Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup has been a staple in American households for generations. Its creamy texture and savory mushroom flavor make it versatile for a wide variety of dishes, whether used as a base for casseroles or enjoyed on its own. However, you might be curious to know, what is in Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup? Understanding its ingredients, nutritional value, and potential allergens will help you make more informed decisions when incorporating it into your meals.
In this detailed guide, we’ll take a deep dive into Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, from the core ingredients to its nutritional content and healthier alternatives for those who might want lower sodium or gluten-free options.
What Is Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup?
Before breaking down the ingredients, it’s essential to understand what condensed soup means. Condensed soup refers to a thicker, more concentrated version of soup that typically requires reconstitution with water or milk. Campbell’s condensed soups, including cream of mushroom, come in a more concentrated form that saves space and can easily be transformed into a creamy soup when mixed with liquids.
Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup is particularly popular due to its versatility. It works not only as a soup but also as an ingredient in numerous recipes, including casseroles, sauces, and gravy bases.
Core Ingredients in Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
The primary ingredients in Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup are relatively simple. However, each plays an important role in creating its distinct flavor and texture. Let’s examine these ingredients and their purpose:
1. Mushrooms
The star ingredient of the soup is, of course, mushrooms. Campbell’s typically uses button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus), which are small, white mushrooms known for their mild, earthy flavor. These mushrooms provide both the texture and umami flavor that makes this soup so iconic.
- Why Mushrooms Matter: Mushrooms are a significant source of umami, the savory taste that gives the soup its depth. Additionally, mushrooms contain nutrients like B vitamins, potassium, and selenium.
2. Water
Water acts as the main liquid ingredient in Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup. During production, much of the water is removed, resulting in a condensed version that must be diluted before serving.
- Why Water Matters: Water helps to blend the ingredients and provides a base that holds the soup together. When preparing the soup, you’ll reintroduce liquid to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Vegetable Oil (Corn, Canola, or Soybean Oil)
To achieve the smooth, creamy texture Campbell’s soups are known for, vegetable oil is used. The oil is usually a blend of corn oil, canola oil, or soybean oil, all of which contribute to the rich texture and consistency.
- Why Vegetable Oil Matters: Vegetable oil contributes to the creaminess and mouthfeel of the soup. It also helps bind the other ingredients, ensuring the final product is thick and smooth.
4. Cream
Cream is the ingredient that gives Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup its luxurious texture and a slightly sweet, dairy-based flavor. This addition enhances the richness of the soup, making it feel more indulgent.
- Why Cream Matters: Cream provides both fat and flavor, making the soup creamy and rich. Its role in balancing the mushrooms’ earthiness is crucial.
5. Wheat Flour
Wheat flour acts as a thickener in Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup. It helps bind the ingredients, ensuring the soup maintains its iconic, thick consistency. However, due to the use of wheat flour, the soup is not suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
- Why Wheat Flour Matters: Wheat flour ensures the soup has a hearty, thick texture that works well in casseroles and gravies. It acts as a stabilizing agent that holds everything together.
6. Modified Food Starch
Modified food starch serves as an additional thickening agent, helping the soup maintain its creamy texture, even after dilution or reheating. This ingredient is commonly derived from sources like corn or potatoes.
- Why Modified Food Starch Matters: It plays a critical role in ensuring that the soup remains smooth and does not separate when mixed with other ingredients or cooked in casseroles.
7. Salt
Salt enhances the flavor of the soup, bringing out the earthiness of the mushrooms and balancing the sweetness of the cream. However, it’s important to note that Campbell’s soups tend to have a relatively high sodium content.
- Why Salt Matters: Salt plays a crucial role in flavor enhancement, but it’s also responsible for the soup’s high sodium levels, which may be a concern for those watching their sodium intake.
8. Soy Protein Concentrate
To increase the protein content and improve texture, Campbell’s adds soy protein concentrate to its cream of mushroom soup. This ingredient also aids in thickening the soup.
- Why Soy Protein Concentrate Matters: It improves the texture of the soup and contributes a bit of protein, though the soup is still low in protein overall. Individuals with soy allergies should be aware of its inclusion.
9. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used as a flavor enhancer in Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup. It amplifies the savory, umami flavors of the mushrooms, making the soup more flavorful and satisfying.
- Why MSG Matters: MSG enhances the natural flavors of the soup without adding additional salt. However, some individuals may experience sensitivity to MSG, so it’s important to be aware if you’re affected.
10. Dehydrated Garlic
Adding dehydrated garlic enhances the soup’s overall flavor profile without overpowering the dish. This subtle addition complements the other ingredients, adding depth to the savory taste.
- Why Dehydrated Garlic Matters: Garlic rounds out the flavor of the soup, giving it a mild, savory boost that enhances the mushrooms’ and cream’s richness.
11. Natural Flavors
Natural flavors are included to improve the overall taste of the soup. These flavors are derived from various sources and help to balance and enhance the ingredients, making the soup more enjoyable.
- Why Natural Flavors Matter: These flavors add subtle complexity to the soup’s taste, ensuring that it remains appealing to a broad audience.
Nutritional Information for Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup
Understanding the nutritional profile of Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup can help you decide whether it fits into your dietary plan. Below is the nutritional breakdown for a typical serving size (half a cup or 120 grams) of undiluted soup:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 5mg |
| Sodium | 870mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Dietary Fiber | <1g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
Key Nutritional Considerations:
- Calories and Fat: One serving of the soup contains 120 calories and 8 grams of fat, including 2 grams of saturated fat. The fat content comes largely from the cream and vegetable oils used in the recipe. Diluting the soup with water instead of milk will reduce the fat content per serving.
- Sodium: Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup contains 870 mg of sodium per serving, which is 38% of the recommended daily sodium intake. Those who need to monitor their sodium levels should consider either diluting the soup more or opting for the Healthy Request version with lower sodium content.
- Carbohydrates and Gluten: The soup contains 9 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from the wheat flour and modified starch. Since it includes gluten, this soup is not suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance unless you choose a gluten-free alternative.
- Protein: The soup offers 2 grams of protein per serving, which isn’t a significant amount. To increase the protein content, consider pairing it with high-protein dishes like grilled chicken, bacon, or tofu.
For those looking for a lower sodium option, Campbell’s also provides a Healthy Request Cream of Mushroom Soup, which contains less sodium and fat than the standard version.
Common Allergens
If you or your loved ones have food allergies, you should be aware of the common allergens present in Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup.
1. Dairy
Since cream is a key ingredient, this soup contains dairy. Individuals who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy should avoid the traditional version of this soup.
2. Wheat/Gluten
The use of wheat flour makes this soup unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. If you require a gluten-free option, Campbell’s and other brands offer gluten-free varieties of cream of mushroom soup.
3. Soy
The inclusion of soy protein concentrate means the soup contains soy, a common allergen. If you have a soy allergy, make sure to check the ingredient label before consuming this soup.
To learn more about managing food allergies, you can visit Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).
Healthier Alternatives
Although Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup is a convenient and delicious option, it may not fit into everyone’s dietary preferences, especially those trying to reduce sodium, fat, or gluten. Fortunately, there are several healthier alternatives available:
1. Low-Sodium and Gluten-Free Options
If you are looking to cut down on sodium or need a gluten-free alternative, Campbell’s offers a Healthy Request version of the soup. It contains less sodium and fat but still provides the same creamy texture and flavor. For those avoiding gluten, several brands offer gluten-free versions of cream of mushroom soup, typically thickened with cornstarch or potato starch instead of wheat flour.
- Low-Sodium Option: Campbell’s Healthy Request Cream of Mushroom Soup contains significantly less sodium, making it a better choice for individuals on low-sodium diets.
- Gluten-Free Option: Several brands offer gluten-free cream of mushroom soup, providing a great alternative for people with gluten sensitivities.
2. Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup
Making your own homemade cream of mushroom soup gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can adjust the levels of salt, fat, and thickening agents to suit your dietary needs.
Simple Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- Fresh mushrooms (cremini or shiitake work well)
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Garlic, onions, thyme for flavor
- A thickening agent like gluten-free flour or cornstarch
- Milk or a dairy-free alternative (almond or coconut milk)
For step-by-step instructions, check out our Homemade Soup Guide.
How to Use Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup in Recipes
Beyond being a quick and easy soup, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup is a favorite ingredient in many classic recipes. Its thick consistency and rich flavor make it the perfect addition to casseroles, sauces, and even gravy substitutes.
1. Casseroles
One of the most common uses for Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup is in casseroles, such as the classic green bean casserole or chicken and rice casserole. The soup adds creaminess and helps bind the ingredients together, giving the dish a smooth and satisfying texture.
2. Sauces
Thanks to its thick, rich consistency, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup also works well as a quick sauce. Simply mix it with water, broth, or milk to create a creamy sauce for chicken, pasta, or vegetables.
3. Gravy Substitute
For a quick and flavorful gravy, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup can substitute for traditional gravies, particularly when paired with meatloaf, mashed potatoes, or roasts.
For more recipe ideas using Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup, explore our Recipe Guide.
Conclusion
Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup contains a blend of mushrooms, cream, vegetable oils, wheat flour, and seasonings that create its signature creamy texture and savory flavor. While it’s a versatile and convenient pantry staple, it’s important to consider its high sodium and gluten content if you have specific dietary needs.
Luckily, there are several healthier alternatives available, including low-sodium and gluten-free options. Whether you’re using it in a casserole, as a sauce, or simply enjoying it as a comforting soup, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup continues to be a beloved ingredient in countless kitchens.