Does french onion soup contain dairy or gluten?

Yes. It contains Swiss cheese (dairy) and wheat flour (gluten) in both the croutons and the broth thickener.

Is french onion soup good for weight loss?

No. It is high in calories, saturated fat, and added sugars, making it a poor choice for calorie-restricted diets.

Where can I buy french onion soup?

This specific product is available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and can be found on Amazon.

Is french onion soup safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for kids, but be aware of the high sodium content and potential choking hazards from the hot cheese.

Is french onion soup Gluten Free?

No, this specific brand of french onion soup is not gluten-free. A detailed analysis of the ingredients list reveals the presence of wheat flour in both the croutons and the broth base. If you are avoiding gluten for medical reasons like Celiac disease, this soup poses a significant risk.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and go straight to the formulation. When analyzing this French Onion Soup, the verdict is clear: it is formulated with gluten-containing ingredients. Let's break down exactly where the gluten hides.

The most obvious culprit is the Croutons. The ingredient label explicitly lists Enriched Flour, which is defined as wheat flour treated with malted barley flour. This is the primary structural ingredient in bread, meaning the croutons are pure gluten. Since these are submerged in the broth, cross-contamination of the liquid itself is inevitable.

However, the gluten doesn't stop at the bread. If you look closely at the Broth ingredients, you will find Enriched Flour listed again, this time under the 'Contains 1.5% or less' section. Manufacturers often use wheat flour or wheat starch as a thickening agent to give the soup a rich, velvety mouthfeel. Additionally, the presence of Fermented Wheat Protein is a red flag; this is often used as a flavor enhancer (similar to MSG) but is derived directly from wheat.

Finally, regarding the cheese, this soup contains Swiss Cheese. While cheese is naturally gluten-free, the enzymes used in cheese production are sometimes derived from gluten sources, though this is less common. The primary concern here remains the wheat in the croutons and broth.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

wheat

Nutritional Value

While this soup is rich in flavor, it is also dense in calories and fat. A standard serving contains a significant amount of Saturated Fat due to the butter in the broth and the heavy Swiss cheese topping. For those monitoring heart health or cholesterol, this soup should be treated as an indulgence rather than a daily staple.

Regarding carbohydrates, the Sugar content is notable. The ingredient list includes both Brown Sugar and standard Sugar. This is traditional for caramelizing onions, but it adds empty calories without significant fiber. The sodium content is also high, typical for processed soups, which is something to watch if you are salt-sensitive.