Is Slow Simmered Soup Chicken Noodle Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating a product like Slow Simmered Soup Chicken Noodle, the vegan status is determined by the first few ingredients, as these make up the bulk of the recipe. The primary red flag is the use of chicken broth and chicken meat. In the food industry, broth is the foundation of flavor, and here it is derived entirely from poultry, immediately disqualifying the soup from being vegan or even vegetarian.

Furthermore, the noodles themselves are a hidden source of animal products. The enriched curly noodle contains egg white and whole egg. While many people associate pasta with being plant-based, fresh or curly noodles often utilize eggs for texture and binding. This means that even if you were to pick out the visible chicken pieces, the noodles swimming in the broth are still non-vegan.

Finally, the inclusion of chicken fat adds another layer of animal-derived content. This is often used to enhance the mouthfeel and richness of the soup. Combined with extra virgin olive oil, the fat content is entirely animal or oil-based, with no plant-based alternatives used in this formulation.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this soup offers a mix of macronutrients typical of a canned soup. The calories are moderate, largely derived from the carbohydrates in the noodles and the fats from the chicken and olive oil. The fat content is worth watching; between the chicken fat and olive oil, this soup can be relatively high in saturated and monounsaturated fats, which contributes to its satisfying mouthfeel but also increases the caloric density.

Regarding sugar, the ingredients list does not explicitly show added sugars, which is a positive aspect. However, the sodium content (derived from sea salt and potassium chloride) is likely significant, as is standard for preserved soups to ensure shelf stability and flavor. For those monitoring their salt intake, this is an important consideration. The protein content is decent due to the chicken and egg whites, but the overall balance leans towards a processed food item rather than a whole food meal.