The Good Stuff Simple Swaps – Every Wednesday I share a new Good Stuff Simple Swap, one simple change that helps clean up your everyday eats without overhauling your whole pantry. You can find all the swaps here!
We all know the one. That can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup that shows up in nearly every easy casserole and slow cooker recipe. In some circles, it’s nicknamed “cream of crap” soup because the ingredients can be pretty rough. We are talking about hydrogenated oils, MSG, and mystery additives with barely any real food in sight.
The good news is that your favorite family recipes don’t have to change just because you want to eat better. It is all about a simple swap in the can you open.
The Simple Swap: Real Ingredients, Same Convenience
You can absolutely make your own “cream of” soup from scratch, and it tastes amazing. But let’s be real: most of the time we reach for these cans because we need dinner on the table fast. These better options make it easy to stick to high-quality ingredients without adding extra time to your evening.
When you switch to a cleaner brand, you are getting:
- No weird hydrogenated oils
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Actual food like real mushrooms, chicken, cream, and seasonings
Better Options for Your Pantry
These brands are my go-tos because they use recognizable ingredients and still provide that creamy, comforting texture your recipes need.
Cream of Mushroom Swaps:
Cream of Chicken Swaps:
“Cream of” Soup FAQs
Do these taste the same as the traditional brands?
They taste better! Because they are made with real cream and real vegetables, the flavor is more “homemade” and less metallic. You might notice the color is a bit more natural (less stark white) because they aren’t using artificial whiteners.
Can I use these 1:1 in my old recipes?
Yes. You don’t need to adjust your measurements at all. Use them exactly as you would use the traditional cans in your casseroles, pot pies, or slow cooker meals.
Why is MSG so common in the big brands?
MSG is often used to make up for a lack of real ingredients. When a soup doesn’t have enough real chicken or mushrooms to provide flavor, manufacturers use additives to “trick” your taste buds. By choosing these cleaner swaps, you are getting flavor from the actual food instead.
Are these soups gluten-free?
Many of the cleaner versions, like some from Pacific Foods, offer gluten-free options. Traditional “cream of” soups almost always use wheat flour as a thickener, so if you are gluten-sensitive, definitely check the label of these swaps!
Same Recipes, Less Junk
This is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. You keep the same oven, the same recipes, and the same cooking time. You just end up with less junk between you and your food.
You can find all the past swaps here and don’t forget to check back next Wednesday for the next Good Stuff Simple Swap!
This post contains affiliate links. Ingredient information is shared for educational purposes only. Product formulations can change.