A cup of chicken noodle soup contains about 170 calories.
Steaming hot chicken noodle soup – a classic comfort food that warms the soul and soothes a sore throat. But is it a healthy choice, or a sneaky calorie culprit?
If you’re searching “how many calories in a cup of chicken noodle soup,” you’re likely wondering if this comforting classic fits into your diet. Fear not, we’ll break down the calorie count and explore the nutritional profile of this beloved soup.
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How Many Calories In A Cup Of Chicken Noodle Soup?
The number of calories in a cup of chicken noodle soup can vary depending on the recipe. But in general, one cup of chicken noodle soup contains about 170 calories.
Here’s a breakdown of the nutrients in a typical cup of chicken noodle soup:
Calories: 170
Fat: 4g
Carbs: 25g
Protein: 10g
Chicken noodle soup is a good source of protein and carbs, which can help you feel full and satisfied. It’s also a relatively low-calorie food, which can be helpful if you’re watching your weight.
However, it’s important to note that some chicken noodle soups can be very high in sodium. So, if you’re watching your sodium intake, be sure to read the food label carefully before you buy or eat chicken noodle soup.
Calorie Content Breakdown The average bowl
On average, a cup of chicken noodle soup contains around 170 calories. It’s important to note that this is just an estimate and the actual calorie content can vary depending on a few things:
Recipe
Homemade chicken noodle soup will likely have a different calorie count than canned or commercially prepared varieties.
Ingredients
The type of noodles, amount of chicken, and vegetables used can all impact the calorie content. For example, thicker, egg noodles will have more calories than thin, rice noodles.
Skinless, boneless chicken breast will have fewer calories than chicken with skin and bones.
If you’re watching your calorie intake, it’s always a good idea to check the nutrition label on the specific brand of chicken noodle soup you’re consuming.
Diving Deeper: Nutritional Profile Breakdown the macronutrients
Chicken noodle soup can be a good option for a light and satisfying meal because of its macronutrient profile:
Protein
A cup of chicken noodle soup typically packs a decent amount of protein, around 5-10 grams. Protein helps you feel full and keeps you feeling satisfied for longer.
Carbs
The carbs in chicken noodle soup come mainly from the noodles or other starchy additions like rice or barley. A typical cup will have around 15-20 grams of carbs, which also contribute to satiety.
Fat
Chicken noodle soup is generally low in fat, usually containing less than 5 grams per cup. This makes it a good choice for those watching their fat intake.
However, there’s one caveat: Sodium. While homemade chicken noodle soup can be controlled for sodium content, commercially prepared varieties can be quite high in sodium, sometimes exceeding 50% of the recommended daily intake per serving.
This is because sodium is a common preservative and flavor enhancer in canned soups.
So, if you’re watching your sodium intake, be sure to check the nutrition label before grabbing a can of chicken noodle soup. Look for low-sodium options or consider making your own at home to control the amount of sodium added.
What are the Benefits of making chicken noodle soup at home?
Here’s how you can make healthy choices with chicken noodle soup:
Making chicken noodle soup at home allows you more control over the ingredients used. This means you can:
- Choose lean protein sources like skinless, boneless chicken breast to reduce fat content.
- Select lower-calorie noodle options like rice noodles or whole-wheat noodles compared to thicker egg noodles.
- Adjust the vegetable content to add more fiber and nutrients.
- Control the amount of salt added, reducing the overall sodium content. By making your own soup, you can create a healthier and more satisfying version of this classic dish.
For those watching their sodium intake, commercially prepared chicken noodle soups can be a concern.
Look for low-sodium versions whenever possible. These options will have a significantly lower amount of sodium per serving.
FAQs
Is chicken soup healthy for weight loss?
Chicken soup itself can be weight-loss friendly! It’s low-fat and filling, but watch out for high-sodium broths and added noodles/rice. Opt for veggie-packed versions for extra nutrients.
How many calories are in an average bowl of chicken noodle soup?
An average bowl of chicken noodle soup contains around 170 calories. But remember, this can vary depending on the recipe and ingredients.
How many calories in a full can of Campbell’s chicken noodle soup?
A full can (300mL) of Campbell’s condensed chicken noodle soup contains about 77 calories.
However, it’s typically prepared with water, which increases the volume and lowers the calorie count per serving. Check the label for serving size and calorie information for the specific type you have.
Is chicken noodle soup healthy?
Yes, chicken noodle soup can be healthy! It’s packed with protein and veggies for fullness, often low-fat. But watch sodium and choose whole-wheat noodles or veggie-rich versions for an extra boost.
Conclusion
Chicken noodle soup can definitely be a healthy addition to your diet, especially when considering its protein and carb content for satiety, and its generally low-fat nature.
A cup of chicken noodle soup typically contains around 170 calories, but this can vary depending on the recipe. It offers protein and carbs to keep you feeling full, and is generally low in fat.
However, be mindful of sodium content and portion size. For ultimate control, consider making your own chicken noodle soup at home.