Cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups are both classic comfort foods that have been staples in many kitchens for generations. But which one is ultimately better? There are good arguments on both sides, so let’s take a closer look at the key differences between these two creamy soups.
Nutritional Value
When comparing the nutritional profiles of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, there are some clear differences:
| Nutrition Facts | Cream of Mushroom Soup | Cream of Chicken Soup |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per cup | 170 | 200 |
| Total Fat | 10g | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 7g |
| Sodium | 790mg | 870mg |
| Carbohydrates | 12g | 12g |
| Protein | 2g | 6g |
As the table shows, cream of chicken has a bit more calories, fat, and sodium compared to cream of mushroom. Cream of mushroom is lower in saturated fat. Cream of chicken provides more protein. Both have a similar amount of carbs.
So from a basic nutritional standpoint, cream of mushroom has a slight edge for being a bit lighter. But cream of chicken packs more protein punch.
Ingredients
The ingredient lists also show some variances between the two soups:
Cream of Mushroom Soup
- Mushrooms
- Milk or cream
- Flour
- Chicken or vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper
- Aromatics like onion, garlic, celery
Cream of Chicken Soup
- Cooked chicken
- Milk or cream
- Flour
- Chicken stock
- Salt and pepper
- Onion, garlic, celery
- Carrots, potatoes, peas (in some recipes)
The key difference here is the inclusion of chicken and chicken stock in cream of chicken soup. This gives it a more savory, meaty flavor compared to the earthier mushroom taste of cream of mushroom. Cream of mushroom focuses more on showcasing the flavor of the mushrooms.
Flavor
Speaking of flavor, there are some clear differences in taste between cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups:
Cream of Mushroom
- Earthy, umami mushroom flavor
- Slightly nutty
- Savory with a hint of sweetness
- Velvety texture
Cream of Chicken
- Rich chicken flavor
- Salty and savory
- Tender chicken chunks
- Smooth, creamy broth
Cream of mushroom has those woodsy mushroom notes, while cream of chicken is all about the chicken. The vegetables and seasonings also influence the flavors – onion, garlic, thyme, and pepper add depth. Overall, cream of mushroom is earthier, while cream of chicken leans more savory and salty.
Uses in Cooking and Baking
In terms of culinary uses, both cream of mushroom and cream of chicken work well:
Cream of Mushroom
- Casseroles
- Pot pies
- Croquettes
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Mushroom soufflés
- Risottos
- Gravies and sauces
Cream of Chicken
- Casseroles
- Pot pies
- Chicken sandwiches
- Biscuits and rolls
- Gravies and sauces
- Soups like chicken noodle
Cream of mushroom works well with vegetarian dishes or anything with mushrooms. Cream of chicken partners beautifully with chicken or turkey dishes. Both make excellent creamy bases for casseroles and pot pies.
Baking Uses
In baked goods, both cream soups add moisture, richness, and flavor:
Cream of Mushroom
- Mushroom breads, muffins, and scones
- Mushroom cakes
Cream of Chicken
- Biscuits
- Rolls
- Savory pies like chicken pot pie
Cream of mushroom gives a lovely mushroom essence in baked goods. Cream of chicken adds a savory element to biscuits, rolls, and pies.
Cost and Convenience
Both cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups are relatively affordable pantry staples. Store-bought versions cost $2-3 per can on average. Generic brands are cheaper. Making them from scratch costs slightly more for fresh ingredients but allows you to control the ingredients.
Cream soups are widely available canned or dried for convenience. You can also find them organic or low-sodium for health needs. With some recipes, you can substitute one for the other in a pinch if you only have one on hand.
Health Benefits
Here are some potential health benefits of each soup’s key ingredients:
Cream of Mushroom
- Mushrooms provide vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, and selenium
- Contain antioxidants
- Provide immune-boosting benefits
Cream of Chicken
- Chicken offers lean protein, B vitamins, selenium
- Can provide electrolytes like sodium and potassium
- Broth may have gut-friendly benefits
So cream of mushroom offers antioxidant potential from the mushrooms. Cream of chicken provides protein, electrolytes, and gut-friendly broth.
Popularity
Both soups are beloved classics, but cream of mushroom may have a slight edge in popularity. Some reasons:
- Mushroom flavor appeals to many palates
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Widely used in casseroles, appetizers, bakes
- Nostalgic flavor for many people
However, cream of chicken is a close second – it’s hard to beat the comforting flavor of chicken soup. Ultimately it comes down to personal taste preferences.
Conclusion
So which soup wins the battle – cream of mushroom or cream of chicken? Here’s a quick rundown of the differences:
| Cream of Mushroom | Cream of Chicken |
|---|---|
| Lower in calories, fat, sodium | Higher in protein |
| Earthy mushroom flavor | Hearty chicken flavor |
| Vegetarian | Contains chicken |
| Used in mushroom dishes | Complements chicken dishes |
Both soups have their merits. Cream of mushroom may appeal more to vegetarians or mushroom lovers. Cream of chicken is heartier with more protein. Whichever soup you choose, you really can’t go wrong with these two creamy classics!