Is Lentil Soup Ultra Processed?

Lentil soup is one of the simplest prepared foods: lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, spices, salt, and water or broth are simmered together. Canned versions undergo the same cooking process but are then sealed and pressure-cooked for shelf stability. Many canned lentil soups maintain short ingredient lists with recognizable ingredients. Some commercial versions add tomato paste, olive oil, or lemon juice, all simple additions. The processing concern arises with brands that add sugar, natural flavors, yeast extract, or modified starches for flavor shortcuts. In our analysis, lentil soup products average a Processing Score of 5.9, which is Level 3.

1. 1

   Quality canned lentil soup should list lentils, vegetables, spices, salt, and water; all recognizable

2. 2

   Watch for brands adding sugar, yeast extract, or natural flavors as flavor shortcuts

3. 3

   Organic brands tend to have simpler ingredient lists without flavor enhancers

4. 4

   Look for soups where lentils or water/broth is the first ingredient, not tomato paste or starch