Is Cambell's chunky creamy chicken noodle soup Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a processed food is Kosher, we look for three main things: forbidden animals, forbidden animal parts, and the mixing of meat and dairy. Starting with the base, the chicken stock and chicken meat are the primary components. Since chicken is a Kosher bird, this passes the first test. However, because it is meat, we must watch out for dairy.

The soup is labeled "Creamy," and the ingredients list confirms this with cream (milk) appearing early in the list. This creates a meat-dairy mixture. In strict Kosher observance, meat and dairy cannot be eaten together or cooked in the same pot. Therefore, this soup cannot be eaten with a meat meal or alongside dairy products. It requires waiting the traditional period (usually 3 to 6 hours) after eating meat before consuming this soup.

Looking at the noodles, the enriched egg noodles contain wheat flour and eggs. During Passover, wheat is forbidden, but for general Kosher observance, this is acceptable. The remaining ingredients, such as vegetable oil, sugar, and various extracts (celery, onion, garlic), are all plant-based or synthetic flavorings and pose no Kosher issues. There are no hidden animal-derived thickeners like gelatin listed.

Nutritional Value

While this soup passes the Kosher test, it is important to look at the nutritional profile. A single can generally contains around 160 to 190 calories, depending on the specific variety. The modified food starch and sugar contribute to the carbohydrate count, though the chicken and soy protein provide a decent amount of protein to keep you full.

The sodium content is a significant factor, as is common with canned soups. It fits within a standard diet if consumed in moderation, but those watching their blood pressure should be mindful. The fat content comes primarily from the cream and chicken fat. It is a hearty, calorie-dense option compared to clear broth soups, making it a filling lunch choice.