Campbell's Vegetable Soup: Facts, Nutrition & Uses

Campbell's Vegetable Soup is a canned soup product made by the Campbell Soup Company, featuring a blend of vegetables in a tomato-based broth. The classic version contains carrots, potatoes, green beans, and other vegetables, with variations including low-sodium options and different vegetable combinations.

For decades, Campbell's Vegetable Soup has been a pantry staple in American households, offering a convenient option for quick meals. This tomato-based soup combines multiple vegetables in a single serving, providing an accessible way to incorporate more produce into daily diets. Understanding its nutritional profile, preparation methods, and variations helps consumers make informed choices about this popular convenience food.

A Brief History of Campbell's Vegetable Soup

Introduced in the early 20th century, Campbell's Vegetable Soup became part of the company's expanding product line beyond their famous tomato soup. The Campbell Soup Company, founded in 1869, revolutionized food preservation with condensed soups that required adding water before consumption. Vegetable Soup joined their roster as consumers sought convenient ways to enjoy mixed vegetables year-round, regardless of seasonal availability.

Nutritional Profile and Ingredients Breakdown

Examining campbell's condensed vegetable soup nutrition facts reveals important information for health-conscious consumers. A standard half-cup serving (before dilution) contains approximately 60 calories, 2 grams of protein, and 12 grams of carbohydrates. The soup provides vitamin A and vitamin C from its vegetable content, though sodium levels have been a concern for many years.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1/2 cup)	% Daily Value
Calories	60	3%
Total Fat	0.5g	1%
Sodium	480mg	21%
Total Carbohydrate	12g	4%
Dietary Fiber	2g	7%
Sugars	3g	-
Protein	2g	4%
Vitamin A	15%	15%
Vitamin C	15%	15%

The standard campbell's vegetable soup ingredients list includes tomato puree (water, tomato paste), vegetables (carrots, potatoes, green beans, onions, peas), modified food starch, salt, sugar, and natural flavoring. Some varieties contain additional vegetables like corn or celery depending on the specific product line.

Available Variations

Recognizing diverse consumer needs, Campbell's offers several variations of their vegetable soup:

• Low Sodium Vegetable Soup - Reduced from 480mg to 190mg sodium per serving
• Healthy Request Vegetable Soup - Further reduced sodium and fat content
• Organic Vegetable Soup - Made with certified organic ingredients
• Chunky Vegetable Soup - Features larger vegetable pieces
• Vegetable Classics - Different vegetable combinations beyond the standard mix

When evaluating campbell's vegetable soup low sodium options, consumers should check labels carefully as "reduced sodium" still contains significant sodium compared to homemade versions.

Enhancing Campbell's Vegetable Soup

Many home cooks wonder how to make campbell's vegetable soup better while maintaining convenience. Simple enhancements can significantly improve both flavor and nutritional value:

• Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil just before serving
• Stir in additional fresh or frozen vegetables for more texture and nutrients
• Add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten flavors
• Include protein sources like beans, lentils, or shredded chicken
• Use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water when preparing condensed versions
• Add a Parmesan rind while heating for umami depth

For those exploring campbell's vegetable soup vs homemade comparisons, the store-bought version offers convenience while homemade allows complete control over ingredients and sodium levels. A balanced approach involves using Campbell's as a base and customizing with additional fresh ingredients.

Proper Preparation and Storage

Understanding the best way to heat campbell's vegetable soup ensures optimal texture and flavor. For condensed varieties, the standard ratio is one can of soup to one can of water or broth. Heating in a saucepan over medium heat while stirring occasionally prevents scorching. Microwaving requires using a microwave-safe container with a cover to prevent splatters.

Regarding campbell's vegetable soup shelf life, unopened cans typically remain safe for 18-24 months when stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, transfer unused portions to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Freezing extends shelf life to 2-3 months, though texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Consumer Considerations

When evaluating if campbell's vegetable soup vegetarian options exist, consumers should check labels carefully. Most standard varieties are vegetarian, but some specialty versions may contain animal-derived ingredients. The classic vegetable soup does not contain meat products, making it suitable for vegetarian diets.

For health-conscious consumers, the sodium content remains the primary concern with traditional versions. Those managing blood pressure or following low-sodium diets should opt for the specifically labeled low-sodium varieties or consider diluting regular versions with additional water or low-sodium broth.

Practical Uses Beyond Simple Soup

Campbell's Vegetable Soup serves multiple culinary purposes beyond being consumed as a standalone soup:

• As a base for casseroles and pot pies
• In place of broth for cooking grains like rice or quinoa
• As a sauce component for pasta dishes
• As a braising liquid for proteins
• As a flavorful addition to homemade stews

These applications demonstrate the versatility of campbell's vegetable soup in meal preparation, helping home cooks add vegetable content and flavor complexity to various dishes with minimal effort.

Is Campbell's Vegetable Soup gluten-free?

Most Campbell's Vegetable Soup varieties contain modified food starch that may be derived from wheat, making them not gluten-free. Campbell's does offer specific gluten-free soup lines, but their standard vegetable soup is not certified gluten-free. Always check the current label for the most accurate information.

How can I reduce the sodium content in Campbell's Vegetable Soup?

To reduce sodium in Campbell's Vegetable Soup, use the low-sodium version when available, dilute regular versions with additional water or low-sodium vegetable broth, add fresh vegetables to stretch the serving, or incorporate acid like lemon juice or vinegar to enhance flavor perception without additional salt.

What vegetables are in Campbell's Vegetable Soup?

The classic Campbell's Vegetable Soup contains carrots, potatoes, green beans, onions, and peas. Some varieties may include additional vegetables like corn, celery, or cabbage depending on the specific product line. The exact vegetable composition can vary slightly by region and product iteration.

Can I freeze Campbell's Vegetable Soup?

Yes, you can freeze Campbell's Vegetable Soup. Unopened cans should not be frozen, but once opened, transfer unused portions to an airtight container or freezer bag, leaving space for expansion. Frozen soup maintains best quality for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating, as freezing may slightly alter the texture of the vegetables.

Is Campbell's Vegetable Soup considered healthy?

Campbell's Vegetable Soup provides some vegetable content and nutrients like vitamin A and C, but traditional versions contain high sodium levels (approximately 480mg per serving). The low-sodium varieties offer a healthier option. For optimal nutrition, consider enhancing the soup with additional fresh vegetables and using it as part of a balanced meal rather than relying on it as a complete nutritional source.