CAMPBELL'S Chunky Hearty Chicken With Vegetables Soup
CAMPBELL'S Chunky Hearty Chicken With Vegetables Soup scores 39/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its elevated sodium content.
This soup has a FoodScore of 39/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
It contains 362.92mg of sodium per 100g, contributing significantly to its low score.
Classified as NOVA class 4, it is an ultra-processed food, unlike a home-cooked alternative.
With 0.8g of fiber per 100g, it offers minimal dietary fiber.
Scores -8 points above the prepared category average (47/100 across 231 foods).
Fiber
0.8g
3% of Daily Value
Protein
2.45g
5% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0.8g
2% of Daily Value
Sodium
362.92mg
16% of Daily Value
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What it brings to the table
Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.
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What holds it back
Sodium (362.9mg)-1
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 39
CAMPBELL'S Chunky Hearty Chicken With Vegetables Soup receives a FoodScore of 39 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. A primary factor in this score is its classification as a NOVA class 4 food, indicating it is ultra-processed. This classification alone incurs a significant penalty. The soup also contains 362.92mg of sodium per 100g, which is a considerable amount and contributes to a penalty in the scoring system. While it provides 2.45g of protein per 100g, this is offset by the added sugar content of 0.8g per 100g and a low fiber count of 0.8g per 100g. Ingredients like modified cornstarch and maltodextrin are common in ultra-processed foods and contribute to the overall formulation that differs substantially from a home-cooked version made with whole ingredients. Compared to a home-cooked chicken and vegetable soup, this product generally offers less fiber and a higher sodium content, alongside a more complex ingredient list.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in campbell's chunky hearty chicken with vegetables soup actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Convenient Meal Option
This CAMPBELL'S soup offers a convenient and quick meal solution for individuals with limited time for meal preparation. Its ready-to-eat format means it can be heated and consumed rapidly, providing a source of calories and some protein without extensive cooking. This can be particularly useful in situations where access to fresh ingredients or cooking facilities is restricted, helping to meet immediate hunger needs.
Source of Protein
With 2.45g of protein per 100g, this soup contributes to your daily protein intake. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and repair, as well as for satiety. While not a high-protein food, it can be part of a meal that supports these functions, especially when combined with other protein sources. The protein comes from sources like seasoned beef steak and beef, providing a complete amino acid profile.
Contains Some Vegetables
The soup includes a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, corn, diced tomatoes, green beans, onions, and celery. While the overall vegetable content may not be as high as a homemade soup, these ingredients contribute some dietary fiber and micronutrients. Incorporating these vegetables can add a small amount of variety to your diet, even in a processed format.
CAMPBELL'S Chunky Hearty Chicken With Vegetables Soup scores 39/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and its elevated sodium content.
How to eat it
CAMPBELL'S Chunky Hearty Chicken With Vegetables Soup is typically consumed as a quick lunch or dinner. It's often eaten straight from the can after heating, or poured into a bowl. A common portion is one serving, which is about half the can, but many consumers eat the whole can. Be mindful of the sodium content if consuming the entire can.
To enhance the nutritional value, consider adding fresh or frozen vegetables like spinach or kale during heating.
Pair this soup with a side salad or a piece of whole-grain bread to increase fiber and overall nutrient intake.
To manage sodium intake, dilute the soup with a small amount of water or low-sodium broth, and avoid adding extra salt.
Use this soup as a base for a more substantial meal by adding cooked lean protein such as shredded chicken breast or lentils.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains soy lecithin, an emulsifier derived from soy, which is also listed as an allergen. Individuals with a soy allergy should avoid this product. The label also states it 'MAY CONTAIN TRACES OF WHEAT,' which is important for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities. The high sodium content of 362.92mg per 100g means that consuming a full can would contribute significantly to the daily recommended sodium limit, which could be a concern for individuals monitoring their blood pressure. The presence of modified cornstarch and maltodextrin indicates a higher degree of processing, which some individuals prefer to limit in their diet.
Is CAMPBELL'S Chunky Hearty Chicken With Vegetables Soup healthy?
This soup scores 39/100, indicating a 'Poor' nutritional profile according to FoodScore. While it offers some protein and vegetables, its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium content are significant nutritional drawbacks. It is not considered a health-promoting food for regular consumption.
How does CAMPBELL'S Chunky Hearty Chicken With Vegetables Soup compare to other brands?
Compared to a homemade chicken and vegetable soup, this CAMPBELL'S product is significantly higher in sodium and contains more processed ingredients. When compared to other prepared soups like Progresso Rich & Hearty Chicken & Homestyle Noodles Soup, the nutritional profiles can be similar in terms of sodium and processing level, though specific nutrient values may vary. Always check the nutrition label for direct comparisons.
What is 'modified cornstarch' and why is it in this soup?
Modified cornstarch is a food additive used as a thickener, stabilizer, or emulsifier. In this soup, it helps to achieve the desired texture and consistency. While generally recognized as safe, its presence is an indicator of a processed food formulation, distinguishing it from whole-food ingredients.
What is a reasonable portion size for this soup?
The declared serving size is 'PER SERVING,' with nutrient values provided per 100g. A typical can contains multiple servings. To manage sodium intake, consider consuming half a can as a single portion, especially if you are monitoring your blood pressure. Pairing it with other low-sodium foods can help balance the meal.
Can this soup be part of a weight management diet?
With 49.17 calories per 100g, this soup is relatively low in calories. However, its high sodium content and status as an ultra-processed food mean it may not be the most optimal choice for a weight management diet focused on nutrient density and whole foods. It could be included occasionally as part of a balanced diet, but moderation is key.