Soup is a comforting food that has been enjoyed by people for centuries, and while making homemade soup can be nutritious and delicious, it isn't always practical due to the time and effort involved. Canned soups offer a quick and easy alternative, and many people are concerned about the high carb content in store-bought soups. However, there are many brands of low carb canned soups available that can meet the needs of people with diabetes or those watching their carb intake.
This guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to choose the best low carb canned soups for your dietary needs, including the benefits of soup, what to look for when choosing a canned soup, and a list of my top picks for the best low carb canned soups for people with diabetes.
Benefits of Soup
Soup is a comfort food that has been enjoyed by people for centuries. It serves as a quick and easy way to pack in some nutrition, making it a convenient addition to any meal. Broth-based soups containing vegetables and lean protein often contain ample vitamins and minerals, along with fiber and hydration. Eating soup can also help you feel fuller for longer, due to its volume and perhaps some fiber content, reducing your caloric intake over the course of the day.
What to Look for When Choosing a Canned Soup
When choosing a canned soup, there are a few key factors to consider in order to ensure you are making the best choices for your health goals. First, take a look at the carbohydrate count. My recommendation is to keep the carbs under 15 grams per serving when it comes to managing blood sugar levels, but always ask your dietitian and physician which is the right amount of carbs for you per meal.
Additionally, pay attention to the saturated fat content, as many soups are cream-based, and be mindful of the Na sodium content, as canned soups are often high in sodium and can impact blood pressure and heart health.
Lastly, be sure to check the serving size, as many people will eat more than a single serving thinking that it is a single serving.
Top Pick for Low Carb Soups in a Can
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Campbell’s Chunky Healthy Request Chicken Noodle Soup – This healthy take on classic chicken noodle soup is only 13 grams of carbs, 7 grams of protein, and only 3 grams of fat, with 410 mg of sodium per serving.
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Progresso Reduced Sodium Italian-Style Wedding with Meatballs – With only 480 mg of sodium provided, this hearty Italian wedding soup is a fantastic low-carb option. Each serving contains only 2 grams of fat, 11 grams of carbs, and 4 grams of protein.
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Progresso Light Zesty Santa Fe Style Chicken – This soup is full of zesty flavor and only contains 1 gram of fat, 11 grams of carbs, 4 grams of protein, and 400 mg of sodium per serving.
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Campbell’s Lightly Salted Vegetable Noodle Soup – This vegetarian option is low in carb and low in sodium, with only 1.5 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbs, and 290 mg of sodium per serving.
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Progresso Light Broccoli Cheese Soup – Every serving of this creamy cheese soup has 6 grams of fat and 2.5 grams of saturated fat, along with 6 grams of carbs and 5 grams of protein. Just watch your sodium intake throughout the day.
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Progresso Traditional Chicken and Orzo with Lemon – This light and refreshing soup has 0.5 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbs, and 7 grams of protein. With 700 mg of sodium, this is another option where you might want to watch your salt intake.
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Progresso Rich & Hearty Steak and Vegetables – This hearty stew is a great choice for anyone watching their carb intake, with 1.5 grams of fat, 16 grams of carbs (14 grams net carbs), 5 grams of protein, and 670 mg of sodium per serving. As long as you keep your total sodium intake under 2,300 mg for the day, this can be a good option.
****, canned soup can be a healthy and convenient option for those watching their diets, especially if you're busy or short on time. By choosing low carb soups and paying attention to the serving size, sodium, and saturated fat content, you can enjoy the comforting flavors of soup without compromising your health goals. Whether you prefer chicken noodle, French onion, or even steak and vegetables, there are plenty of options available to suit everyone's tastes. Don't forget to check out my list of the best low-carb canned soups for a handy reference next time you're grocery shopping.
