Condensed Can	Rice Flour, Modified Cornstarch	Casseroles and classic recipes
Kroger® GF	Condensed Can	Not Specified (check label)	Budget-friendly recipes
Pacific Foods GF	Ready-to-Eat	Not Specified (check label)	Cleaner ingredients, thicker consistency
Great Value GF	Condensed Can	Not Specified (check label)	Affordable options, recipes where thickening is desired
Progresso GF	Ready-to-Eat	Not Specified (check label)	Quick meals, convenient on its own
Mom's Place GF	Soup Mix	Not Specified (check label)	Dairy-free, nut-free, full ingredient control

Creating Your Own Homemade Gluten-Free Mushroom Soup

For ultimate control over ingredients and freshness, making your own gluten-free mushroom soup is a rewarding option. Many recipes use naturally gluten-free ingredients, ensuring both safety and flavor.

Common Ingredients:

Fresh mushrooms (e.g., button, cremini, portobello)
Onions or shallots
Garlic
Gluten-free broth (vegetable, chicken, or beef)
Milk or a dairy-free alternative (like almond or coconut milk)
Gluten-free thickeners (e.g., cornstarch, rice flour)
Herbs and spices (e.g., thyme, parsley, black pepper)

By following a specific gluten-free recipe, you can easily replicate the creamy consistency of traditional mushroom soup without the risk of gluten exposure. Beyond Celiac offers a great resource for homemade gluten-free recipes, including a version of mushroom soup.

Conclusion

Finding which mushroom soup is gluten free is simpler today than ever before, with a variety of brand-name and store-brand options available. Whether you prefer the convenience of a canned, ready-to-eat soup or the satisfaction of a homemade recipe, the key is to always read labels and prioritize products with certified gluten-free claims. By understanding which thickeners and ingredients to avoid, you can continue to enjoy the comforting flavor of mushroom soup without compromising your dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most standard canned cream of mushroom soups are not gluten-free. They typically contain wheat flour or other gluten-containing thickeners to create their creamy texture.

Yes, mushrooms themselves are naturally gluten-free. The risk of gluten exposure comes from additional ingredients like thickeners, broths, and flavorings added during processing.

The most common gluten-containing ingredient is wheat flour, which is used to create a roux that thickens the soup base.

Yes, specifically gluten-free condensed mushroom soups, like Campbell's, are formulated to be a direct replacement for traditional versions in recipes such as casseroles.

To thicken homemade soup, you can use naturally gluten-free alternatives to wheat flour, such as cornstarch, rice flour, or a gluten-free flour blend.

Condensed soups, like Campbell's or Kroger's, require you to add milk or water before heating. Ready-to-eat options, such as Pacific Foods or Progresso, are already thinned and can be heated and served directly from the container.

Yes, some brands like Mom's Place Gluten-Free offer mixes that are both gluten and dairy-free. You can also make your own at home using a dairy-free milk alternative and gluten-free thickeners.