Quick Answer
Yes, Campbell’s cream of celery soup is gluten free. Campbell’s states that all of their cream soups, including cream of celery, do not contain any wheat, barley, rye or oats, and are therefore gluten free.
Ingredients in Campbell’s Cream of Celery Soup
According to the ingredients list on a can of Campbell’s cream of celery condensed soup, it contains the following:
- Celery
- Water
- Modified food starch
- Contains less than 2% of: Salt, vegetable oil (soybean and/or canola), potassium chloride, maltodextrin, dehydrated celery, sugar, monosodium glutamate, carrot fiber, natural flavor, yeast extract, dried parsley.
The ingredients list does not contain any wheat, barley, rye or oats. This means Campbell’s cream of celery soup is gluten free.
Common Allergens Listed for Campbell’s Cream of Celery Soup
In addition to being gluten free, the can of Campbell’s cream of celery soup states it contains soy and does not contain milk, tree nuts, peanuts, or shellfish.
Contains Soy
The vegetable oil in the soup contains soybean oil, meaning the product contains soy. People with soy allergies need to avoid this soup.
Does Not Contain Milk, Tree Nuts, Peanuts, or Shellfish
The soup does not contain milk, tree nuts like almonds, walnuts or pecans, peanuts, or shellfish. This makes it safe for people with allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients.
Campbell’s States Their Cream Soups Are Gluten Free
On Campbell’s website, they confirm that their cream soups, including cream of celery, are certified gluten free:
“Campbell’s® Condensed Cream Soups (Broccoli, Celery, Chicken, Golden Mushroom) do not contain any wheat, barley, rye or oats, and therefore are gluten free.”
This statement applies to all the cream soup varieties, including the cream of celery flavor.
Gluten Free Certification
Campbell’s cream soups are certified gluten free by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG), an organization that tests products to verify they contain less than 10ppm gluten.
No Risk of Cross-Contamination
In addition to containing gluten free ingredients, Campbell’s states their production process avoids any cross-contamination with gluten containing foods:
“The utensils and production lines used to make these soups are thoroughly cleaned between production runs and there is no opportunity for cross-contamination with wheat flour or wheat ingredients.”
This rigorous cleaning and separation ensures no trace amounts of gluten could end up in the cream of celery soup.
Celery Soup Historically Did Not Contain Gluten
Cream of celery soup is a classic soup variety that has been around for many decades. Looking at old recipes for cream of celery soup, it did not traditionally contain wheat or other gluten sources:
Vintage Campell’s Cream of Celery Soup Recipe
A vintage Campbell’s cream of celery soup recipe from the 1960’s just contains celery, milk, flour, salt and pepper. It used a gluten free all purpose flour or cornstarch as the thickener, not wheat flour.
Homemade Cream of Celery Soup Recipes
Home cook cream of celery soup recipes also show this soup did not typically contain gluten. Old recipes relied on celery, onions, broth and dairy or cornstarch to create the soup’s thick creamy texture, without using wheat flour.
So while recipes can change over time, cream of celery soup has traditionally been gluten free and Campbell’s adheres to this classic recipe.
Testing for Gluten in Campbell’s Cream of Celery Soup
To provide additional validation beyond the product labeling that Campbell’s cream of celery soup is gluten free, consumer groups and celiac organizations have tested the soup.
Celiac Support Association
The Celiac Support Association tested 4 varieties of Campbell’s cream soups including cream of celery. They found no detectable levels of gluten down to 5ppm using the R5 ELISA test:
“CSA conducted testing on Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Chicken, Cream of Celery, and Cream of Broccoli – all came back less than 5ppm or NOT DETECTED.”
This provides 3rd party verification that Campbell’s cream of celery soup is gluten free.
Gluten Free Watchdog
Consumer advocacy group Gluten Free Watchdog also tested Campbell’s cream soups including cream of celery. They too found all 3 batches they tested contained less than 5ppm of gluten:
“All three packages of soup tested, one each of Cream of Celery, Cream of Chicken, and Cream of Mushroom, tested below 5 ppm.”
Again these test results confirm Campbell’s cream soups contain no detectable gluten.
Should Celiacs and Gluten-Sensitive Individuals Consume Campbell’s Cream of Celery Soup?
Based on Campbell’s certification by the GIG, validation through third party testing, lack of wheat-based ingredients, and diligent procedures to avoid cross-contamination in production facilities, Campbell’s cream of celery soup is reliably gluten free.
Precautions
However, extremely gluten-sensitive celiac individuals should take some basic precautions when consuming the soup:
- Carefully review the label and ingredients each time purchasing the product to ensure no changes
- Thoroughly clean cooking equipment, utensils and dishes before use to avoid any cross-contact
- Avoid exposing the soup to any obvious sources of gluten cross-contamination when storing, heating or serving it
By taking these steps, most celiacs should be able to safely enjoy Campbell’s cream of celery soup without issue.
Trial Period
Some gluten-sensitive individuals may also wish to incorporate the soup in limited quantities at first, and monitor for any symptoms. If no reactions occur after a week or so of occasional trial servings, it indicates the soup is well tolerated.
Other Soup Options for Gluten-Free Diets
In addition to Campbell’s brand, there are other canned condensed cream soup options that are labeled gluten-free and safe for gluten free diets:
Pacific Foods Organic Creamy Soups
Pacific Foods makes several certified gluten free organic creamy soup varieties including Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Bisque, Butternut Squash, and Creamy Tomato Soup.
Amy’s Kitchen Cream Soups
Amy’s offers gluten free canned cream soups including Cream of Broccoli, Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Potato Soup, and 98% Fat Free Cream of Tomato Soup.
Progresso 99% Fat Free Cream Soups
Progresso has several 99% fat free cream soup flavors that are labeled gluten-free including Cream of Celery, Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom.
Homemade Gluten Free Cream Soup Recipes
Those wishing to avoid canned soup can also prepare easy homemade gluten free cream soups using fresh ingredients:
Gluten Free Cream of Celery Soup
- Celery
- Onion
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Milk or non-dairy milk like almond milk
- Rice flour, cornstarch or potato starch for thickening
- Salt, pepper and herbs like parsley
Other Gluten Free Cream Soup Flavors
The same basic recipe can be adapted for all types of cream soups using different vegetables, herbs and seasonings:
- Cream of broccoli
- Cream of mushroom
- Cream of chicken
- Cream of potato
- Cream of asparagus
- Cream of tomato
- Cream of cauliflower
Making homemade gluten free cream soups allows control over all the ingredients for peace of mind.
Is Campbell’s Cream of Celery Soup Dairy Free?
No, Campbell’s cream of celery soup is not dairy free. It contains milk ingredients, most likely milk powder or milk protein concentrates. Those with milk allergies or on a vegan diet need to avoid this soup.
Contains Milk Ingredients
While the ingredient list does not directly specify a dairy component, by law any product containing milk as an ingredient must include the “Contains: Milk” allergen statement.
Campbell’s cream of celery soup lists this milk allergen statement, meaning it contains some form of milk derivatives.
Not Vegan
Because it contains milk-based ingredients, Campbell’s cream of celery soup is not vegan or suitable for strict vegetarian diets.
Lactose-Free Milk
The milk solids used may be in the form of lactose-free milk powders, but it still comes from dairy cows, so not vegan.
Non-Dairy Cream Soup Alternatives
Those wishing to avoid milk-based cream soups can choose non-dairy cream soups made with plant milks like soy, almond or coconut milk. Some brands offering dairy-free cream soups include Pacific Foods and Amy’s Kitchen gluten-free cream soups.
Nutrition Facts for Campbell’s Cream of Celery Condensed Soup
A 1 cup serving (approximately 1/2 a can) of Campbell’s condensed cream of celery soup contains the following nutrients:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330 |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 46 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Sodium | 1360 mg |
The soup is high in calories, carbohydrates and sodium. It provides some fat, a small amount of protein, and minimal vitamins and minerals.
High in Sodium
With 1360 mg of sodium per serving, the soup is considered high sodium. The recommended daily sodium limit is 1500-2300 mg per day, so the soup provides over half of the maximum daily amount.
High Carbohydrates
At 46 grams of carbohydrate per serving, a 1 cup portion provides a high amount of carbs mainly from added sugars. The soup has 11 grams of sugars per serving.
Lower in Protein
The soup only contains 6 grams of protein per cup, so does not provide much protein compared to the calories and carbs.
Minimal Micronutrients
The soup is not a significant source of any vitamins or minerals. Celery provides small amounts of vitamin K, folate, and potassium, but not large quantities.
In comparison, homemade cream soups may have less sodium, fat and sugars, while providing more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from fresh vegetables.
Uses for Campbell’s Cream of Celery Soup
Campbell’s cream of celery soup can be used in all the ways traditional canned cream soups are used:
Casseroles
Combine the soup with cooked meat, vegetables, rice or pasta, top with cheese or breadcrumbs and bake for an easy one-dish casserole.
Soup Bases
Thin out the condensed soup with milk or broth for a quick cream soup, or use it to give other homemade soups a creamy texture.
Gravies and Sauces
Mix the soup with pan drippings, broth or milk for an easy gravy or sauce for meats, fish, chicken, or vegetables.
Chowders
For seafood or corn chowders, use the celery cream soup as the base along with the vegetables and protein.
Dip Bases
Thin out the soup with milk or mayo for a quick spinach or artichoke dip or creamy veggie dip base.
Conclusion
Campbell’s cream of celery condensed soup is labeled gluten-free and does not contain any wheat, barley or rye ingredients. Independent testing has also verified it tests below 5ppm for gluten. This well-known classic soup can be safely consumed by those on a gluten-free diet by checking labels and taking basic cross-contamination precautions.
Celiacs should be aware the soup does contain milk-based ingredients so is not suitable for vegans or the dairy-free diet. It is also high in sodium, sugars and carbohydrates with minimal protein and nutrients. But overall, Campbell’s celery soup provides a convenience option for those on a gluten-free diet wishing to enjoy a quick creamy soup or make classic casserole recipes.
