Is Cambell's chunky creamy chicken noodle soup Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist looking at the ingredient label, the gluten content in Campbell's Chunky Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup is quite evident. The primary culprit is the enriched egg noodles. The very first ingredient listed for these noodles is wheat flour. Wheat is one of the primary sources of gluten, making the noodle component entirely incompatible with a gluten-free diet.

However, the wheat content doesn't stop there. If you look further down the ingredient list under the 'contains less than 2%' section, you will find wheat flour listed again. In food manufacturing, this is often used as a thickening agent to help stabilize the creamy texture of the soup base. Even in small amounts, this ingredient introduces gluten into the product.

It is also important to note that while the soup contains cream (milk) and egg whites, these are naturally gluten-free ingredients. The issue is strictly the grain sources used. For those with gluten sensitivities, it is crucial to avoid this product due to the deliberate inclusion of wheat flour in both the pasta and the thickening system.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this soup is designed to be a filling meal option. A single can generally contains a significant amount of calories, primarily derived from the cream and chicken fat which contribute to the saturated fat content. It also contains sugar and sodium, which are common in canned soups used to enhance shelf stability and flavor.

While it provides a decent amount of protein from the chicken meat and soy protein, the carbohydrate count is largely driven by the wheat noodles. For those monitoring their intake, the creamy nature of this soup means it is higher in fat and calories compared to a standard clear broth chicken noodle soup. It fits into a diet as an occasional comfort food rather than a daily health staple.