Is Campbell'S Soup Bean And Ham Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, looking at the ingredient list for Campbell's Soup Bean and Ham reveals why this product fails the keto test. The first ingredient is water, followed by pea beans and carrots. While pea beans are a natural source of fiber, they are also naturally high in carbohydrates, making the carb count of the soup high before we even look at the additives.

The real issue for keto dieters lies in the additives and the processing of the ham. The cooked ham contains added sugar and sodium phosphates. Even a small amount of added sugar contributes to the total carb count. Furthermore, the soup relies on modified food starch and wheat flour as thickening agents. Modified food starch is often derived from corn or wheat and is essentially pure carbohydrates with little nutritional value, acting strictly as a filler that raises the glycemic load of the meal.

Finally, the soup contains sugar and tomato puree. Tomato puree contains natural sugars, and when combined with the added sugar, the total sugar content becomes too high for a standard ketogenic macro ratio. The inclusion of yeast extract and monosodium glutamate (MSG) is for flavor enhancement, but these do not impact the carbohydrate count negatively; however, they do not negate the high carb load from the beans and thickeners.

Nutritional Value

When analyzing the nutritional profile, the carbohydrate content is the primary concern. A standard serving of this soup typically contains between 18 to 22 grams of total carbohydrates. On a keto diet, the daily limit is usually between 20 to 50 grams of net carbs. Consuming a single can of this soup would use up your entire carbohydrate allowance for the day, leaving no room for vegetables, nuts, or other nutrient-dense foods.

Additionally, the fat content is very low. Keto is a high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carb diet. This soup is low in fat and relies on carbohydrates for energy, which is the exact opposite of what a keto diet requires. While it provides protein from the ham and beans, the lack of healthy fats means it does not provide the sustained energy source that keto dieters look for.