Is Progresso Traditional Chicken Tortilla Soup Gluten Free?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When analyzing pantry staples like Progresso, we have to look beyond the obvious. The base of this soup—chicken broth, tomatoes, and cooked white chicken meat—is naturally gluten-free. However, the devil is in the details, specifically in the 'less than 2%' category.

The primary red flag here is modified food starch. In the United States, this ingredient can be derived from wheat, corn, or potatoes. Unless the label explicitly states 'modified corn starch' or 'modified potato starch,' there is a regulatory gray area where wheat is a possibility. Additionally, the ingredient toasted corn flour is listed. While corn is gluten-free, 'corn flour' in processed foods can sometimes be subject to cross-contamination during milling if processed in a facility that also handles wheat products.

Finally, we see corn protein (hydrolyzed) and soy protein isolate. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is often used as a flavor enhancer (MSG precursor). While usually derived from corn in American soups, without a 'Certified Gluten-Free' seal on the packaging, we cannot guarantee the sourcing is free from gluten cross-contact.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, Progresso Traditional Chicken Tortilla Soup is a mixed bag. A single can generally contains around 130 calories, which is quite reasonable for a light lunch. However, the sodium content is high, typically hovering around 790mg per serving. This accounts for about 34% of your recommended daily intake, which is something to watch if you are monitoring blood pressure.

In terms of macronutrients, the soup is low in fat but also low in fiber, despite the inclusion of black beans and corn. The sugar content is relatively low (usually 3g or less), which is a plus compared to creamy soups. It fits well within standard diet limits for those counting calories, but the high sodium is the main nutritional drawback.