Who are these criteria for?

People following a strict gluten-free diet

The ‘gluten-free’ label on the product you buy matters more than a recipe that simply appears to contain no cereals. Check the ingredients list too.

People living alone who want a single portion

A portion that’s right for one meal can help you avoid dealing with leftovers. Ma Communauté Carrefour describes a 36 cl Liebig soup as a single serving, but that description alone tells you nothing about its gluten content or packaging.

People who pay close attention to ingredients and allergens

The ‘gluten-free’ label doesn’t replace reading the recipe. The Conserverie Au Bec Fin rockfish soup listed as gluten-free by Auchan contains fish, crustaceans and sulphites, among other ingredients.

What should you check before buying?

For a soup intended for one meal, first check that the product you’ve chosen is labelled ‘gluten-free’, then look at the quantity, packaging and other ingredients.

Criteria What to check Who this matters to
‘Gluten-free’ label Look for the label on the product you’re buying, then read its ingredients list. If I need to avoid gluten, the way a recipe looks isn’t enough: I want an explicit label on this soup. Around 50% of consumers would put this proof first.
Portion and packaging Check the net quantity, number of portions and whether it comes in a tin, rather than assuming the packaging from the words ‘single serving’. When I’m eating alone, I look for an amount that’s right for my meal to keep leftovers to a minimum; around 30% of consumers would make single-serving size their priority.
Recipe and storage Read the allergen information, nutritional details and instructions for after opening. Even if the soup is labelled ‘gluten-free’, I want to know about any other allergens and how to store any leftovers. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise ingredients and storage.

Common pitfalls to avoid

  • Assuming a recipe with no visible cereals is gluten-free

    A soup’s name or picture doesn’t confirm whether it’s gluten-free. The use of this claim is governed by European regulations on providing consumers with information about gluten.

    If this is essential, look for the label on the item you’re buying and check its ingredients list.

  • Confusing a single portion with a single tin

    The 36 cl Liebig soup described as a single serving by Ma Communauté Carrefour doesn’t tell you what type of packaging it comes in or whether it’s gluten-free.

    Check both of these details for the same product, along with its net quantity and number of portions.

  • Forgetting about other allergens

    Auchan’s Conserverie Au Bec Fin rockfish soup, listed as gluten-free, contains fish, crustaceans and sulphites, among other ingredients.

    Read the ingredients and any allergens highlighted on the packaging of the soup you choose.

  • Overlooking storage instructions after opening

    For this 800 g rockfish soup, Auchan advises storing it in the fridge after opening and consuming it within 48 hours.

    If you’re eating alone, compare the quantity with the time limit stated on your product and plan what you’ll do with any leftovers.

    Any amount you can’t eat within the stated time could go to waste.

Brands and retailers to explore

These examples highlight different criteria. You’ll still need to check the gluten-free label, portion size and packaging for each soup you’re considering.

Conserverie Au Bec Fin

Auchan lists an 800 g rockfish soup labelled ‘gluten-free’.

  • The product information gives details of the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions after opening.
  • The 800 g size isn’t a single portion, and the recipe contains fish, crustaceans and sulphites, among other ingredients.

Liebig

Ma Communauté Carrefour describes a 36 cl five-vegetable soup as a single serving.

  • The 36 cl quantity gives you a useful reference point when comparing portions.
  • Before choosing it for a gluten-free shop looking for a single tin, check that the product sold is labelled ‘gluten-free’ and confirm the type of packaging.

Royco

Royco offers several soup ranges, including a vermicelli range.

  • The ranges make it easier to identify recipes to check individually.
  • For each soup, check the ‘gluten-free’ label, ingredients and packaging. The name of a range isn’t enough.

Carrefour

The Carrefour catalogue features different sizes of liquid soup, including a 2 × 30 cl multipack.

  • The stated size helps you distinguish between several small packs and a larger amount to share.
  • Check that each product is labelled ‘gluten-free’ and confirm the type of packaging before choosing a multipack.

E.Leclerc

E.Leclerc features a ‘Chaque Jour Sans Gluten’ (Everyday Gluten-Free) food range.

  • This range can be a useful starting point when looking through food products.
  • For single-serving tinned soup, check the details on the product listing and the packaging of the soup itself.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a vegetable soup with no visible cereals necessarily suitable for a strict gluten-free diet?

No. Don’t assume a recipe is gluten-free from its appearance or name. Look for the label on the product being sold and read the ingredients. European regulations govern the use of this claim.

Is a soup described as a single serving always gluten-free and sold in a tin?

No. Ma Communauté Carrefour describes a 36 cl Liebig soup as a single serving, but this information about the size doesn’t confirm that it’s gluten-free or tell you what type of packaging it comes in. Check both details for the product you plan to buy.

What should you read on the packaging of prepacked soup?

Read the ingredients list, allergen information, net quantity and storage instructions. If it affects your choice, check for the ‘gluten-free’ label too. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted.

How long can you keep a large soup after opening?

Follow the instructions for the product you’ve bought. For its 800 g Conserverie Au Bec Fin rockfish soup, Auchan advises refrigerating it and consuming it within 48 hours of opening. This time limit doesn’t apply to all soups.

Does an organic label mean you don’t need to check for gluten?

No. Organic and ‘gluten-free’ labels refer to different characteristics. If you’re choosing an organic soup, look separately for ‘gluten-free’ information on the product you’ve selected and check its ingredients.