People who need to avoid gluten
You need verifiable “gluten-free” information for the soup you choose. A recipe that appears to contain only vegetables isn’t enough to confirm that it’s gluten-free.
Who is this choice for?
People keeping an eye on added sugars
You’re looking for a “no added sugar” recipe and want to compare the “of which sugars” figures on similar soups. On its own, this claim doesn’t mean that the sugar content is lower than that of another product.
People choosing between different formats
You’re comparing canned, instant and ready-to-eat soups based on how they’re prepared and stored. Whatever the format, you’ll need to check the gluten and sugar claims separately.
What should you check?
If you’re looking for a canned soup as part of a gluten-free shop, start by checking the gluten labelling. Then look at any sugar claims, followed by the recipe and format that suit your needs.
| What to check | What to look for | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Look for the “gluten-free” claim on the finished product and read the ingredients and declared allergens. European Regulation (EU) No 828/2014 sets the maximum gluten content for this claim at 20 mg/kg. | If I need to avoid gluten, I can’t tell whether a soup is suitable just from its name or the vegetables it contains. Around 34% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Reduced sugars | Check the exact claim. For “reduced sugars”, European Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 requires a reduction of at least 30% compared with a similar product. “No added sugar” doesn’t prove that this comparison has been met. | If my priority is a comparative reduction in sugars, a claim that only says no sugar has been added doesn’t answer my question. Around 33% of consumers would put this distinction first. |
| Format and storage | Distinguish between canned, instant and chilled products, and check the storage instructions, including what to do after opening. | When planning my shop, I want a format that suits how I’ll prepare and store it, without assuming it also meets my dietary requirements. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise this practical choice. |
| Recipe and portions | Compare the ingredients, allergens and “of which sugars” figures on the same basis, per 100 g or per 100 ml, before looking at portion sizes. | When comparing two recipes, I want to know what the portion I’ll serve actually represents and avoid comparing figures based on different quantities. Around 13% of consumers would prioritise this detailed check. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing “no added sugar” with “reduced sugars”
These claims don’t mean the same thing. Auchan describes its chilled gazpacho as “no added sugar” and lists 2,9 g of sugars per 100 ml. This figure doesn’t prove a comparative reduction.
If reducing sugars is your priority, look for the relevant claim and compare the nutritional information for similar products on the same basis.
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Assuming vegetable soup is gluten-free
A recipe may also contain pasta. The listing for a pistou soup sold at Carrefour states that it contains pasta with gluten.
Read the ingredients and allergen information for the product you choose. If you need to avoid gluten, also look for a verifiable “gluten-free” claim on that product.
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Comparing sugar figures given on different bases
A figure per portion can’t be compared directly with one given per 100 g or per 100 ml. Portion size can affect how you interpret the nutritional information.
First compare the “of which sugars” figures on the same basis, then check the amount you plan to serve.
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Assuming the same storage instructions apply to every format
The Auchan gazpacho mentioned here is a chilled product, so its storage instructions aren’t the same as those for canned or instant soup.
Check the storage instructions for the specific product and what to do after opening before deciding how much to buy.
Brands and retailers to consider
The examples below can help you spot useful information on labels. They don’t apply to every soup from a particular brand or retailer.
Auchan
The retailer offers liquid soups and a chilled gazpacho under its Auchan brand.
- The listing for this gazpacho gives its ingredients, nutritional values and storage instructions, which are useful when checking the recipe and sugar content.
- Its “no added sugar” claim doesn’t prove that it has reduced sugars, nor does it confirm that the gazpacho is gluten-free.
Carrefour
The retailer has a dedicated gluten-free range, separate from its other soups.
- According to Carrefour, products in its dedicated range can be identified by a crossed grain symbol and contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.
- This symbol doesn’t automatically apply to every soup sold by the retailer: the listing for one of its pistou soups states that it contains pasta with gluten.
Royco
Royco instant soups are included in Auchan’s range of preparations and liquid soups.
- The instant format offers another preparation option to compare with canned soup.
- The format alone doesn’t tell you whether a product is gluten-free or has reduced sugars: check the claims on each product.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
What does “gluten-free” mean on a soup?
Under European Regulation (EU) No 828/2014, this claim means the finished product contains no more than 20 mg/kg of gluten. When choosing a soup, check the claim on its label rather than relying on the recipe name alone.
Does “no added sugar” mean “reduced sugars”?
No. Under European Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, a claim that sugars have been reduced requires a reduction of at least 30% compared with a similar product. The claim “no added sugar” doesn’t prove this reduction; the “of which sugars” figure lets you compare similar recipes.
Is vegetable soup always gluten-free?
No. Vegetable soup may contain other ingredients, including pasta: a pistou soup sold at Carrefour lists pasta containing gluten. Check the ingredients and allergens, then look for the “gluten-free” claim if that’s a requirement for you.
Do the storage instructions for chilled gazpacho apply to canned soup?
No. The Auchan gazpacho mentioned here must be stored at +6 °C or below before opening, and should be consumed within five days of opening. These instructions apply to this chilled product, so follow the guidance for the soup you buy.