# Legal Sea Foods New England Clam Chowder

> Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop.

## Snapshot

- **Brand:** Legal Sea Foods
- **Retailer listed:** Foodtown
- **Category:** Deli
- **Size:** 15 oz
- **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/legal-sea-foods-new-england-clam-chowder-15-oz
- **Slug:** `legal-sea-foods-new-england-clam-chowder-15-oz`

## NOVA classification

**NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods

Contains multiple industrial ingredients and additives (modified corn starch, maltodextrin, natural flavors, prepared bases and preservatives) and is a ready-to-heat product, fitting the NOVA ultra-processed category.

## Review

This 15 oz Legal Sea Foods New England Clam Chowder reads like a restaurant shortcut: rich light cream, chunks of potatoes and clam meat in a thick, ladleable base. On supermarket shelves you’d typically find it in the canned/ready-meals aisle alongside premium canned seafood, other branded chowders and boxed broths, often near oyster crackers, crackers and shelf-stable sides rather than in the refrigerated soup case. Shoppers reach for it on storm-prep runs, weekend brunch racks, or when they want a quick, comforting dinner after work. The brand leans on New England coastal identity and the prestige of a regional seafood restaurant chain, positioning the product as a restaurant-quality, slightly upscale convenience item aimed at adults who want familiar, savory comfort without cooking from scratch. The label emphasizes “New England” and clam-forward flavor and may highlight simple-sounding ingredients like cream and clams, producing a mild “natural” health halo even though there’s no organic certification. In plain terms this is a processed, ready-to-heat soup that mixes fresh-seeming components with industrial additions (modified starches, maltodextrin, natural flavor, bases and preservatives). Sensory notes: spoon-thick creaminess, soft potato chunks, salty briny clam pieces and a background savory umami from dried bases and Worcestershire, best enjoyed heated in a pot or microwave and served with crusty bread or oyster crackers. Packaging is a 15 oz can/pouch meant for quick heating—an easy ritual bowl for cold evenings or busy weeknights where convenience and familiarity matter.

## Nutrition

- **Serving size:** 1
- **Servings per container:** 1
- **Calories:** 450
- **Total fat:** 31g (40% DV)
- **Saturated fat:** 19g (95% DV)
- **Trans fat:** 0.5g
- **Cholesterol:** 115mg (38% DV)
- **Sodium:** 1340mg (58% DV)
- **Total carbs:** 30g (11% DV)
- **Dietary fiber:** 2g (7% DV)
- **Total sugars:** 8g
- **Added sugars:** 2g (4% DV)
- **Protein:** 15g

## Ingredients

Light Cream, Water, Potatoes, Clam Meat, Onions, Contains 2% or Less of: Modified Corn Starch, Fish Base (Cod and/or Pollock, Salt, Sugar, Potatoes, Onions), Butter (Cream, Salt), Vegetable Base (Carrots, Onions, Celery, Salt, Sugar, Maltodextrin, Corn Oil, Yeast Extract, Natural, Flavor, Potato Starch), Worcestershire Sauce (Distilled White Vinegar, Molasses, Sugar, Water, Salt, Onions, Anchovies, Garlic, Cloves, Tamarind Extract, Natural Flavor, Chili Pepper Extract), Powdered Clam Broth, Maltodextrin, Pork Lard, Garlic, Sugar, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Nisin Preparation and Spices.

## Flagged ingredients

- **Corn Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids
- **Nisin Preparation** (preservative): Synthetic preservative

## Context tags

- **Occasions:** weekend-brunch, storm-prep, meal-prep-sunday
- **Vibes:** comforting, nostalgic, convenient

## FAQ

### Is the clam chowder healthy?

This clam chowder can be considered a hearty option, especially if you're craving something comforting. It packs a protein punch with 15g per serving, which is great for a meal. However, with 450 calories and 31g of fat (including 19g of saturated fat), it might be best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.

### Is the clam chowder vegan?

Nope, this clam chowder is definitely not vegan. It contains light cream and clam meat, both of which are animal products. If you're looking for a plant-based alternative, you might want to check out some vegan chowder recipes or brands that cater specifically to that diet.

### Is the clam chowder gluten-free?

While this clam chowder doesn't list any gluten-containing ingredients, it’s important to note that it isn’t labeled gluten-free. Cross-contamination can happen in processing, so if you have a severe gluten intolerance or celiac disease, you might want to play it safe and skip this one.

### Does it contain seed oils?

Yes, this clam chowder includes corn oil, which is a type of seed oil. Seed oils have been a hot topic lately, with some folks concerned about their omega-6 fatty acid content. However, in moderation, they can be part of a balanced diet, so it comes down to your overall eating patterns.

### Does it contain artificial sweeteners?

Nope! You won’t find any artificial sweeteners hiding in this clam chowder. The sweetness comes from added sugars, like those found in the Worcestershire sauce, but there are no sneaky sugar substitutes here.

### Is it high in sugar?

This clam chowder isn't high in sugar, with only 8g total sugars per serving. So if you're watching your sugar intake, this isn't likely to tip the scales, especially compared to a sugary dessert. Just keep in mind that it does have 2g of added sugars, which contributes to that total.

### What are healthier alternatives?

If you're looking for a lighter alternative, consider a homemade clam chowder where you can control the ingredients and fat content. There are also brands that offer lower-calorie, lower-fat chowders or veggie-based soups that can satisfy that creamy craving without the heaviness.

### Can kids eat it?

Absolutely! Kids can enjoy this clam chowder, especially if they're fans of seafood. Just keep an eye on the sodium content, which is on the higher side at 1340mg per serving, and consider serving it alongside some fresh veggies or whole grain bread for a balanced meal.

### Is it good for weight loss?

While this clam chowder is rich in protein, its calorie and fat content make it a little heavy for a weight loss-focused meal. If you love it, you can still enjoy it in moderation, but pairing it with a side salad or lighter fare can help balance things out.

### Is it ultra-processed?

This clam chowder falls into the processed category, given that it contains ingredients like modified corn starch and maltodextrin. It's not ultra-processed in the sense of being filled with artificial colors and flavors, but the presence of preservatives and processed ingredients means it's not exactly a 'whole food' either. Just think of it as a comforting option for when you want something quick and tasty!

## Related products

- [Formaggio Genoa Salami & Mozzarella Wrap](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/formaggio-genoa-salami-mozzarella-wrap-6-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/formaggio-genoa-salami-mozzarella-wrap-6-oz
- [Buitoni Spaghetti Pasta 9oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/buitoni-spaghetti-pasta-9oz-9-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/buitoni-spaghetti-pasta-9oz-9-oz
- [Snack Factory Pretzel Crisp Rye](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/snack-factory-factory-pretzel-crisp-rye-720-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/snack-factory-factory-pretzel-crisp-rye-720-oz
- [Boar's Head Vermont Cheddar Cheese, pre-sliced](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/boars-head-vermont-cheddar-cheese-pre-sliced-8-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/boars-head-vermont-cheddar-cheese-pre-sliced-8-oz
- [Kerrygold Blarney Castle Irish Cheese](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/kerrygold-blarney-castle-irish-cheese-7-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/kerrygold-blarney-castle-irish-cheese-7-oz
- [Dalmatia Fig Spread, Orange](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/dalmatia-fig-spread-orange-850-oz) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/dalmatia-fig-spread-orange-850-oz
- [Blount Clam Shack Gumbo, 24oz](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/blount-clam-shack-gumbo-24oz-24-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/blount-clam-shack-gumbo-24oz-24-oz
- [Boar'S Head Sweet Chili Garlic Hummus](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/boars-head-sweet-chili-garlic-hummus-10-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/boars-head-sweet-chili-garlic-hummus-10-oz

## For agents

Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. Full API access and search: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/skill.md
