Is Progresso Light Zesty Santa Fe Style Chicken Soup Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and straight into the chemistry of the can. This soup is a complex mixture of proteins, starches, and flavor enhancers. Let's analyze the specific ingredients that determine its gluten status.

The base of this soup is chicken broth and cooked white chicken meat. These are naturally gluten-free. The vegetables—red bell peppers, green sweet peppers, corn, and onion—are also safe. The primary carbohydrate source here is rice and black beans, both naturally free of gluten.

The controversy begins with the ingredients appearing in 'less than 1%'. The most significant flag is modified food starch. In the United States, 'modified food starch' can be derived from wheat unless otherwise specified. While many manufacturers use corn or potato, the label does not specify the source. Additionally, maltodextrin is present; while it is usually derived from corn in the US, it can be wheat-based. Finally, corn protein (hydrolyzed) is used as a flavor enhancer. While corn is gluten-free, hydrolysis can sometimes be a process shared with gluten-containing grains in facilities that are not dedicated.

There is also a risk of cross-contamination. The label does not carry a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal, nor does it explicitly state 'Processed in a facility that also processes wheat.' For a Celiac patient, the lack of a certification makes this soup a risk.

Nutritional Value

This soup is marketed as 'Light,' and the nutrition label supports that claim. A single can generally contains around 70 to 90 calories, which is excellent for a meal base. The fat content is minimal, usually under 2 grams, aided by the inclusion of chicken fat and coconut oil for mouthfeel without heavy caloric load.

Regarding carbohydrates, the rice and corn provide roughly 12-15 grams per can. The sugar content is relatively low, usually hovering around 2 grams, coming mostly from the sugar listed and natural sugars in the peppers and corn. The protein content is respectable for a light soup, offering about 6 grams primarily from the chicken and soy protein isolate. If you are on a low-carb or low-calorie diet, this soup fits well within limits, provided you watch the sodium, which is standard for canned soups.