Is Campbell's healthy request soup tomato Kosher?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why this soup is Kosher, we need to look at the base components. The primary ingredient is tomato puree, which is simply water and tomato paste. This is naturally plant-based and acceptable. The soup uses water as a base, which is universally acceptable in Kosher diets.

For sweetness and texture, the recipe includes high fructose corn syrup and wheat flour. While high fructose corn syrup is a processed sugar, it is not an animal product and is considered Kosher. The wheat flour acts as a thickener. Wheat is a grain that is inherently Kosher, provided it is not processed on equipment shared with non-Kosher products; Campbell's generally adheres to strict separation protocols.

The remaining ingredients—such as vegetable oil (corn, canola, and/or soybean), salt, potassium chloride, and flavoring—are standard in the industry. The oils are vegetable-derived. The 'flavoring' in mass-market soups is typically synthetic or vegetable-based to keep costs down and shelf-life up, making it unlikely to be animal-derived. Finally, preservatives like citric acid and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) are derived from fermentation of sugars (often corn or beets), which is a Kosher process.

Nutritional Value

While the soup is Kosher, it is important to look at the nutritional profile. The 'Healthy Request' line is designed to be lower in sodium, but you should still be mindful of the high fructose corn syrup. This added sugar contributes to the calorie count without providing significant satiety.

A single serving contains a moderate amount of calories, but the lack of protein or significant fiber means it might not keep you full for long. If you are managing blood sugar levels, the combination of refined flour and corn syrup can cause a spike. However, compared to the regular version, the reduction in sodium is a definite health benefit for those watching their blood pressure.