CAMPBELL'S Chunky Beef With Vegetables And Barley Soup
CAMPBELL'S Chunky Beef With Vegetables And Barley Soup scores 37/100 (Poor) due to its **ultra-processed** nature and **high sodium content**.
This soup has a FoodScore of 37/100, indicating it is a poor nutritional choice.
It is classified as NOVA 4, meaning it is an ultra-processed food.
A single serving contains 705.83mg of sodium, which is a significant concern.
Compared to a home-cooked version, this product contains more processed ingredients and higher sodium.
Consider this soup for occasional use rather than a regular dietary staple.
Scores -10 points above the prepared category average (47/100 across 231 foods).
Fiber
1.6g
6% of Daily Value
Protein
3.17g
6% of Daily Value
Added sugar
0g
0% of Daily Value
Sodium
705.83mg
31% of Daily Value
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What it brings to the table
Nothing notable — but nothing harmful either.
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What holds it back
Sodium (705.8mg)-3
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 37
CAMPBELL'S Chunky Beef With Vegetables And Barley Soup receives a FoodScore of 37 out of 100, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This score is primarily driven by its classification as a NOVA 4 ultra-processed food, which incurs a significant penalty of -10 points. Additionally, the product's high sodium content of 705.83mg per 100g contributes a -3 point penalty. While the soup provides some protein (3.17g per 100g) and fiber (1.6g per 100g), these amounts are not substantial enough to offset the penalties. The ingredient list includes several processed components such as modified cornstarch, yeast extract, and hydrolyzed soy protein, which are characteristic of ultra-processed foods. Compared to a home-cooked beef and barley soup made with whole ingredients, this CAMPBELL'S product contains a higher level of sodium and a more extensive list of processed ingredients, impacting its overall nutritional quality.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in campbell's chunky beef with vegetables and barley soup actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Provides a Source of Protein
This soup offers 3.17g of protein per 100g, contributing to your daily protein intake. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and repair, and for the production of enzymes and hormones. While not a high-protein food, it can contribute to the protein content of a meal, especially when combined with other protein sources.
Contains Some Dietary Fiber
With 1.6g of fiber per 100g, this soup provides a modest amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is important for digestive health and can help promote feelings of fullness. The fiber content likely comes from the vegetables and barley present in the soup. Including fiber-rich foods in your diet supports regular bowel function.
Convenient Meal Option
CAMPBELL'S Chunky Beef With Vegetables And Barley Soup offers a convenient and quick meal solution for busy individuals. Its ready-to-heat format makes it accessible when time for meal preparation is limited. While not a substitute for home-cooked meals, it can serve as an occasional option when convenience is a priority, reducing the need for less nutritionally sound fast food choices.
CAMPBELL'S Chunky Beef With Vegetables And Barley Soup scores 37/100 (Poor) due to its ultra-processed nature and high sodium content.
How to eat it
This soup is typically consumed as a quick and easy meal, often heated on the stovetop or in the microwave. It's a common choice for lunch or a light dinner, particularly when seeking a warm and hearty option with minimal preparation. A common pitfall is consuming the entire can, which can lead to a very high sodium intake.
To reduce sodium intake, consider diluting the soup with water or low-sodium broth, or pairing it with unsalted foods.
Enhance the nutritional value by adding fresh or frozen vegetables, such as spinach or bell peppers, during heating.
Pair with a side salad or a piece of whole-grain bread to increase fiber and nutrient intake and create a more balanced meal.
Be mindful of portion sizes; consuming only half the can can help manage sodium and calorie intake for a lighter meal.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains several ingredients that some individuals may wish to monitor. The presence of modified cornstarch and yeast extract are common in ultra-processed foods. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should note the inclusion of hydrolyzed wheat gluten and the 'Contains: Wheat' allergen declaration. Similarly, those with soy allergies should be aware of hydrolyzed soy protein and the 'Contains: Soy' declaration. The high sodium content of 705.83mg per 100g is a significant concern for individuals managing blood pressure or those advised to follow a low-sodium diet. Children and individuals with kidney conditions should also be cautious due to the high sodium level.
Is CAMPBELL'S Chunky Beef With Vegetables And Barley Soup a healthy choice?
With a FoodScore of 37/100, this soup is considered a poor nutritional choice. Its classification as an ultra-processed food and its high sodium content are the primary reasons for this score. While it offers some protein and fiber, these benefits are outweighed by other nutritional factors.
How does CAMPBELL'S Chunky Beef With Vegetables And Barley Soup compare to other canned soups?
Compared to some other canned soups, such as certain Progresso varieties, this CAMPBELL'S soup may have similar nutritional challenges, particularly regarding sodium content and processing level. However, specific nutritional profiles vary widely by product. Always check the nutrition facts label for direct comparisons.
What is 'modified cornstarch' and why is it in this soup?
Modified cornstarch is a common food additive used as a thickener and stabilizer in many processed foods, including soups. It helps achieve the desired texture and consistency. While generally recognized as safe, its presence often indicates a higher degree of food processing.
What is a recommended portion size for this soup?
The declared serving size is per 100g, but a typical can contains more. To manage sodium intake, consider consuming half a can as a single portion, especially if you are monitoring your sodium. Pairing it with other low-sodium foods can help balance the meal.
Can this soup be part of a weight management diet?
While this soup is relatively low in calories at 79 calories per 100g, its high sodium content and ultra-processed nature mean it should be consumed in moderation within a weight management diet. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods for the majority of your meals to support healthy weight management.