Whole food · Soups, Sauces, and Gravies

Photo: Wikipedia
This is a classic, comforting canned soup featuring tender chicken pieces and soft egg noodles swimming in a savory, golden broth. Reduced sodium versions dial back the salt by about 25-40% compared to regular canned soups, allowing the subtle chicken and vegetable flavors to come forward without the overwhelming saltiness. At just 41 calories per 100g, it's a light yet satisfying option that provides a good balance of protein and carbs for a quick meal.
People love it for its nostalgic, homestyle comfort—the warm broth and familiar ingredients evoke memories of childhood sick days and cozy family meals. It's incredibly versatile as a base for adding extra vegetables, a topping for rice, or a quick, satisfying meal on its own.
Even reduced-sodium versions can still be high in salt for those on strict low-sodium diets, and the noodles are refined carbohydrates that can cause blood sugar spikes. To counteract this, pair it with a side of steamed broccoli or a handful of spinach to add fiber and nutrients, and consider using only half the broth to reduce sodium intake while enjoying the solids.
The first known recipe for chicken soup with noodles appeared in a 19th-century American cookbook, but the concept of chicken broth as a healing food dates back to ancient Greece, where physicians prescribed it for colds.
| Water | 90.5 g |
| Energy | 41.0 kcal |
| Energy | 170 kj |
| Protein | 3.3 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 1.3 g |
| Ash | 1.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 3.8 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.80 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.34 g |
| Sucrose | 0.34 g |
| Glucose | 0.00 g |
| Fructose | 0.00 g |
| Lactose | 0.00 g |
| Maltose | 0.00 g |
| Galactose | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 11.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.33 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 8.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 42.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 285 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 186 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.18 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.03 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.05 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 4.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.40 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.03 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.02 mg |
| Niacin | 1.4 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.06 mg |
| Folate, total | 8.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 4.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 4.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 10.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 5.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.15 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 49.0 ug |
| Retinol | 1.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 506 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 142 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 964 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 58.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.10 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 0.00 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 2.3 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.39 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.30 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.08 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.59 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.08 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.51 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.33 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.29 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 4.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Is reduced-sodium chicken noodle soup actually healthier?
Yes, it typically contains 25-40% less sodium than regular versions, which can help reduce daily salt intake. However, it's still processed food, so check labels and consider it part of a balanced diet rather than a health food.
Can I freeze leftover canned chicken noodle soup?
You can, but the texture of the noodles may become mushy upon thawing. For best results, freeze the broth and solids separately, or add fresh noodles when reheating.
How can I make canned chicken noodle soup taste homemade?
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill, and some freshly cracked black pepper. You can also stir in frozen peas or carrots during the last few minutes of heating for extra texture and nutrition.