Is Campbell’s Bean with Bacon Soup Healthy? A Closer Look at the Nutrition

Campbell’s Bean with Bacon soup has been warming bellies and comforting souls for decades The creamy, hearty blend of beans, carrots, potatoes, and smoky bacon in a tomato broth is a nostalgic treat for many But in today’s era of clean eating and health awareness, is this iconic canned soup still a smart choice?

Let’s dig into the nutrition facts and ingredients to find out if Bean with Bacon soup should stay in your pantry rotation.

The Nutritional Pros

• High in fiber. Each 1 cup serving contains 7g of dietary fiber, which is 25% of the daily recommended intake. The fiber comes from the white beans. Fiber aids digestion and heart health.

• Good source of protein. With 6g of protein per serving, this soup provides over 10% of the protein you need daily. The protein originates from the beans and bacon. Protein is vital for building and repairing muscles.

• Contains potassium Bean with Bacon soup provides 360mg of potassium per serving. This mineral supports nerve signals, muscle contractions, and blood pressure.

• Provides iron. You get 10% of the daily recommended iron intake in each serving. Iron carries oxygen through the blood to cells.

The Nutritional Cons

• High in sodium. There are 870mg of sodium in a single serving, which is 37% of the daily limit. Too much sodium is linked to high blood pressure.

• High in saturated fat. Each serving has 4.5g saturated fat, accounting for 22% of the daily value. Saturated fat raises LDL cholesterol levels. The bacon contributes most of the saturated fat.

• Added sugars. The soup contains corn syrup and sugar, adding up to 3g of added sugars per serving. Added sugars provide empty calories and no nutrition.

• Lack of vitamins and minerals. Aside from the potassium and iron, Bean with Bacon soup doesn’t offer significant amounts of important vitamins and minerals like vitamins A, C, B6, calcium or zinc.

• Includes preservatives. The ingredient list features chemical preservatives like potassium sorbate and BHA. Some people try to avoid these additives.

Evaluating the Ingredients

The ingredient list reveals more processed aspects:

• Bacon is “cured with water, salt, smoke flavoring, sugar, sodium nitrite.” The curing process allows for longer shelf life but can introduce nitrates.

• There is heavy use of modified food starch, maltodextrin, corn syrup solids, and dehydrated vegetables. This processing depletes natural nutrition.

• Salt appears high on the list along with yeast extract and preservatives which contribute to sodium content.

While Bean with Bacon soup does contain some fiber, protein, and potassium, the high levels of sodium, saturated fat, added sugars and chemical additives are concerning from a nutrition standpoint.

Healthier Ways to Enjoy

If you wish to still occasionally enjoy the indulgent, comforting taste of Bean with Bacon soup, there are ways to make it a bit healthier:

• Choose low-sodium version and add your own fresh vegetables like kale, carrots or tomatoes.

• Use equal parts soup and low-fat milk instead of water. This reduces saturated fat and calories.

• Top with freshly ground pepper, croutons or parsley for extra flavor, allowing you to use less soup.

• Pair your soup with a fiber- and vitamin-rich salad on the side.

• Switch to turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon bits to decrease saturated fat.

Healthy Canned Soup Alternatives

If you decide the negatives outweigh the positives of Bean with Bacon soup, you don’t have to give up canned soup entirely. There are many nutritious, lower sodium options:

• Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup
• Pacific Foods Organic Split Pea & Ham Soup
• Health Valley Organic Minestrone Soup
• Imagine Free Range Chicken Noodle Soup
• Wolfgang Puck Butternut Squash Soup

Check the labels and choose soups with at least 2g fiber, 5g protein, and less than 500mg sodium per serving. Ingredients from whole foods are better than chemicals.

The Bottom Line

While Campbell’s Bean with Bacon soup offers a sense of childhood nostalgia, the high sodium, saturated fat, added sugars and preservatives are concerning. Consuming it occasionally in small portions is likely fine, but nutrition experts advise limiting processed foods high in sodium and low in vitamins and minerals.

If this soup has a special place in your heart, there are ways to still enjoy it in moderation. But for regular nourishment, choose soups with more whole food ingredients and less sodium.