How Many Carbs Are in Lobster Bisque Soup?

Lobster bisque is a classic, creamy soup made from lobster meat and shellfish stock. Its rich, decadent flavor comes from heavy cream and butter. But for those watching their carb intake the question is – how many carbs are in lobster bisque soup?

In this comprehensive guide we’ll break down the nutritional profile of lobster bisque and the factors that influence its carb count. Whether you are on a low-carb keto, or diabetic diet, read on to find out if this indulgent soup can fit into your meal plan.

Typical Ingredients in Lobster Bisque Soup

A traditional lobster bisque recipe calls for:

• Lobster meat
• Heavy cream
• Butter
• Flour or cornstarch
• Sherry wine
• Vegetable or seafood stock
• Aromatics like onion, carrots, celery
• Herbs and spices

The specific ingredients and amounts used will impact the carb count per serving. The heavy cream and potential thickeners like flour add to the carb total, while the lobster meat itself is very low in carbs.

How Many Carbs Are in a Serving of Lobster Bisque Soup?

According to nutritional data, one cup of lobster bisque contains around 10-15 grams of net carbs on average. However, recipes can vary widely in their carb content based on:

• Thickeners used: Flour will add more carbs than cornstarch or xanthan gum. Going thickener-free also reduces carbs.

• Amount of heavy cream More cream equals more carbs Substituting half the cream with non-dairy milk cuts carbs

• Lobster to stock ratio: Bisques loaded with lobster meat tend to be lower carb than those made mostly from stock.

• Portion size: A smaller 3/4 cup serving contains 25% fewer carbs than a full cup.

So while an average serving ranges from 10-15g net carbs, it’s possible to tweak recipes to both reduce and increase totals.

Is Lobster Bisque Keto-Friendly?

At 10-15g net carbs per serving, lobster bisque fits into a 50g daily carb limit on keto, but takes up a substantial portion. Those following under 20g may find it difficult to fit this soup into their daily budget.

Making substitutions like added cream for almond milk and skipping flour can reduce the carb count by a few grams. But even then, lobster bisque is a higher carb choice compared to broth-based seafood soups. It’s best to plan for it as an occasional treat if you follow strict keto.

Tips to Reduce Carbs in Lobster Bisque Soup

If you want to enjoy bisque more regularly while limiting carbs, try these tweaks:

• Use equal parts almond or coconut milk for half the heavy cream.

• Skip thickeners like flour and use xanthan gum sparingly.

• Replace sherry wine with a dry white wine or stock.

• Load up on extra lobster meat – the star ingredient is carb-free!

• Choose a 3/4 cup portion instead of a full cup.

• Garnish with fresh herbs instead of starchy croutons.

Health Benefits of Lobster Bisque

While not the lowest carb option, lobster bisque provides some valuable nutrition:

• High in protein from lobster meat – around 13g per serving.

• Contains essential vitamins and minerals like B12, zinc, selenium.

• Provides anti-inflammatory omega-3s from the butter and cream.

So enjoyed in moderation, this soup can be part of a healthy diet for most.

Final Carb Count

One cup of lobster bisque soup contains approximately 10-15g net carbs on average. The exact amount depends largely on specific ingredients and portion size. While not suitable for strict keto under 20g daily carbs, those with a higher budget can work this soup into their meal plan with careful tracking and planning. Tweaking recipes to use less cream, skip thickeners, and boost lobster can also help reduce carb counts by a few grams. In moderation, lobster bisque can provide indulgent flavor along with some nutritional benefits.