Soups & sauces

Soup, chicken noodle, dry, mix

FDC 171571packet (74 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 13 · +3 vs Soups & sauces median

Chicken noodle soup mix earns 13 of 100 on the Nutrient Density Score, a Low band result ranking 26th of 60 in Soups & sauces. As a concentrated dry mix it delivers protein at 31% DV and iron at 14% DV per serving, unusual strength for a soup base, with carbohydrate leading its calorie count at 377 per 100 g in dry form.

The dry mix is meant to be whisked into hot water rather than eaten as is, with a single 74 g packet yielding several bowls of broth once diluted. Its biggest catch is sodium: at 3160 mg per 100 g of dry mix, it is one of the saltier pantry staples, so it is worth balancing with low-sodium sides through the rest of the day.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around soup, chicken noodle, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 15.4 g · 17%Carb 62.3 g · 67%Fat 6.5 g · 16%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories377 kcal19%
Total fat6.5 g8%
Saturated fat2 g10%
Cholesterol74 mg25%
Sodium3160 mg137%
Carbohydrate62 g23%
Dietary fiber3.2 g11%
Sugars1.9 g
Protein15 g31%
Potassium306 mg7%
Calcium55 mg4%
Iron2.4 mg14%
Magnesium38 mg9%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A8 µg1%
Vitamin E0.33 mg2%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 171571

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Protein31% DV
Iron14% DV
Dietary fiber11% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the soups & sauces median

Nutrient density13 vs 10 median
Protein / 100 g15 vs 3.1 median
Fiber / 100 g3.2 vs 0.7 median
Sodium / 100 g3160 vs 1030 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Soup, shark fin, restaurant-preparedDensity 13 vs 13Sauce, sweet and sour, prepared-from-recipeDensity 18 vs 13Sauce, hot chile, srirachaDensity 18 vs 13

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

This is the powdered base for a packet of instant chicken noodle soup, dehydrated noodles, chicken flavoring, dried vegetable flecks and seasoning that only needs boiling water and a few minutes of steeping to turn into a bowl of soup. The dry mix itself is crumbly and starchy before rehydrating; once reconstituted the noodles soften and the seasoning dissolves into a savory, chicken-forward broth. It's a pantry staple for a quick lunch, a base for stretching leftover cooked chicken or vegetables, or a starting point for a more elaborate soup built up with fresh carrots, celery and extra noodles.

Per 100 g of dry mix, well above what's in a single packet, it delivers 377 calories, 15.4 g protein and 62.3 g carbohydrate, along with 3.2 g fiber and 1.9 g sugar, numbers that reflect the concentrated, dehydrated state of the product. A 74 g packet is a genuinely useful source of protein for a dry mix, contributing about 31% of the daily value along with some iron and fiber. Sodium is very high at 3160 mg per 100 g, so keep the packets sealed in a dry pantry and use just one per pot rather than doubling up for a stronger flavor, and skip adding extra salt at the table.

Frequently asked questions about soup, chicken noodle

How many calories are in a packet of chicken noodle soup mix?

The dry mix has 377 calories per 100 g; a 74 g packet scales down from that before water is added.

Is chicken noodle soup mix a good source of protein?

A packet supplies about 31% of the daily value for protein, unusually high for a dry soup mix.

How do you prepare chicken noodle soup mix?

Stir the contents of the packet into boiling water and simmer for a few minutes until the noodles soften.

View the USDA source record