Campbell's Tomato Soup: Facts, Nutrition & Usage Guide

Campbell's Tomato Soup is a popular canned condensed soup made with tomato concentrate, water, and seasonings. Introduced in 1897, it's known for its consistent flavor, long shelf life, and versatility in cooking. The classic condensed version requires dilution with water or milk, while ready-to-serve varieties are available. Standard condensed tomato soup contains approximately 200 calories per serving (1 cup prepared), with 10g sugar, 4g protein, and 960mg sodium. It's vegetarian but not vegan due to potential dairy derivatives in some formulations.

The History Behind America's Classic Tomato Soup

John T. Dorrance, a chemist working for Campbell Soup Company, invented condensed soup in 1897 to reduce shipping costs and extend shelf life. Tomato soup became an instant success due to tomatoes' natural acidity, which prevented spoilage. During World War II, when metal rationing affected can sizes, Campbell's standardized the 10.75-ounce can that remains iconic today. The red and white label design, introduced in 1900, has undergone only minor modifications throughout its century-long history.

Varieties of Campbell's Tomato Soup Available

While the classic condensed tomato soup remains most popular, Campbell's offers several variations to meet different consumer needs. Understanding these options helps shoppers select the right product for their dietary requirements and cooking applications.

Variety	Key Features	Best For
Condensed Tomato	Requires dilution, higher concentration of flavor	Cooking applications, customizing consistency
Ready-to-Serve	Pre-diluted, convenient straight from can	Quick meals, minimal preparation
Low Sodium	Approximately 50% less sodium than original	Heart-healthy diets, sodium-conscious consumers
Organic	Certified organic ingredients, no artificial additives	Organic-focused shoppers, cleaner ingredient lists
Wellness	Lower sodium, added vitamins, no artificial flavors	Health-conscious consumers seeking balanced nutrition

Nutritional Profile Analysis

Understanding campbell soup tomato soup nutrition facts helps consumers make informed choices. A standard serving of prepared condensed tomato soup (1 cup) contains:

• Calories: 200
• Total Fat: 1g (1% DV)
• Sodium: 960mg (40% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g (14% DV)
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 4g
• Vitamin A: 15% DV
• Vitamin C: 10% DV

When comparing campbell's condensed tomato soup to homemade versions, the canned product typically contains more sodium but similar vitamin content due to tomato concentrate. Many home cooks reduce sodium content by diluting with water instead of milk and adding fresh herbs for flavor enhancement without additional salt.

Ingredients Breakdown

The campbell's tomato soup ingredients list reveals what makes this product distinctive. The standard condensed version contains:

• Tomato concentrate (water, tomato paste)
• Sugar
• Wheat flour
• Salt
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
• Corn starch
• Natural flavoring
• Onion powder
• Spice
• Disodium guanylate
• Disodium inosinate

These campbell soup tomato soup ingredients work together to create the signature flavor and texture. The wheat flour and corn starch provide thickening, while the combination of MSG and natural flavor enhancers creates umami depth. Some consumers seeking campbell tomato soup without certain additives should check labels carefully, as formulations can vary by region and product line.

Creative Uses Beyond the Basic Bowl

Many home cooks wonder how to make campbell tomato soup better than just heating and serving. The condensed formula serves as an excellent cooking base for numerous applications:

• Grilled cheese pairing: The classic combination works because the soup's acidity cuts through the cheese's richness
• Pasta sauce base: Add herbs, garlic, and sautéed vegetables to transform it into a quick pasta sauce
• Shakshuka foundation: Use as a base for poaching eggs with spices
• Stew enhancer: Add to beef or vegetable stews for depth of flavor
• Bisque creation: Blend with cream and fresh herbs for an elegant tomato bisque

Professional chefs often recommend adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of baking soda to campbell tomato soup to balance acidity and create a more complex flavor profile. For those exploring campbell tomato soup recipes, incorporating fresh ingredients like basil, garlic, or roasted red peppers elevates the canned product significantly.

Dietary Considerations

When evaluating campbell's condensed tomato soup for specific dietary needs:

• Gluten content: Contains wheat flour, so not gluten-free (though some international versions may differ)
• Vegetarian status: Generally vegetarian, but check labels as some varieties may contain dairy derivatives
• Vegan suitability: Not typically vegan due to potential dairy ingredients in some formulations
• Allergens: Contains wheat; processed in facilities that handle milk

For consumers monitoring sodium intake, understanding campbell soup tomato soup nutrition facts is crucial. The standard version contains significant sodium, but the low-sodium alternative provides approximately half the amount. Diluting condensed soup with water instead of milk further reduces sodium concentration per serving.

Storage and Shelf Life Guidance

Proper storage maximizes campbell tomato soup shelf life and quality:

• Unopened cans remain safe for 18-24 months when stored in a cool, dry place
• Once opened, transfer to airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days
• Do not store opened soup in the original can, as metal can affect flavor
• Freezing extends shelf life to 2-3 months, though texture may change slightly

Consumers should check for signs of spoilage including bulging cans, off odors, or mold growth. The campbell tomato soup expiration date provides a reliable guideline for peak quality, though properly stored unopened cans often remain safe beyond this date.

Is Campbell's tomato soup gluten-free?

No, standard Campbell's condensed tomato soup contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. Some international versions or specialty lines may offer gluten-free alternatives, but consumers should carefully check the ingredients label for any potential gluten-containing ingredients.

How can I reduce the sodium content in Campbell's tomato soup?

To reduce sodium in Campbell's tomato soup, use the low-sodium variety when available, dilute condensed soup with water instead of milk, and add fresh herbs or spices for flavor instead of additional salt. You can also mix half regular and half low-sodium versions to gradually adjust to less salt.

What's the difference between condensed and ready-to-serve tomato soup?

Condensed tomato soup requires dilution with water or milk (typically one can soup to one can liquid), resulting in a more concentrated flavor that's better for cooking applications. Ready-to-serve varieties are pre-diluted and can be heated directly from the can, offering convenience but less versatility in recipes that require reducing liquid.

Can I use Campbell's tomato soup in place of tomato sauce in recipes?

Yes, but with adjustments. Campbell's tomato soup contains sugar and seasonings not found in plain tomato sauce. For recipes requiring tomato sauce, use condensed tomato soup undiluted and reduce other liquids and seasonings in the recipe. The flavor profile will differ slightly from traditional tomato sauce.

Why does Campbell's tomato soup contain MSG?

Campbell's includes MSG (monosodium glutamate) in their tomato soup as a flavor enhancer that boosts umami characteristics. MSG works synergistically with the natural glutamates in tomatoes to create a more robust, satisfying flavor profile without requiring excessive salt. The amount used is within FDA safety guidelines for food additives.