Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup

Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup

C

A B C D F
Overall Health Grade: C
UPC: 051000129383

What this grade means

This product meets food safety standards and is safe to eat, but it is more heavily processed and higher in sodium than foods typically recommended for frequent consumption. It is best suited for occasional use rather than as a daily staple.

Why it earned a C

-Ingredient safety and regulatory status

-Nutritional quality and balance

-Degree of processing and additive use

Ingredient Explanations + Scientific Sources

Chicken Stock, Chicken Meat, Chicken Fat, Dried Chicken

What it does: Provides protein and flavor. Stock mainly adds fluid and sodium, with limited vitamin and mineral content.

Sources:

  • https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7696360/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566799/
Enriched Egg Noodles (Wheat Flour, Eggs, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid)

What it does: Supplies energy from refined grains. Added vitamins replace some nutrients lost during processing, but fiber remains low.

Sources:

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7352458/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8227823/
  • https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food/169736/nutrients
Salt (Sodium)

What it does: Enhances flavor and preservation. High sodium intake over time is linked to elevated blood pressure.

Sources:

  • https://www.cdc.gov/salt/index.htm
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770596/
  • https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-education-resources-materials/sodium-your-diet
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

What it does: Enhances savory taste. Regulatory agencies consider it safe, but it does not provide nutritional benefit.

Sources:

  • https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/monosodium-glutamate-msg
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6952072/
Cornstarch, Modified Cornstarch

What it does: Used to thicken the soup. These refined starches add calories with minimal nutritional value.

Sources:

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6352191/
  • https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/
Natural Flavoring

What it does: Adds flavor. FDA allows this term without requiring disclosure of individual components.

Sources:

  • https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging/natural-flavors
  • https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101
Sugar

What it does: Balances flavor. Even small amounts add unnecessary calories.

Sources:

  • https://www.cdc.gov/sugars/index.html
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6959843/
Beta Carotene (Color)

What it does: A vitamin A precursor used for color. Considered safe and naturally occurring.

Sources:

  • https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminA-HealthProfessional/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452224/
Onion Powder, Garlic Extract

What it does: Adds flavor and small amounts of beneficial plant compounds linked to immune and heart health.

Sources:

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707689/
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4103721/
Soy Protein Isolate

What it does: A highly processed protein used to improve texture and protein content.

Sources:

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7071221/
  • https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food/174751/nutrients
Sodium Phosphate

What it does: Used to maintain texture and shelf life. Frequent intake of phosphate additives has been linked to cardiovascular and kidney stress.

Sources:

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452229/
  • https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/4772
Yeast Extract

What it does: Enhances savory flavor and naturally contains glutamates similar to MSG.

Sources:

  • https://www.fda.gov/food/food-additives-petitions/yeast-extract
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6952072/
Allergen Disclosure (Egg, Wheat, Soy)

What it does: Required labeling for common allergens. Not a health penalty, but important for sensitive individuals.

Sources:

  • https://www.fda.gov/food/food-labeling-nutrition/food-allergen-labeling-and-consumer-protection-act-2004

Safety check

Result: No banned or carcinogenic ingredients

None of the ingredients are classified as carcinogenic by WHO/IARC or restricted by FDA or EFSA when consumed at typical food levels.

Sources:https://monographs.iarc.who.int/
https://www.fda.gov/food/generally-recognized-safe-gras/gras-substances-scogs-database