Quick Answer
The number of carbs in a bowl of chicken noodle soup can vary greatly depending on the recipe, ingredients, and portion size. On average, one bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup contains around 20-40 grams of carbs. Commercial canned chicken noodle soups tend to be higher in carbs, with around 30-60 grams per serving. The noodles and starchy vegetables are the main sources of carbs in chicken noodle soup. Choosing low-carb noodles or reducing the amount can lower the carb count.
Counting Carbs in Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
When making chicken noodle soup at home, the specific amounts of noodles, vegetables, and other ingredients you use will determine the total carb count. Here is an overview of how the main ingredients in chicken noodle soup contribute carbs:
Noodles
The noodles are typically the highest carb ingredient in chicken noodle soup. One cup of regular wheat egg noodles contains around 40-50 grams of carbs, mostly starch. Using a lower carb noodle alternative like shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles can reduce the carb content. Limiting the portion of noodles to 1/2 cup or less can also lower the overall carb count.
Vegetables
Onions, carrots, celery, and other vegetables added to chicken noodle soup contain naturally-occurring carbs that add to the total count. One cup of chopped carrots has around 5-6 grams of carbs. Using low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or limiting higher carb veggies can reduce carbs.
Chicken Stock
Homemade or reduced-sodium chicken stock has minimal impact on the carb content, with around 1 gram of carbs per cup. Avoid added thickeners like flour or cornstarch when making the broth.
Chicken
Chicken breast or thighs are very low carb, providing less than 1 gram of carbs per serving. Using chicken as the lean protein source doesn’t add significant carbs.
Herbs and Seasonings
The herbs and spices used to flavor chicken noodle soup, like thyme, rosemary, pepper and salt have minimal effects on the total carb count. Avoid high-sugar seasonings like teriyaki sauce.
Based on standard recipes, here are the approximate carb counts for one bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup:
| Ingredients | Grams of Carbs |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup egg noodles | 20 |
| 1 cup mixed vegetables | 10 |
| 1 cup chicken stock | 1 |
| 3 ounces chicken | 0 |
| Herbs/spices | 0 |
| Total Carbs | Around 31 grams |
So one average bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup has around 30 grams of net carbs, which would fit into a moderate low-carb diet plan.
Carbs in Canned Chicken Noodle Soup
Commercially prepared canned chicken noodle soups tend to be higher in carbs compared to homemade versions. Some of the reasons include:
– More generous portions of noodles
– Added thickeners like flour or starch
– Higher carb vegetables like peas or corn
– Added sugars or sweeteners
Here are the carb counts for some popular canned chicken noodle soups in a regular 1 cup serving:
| Canned Soup (1 cup) | Grams of Carbs |
|---|---|
| Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup | 31 |
| Progresso Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup | 34 |
| Amy’s Light in Sodium Organic Chicken Noodle Soup | 20 |
| Health Valley Organic No Salt Added Chicken Noodle Soup | 18 |
As you can see, carb counts range from 18-34 grams for just a 1 cup serving size of most canned chicken noodle soups. Consuming a larger bowl would add even more carbs.
Tips for Lower Carb Canned Soup
If choosing canned chicken noodle soup, you can reduce the carb impact by:
– Opting for low-sodium or organic brands which tend to be lower carb
– Comparing nutrition labels and choosing options under 20 grams carbs per serving
– Sticking to a smaller 1 cup portion size
– Avoiding added crackers or croutons
Factors That Alter Carb Count
Certain factors can change the total carbs in both homemade and canned chicken noodle soup. These include:
Serving Size
Consuming larger portions of soup means you’ll take in more total carbs. Stick to about 1 cup of soup to keep carbs down.
Noodle Type
Egg noodles have more carbs than rice noodles or low-carb alternatives like shirataki noodles. Opting for less noodles can reduce the carb content.
Added Ingredients
Mixing in higher carb ingredients like rice, pasta, sweet corn or peas will increase the carb count. Stick to low carb veggies.
Thickeners
Flour, cornstarch and other thickeners add carbs. Make broth-based soup instead of creamed varieties.
Sweeteners
Added sugar or dextrose in canned soup adds unnecessary carbs. Check labels for sweeteners.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup Low Carb
If you want to enjoy chicken noodle soup on a low-carb diet, you can make some easy modifications:
Use Lower Carb Noodles
Swap out regular pasta for shirataki noodles, zucchini noodles, or noodles made from low-carb vegetables. This simple change can save you 30+ grams of carbs.
Reduce Noodle Portion
Instead of a full cup of noodles, use 1/2 cup or less per serving. Cut the amount in half to cut those carbs.
Add Low Carb Vegetables
Focus on low-carb veggies like celery, onions, greens, mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, etc. Avoid peas, corn, potatoes and high-carb options.
Make Broth-Based Soup
Avoid flour, starch, and cream-based chowders. Opt for an easy homemade chicken broth.
Skip the Crackers
Avoid adding crackers, croutons, or oyster crackers which can add 15+ grams of carbs per serving.
Check Labels on Canned Soup
Select lower sodium, organic soup with no added sugars or sweeteners. Look for options under 15 grams net carbs per serving.
Sample Low Carb Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Here is a delicious homemade chicken noodle soup recipe made low carb:
Ingredients:
| 4 cups chicken broth |
| 3 cups chopped vegetables (onion, celery, carrots, mushrooms, etc) |
| 2 cups shredded chicken |
| 1/2 cup shirataki noodles |
| 2 cloves garlic |
| 1 tsp thyme |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
Instructions:
- Heat chicken broth in a large soup pot
- Add chopped vegetables, garlic, and thyme. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Add shredded chicken and shirataki noodles. Cook for 5 more minutes.
- Season soup with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and serve warm.
This version has only around 10 net grams of carbs per serving for a low carb, yet nourishing soup. Feel free to add more chicken, vegetables, and seasoning as desired.
Counting Carbs for Low Carb Diets
Knowing the carb content of chicken noodle soup can help you stay within your daily carbohydrate limits on low-carb diets like:
Ketogenic Diet
The keto diet limits carbs to only 20-50 grams per day. A bowl of chicken noodle soup should contain no more than 10 grams net carbs.
Atkins Diet
Phases 1 and 2 of the Atkins diet aim for under 25-50 grams of net carbs per day. Chicken noodle soup can fit into that carb budget in moderation.
Paleo Diet
While not strictly low-carb, the Paleo diet emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods. A homemade chicken bone broth soup made with real food ingredients can fit with Paleo principles.
Low Carb/High Protein Diets
Moderate low-carb diets aim for 100-150 grams of carbs daily. Chicken noodle soup made with a reasonable portion of noodles and low carb veggies can work for these plans.
Should You Avoid Chicken Noodle Soup on a Low Carb Diet?
Chicken noodle soup can absolutely be enjoyed even when restricting carbs, if some modifications are made. Here are some expert tips for making this comforting classic soup low-carb diet friendly:
– Use low-carb shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles instead of pasta noodles
– Limit portion of noodles to 1/2 cup or less per serving
– Load up on low-carb vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, celery and greens
– Make homemade bone broth for the base to limit carbs
– Skip unnecessary thickeners like cornstarch or flour
– Avoid canned soups with added sugars or unnecessary ingredients
– Compare nutrition labels and stay under 15 grams net carbs per serving
– Add protein from chicken, beef or pork to help keep you full
– Spice it up with herbs, garlic, hot sauce or other zero-carb flavors
With a few easy tweaks, chicken noodle soup can be a warm, soothing meal that provides important nutrition without the carb overload. Enjoy it guilt-free as part of a healthy low-carb lifestyle.
Health Benefits of Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup offers some excellent health benefits, even in low-carb versions:
Immune-Boosting Broth
A steaming bowl of homemade broth made from chicken bones contains gelatin, minerals and nutrients that can boost immunity and hydrate the body.
Lean Protein
Chicken provides a good source of satiating protein to help keep hunger at bay on low-carb diets.
Vegetable Nutrients
Low-carb veggies like mushrooms, onions, carrots and celery supply essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Gut-Healing Effects
The broth, chicken and veggies provide collagen and healthy fats that may help heal the gut lining.
Hearty Comfort Food
Warm, soothing chicken noodle soup satisfies cravings in a healthy way during cold winter months.
As you can see, when prepared properly, chicken noodle soup offers much more than just carbs. Enjoy it as part of a low-carb lifestyle for its myriad health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about the carb content of chicken noodle soup:
Is chicken noodle soup Keto-friendly?
Yes, chicken noodle soup can be made keto by using low-carb noodles, limiting portions, and avoiding unnecessary ingredients. Broth-based homemade soup is ideal.
What bread has the lowest carbs to add to soup?
Keto bread or high-protein bread options with around 5 grams net carbs per slice are best for dipping in low-carb chicken noodle soup.
Can you have chicken noodle soup on a low carb diet?
Absolutely! Just follow the tips in this article for lowering carbs by modifying ingredients and portions. Chicken soup can fit into 20-50 gram low carb diets.
Is homemade or canned soup lower carb?
Homemade chicken noodle soup is typically lower in carbs than canned, allowing you to control ingredients. Check labels carefully on canned varieties.
How can I reduce the carbs in canned soup?
Opt for reduced sodium or organic canned soups with less than 15 grams carbs per serving. Also stick to 1 cup portions or dilute with extra broth.
The Bottom Line
Chicken noodle soup can be enjoyed as part of a healthy low-carb diet when care is taken to choose the optimal ingredients and portion sizes. Focus on making soup with real food low-carb ingredients like chicken, broth, and vegetables while limiting high-carb noodles and add-ins. With some simple modifications, you can create flavorful chicken noodle soup that delivers comfort, nutrition and far fewer carbs.
