How Many Carbs Are In Cream of Chicken Soup? The Tasty Truth Revealed!

Have you ever found yourself standing in the grocery aisle, can of cream of chicken soup in hand, wondering about its carb content? You’re definitely not alone! As someone who’s been cooking with this versatile ingredient for years, I’ve had to navigate the sometimes confusing world of nutrition labels myself. Today, we’re diving deep into the carby details of everyone’s favorite comfort food ingredient.

The Quick Answer: Carb Content Varies by Brand and Preparation

Before we get into the nitty-gritty here’s what you need to know right away

• Condensed (undiluted): Approximately 9g of carbs per 1/2 cup serving
• Prepared with water: About 9-17g of carbs per 1 cup serving
• Ready-to-eat versions: Carb content varies widely by brand

Let’s be honest – the carb content in cream of chicken soup can be a bit confusing because different sources report different numbers. This isn’t just about brands being different (which they are) but also about how the soup is prepared and served.

Comparing Carb Counts Across Different Sources

I’ve done the research so you don’t have to! Let’s look at what different sources tell us about carbs in cream of chicken soup:

Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup

According to Campbell’s official information:

• Serving size: 1/2 cup (120mL) condensed soup
• Total carbs: 9g per serving
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: Less than 1g
• Calories: 120 per serving

Remember, this is for the condensed version straight from the can, before adding water or milk.

Prepared Cream of Chicken Soup (With Equal Volume Water)

According to Eat This Much:

• Serving size: 1 cup prepared
• Total carbs: 9g
• Net carbs: 9g (fiber is only 0.2g)
• Calories: 117 per cup
• Macronutrient breakdown: 32% carbs, 57% fat, 12% protein

Carb Manager’s Data

Carb Manager shows slightly different numbers:

• Serving size: 1 cup
• Total carbs: 17g
• Net carbs: 16.5g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 11.3g
• Calories: 151.3 per cup

Whoa! That’s quite a difference between sources, right? This is why it’s important to check the specific brand you’re using.

Why Do Carb Counts Vary So Much?

There’s a few reasons why the carb content might differ:

1. Different recipes: Each brand has their own recipe with varying amounts of thickeners (usually flour or cornstarch), which are carb-heavy.

2. Preparation method: Whether the soup is condensed and how much water/milk you add makes a big difference.

3. Serving sizes: Always check if we’re talking about condensed or prepared soup, and what volume they’re measuring.

4. Measurement variances: Different testing methods can yield slightly different results.

Let’s Break Down the Ingredients Contributing to Carbs

Campbell’s lists these ingredients that contribute to the carb count:

• Modified cornstarch
• Wheat flour
• Whey
• Sugar (less than 1g)

These ingredients, especially the modified cornstarch and wheat flour, are what give cream of chicken soup its thick, creamy texture that we all love. But they’re also the main sources of carbohydrates in the soup.

How Does Cream of Chicken Soup Fit Into Different Diets?

Keto Diet

With about 9-17g of carbs per cup (depending on preparation), cream of chicken soup isn’t exactly keto-friendly in its traditional form. Most keto dieters aim for under 20-50g of carbs per day, so a single serving could take up a significant portion of your daily carb allowance.

Low-Carb Diet

If you’re following a more moderate low-carb diet (50-100g carbs per day), you might be able to fit in a small serving of cream of chicken soup, but it’s still relatively carb-heavy for a soup.

Regular Balanced Diet

For those not restricting carbs, cream of chicken soup can certainly fit into a balanced diet. The carb content is actually modest compared to many other prepared foods.

How To Reduce Carbs When Using Cream of Chicken Soup

If you’re watching your carb intake but still want to enjoy recipes that call for cream of chicken soup, try these hacks:

1. Use less: Cut the amount of soup called for in recipes by 1/3 and add extra broth.

2. Dilute more: Add extra water or broth to thin it out more than recommended.

3. Make your own lower-carb version: Create a homemade version using heavy cream, chicken broth, and less flour/cornstarch.

4. Look for low-carb alternatives: Some brands offer “healthy” versions with reduced carbs.

Nutritional Value Beyond Carbs

While we’re focusing on carbs today, it’s worth noting what else cream of chicken soup brings to the table:

Campbell’s Condensed Version (per 1/2 cup):

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 8g (2g saturated)
• Sodium: 870mg (38% DV)
• Protein: 2g

Prepared Version (Eat This Much data per cup):

• Calories: 117
• Fat: 7g (2g saturated)
• Sodium: 847mg (37% DV)
• Protein: 3g
• Vitamin A: 18% of Daily Value
• Copper: 14% of Daily Value
• Manganese: 16% of Daily Value

Carb Manager’s Data (per cup):

• Calories: 151.3
• Fat: 6.9g (2.6g saturated)
• Sodium: 768.6mg
• Protein: 6.1g
• Calcium: 163.5mg
• Potassium: 336.7mg

Common Uses For Cream of Chicken Soup

I’ve used cream of chicken soup in countless recipes over the years. It’s incredibly versatile! Some popular uses include:

• Casseroles (especially chicken and rice casseroles)
• Pot pies
• Creamy chicken dishes
• Quick pasta sauces
• As a base for gravy
• In slow cooker recipes

Making Smarter Choices

When choosing a cream of chicken soup, consider these tips:

1. Read labels carefully: Compare brands to find lower-carb options.

2. Watch for “healthier” versions: Some brands offer reduced sodium or fat versions, though these don’t necessarily have fewer carbs.

3. Consider portion size: Using just half a can might be enough for many recipes.

4. Balance your meal: If using cream of chicken soup in a recipe, balance it with low-carb vegetables or proteins.

The Bottom Line on Carbs in Cream of Chicken Soup

So, to circle back to our original question: how many carbs are in cream of chicken soup?

• Condensed: About 9g per 1/2 cup
• Prepared: Between 9-17g per cup, depending on brand and preparation
• In recipes: The carb count gets distributed among servings

While cream of chicken soup isn’t the lowest-carb food out there, it can certainly be enjoyed in moderation, even on a somewhat carb-conscious diet. As with most things in nutrition, awareness and moderation are key!

FAQs About Carbs in Cream of Chicken Soup

Is Campbell’s cream of chicken soup keto-friendly?

No, traditional Campbell’s cream of chicken soup contains about 9g of carbs per 1/2 cup serving of condensed soup, which is generally too high for strict keto diets.

Does homemade cream of chicken soup have fewer carbs?

It can! When making it yourself, you control the ingredients and can reduce or substitute the flour/cornstarch with lower-carb thickeners.

Which has more carbs: cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup?

They’re actually quite similar, with both having around 9g of carbs per 1/2 cup of condensed soup. Always check the label for the specific product you’re using.

Can I reduce the carbs in canned cream of chicken soup?

While you can’t change the soup itself, you can dilute it more than recommended or use less in recipes to reduce the carb impact per serving.

Does “healthy request” cream of chicken soup have fewer carbs?

Usually, “healthy” versions focus on reducing sodium and fat rather than carbs. The carb count often remains similar to the original version.

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Hopefully this article has cleared up any confusion about carbs in cream of chicken soup! Whether you’re counting carbs strictly or just curious about what’s in your food, knowing the nutritional content of staple ingredients helps us all make more informed choices.

Do you have a favorite low-carb substitute for cream of chicken soup in recipes? Share your kitchen wisdom in the comments below!