HEALTH VALLEY ORGANIC VEGETABLE BARLEY SOUP scores 48/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. Its primary strength is its Vitamin A content, while its NOVA class 3 processing contributes to a lower overall score.
FoodScore: 48/100 (Decent), indicating a moderately processed option.
Contains 58% DV Vitamin A per 100g, a notable micronutrient contribution.
Classified as NOVA 3 (processed), reflecting its multi-ingredient formulation.
Offers less protein and fiber compared to whole-food alternatives like nuts or eggs.
A 1-cup serving provides 200mg of sodium, which is 9% of the daily value.
Scores +7 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
1.7g
6% of Daily Value
Protein
1.25g
3% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
200mg
9% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (1.7g)+1
Micronutrients (Vitamin A)+2
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What holds it back
Processed (NOVA 3)-5
Why it scores 48
HEALTH VALLEY ORGANIC VEGETABLE BARLEY SOUP receives a FoodScore of 48 out of 100, placing it in the 'Decent' category. This score reflects a balance of beneficial nutrients and aspects of its processing. The product gains points for its fiber content, providing 1.7g per 100g, and notably for its micronutrient profile, specifically delivering 58% DV of Vitamin A per 100g. However, it incurs a 5-point penalty due to its NOVA class 3 classification, indicating it is a processed food made from multiple ingredients, including organic mushroom concentrate and natural flavor. While the product contains 0g of added sugar, which is a positive, its protein content is relatively low at 1.25g per 100g. Compared to whole-food alternatives such as raw almonds or a hard-boiled egg with fruit, this soup offers a different nutritional profile, typically providing less protein and healthy fats but can contribute to vegetable intake.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in health valley organic vegetable barley soup actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Contributes to Vitamin A Intake
This HEALTH VALLEY ORGANIC soup is a source of Vitamin A, providing 58% of the Daily Value per 100g. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient known for its role in maintaining healthy vision and supporting immune function. Including foods rich in Vitamin A can help meet daily requirements, especially for individuals who may not consume a wide variety of colorful vegetables regularly. This soup can be a convenient way to add a significant amount of this vitamin to your diet.
Source of Dietary Fiber
With 1.7g of fiber per 100g, this soup contributes to your daily fiber intake. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health and can help promote feelings of fullness. The fiber in this product comes from ingredients like organic barley, organic peas, and organic great northern beans. While not exceptionally high, this amount can be a useful addition to a meal, especially when paired with other fiber-rich foods to reach the recommended daily intake.
Supports Vegetable Consumption
The HEALTH VALLEY ORGANIC VEGETABLE BARLEY SOUP contains several organic vegetables, including organic peas, organic tomatoes, organic carrots, organic celery, organic onions, and organic broccoli. Consuming a variety of vegetables is crucial for overall health, as they provide a range of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. This soup offers a convenient way to incorporate multiple vegetables into your diet, which can be particularly helpful for those with limited access to fresh produce or time for meal preparation.
HEALTH VALLEY ORGANIC VEGETABLE BARLEY SOUP scores 48/100 (Decent) on FoodScore. Its primary strength is its Vitamin A content, while its NOVA class 3 processing contributes to a lower overall score.
How to eat it
This soup is typically consumed as a light meal or snack. A 1-cup serving is a common portion, often heated and eaten directly from the can or bowl. It can be a convenient option for a quick lunch or a warm snack.
To enhance the nutritional value, consider pairing this soup with a source of lean protein like grilled chicken or tofu.
Boost fiber and healthy fats by adding a handful of chopped nuts or seeds (e.g., pumpkin seeds) after heating.
Serve with a side of whole-grain bread or a small salad to create a more balanced and filling meal.
If sodium intake is a concern, balance this soup with other low-sodium foods throughout the day.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains organic soy sauce and organic butter, indicating the presence of soy and milk allergens. Individuals with allergies to soy or dairy should avoid this product. The ingredient list also includes 'natural flavor,' which, while generally recognized as safe, can sometimes be derived from a variety of sources and may not always be transparent regarding its origin. The sodium content of 200mg per 100g (or 400mg per 1-cup serving) is moderate; those monitoring their sodium intake for conditions like hypertension should be mindful of portion sizes and overall daily sodium consumption. There are no artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives listed.
Is HEALTH VALLEY ORGANIC VEGETABLE BARLEY SOUP healthy?
This soup scores 48/100, placing it in the 'Decent' category on FoodScore. It provides a good source of Vitamin A and some fiber, making it a reasonable option for vegetable intake. However, it is a processed food (NOVA 3) and has a moderate sodium content, so it's best consumed as part of a balanced diet.
How does HEALTH VALLEY ORGANIC VEGETABLE BARLEY SOUP compare to other canned soups?
Compared to many other canned soups, such as some varieties from Campbell's or Progresso, HEALTH VALLEY ORGANIC VEGETABLE BARLEY SOUP often stands out for its organic ingredients and absence of added sugar. Its nutritional profile, particularly its Vitamin A content, can be more favorable than some highly processed, cream-based or noodle-heavy soups, though sodium levels should always be checked across brands.
What is 'organic mushroom concentrate' in the ingredient list?
Organic mushroom concentrate is a blend of mushroom-derived ingredients, including organic mushrooms, organic soy sauce, and organic mushroom powder, along with other components like organic butter and yeast extract. It is used to enhance the savory flavor of the soup. While it contributes to the overall taste, it also adds to the product's processed nature.
What is a recommended portion size for this soup?
The declared serving size is 1 cup (240g). This portion provides 91 calories, 3g protein, 4.1g fiber, and 480mg sodium. Sticking to this serving size is advisable to manage calorie and sodium intake, especially if you are consuming other processed foods throughout the day.
Can this soup be a meal replacement?
While it can contribute to vegetable intake, this soup is relatively low in calories (91 per cup) and protein (3g per cup) to be considered a complete meal replacement on its own. To make it a more substantial meal, consider adding extra protein sources like chicken or legumes, and healthy fats such as avocado or a drizzle of olive oil.