Quick Answer
The quick answer is yes, condensed cream of chicken soup is gluten-free. Most major brands of condensed cream soups, including Campbell’s, do not contain any wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing ingredients. However, it’s always important to double check the ingredient list to confirm the soup is gluten-free, as some varieties or limited edition flavors may contain gluten.
Ingredients in Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
Condensed cream of chicken soup is made by simmering chicken stock and cream with thickeners like flour or cornstarch. The key ingredients are:
- Chicken stock – Made by simmering chicken bones and meat to extract flavor. Chicken stock is naturally gluten-free.
- Milk or cream – Dairy products do not contain gluten unless contaminated. Pure dairy is gluten-free.
- Flour or starch – Used as a thickener. Rice flour or cornstarch are gluten-free options used in gluten-free recipes.
- Vegetables – Onions, carrots and celery are commonly used. Fresh vegetables are naturally gluten-free.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper and herbs provide flavor. Most seasoning blends do not contain gluten.
None of these core ingredients contain gluten. As long as the brand doesn’t add wheat flour or other gluten-containing ingredients, condensed cream of chicken soup should be gluten-free.
Leading Brands of Condensed Cream Soups
Here is a look at whether three top brands of condensed cream soups are gluten-free:
Campbell’s Condensed Cream Soups
Campbell’s is one of the largest producers of canned condensed cream soups. According to Campbell’s, all of their cream soup varieties, including cream of chicken, are gluten-free to less than 20 parts per million.
This includes:
- Cream of Chicken Soup
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Cream of Celery Soup
- Cream of Potato Soup
Campbell’s states that any cream soup labeled “98% Fat Free” is NOT gluten-free due to the addition of wheat flour. However, traditional full fat Campbell’s cream soups are gluten-free.
Progresso Condensed Cream Soups
Progresso is another major brand of canned soups owned by General Mills. According to General Mills, all Progresso condensed cream soup varieties are certified gluten-free to less than 20 ppm. This includes:
- Cream of Chicken Soup
- Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Cream of Celery Soup
- Cream of Potato Soup
General Mills states their cream soups contain no wheat, barley, rye or gluten sources.
Healthy Choice Condensed Cream Soups
Healthy Choice soups are made by Conagra Brands. According to Conagra, all Healthy Choice condensed cream soups are gluten-free to less than 20 ppm gluten. Their cream soups contain modified food starch, but no wheat-based thickeners.
Checking the Ingredient Label
To confirm that any brand of condensed cream of chicken soup is gluten-free, check the ingredients on the label.
Look for:
- No wheat, barley, rye, malt or oats
- No cornstarch (could be from wheat)
- Rice flour as the thickener instead of wheat flour
- “Gluten-free” labeled on the can
Also look out for warnings about trace gluten or shared equipment. If you are highly sensitive, avoid soups with these warnings.
Homemade Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
You can also easily make condensed cream of chicken soup from scratch at home. This ensures it’s gluten-free and lets you control all the ingredients.
Try this homemade condensed cream of chicken soup recipe:
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup rice flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the rice flour and cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 5 days.
This easy homemade version uses chicken broth, milk, rice flour and seasonings – all naturally gluten-free ingredients.
Uses for Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
Condensed cream soups are versatile ingredients in cooking and baking. Here are some ideas for using gluten-free condensed cream of chicken soup:
Casseroles
Mix it into chicken and rice casseroles to add creamy flavor. It can also be used in tuna noodle casserole or green bean casserole recipes.
Pot Pies
Spoon condensed cream of chicken soup into chicken pot pies along with diced chicken and veggies. Use gluten-free pie dough on top.
Soups
Thin it out with milk or broth to transform condensed cream soup into regular soup. Add cooked chicken, carrots, peas and noodles.
Gravies and Sauces
Whisk it into pan drippings to make easy chicken gravy. Simmer it with spices and stock for a creamy chicken sauce for pastas or veggies.
Chowders
Puree it with corn, potatoes and bacon for a rich and creamy gluten-free corn chowder.
Casserole Sauces
Spread it over chicken breasts before baking for an instant sauce. Or mix with cheese sauce for chicken enchiladas or other casseroles.
Meatloaf
Bind ground chicken or turkey with condensed soup, eggs, breadcrumbs and seasoning for a moist and flavorful meatloaf.
Pasta Sauce
Jazz up gluten-free pasta by tossing it with condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken chunks, peas and Parmesan.
Risotto
Use condensed cream of chicken soup instead of making fresh broth for shortcut risotto. Just add rice, vegetables and chicken.
Nutrition Facts for Condensed Cream Soups
Condensed cream soups are high in fat and calories compared to broth-based soups. Here is the nutrition breakdown for a common brand in a 1/2 cup serving (123g):
| Calories | 200 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbs | 12g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
As you can see, a 1/2 cup serving provides nearly 200 calories and 12g of fat – mainly from cream. It also contains 680mg sodium, which is 29% of the daily recommended limit.
To lighten things up, look for reduced sodium and 98% fat free varieties of condensed cream soups. You can also thin it out with extra milk or chicken broth.
The Bottom Line
In summary, condensed cream of chicken soup is typically gluten-free. Major brands like Campbell’s and Progresso explicitly state their standard cream soups contain no wheat or gluten.
However, always verify by checking the ingredients for any sign of gluten-containing ingredients. Watch out for thickening agents like wheat flour.
Making your own condensed cream soup at home is the best way to ensure it’s gluten-free. Simply thicken chicken broth with rice flour and cream.
Use gluten-free condensed cream of chicken soup in all your favorite comforting casseroles, pot pies, sauces and baked goods to add rich flavor without the gluten.
Conclusion
Condensed cream of chicken soup is a pantry staple used in many classic comfort food recipes. The good news is that the major brands of condensed cream soups are formulated to be gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Campbell’s, Progresso and Healthy Choice all make gluten-free versions of their popular cream of chicken, mushroom and celery soups. Always verify the ingredients to check for wheat, barley or other potential sources of gluten, but these products can generally be enjoyed as part of a gluten-free diet when used in homemade cooking and baking.
Condensed cream soups provide a rich, creamy base for casseroles, pot pies, chowders, gravies and sauces. You can also easily make your own condensed cream soup at home using simple gluten-free ingredients like chicken broth, rice flour and cream. This allows you to customize the flavors and ensure it suits your dietary needs. When managed properly, condensed cream soups are a safe and delicious pantry item for the gluten-free kitchen.
