Is Campbell’s Bean with Bacon Soup Actually Healthy? A Thorough Nutritional Analysis

Campbell’s Bean with Bacon soup has been a beloved comfort food for generations This creamy, hearty soup is packed with beans, potatoes, carrots, celery, and of course, bacon It’s warm, filling, and hits the spot on a chilly day.

But is this classic canned soup truly good for you? With today’s increased focus on healthy eating, many people are taking a closer look at foods like Bean with Bacon soup. Should this soup stay in your pantry rotation, or is it time to find a healthier alternative?

I decided to dig into the nutrition facts and ingredients list of Campbell’s Bean with Bacon soup to find out how healthy it really is. Here’s an in-depth look at what’s inside those iconic red and white cans.

Nutritional Pros

• High in fiber A 1-cup serving of Bean with Bacon soup provides 7g of dietary fiber This is 25% of the daily value and makes the soup a good source of fiber, The fiber comes from the beans and vegetables

• Contains protein: With 6g of protein per serving, this soup provides a decent amount of this important nutrient. The protein comes primarily from the beans and bacon.

• Provides iron: Bean with Bacon soup contains 10% of the daily value for iron. Iron helps transport oxygen in the blood.

• Good source of potassium: With 360mg of potassium per serving, this soup helps you meet 9% of the recommended daily intake for this mineral. Potassium supports heart health and muscle function.

Nutritional Cons

• High in sodium: There are 870mg of sodium in a single cup of Bean with Bacon soup. This is 37% of the daily value. Too much sodium has been linked to high blood pressure and heart problems.

• High in saturated fat: A serving of this soup contains 4.5g of saturated fat, which is 22% of the daily value. Saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels. The saturated fat comes from the bacon.

• Contains preservatives: The soup lists potassium sorbate, sodium phosphates, and BHA in the ingredients. These chemical preservatives may cause reactions in some people.

• Has added sugars: Corn syrup and sugar are on the ingredients list. A serving contains 3g of added sugars. Consuming excess added sugars can lead to weight gain and chronic disease.

• Lacks vitamins and minerals: Aside from the iron and potassium, Bean with Bacon soup isn’t a significant source of important vitamins and minerals. It would need to be paired with other healthy foods to form a balanced meal.

Now let’s take a closer look at the ingredients list themselves.

Full Ingredients List:

• Water
• Bacon (cured with water, salt, smoke flavoring, sugar, sodium nitrite)
• White Beans
• Modified Food Starch (corn, potato)
• Contains less than 2% of: Salt, Sugar, Potassium Chloride, Yeast Extract, Natural Flavor
• Dipotassium Phosphate
• Dehydrated Potatoes
• Dehydrated Carrots
• Dehydrated Celery
• Dehydrated Onions
• Corn Syrup Solids
• Maltodextrin
• Vegetable Oil (corn, canola, soybean)
• Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
• Whey
• Potato Starch
• Turmeric
• Natural Flavor
• Caramel Color
• Disodium Inosinate & Disodium Guanylate
• Potassium Sorbate and BHA (preservatives)
• Soy Lecithin

The ingredient list confirms that the soup provides protein from bacon and beans, and fiber from beans, potatoes, carrots and celery.

However, the extensive use of modified food starch, corn syrup solids, maltodextrin and dehydrated vegetables means much of the nutrition has been processed out. These highly processed ingredients also contribute to the high sodium content.

Overall, while Campbell’s Bean with Bacon soup offers some nutritional benefits, it is quite high in sodium, saturated fat, and chemical additives. Consuming this soup occasionally is probably fine, but having it regularly or in large portions is not the healthiest choice.

Healthier Ways to Enjoy Bean with Bacon Soup

If you don’t want to give up this comforting classic completely, there are ways to still enjoy it while boosting nutrition. Here are some tips:

• Choose low-sodium Bean with Bacon soup and add your own fresh veggies like chopped kale, tomatoes or carrots. This boosts fiber and nutrients while controlling sodium.

• Use half water and half low-fat milk or unsweetened soy milk. This reduces saturated fat and calories while giving a creamy texture.

• Top with freshly ground pepper, parsley or croutons. The added crunch and flavor lets you enjoy the soup with smaller portions.

• Pair your soup with a fiber-rich side salad topped with low-fat protein like grilled chicken or tuna. This makes it more of a balanced meal.

• Try using turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon substitute to reduce the saturated fat.

• Make your own bean soup with control over sodium and ingredients. Homemade can be even more comforting!

Healthier Canned Soup Alternatives

If you decide Campbell’s Bean with Bacon soup simply has too many nutritional downsides, there are plenty of other canned soups that offer more benefits. Here are some tasty, healthier canned soup options:

• Amy’s Organic Light in Sodium Lentil Soup: A good source of protein and fiber without a lot of sodium.

• Pacific Foods Organic Split Pea & Ham Soup: Lower in sodium than Bean with Bacon and provides protein, fiber and potassium.

• Imagine Free Range Chicken Noodle Soup: Has 7g of protein with only 480mg of sodium per serving.

• Health Valley Organic Minestrone Soup: Packed with veggies like zucchini, carrots, potatoes, spinach and tomatoes.

• Wolfgang Puck Organic Butternut Squash Soup: Provides vitamin A and vitamin C with a creamy texture.

Check canned soup labels and choose options with at least 2g fiber, 5g protein, and less than 500mg sodium per serving. Soups with ingredient lists that sound like real food rather than chemicals are typically healthier.

The Bottom Line

Campbell’s Bean with Bacon soup delivers generous amounts of sodium, saturated fat, and chemical additives while lacking substantial vitamins and minerals. While an occasional bowl is probably fine, health experts recommend limiting processed foods high in sodium, fat and preservatives.

If you adore the creamy, hearty texture of this soup, you can still enjoy it in moderation by adding fresh ingredients and pairing it with healthier side dishes. But for regular consumption, it’s wise