Is CedarLane Organic Chopped Vegetable and Barley Soup Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, the first thing I look for in a soup labeled 'barley' is the source and certification of the grain. In the case of CedarLane Organic Chopped Vegetable and Barley Soup, the ingredient list explicitly calls for ORGANIC PEARLED BARLEY. Traditionally, barley contains gluten (hordein). However, this product is marketed and formulated as a gluten-free item. This implies that the manufacturer sources barley that has been processed to remove the gluten-containing hull or is certified to contain less than 20ppm of gluten, which is the FDA standard.

The rest of the ingredient deck is remarkably clean and naturally free of gluten. You have a vegetable base of ORGANIC TOMATOES, ORGANIC GREEN ZUCCHINI, ORGANIC CARROTS, and ORGANIC SPINACH. There are no hidden gluten sources like hydrolyzed wheat protein or modified food starch (which can sometimes be wheat-derived). The thickening agent appears to be the natural pectin from the tomatoes and the starch released by the barley itself, rather than a wheat flour roux.

Finally, the flavor profile is built entirely on ORGANIC BASIL, ORGANIC GARLIC, and ORGANIC OREGANO. Even the SEA SALT is safe, as salt is naturally gluten-free. There are no artificial additives or preservatives that typically pose a risk to those on a strict gluten-free diet.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this soup is a solid choice for a light meal or a substantial side dish. A standard serving contains approximately 100 calories, which is very reasonable for a canned soup that offers this much vegetable density. The fat content is low, derived mostly from the ORGANIC EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, providing heart-healthy monounsaturated fats rather than saturated fats.

One area to note is the sugar content. The ingredients list ORGANIC SUGAR. While the amount is likely minimal (just enough to balance the acidity of the tomatoes), it is still an added sugar. However, with roughly 2 grams of added sugar per serving, it fits easily within most dietary limits, including those for diabetics, provided it is consumed as part of a balanced diet. The soup is also rich in fiber due to the barley and vegetables, aiding in digestion and satiety.