Does Pacific Coast Clam Chowder contain dairy or gluten?

Yes. It contains Heavy Cream, Milk, and Butter (dairy). It also contains Unbleached Enriched Wheat Flour (gluten).

Is Pacific Coast Clam Chowder good for weight loss?

It is high in calories and fat. While the fat content can be satiating, the added sugars and refined flour may trigger cravings rather than support sustainable weight loss.

Where can I buy Pacific Coast Clam Chowder?

Pacific Coast Clam Chowder is generally available at major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Safeway, as well as online through Amazon.

Is Pacific Coast Clam Chowder safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for children, provided they do not have allergies to dairy, shellfish, or wheat. It does not contain caffeine.

Is Pacific Coast Clam Chowder Keto?

No, Pacific Coast Clam Chowder is not keto-friendly. While the combination of clams, cream, and bacon sounds promising for a high-fat diet, a closer look at the label reveals hidden carbohydrates that will disrupt ketosis. This soup relies on wheat flour and sweeteners to achieve its texture and flavor, placing it firmly off-limits for keto dieters.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing claims and straight at the ingredient list. When analyzing Pacific Coast Clam Chowder for keto compatibility, we encounter several red flags that disqualify it immediately. The primary issue isn't the clams or the cream; it's the thickening agents and hidden sugars used to process the soup.

The most obvious offender is Unbleached Enriched Wheat Flour. Traditional New England clam chowder relies on a roux—a mixture of fat and wheat flour—to thicken the broth. For a keto diet, wheat flour is strictly limited due to its high carbohydrate content and impact on blood sugar. Even a small amount of flour can contain enough net carbs to exceed the daily limit of a strict ketogenic regimen.

Furthermore, the ingredient list includes Modified Cornstarch and Cultured Dextrose. Dextrose is a form of sugar derived from corn (or wheat) and is essentially pure glucose. It is often used in processed foods to balance flavor or improve texture, but it adds to the total carb count without providing nutritional value. Additionally, the presence of Honey in the bacon curing process introduces another source of sugar. While honey is natural, it is a carbohydrate that spikes insulin and is incompatible with ketosis.

Finally, we must consider the Red Skin Potatoes. Potatoes are a starchy vegetable, and even in moderate quantities, they contribute significant net carbs. In a creamy soup base, these potatoes displace low-carb vegetables, making the overall macronutrient profile unsuitable for a fat-burning metabolic state.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

honeyflourdextrosewheat

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Pacific Coast Clam Chowder offers a mix of benefits and drawbacks. On the positive side, it provides protein from clams and fat from heavy cream and butter. These are excellent macronutrients for general health and satiety. Clams are also a rich source of iron and vitamin B12. However, for the specific goal of maintaining ketosis, the macro ratio is wrong.

The carbohydrate content is the dealbreaker. Between the wheat flour, potatoes, and added sugars like dextrose and honey, the net carbohydrate count is too high. A single serving of a commercial chowder like this can easily contain 15 to 25 grams of net carbs or more. For someone adhering to a strict keto diet, which typically limits net carbs to 20 grams per day, this one bowl would consume the entire daily allowance, leaving no room for other meals.

Additionally, the sodium content is worth noting. Processed soups often rely on salt for preservation and flavor. While sodium is necessary on keto to maintain electrolyte balance, relying on processed foods for this intake can lead to excessive consumption, which may cause water retention and mask weight loss progress.