CAMPBELL'S Condensed Vegetable Soup scores 40/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and high sodium content, despite providing some beneficial micronutrients.
This soup has a FoodScore of 40/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
It is classified as NOVA class 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
A serving contains 741.67mg of sodium, contributing significantly to daily intake.
It provides 93% DV of Vitamin A per 100g, a notable micronutrient contribution.
This product offers a convenient option but should be consumed mindfully regarding sodium.
Scores -7 points above the prepared category average (47/100 across 231 foods).
Fiber
1.7g
6% of Daily Value
Protein
2.5g
5% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
741.67mg
32% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (1.7g)+1
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
−
What holds it back
Sodium (741.7mg)-3
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 40
CAMPBELL'S Condensed Vegetable Soup receives a FoodScore of 40/100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. The primary factor driving this low score is its classification as a NOVA class 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty. Additionally, the product contains a high amount of sodium, with 741.67mg per 100g, leading to a substantial penalty. While the ingredient list includes vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and corn, the presence of ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, monosodium glutamate, and hydrolyzed yeast protein contributes to its ultra-processed designation. On the positive side, the soup receives a bonus for its fiber content of 1.7g per 100g and a notable bonus for providing 93% DV of Vitamin A. However, these benefits are outweighed by the penalties. Compared to a home-cooked vegetable soup made with whole ingredients, this CAMPBELL'S product contains significantly more sodium and is less nutrient-dense overall, reflecting its processed nature.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in campbell's condensed vegetable soup actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Source of Vitamin A
This soup provides a significant amount of Vitamin A, delivering 93% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin known for its role in maintaining healthy vision, immune function, and skin health. While the overall nutritional profile is moderate, this specific micronutrient contribution can help meet daily requirements, especially when other dietary sources might be limited.
Provides Dietary Fiber
With 1.7g of fiber per 100g, CAMPBELL'S Condensed Vegetable Soup contributes a modest amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health, helping to regulate bowel movements and promote satiety. While not a high-fiber food, this amount can still be a small part of reaching your daily fiber goals, particularly when combined with other fiber-rich foods in a meal.
Convenient Meal Component
This soup offers a convenient and quick option for a meal component, especially when time for food preparation is limited. Its shelf-stable nature and ease of preparation make it a practical choice for busy individuals or as an emergency pantry item. While not a complete meal on its own, it can serve as a base or a side dish, providing some vegetables and warmth with minimal effort.
CAMPBELL'S Condensed Vegetable Soup scores 40/100 (Poor) due to its classification as an ultra-processed food and high sodium content, despite providing some beneficial micronutrients.
How to eat it
CAMPBELL'S Condensed Vegetable Soup is typically consumed as a quick meal or side dish, often heated on the stovetop or in a microwave. A common portion is 1/2 cup (prepared), and it's frequently paired with sandwiches or crackers. The condensed nature means it requires water for preparation, which can dilute some of its flavor and nutrient density.
To improve the nutritional value, consider adding fresh or frozen vegetables like spinach, kale, or extra carrots to the heated soup.
Pair with a source of lean protein, such as grilled chicken or beans, and a whole-grain slice of bread to create a more balanced and filling meal.
Be mindful of the portion size; while 1/2 cup is the serving, it's easy to consume more, which would significantly increase sodium intake.
To reduce sodium, you could try diluting it with more water than recommended, though this will also dilute the flavor and other nutrients.
Things to keep in mind
The primary caution for CAMPBELL'S Condensed Vegetable Soup is its high sodium content, at 741.67mg per 100g. Individuals monitoring their sodium intake, such as those with hypertension or at risk for cardiovascular disease, should consume this product sparingly. The presence of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and yeast extract may be a concern for individuals sensitive to these flavor enhancers, although scientific evidence generally supports their safety for most people. Allergens declared on the label include wheat, egg whites, and soybeans, which are important considerations for individuals with these specific allergies. The product is also classified as ultra-processed, which suggests a lower overall nutritional quality compared to less processed alternatives.
CAMPBELL'S Condensed Vegetable Soup has a FoodScore of 40/100, indicating a 'Poor' nutritional profile. While it offers some Vitamin A and fiber, its classification as an ultra-processed food and high sodium content are significant drawbacks. It is not considered a healthy staple for regular consumption.
How does CAMPBELL'S Condensed Vegetable Soup compare to other brands?
Compared to a less processed alternative like Amy's Organic Soups, which often feature lower sodium options and fewer additives, CAMPBELL'S Condensed Vegetable Soup generally has a higher sodium content and is more ultra-processed. A home-cooked vegetable soup would typically offer a superior nutritional profile with more control over ingredients and sodium levels.
What is high fructose corn syrup doing in this soup?
High fructose corn syrup is listed as an ingredient in CAMPBELL'S Condensed Vegetable Soup. While this product declares 0g of added sugar per 100g, its presence suggests it's used in very small amounts, likely as a flavor enhancer or to balance the acidity of other ingredients. For those looking to minimize added sugars, even small amounts can be a consideration.
What is a reasonable portion size for this soup?
The declared serving size is 1/2 cup (prepared). However, many people consume a larger bowl, which would mean a significantly higher intake of sodium. It's important to be aware of how much you are consuming to manage your daily sodium intake, especially if you are eating other processed foods throughout the day.
Can I use this soup as a base for other recipes?
Yes, CAMPBELL'S Condensed Vegetable Soup can be used as a base for other recipes, such as casseroles or stews. However, be mindful that using it as a base will add its inherent sodium and processed ingredients to your dish. Consider balancing this by adding fresh, whole ingredients and minimizing other high-sodium components in your recipe.