Is French Country Vegetable Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a packaged food is truly gluten-free, we have to look beyond just the obvious grains. As a food scientist, I look for the "hidden" sources of gluten, such as modified food starch or wheat-based thickeners. Fortunately, the ingredient deck for French Country Vegetable is remarkably clean regarding gluten.

The liquid base is simply filtered water and organic diced tomatoes, eliminating the risk of gluten often found in broths thickened with wheat flour. The bulk of the soup consists of organic onions, organic zucchini, and organic mushrooms. These are naturally gluten-free whole foods. The protein source is organic white beans, which are safe provided they haven't been processed on shared equipment with wheat products—a risk not indicated here.

Most importantly, the carbohydrate source is organic long grain red rice. Unlike couscous (which is wheat) or malted barley, red rice is a distinct gluten-free grain. The fats and seasonings—organic extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, organic garlic, and organic spices—are also inherently free of gluten. There are no hydrolyzed wheat proteins or malt vinegar listed, making this product a definitive 'Yes' for a gluten-free diet.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, French Country Vegetable is a solid choice for those looking to increase their vegetable intake without consuming excessive calories. Because the base is water and tomatoes rather than heavy cream or cheese, the sodium content is likely moderate compared to other canned soups, though the sea salt does contribute to the total.

The inclusion of organic extra virgin olive oil provides a source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which is a significant upgrade from the soybean or canola oils found in many budget soups. The organic white beans and red rice offer a combination of fiber and plant-based protein, which helps with satiety. This soup fits well into a balanced diet, particularly for vegetarians or those seeking a low-fat meal option that doesn't compromise on flavor.