Canned chicken rice soup is a popular comfort food that is enjoyed by many. However, for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, determining if canned chicken rice soup is gluten-free is an important consideration. The good news is that most canned chicken rice soups are formulated to be gluten-free.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For most people, gluten does not cause any issues. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an abnormal immune response that damages the small intestine. This damage can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, fatigue and more. The only treatment is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet by avoiding all foods and products containing gluten.
Why Canned Soups May Contain Gluten
Many canned soups contain gluten-containing ingredients like wheat, barley, rye, malt extract and malt flavoring. Thickeners like wheat flour may also be added. Cross-contamination with gluten can occur during processing even if the ingredients appear gluten-free. That’s why it’s important to look for “gluten-free” labeling when choosing canned soups.
Are Canned Chicken Rice Soups Gluten-Free?
The main ingredients in most canned chicken rice soups are chicken, rice, carrots, celery and chicken broth. None of these contain gluten naturally. Here are some additional considerations:
- Chicken and vegetables: The chicken and veggies in canned soup are naturally gluten-free.
- Rice: Most rice is gluten-free with the exception of wheat berries. Canned soups contain gluten-free rice varieties like white, brown or wild rice.
- Chicken broth: Chicken broth is made by simmering chicken in water and seasonings. Most brands use gluten-free ingredients.
- Thickeners: Some canned soups use wheat flour or other gluten sources to thicken. Check the label.
- Flavorings: Added flavorings like malt extract or malt flavoring may contain gluten. Again, check the label.
So while the main ingredients in chicken rice soup are gluten-free, added thickeners and flavors may introduce gluten. That’s why it’s important to look for “gluten-free” labeling when choosing a brand.
Which Brands of Canned Chicken Rice Soup Are Gluten-Free?
Many popular brands of canned chicken rice soup are formulated to be gluten-free:
- Campbell’s Chicken Rice Soup – Labeled “gluten-free”
- Progresso Chicken & Rice Soup – Labeled “gluten-free”
- Amy’s Light in Sodium Organic Chicken Noodle Soup – Labeled “gluten-free”
- Pacific Foods Organic Chicken & Rice Soup – Labeled “gluten-free”
- Imagine Organic Creamy Chicken Rice Soup – Labeled “gluten-free”
These and other brands that display a “gluten-free” label have been tested to verify they contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. This is the recognized safety standard for foods labeled gluten-free.
What About Thick and Creamy Canned Chicken Rice Soups?
Some canned chicken rice soups have a thicker, creamier consistency. This is typically achieved by adding starches or flour as thickeners:
- Starches like cornstarch and potato starch are naturally gluten-free. Brands like Imagine Organic Creamy Chicken Rice Soup rely on these to create a creamy texture without gluten-containing ingredients.
- Flour thickeners like wheat flour do contain gluten. Check the label to see if the brand has tested for under 20 ppm of gluten to ensure safety.
As long as any added thickeners are gluten-free and the “gluten-free” label appears, thick and creamy canned chicken rice soups should be safe.
Best Practices When Choosing Canned Chicken Rice Soup
To ensure the canned chicken rice soup you choose is gluten-free, follow these best practices:
- Check the label for a “gluten-free” claim.
- Review the ingredients list and avoid soups with wheat, barley, rye or malt ingredients.
- Look for brands that are certified gluten-free by organizations like the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
- Compare several brands and varieties to find ones labeled gluten-free.
- When in doubt, contact the manufacturer to inquire about testing for gluten.
Following these tips when shopping can help you safely identify canned chicken rice soups that are gluten-free.
Homemade Gluten-Free Chicken Rice Soup
For 100% certainty about gluten content, many people opt to prepare chicken rice soup from scratch at home. Here is a gluten-free recipe to try:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 Tbsp |
| Onion, diced | 1 cup |
| Carrots, peeled and sliced | 1 cup |
| Celery, sliced | 1 cup |
| Chicken breasts | 1 lb, cooked and shredded |
| Brown rice | 1⁄2 cup uncooked |
| Chicken broth | 4 cups |
| Thyme | 1 tsp |
| Parsley | 1 Tbsp chopped |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
- In pot, sauté onions, carrots and celery in olive oil 5 minutes.
- Add cooked chicken, rice, broth, thyme and parsley. Bring to boil.
- Reduce heat, cover and simmer 25 minutes until rice is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This easy recipe avoids all gluten-containing ingredients for a homemade chicken rice soup that is nutritious and gluten-free. Try garnishing with shredded carrots, celery leaves or parsley.
Precautions When Following a Gluten-Free Diet
When you need to avoid gluten, taking some precautions can help minimize risk:
- Read all labels carefully looking at ingredients and allergen statements.
- Wash hands before preparing foods to avoid cross-contact.
- Use separate cookware for gluten-free foods if needed.
- Check labeling on seasonings, broths and other items that could contain hidden gluten.
- Talk to wait staff at restaurants about menu choices and preparation methods.
By being vigilant about labels and preparation techniques, following a strict gluten-free diet can become second nature.
Conclusion
Most leading brands of canned chicken rice soup are formulated to be gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Look for “gluten-free” labeling on the can, and check the ingredients list to be sure. Making your own gluten-free chicken rice soup at home is also an option. With the right precautions when reading labels and cooking, you can enjoy this classic comfort food while following a gluten-free diet.
