Whole food · Soups, Sauces, and Gravies
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a classic, shelf-stable canned soup that reconstitutes into a hearty, savory bowl of tomato-based broth with tender beef chunks and soft egg noodles. Its taste is a comforting blend of tangy tomato, umami-rich beef, and starchy noodles, with a texture that ranges from smooth broth to pleasantly chewy. Nutritionally, it provides a quick source of energy from carbohydrates and a modest amount of protein, all within a relatively low-calorie base.
People love it for its nostalgic, comforting flavor that evokes home-style cooking with minimal effort. Its convenience and familiar taste make it a reliable go-to for a quick, warming meal.
The condensed format often means high sodium content, which can contribute to water retention and is a concern for those monitoring blood pressure. Additionally, the refined noodles can cause a rapid blood-sugar spike. To counteract these, pair a smaller portion with a fresh, leafy green salad or a side of steamed vegetables to add volume and fiber, and consider using only half the can with added water to control sodium intake.
The 'condensed' label means you're meant to add water (usually one can's worth) to reconstitute it, a process pioneered by the Campbell Soup Company in the late 19th century to reduce shipping weight and cost.
| Water | 74.1 g |
| Energy | 112 kcal |
| Energy | 469 kj |
| Protein | 3.5 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 3.4 g |
| Ash | 2.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 16.9 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.2 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 14.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.89 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 6.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 45.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 176 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 731 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.60 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.10 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.20 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 4.0 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.07 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.07 mg |
| Niacin | 1.5 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.15 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.07 mg |
| Folate, total | 15.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 9.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 6.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 21.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.15 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 21.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 425 iu |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.62 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.3 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.07 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.70 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.43 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.4 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.10 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 1.2 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.54 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.46 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.07 g |
| Cholesterol | 3.0 mg |
| Tryptophan | 0.03 g |
| Threonine | 0.11 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.14 g |
| Leucine | 0.23 g |
| Lysine | 0.19 g |
| Methionine | 0.07 g |
| Cystine | 0.04 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.14 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.09 g |
| Valine | 0.15 g |
| Arginine | 0.14 g |
| Histidine | 0.08 g |
| Alanine | 0.16 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.26 g |
| Glutamic acid | 0.98 g |
| Glycine | 0.17 g |
| Proline | 0.23 g |
| Serine | 0.13 g |
How does the nutrition change when prepared?
The values are for the condensed soup. When prepared with water (typically 1:1 ratio), the calories, protein, carbs, and fat per serving are roughly halved, while the sodium content per volume decreases but remains significant.
Is this soup a good source of protein?
It provides a modest amount of protein (3.55g per 100g condensed), but it is not considered a high-protein food. For a more protein-rich meal, consider adding extra lean beef, beans, or serving with a protein side.
Can I use this as a base for other recipes?
Absolutely. It's excellent as a quick base for stews, casseroles, or pasta sauces. You can enrich it by sautéing fresh vegetables, adding herbs, or stirring in cooked meat or legumes.