Does Vegetable Barley soup contain dairy or gluten?

It does not contain dairy, but it does contain gluten due to the organic barley.

Is Vegetable Barley soup good for weight loss?

It can be, as it is low in fat. However, barley is a carbohydrate, so portion control is necessary.

Where can I buy Vegetable Barley soup?

This specific organic variety is available at major retailers like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and online via Amazon.

Is Vegetable Barley soup safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids. It contains no caffeine or added sugars, just vegetables and grains.

Is Vegetable Barley soup Gluten Free?

No, Vegetable Barley soup is not gluten-free. While it boasts a wholesome list of organic vegetables, the inclusion of organic barley makes it strictly off-limits for anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. This soup is a classic comfort food, but it contains the specific grain protein that triggers autoimmune reactions in gluten-intolerant individuals.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look at the ingredient list to determine safety for specific dietary needs. Let's break down the components of this Vegan Vegetable Barley soup to understand why it fails the gluten-free test.

The recipe starts strong with filtered water, organic onions, organic carrots, and organic celery. These are standard, safe aromatics that form the base of many healthy soups. The inclusion of organic diced tomatoes, organic leeks, organic zucchini, and organic peas adds significant volume, fiber, and micronutrients without introducing allergens.

However, the critical flag appears with organic barley. Barley is a cereal grain that naturally contains gluten. Specifically, it contains hordein, a form of gluten that is toxic to those with celiac disease. Even though the barley here is organic, organic certification does not mean gluten-free; the grain itself is inherently glutenous. This is the single ingredient that disqualifies the entire soup from being safe for a gluten-free diet.

Finally, the soup is seasoned with sea salt, organic spices, organic garlic, and bay leaves. These are excellent flavor enhancers. The fats used are organic high oleic safflower and/or sunflower oil, which are heart-healthy and free of trans fats. There are no hidden gluten sources like modified food starch or hydrolyzed vegetable protein in this specific list, making the barley the sole culprit.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

barley

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this soup is quite balanced. It is low in saturated fat and contains no cholesterol. The vegetable content provides a good source of Vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. However, because barley is a carbohydrate, this soup is higher in carbs than a broth-based clear soup. The sodium content, derived from sea salt, is something to watch if you are monitoring blood pressure, but it is generally moderate for a canned or packaged soup. It fits well into a balanced diet for weight maintenance, provided you account for the carbohydrate load from the barley.