# Mushroom Barley Soup, 24 OZ

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

## Snapshot

- **Brand:** Whole Foods Market Kitchens
- **Retailer listed:** Whole Foods
- **Category:** prepared-foods/prepared-soups-salads
- **Listed price:** $8.49
- **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/whole-foods-market-kitchens-mushroom-barley-soup-24-oz
- **Slug:** `whole-foods-market-kitchens-mushroom-barley-soup-24-oz`

## NOVA classification

**NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods

Multiple industrial ingredients and additives — xanthan gum, broth concentrates, 'natural flavors', caramel color, and refined seed oils — plus intense sodium levels indicate formulation and processing consistent with NOVA group 4 (ultra-processed).

## Review

You'd spot this 24 oz Whole Foods Market Kitchens soup in the grab-and-go refrigerated prepared foods case or on a ready-meals shelf — an easy pick for a rainy evening or a quick lunch at home. It gives a warm, comforting and slightly upscale deli vibe (earthy mushrooms and barley) but the texture and flavor intensity reflect added thickeners and concentrated flavorings. The ingredient list (xanthan gum, broth concentrates, 'natural flavors', caramel color, refined oils) points to industrial processing typical of ultra-processed foods, even though many recognizable veggies are present.

## Diet flags

- Vegetarian
- Dairy-free

## Nutrition

- **Serving size:** 1 serving
- **Servings per container:** 1
- **Calories:** 230
- **Total fat:** 6g (8% DV)
- **Saturated fat:** 1g (5% DV)
- **Trans fat:** 0g
- **Cholesterol:** 0mg (0% DV)
- **Sodium:** 2040mg (89% DV)
- **Total carbs:** 40g (15% DV)
- **Dietary fiber:** 7g (25% DV)
- **Total sugars:** 7g
- **Protein:** 7g

## Ingredients

WATER CRIMINI MUSHROOMS CARROTS CELERY ONIONS BARLEY BROTH CONCENTRATE (NATURAL FLAVOR, WATER, SALT, OLIVE OIL, EXPELLER PRESSED PALM OIL, XANTHAN GUM) MUSHROOM BROTH CONCENTRATE (MUSHROOM JUICE, NATURAL FLAVOR, SALT) CORNSTARCH OIL (EXPELLER PRESSED SUNFLOWER SEED OIL AND/OR EXPELLED PRESSED SAFFLOWER SEED OIL AND/OR HIGHLY REFINED SOYBEAN OIL) SEA SALT GARLIC EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL BALSAMIC VINEGAR (WINE VINEGAR [CONTAINS SULFITING AGENTS], GRAPE MUST, CARAMEL COLOR) PORCINI MUSHROOM POWDER THYME BLACK PEPPER.

## Flagged ingredients

- **sunflower seed oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids
- **safflower seed oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids
- **highly refined soybean oil** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier
- **caramel color** (additive): Artificial coloring

## Context tags

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

## FAQ

### Is the Mushroom Barley Soup healthy?

Whether or not the Mushroom Barley Soup is 'healthy' can depend on your personal dietary needs and preferences. With 7 grams of fiber and a decent amount of protein for a soup, it can be a satisfying choice, especially if you're looking for something warm and hearty. However, it does have a higher sodium content, so if you're watching your salt intake, that’s something to keep in mind.

### Is the Mushroom Barley Soup vegan?

Nope, the Mushroom Barley Soup is not vegan. It contains ingredients like mushroom broth concentrate, which may be derived from animal sources, depending on the specific formulation. So if you're following a strict plant-based diet, you might want to look for a different option.

### Is the Mushroom Barley Soup gluten-free?

Sadly, this soup is not gluten-free because it contains barley, which is a grain that’s off-limits for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If you're looking for a gluten-free soup, keep an eye out for those labeled specifically as such, usually made with rice or lentils instead.

### Does the Mushroom Barley Soup contain seed oils?

Yes, this soup does contain seed oils, specifically expeller-pressed sunflower and/or safflower oils. While some folks prefer to avoid seed oils due to their omega-6 fatty acid content, these oils are used here mainly for texture and to enhance flavor, so it's a bit of a trade-off depending on what you're looking for in your diet.

### Does the Mushroom Barley Soup contain artificial sweeteners?

No, you can breathe easy on this one — the Mushroom Barley Soup does not contain any artificial sweeteners. It’s free from those sneaky sugar substitutes, which can be a win for those who prefer a more natural flavor profile.

### Is the Mushroom Barley Soup high in sugar?

Not at all! This soup has just 7 grams of total sugars, which isn't considered high, especially for a savory dish. So if you're looking for a comforting bowl without the sugar overload, this one's a solid choice.

### What are healthier alternatives to the Mushroom Barley Soup?

If you’re looking for alternatives, consider soups made with whole ingredients and fewer processed components. Options like homemade vegetable broth or lentil soup can offer similar heartiness without the added sodium and seed oils. You could even try making a mushroom and barley soup from scratch if you're feeling adventurous!

### Can kids eat the Mushroom Barley Soup?

Absolutely! The Mushroom Barley Soup can be a great option for kids, especially if they enjoy the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the chewiness of barley. Just be mindful of the sodium content; you might want to serve it alongside a fresh salad or some fruit to balance things out.

### Is the Mushroom Barley Soup good for weight loss?

This soup can be a decent part of a weight-loss plan because it’s low in calories and has fiber to help keep you full. However, portion control is key, especially due to the sodium content. Pair it with a salad or veggies to round out your meal without packing on extra calories.

### Is the Mushroom Barley Soup ultra-processed?

While the Mushroom Barley Soup is certainly processed — it’s a prepared food after all — it’s not what you might call 'ultra-processed.' It does contain some concentrated broths and oils, but the ingredient list is relatively short and straightforward compared to many other processed foods. So, it strikes a balance between convenience and whole-food ingredients.

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