Is there gluten in Campbell’s tomato soup?

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause negative health effects. Many people wonder if popular foods like Campbell’s tomato soup contain gluten ingredients.

The Short Answer

Most flavors of Campbell’s condensed tomato soup do not contain gluten ingredients. However, there are a few varieties that do contain barley, meaning they are not gluten-free. It’s important for consumers to read the ingredients list to determine if a particular Campbell’s soup contains gluten.

Examining the Ingredients in Campbell’s Tomato Soup

To determine if a food product contains gluten, you need to carefully read the ingredients list printed on the packaging. Here are some key things to look for when assessing Campbell’s tomato soup varieties:

  • Wheat – Campbell’s tomato soups do not contain wheat as an ingredient.
  • Barley – Some but not all Campbell’s tomato soups contain barley. Barley is a gluten-containing grain.
  • Maltodextrin – Some Campbell’s soups contain maltodextrin. Maltodextrin is usually made from corn, rice or potato starch, in which case it is gluten-free. But sometimes wheat is used, making it unsafe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Below is a detailed analysis of the ingredients found in different varieties of Campbell’s tomato soup:

Campbell’s Condensed Tomato Soup

The classic Campbell’s condensed tomato soup lists the following ingredients:

  • Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste)
  • High Fructose Corn Syrup
  • Wheat Flour
  • Contains 2% or less of: Salt, Potato Starch, Dried Onions, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Natural Flavoring, Monopotassium Phosphate, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Red 40, Yellow 6.

The only potential gluten-containing ingredient is maltodextrin. Since the source is not specified as wheat-based, most experts consider Campbell’s classic condensed tomato soup to be gluten-free.

Campbell’s Organic Tomato Soup

Campbell’s organic tomato soup contains:

  • Tomato puree (water, tomato paste)
  • Organic evaporated cane juice
  • Wheat starch
  • Sea salt
  • Organic onion powder
  • Naturally derived citric acid
  • Organic garlic powder
  • Organic natural flavor
  • Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

The wheat starch indicates this variety contains gluten. It is not safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Campbell’s Tomato Soup with Essential Oregano

The ingredients are:

  • Tomato puree (water, tomato paste)
  • High fructose corn syrup
  • Wheat flour
  • Oregano
  • Less than 2% of: salt, potato starch, maltodextrin, dried onion, citric acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), yeast extract, garlic powder, natural flavor.

Like the classic soup, this variety contains wheat flour, making it unsuitable for a gluten-free diet.

Campbell’s Tomato Soup with Basil

Ingredients:

  • Tomato puree (water, tomato paste)
  • High fructose corn syrup
  • Wheat flour
  • Contains less than 2% of: salt, dried basil, natural flavor, potato starch, maltodextrin, dried onion, spices, citric acid, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), garlic powder, yeast extract.

The wheat flour confirms this soup contains gluten.

Campbell’s Well Yes! Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

  • Tomato puree (water, tomato paste)
  • Organic sugar
  • Rice starch
  • Contains 2% or less of: sea salt, organic onion powder, organic garlic powder, organic natural flavor, organic black pepper.

Rice starch is used instead of wheat flour, and there are no other gluten-containing ingredients. This variety is gluten-free.

Campbell’s Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons

Ingredients:

  • Tomato puree (water, tomato paste)
  • High fructose corn syrup
  • Wheat flour
  • Enriched wheat flour (wheat flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
  • Whey
  • Cheddar cheese (milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes)
  • Romano cheese (part skim cow’s milk, cheese culture, salt, enzymes)
  • Contains 2% or less of: yeast extract, monosodium glutamate, salt, sugar, malted barley flour, garlic powder, molasses, sodium caseinate, lactic acid, citric acid, spices, artificial color, enzymes, soybean oil, potassium chloride, natural flavor.

The wheat flour, barley and malt ingredients indicate this soup contains gluten. It is not gluten-free.

Common Questions about Gluten in Campbell’s Tomato Soup

Why do some Campbell’s tomato soups contain gluten while others don’t?

Campbell’s uses different recipes and ingredients for their various tomato soup products. Some feature wheat flour as a thickening agent, which adds gluten. Other recipes use corn starch, potato starch or rice starch as gluten-free thickeners.

Are the gluten-free Campbell’s soups safe if you have celiac disease?

Yes, Campbell’s tomato soup varieties made without any gluten-containing ingredients are considered safe for people with celiac disease. Of course, individuals should always check the most up-to-date labels themselves to confirm.

Could the gluten-free soups contain traces of gluten from cross-contamination?

Cross-contamination is always a possibility in food manufacturing. However, Campbell’s states that all their products labeled gluten-free are produced without wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. They follow all FDA guidelines for gluten-free labeling.

Should you trust the “gluten-free” label on Campbell’s soups?

Campbell’s has a good reputation for properly labeling their gluten-free products. But it’s still wise for anyone with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity to personally review the ingredients list to confirm a soup variety is actually gluten-free.

Can you find these gluten-free Campbell’s tomato soups at your local grocery store?

The availability of specific Campbell’s soup varieties can vary by location. Larger grocery stores are more likely to stock a wider selection. You may need to visit several stores or shop online to find certain gluten-free Campbell’s soups.

Tips for Following a Gluten-Free Diet with Campbell’s Tomato Soup

Check the ingredients every time you buy it

Don’t assume a particular variety is always gluten-free. Ingredients can change. Check the label each time to confirm.

Look for the certified gluten-free logo

Campbell’s soups labeled as “certified gluten-free” with the official GFCO logo contain less than 10ppm gluten and are generally considered safe for celiacs.

Contact the company if you have any doubt

You can call Campbell’s consumer hotline at 1-800-257-8443 with any questions or concerns about ingredients in their tomato soups.

Stick to plain tomato soup varieties

The classic Campbell’s condensed tomato soup and other plain tomato flavors are reliably gluten-free. Be cautious of varieties with added ingredients like croutons.

Make your own gluten-free tomato soup

Homemade tomato soup lets you control all the ingredients. You can tweak recipes to suit your dietary needs. Roasting fresh tomatoes, carrots, onions and garlic makes a flavorful base.

Gluten-Free Tomato Soup Brands Besides Campbell’s

If you can’t find a gluten-free Campbell’s tomato soup variety in stores, there are several other brands offering safe options for gluten-free diets:

Brand Product
Amy’s Kitchen Organic Tomato Bisque
Pacific Foods Organic Creamy Tomato Soup
Imagine Foods Organic Creamy Tomato Soup
Walmart Great Value Creamy Tomato Basil Gluten Free Soup
Progresso Gluten Free Tomato Basil Soup
Lipton Cup-a-Soup Gluten Free Tomato Soup
Better Than Bouillon Gluten Free Tomato Base

These brands offer flavorful, gluten-free tomato soups prepared without wheat, barley, rye or malt. Celiacs and those avoiding gluten for health reasons can enjoy these soup options.

Homemade Gluten-Free Tomato Soup Recipes

Making your own gluten-free tomato soup at home is easy and ensures control over ingredients. Here are a few tasty recipes to try:

Simple Homemade Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 (28-oz) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 tsp white sugar
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1⁄2 tsp salt
  • 1⁄4 tsp pepper
  • 1⁄4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and carrots and cook for 5 minutes until beginning to soften.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, sugar, dried basil, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Increase heat and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Remove soup from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth.
  6. Add fresh chopped basil.
  7. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Creamy Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 (14.5-oz) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1⁄2 tsp salt
  • 1⁄4 tsp pepper
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk
  • 2 tsp cornstarch (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 3 minutes until translucent.
  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Increase heat and bring to a boil.
  4. Once boiling, reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Remove soup from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
  6. For a thicker soup, create a slurry by mixing milk and cornstarch together. Gradually add into soup while stirring.
  7. Heat through but do not boil. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1⁄4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tsp white sugar
  • 1⁄2 tsp salt
  • 1⁄4 tsp pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. On a baking sheet, toss tomatoes, onion and garlic cloves with 2 tbsp olive oil. Roast for 30 minutes.
  2. Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add roasted tomato mixture and cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Add vegetable broth and tomato paste. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Remove soup from heat. Puree with an immersion blender until smooth.
  5. Stir in chopped basil, sugar, salt and pepper.
  6. Adjust seasonings as needed.

Is Campbell’s Tomato Soup Gluten-Free? The Bottom Line

When shopping for Campbell’s tomato soup, carefully inspect the ingredients list to determine if it is gluten-free and safe for your diet. Varieties made with wheat flour contain gluten and are unsuitable. But classic condensed tomato soup and some other plain tomato flavors are reliably gluten-free. Campbell’s Well Yes! and organic tomato soups are labeled as certified gluten-free. If unsure about a particular variety, look for alternative brands or make your own homemade tomato soup to enjoy without gluten.

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