Soup, mushroom barley, canned, prepared with equal volume water
Whole food · Soups, Sauces, and Gravies
This is a humble, earthy comfort soup where the nutty chew of pearl barley meets the savory, umami depth of mushrooms in a light broth. Its texture is pleasantly starchy yet brothy, with the barley providing a satisfying, almost al dente bite against the soft, earthy fungi. Nutritionally, it is exceptionally low in calories (30 kcal per 100g) while offering a modest amount of plant-based protein and fiber, making it a light yet filling option.
Calorie split: 10% protein · 63% carbs · 27% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its deep, comforting umami flavor and the satisfying, chewy texture of the barley, which makes it feel more substantial than a typical broth. It's a classic, nostalgic dish often associated with home cooking and cooler weather.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The canned version can be high in sodium, which may be a concern for those monitoring blood pressure. To counteract this, look for low-sodium varieties or rinse the soup briefly before preparing, and pair it with a source of lean protein or a side salad to balance the meal.
Key benefits
- Extremely low calorie density for weight management
- Contains beta-glucans from barley, which may support heart health
- Provides a source of plant-based protein and fiber
- Naturally low in fat and sugar
- Quick and convenient meal option when canned
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Barley is one of the oldest cultivated grains, with evidence of its use dating back over 10,000 years to the Fertile Crescent, making this soup a direct descendant of ancient culinary traditions.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 92.4 g |
| Energy | 30.0 kcal |
| Energy | 126 kj |
| Protein | 0.77 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 0.93 g |
| Ash | 1.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 4.8 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.30 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 5.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.21 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 4.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 25.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 38.0 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 365 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.20 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.10 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.05 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.01 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.04 mg |
| Niacin | 0.36 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.05 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.07 mg |
| Folate, total | 2.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 2.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 2.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 4.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 81.0 iu |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 0.18 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 0.11 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.07 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 0.41 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.41 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.29 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.28 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Soup, bean with pork, canned, condensed — USDA does not publish this profile for Soup.
| Tryptophan | 0.06 g |
| Threonine | 0.24 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.29 g |
| Leucine | 0.48 g |
| Lysine | 0.40 g |
| Methionine | 0.07 g |
| Cystine | 0.07 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.33 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.18 g |
| Valine | 0.32 g |
| Arginine | 0.31 g |
| Histidine | 0.15 g |
| Alanine | 0.29 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.66 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.1 g |
| Glycine | 0.28 g |
| Proline | 0.27 g |
| Serine | 0.29 g |
FAQ
Is canned mushroom barley soup a good source of protein?
It provides a modest amount of plant-based protein (about 0.77g per 100g), but it's not a high-protein food. It's best enjoyed as part of a balanced meal that includes other protein sources.
How does the nutrition change when prepared with water vs. milk?
The nutritional profile is based on preparation with equal volume water. Using milk would significantly increase calories, fat, and protein, altering the light, broth-based nature of the soup.
Is this soup suitable for a low-carb diet?
No, it contains about 4.8g of carbohydrates per 100g, primarily from the barley. It's better suited for a moderate-carb or whole-foods diet.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 0.30 kcal/g · 10% calories from protein · 0.3 g fiber · 0.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 9.61 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.