This article will discuss the top seven substitutes for cream of celery soup, dairy-free and gluten-free alternatives, and whether or not Campbell’s still makes their infamous cream of celery soup.
The best substitutes for cream of celery soup are cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, heavy cream, vegetable stock, or a celery-based pesto. These will provide the same creamy texture and spices typically found in cream of celery soup. They will also have similar nutritional content.
Let’s explore each of these substitutes in greater detail.
Substitute | Description and Uses |
---|---|
Cream of Mushroom Soup | Cream of mushroom soup has a very similar taste and texture and a near-identical nutritional content to cream of celery soup. Still, the mushroom taste may bother some people when compared to celery. |
Cream of Chicken Soup | Cream of chicken, like cream of mushroom, has a lot of similarities to cream of celery. Keep in mind that it is not vegetarian-friendly. |
Heavy Cream | Heavy cream is easy to find and easy to throw into a recipe as a replacement. However, it does not have the same abundance of flavor as other substitutes. |
Vegetable Stock | Vegetable stock, especially with added spices, provides most of the same flavors of cream of celery soup, but it does not give the desired texture. |
Celery-Based Pesto | Celery-based pesto is a great way to play with your ingredients to give your dishes the desired flavor of cream of celery soup with a twist, but you should only use it as a substitute in very specific instances. |
1. Cream of Mushroom Soup
Cream of mushroom soup is the best, easy substitute for cream of celery soup. Like cream of celery, cream of mushroom soup is often found in a can and contains similar ingredients.
If you choose cream of mushroom soup as your substitute, you will not be making any changes to the nutritional content of your recipe. Cream of mushroom soup is nearly identical to cream of celery in dietary benefits. Additionally, it has the same basic ingredients, providing equal consistency.
The only difference between cream of celery soup and cream of mushroom soup is the vegetable used. You may prefer celery to mushrooms or have a complete distaste for the mushroom flavor. If this is your particular food taste, cream of mushroom soup might not be the substitute for you.
But if you’re a fan of mushrooms, this substitute might actually be a better choice than cream of celery because its flavor is much more creamy, rich, and intense. It’s an excellent addition to casseroles and other recipes that require creamed soup.
Related 8 Handy Substitutes for Cream of Mushroom Soup.
2. Cream of Chicken Soup
Cream of chicken soup, like cream of mushroom soup, is a great substitute option because of its similarities to cream of celery. Cream of chicken has the same consistency and similar flavorings. Even though it doesn’t provide as similar of a taste as cream of mushroom, it’s still close enough to satisfy your dish.
One downside to take note of is that cream of chicken soup isn’t vegan or vegetarian-friendly. As the name states, cream of chicken soup contains meat. Many people choose cream of celery soup because it is more vegetarian-friendly. However, this shouldn’t be an issue if you are not a vegetarian.
3. Heavy Cream
Heavy cream, especially with added spices, is an excellent option for substituting cream of celery soup in nearly any recipe. When using it as a substitute, some recommended spices to add to heavy cream are celery salt, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
If you are watching your salt intake, a lack of spices will lower the overall sodium amount in your dish. Keep in mind that if you don’t add the spices, the consistency of cream of celery soup will be present, but the flavor may be lacking.
4. Vegetable Stock
Vegetable stock is probably the healthiest alternative to cream of celery soup. Vegetable stock works well on its own, but, like heavy cream, it’s even better when you add some of your favorite spices. Some critics may say that vegetable stock is bland. This complaint is solved by adding a spice with more kick, like cayenne pepper, to the dish to help enhance the flavor.
Vegetable stock will not have the desired consistency found in cream of celery soup. Depending on your dish, this could make or break the quality by using it. Before deciding on this substitute, consider the dish’s overall intended consistency and flavor.
If vegetable stock doesn’t lessen the meal’s quality due to its watery consistency, then it will make a fantastic alternative to cream of celery soup.
5. Celery-Based Pesto
Celery-based pesto is a unique substitute for cream of celery soup that has the potential to increase your dish’s quality when used in the proper context. If you are planning to make a casserole or soup-like meal, celery-based pesto is likely not a suitable substitute for you. On the other hand, if you were planning to top meat or even salad with a cream of celery base, this pesto-with-a-twist could be the perfect alternative.
To make celery-based pesto, simply follow your favorite homemade pesto recipe and either completely replace the basil with celery or partially replace the basil with celery, depending on your preference.
The Best Non-Dairy Substitute
The best non-dairy substitute for cream of celery soup is to make it from scratch as opposed to purchasing a can of premade soup, which often contains dairy. When you make it from scratch, you have the freedom to choose ingredients that fit your diet.
You will want to decide if it is best to make your own cream of celery soup or buy the dairy-free alternative depending on your available time and love for cooking.
As mentioned previously, Mom’s Place sells a dehydrated version that you can purchase online and at some select stores; however, it can be expensive for the quantity of soup that you receive. Homemade cream of celery soup is almost guaranteed to be less costly and may even taste better than your standard, store-bought kind.
How To Make Homemade Dairy-Free Cream of Celery Soup
Making dairy-free cream of celery soup is no more complicated than making regular cream of celery soup. The only difference is the milk base that you use.
You can choose from a number of different dairy-free milk alternatives. Consider your favorite dairy-free milk and what it tastes like when cooked in dishes. Some milk substitutes are sweeter in taste or more watery in consistency.
It is also best to avoid any dairy-free milk that comes with added protein. When there is added protein in a milk base, it does not cook properly, thereby affecting the overall consistency of the soup.
Some of the most popular dairy-free kinds of milk to consider are:
- Lactaid Milk or another type of whole milk with lactose removed.
- Coconut Milk
- Rice Milk
- Cashew Milk
- Almond Milk
- Soy Milk
- Oat Milk
For best results, the unsweetened version is the recommended option regardless of your choice of milk.
Another great option is to use aquafaba cream. Aquafaba is a natural favorite for many people who require dairy-free substitutes. This substance is made when you cook garbanzo beans, also known as chickpeas. The liquid can then be whipped to create a rich cream you can add to your favorite recipes– including cream of celery soup.
Gluten-Free Substitute for Cream of Celery Soup
Unfortunately, there aren’t many gluten-free creams or celery soup substitute options. However, you can always make a gluten-free homemade cream of celery soup. Another option is the company Mom’s Place, which also sells a gluten-free dehydrated cream of celery soup.
How To Make Gluten-Free Cream of Celery Soup
Like dairy-free cream of celery soup, the only difference in making gluten-free cream of celery soup is replacing one ingredient, flour. Flour is used as a thickening agent in cream of celery soup. Thankfully, you can pick from plenty of gluten-free flour alternatives.
Some excellent gluten-free flour substitutes are:
- Your favorite gluten-free flour brand
- Homemade gluten-free flour
- White-rice flour
- Chickpea flour
For those who are gluten and dairy-free, you can easily make a gluten and dairy-free cream of celery soup substitute by replacing the milk and flour. The consistency, taste, and overall quality should be nearly identical to that of regular cream of celery soup.
Does Campbell’s Still Make Cream of Celery Soup?
Campbell’s still makes cream of celery soup. It is packaged in a can, and you can purchase it at nearly any grocery store. It is located with the rest of Campbell’s “cream of” soups.
If you have difficulty finding cream of celery soup, your grocery store may not stock it regularly. Campbell’s most common “cream of” soups tend to be cream of chicken and cream of mushroom.
You can also order it online. I recommend purchasing this Campbell’s Cream of Celery Condensed Soup 295g – Pack of 6 (available on Amazon.com), because it’s very affordable in consideration of the amount of soup you actually get with each purchase.
Contents of Campbell’s Cream of Celery Soup
Campbell’s cream of celery soup is a fairly clean canned soup. Water, celery, flour, cream, and spices are the main ingredients. Because the contents are simple, the calorie and sodium amount are relatively low compared to other canned soups.
Campbell’s is an esteemed and well-known brand for its consistent, high-quality products. Campbell’s cream of celery soup is a healthier alternative to other “cream of” soups as it is low in sodium, calories, cholesterol, and sugars. Another benefit is that it’s vegetarian-friendly.
One downside to keep in mind when using Campbell’s cream of celery soup is that it’s not allergy-friendly. Don’t serve it to your friends who have gluten, dairy, soybean, or wheat allergies. Additionally, it’s not appropriate for vegans or people who require organic, all-natural diets. It contains the ingredient “flavor,” which is not good for your health.
Uses for Campbell’s Cream of Celery Soup
Campbell’s cream of celery soup is multi-purposeful. It can stand on its own, be a side dish, or be added to any meal to increase flavor and overall quality. Some great ideas for cooking with Campbell’s cream of celery soup are:
- Make cream of celery soup casserole with rice, veggies, and any protein you may desire.
- Have a hot bowl of cream of celery soup for lunch.
- Serve a bowl of cream of celery soup for soup and sandwich night at your house.
- Bake it over chicken, fish, turkey, beef, etc. Watch as it enhances the meat’s texture.
- Use it as a base for a homemade salad dressing.
Alternative Cream of Celery Soups
1. Homemade Cream of Celery Soup
Cream of celery soup is a delicious addition to a variety of dishes. If you do not have a can of cream of celery soup on hand, your best option is to make some yourself. Keep in mind that this is more time-consuming than other substitutes, but the extra effort definitely pays off as you can control the flavor and the ingredients to fit your liking.
There are several recipes that you can choose from when making your own cream of celery soup from scratch. Regardless of the recipe or blend of recipes that you decide to use, cream of celery soup generally requires the same simple process and blend of ingredients.
The process involves simmering the ingredients together and garnishing with your favorite spices or toppings. The most common ingredients include vegetables, spices, flour, broth, and a milk base.
2. Mom’s Place Cream of Celery Soup
If you want a close alternative to homemade cream of celery soup, Mom’s Place cream of celery soup is the substitute for you.
This alternative comes in a package in a dehydrated form, which is great in terms of shelf life. Dehydrated soups will last a lot longer in your pantry, and it’s also easier to store. But the best part about this substitute is there are options for gluten and dairy-free pallets.
One downside to using Mom’s Place cream of celery soup is its cost. Because it’s made specifically for those with allergies and is a specialty product, you will pay a lot more for this substitute than other replacement options. However, keep in mind that higher-quality ingredients always cost more. It might be worth it to pay a little extra for the sake of a good diet.
Final Bite
There are many options for cream of celery soup substitutes. The best replacements will match cream of celery soup in its consistency and flavor.
Campbell’s still makes a canned cream of celery soup that’s quick and easy to prepare, but the ingredients aren’t very natural. Whether you are using a standard substitute or an allergy-friendly alternative, you will find the best quality in a homemade cream of celery soup.
When you make the soup yourself, it tastes a lot better– and you have control over what ingredients you’re taking in.
For more, don’t miss 5 Best Substitutes For Potatoes In Soup.
Anne James has a wealth of experience in a wide array of interests and is an expert in quilting, cooking, gardening, camping, mixing drinks (worked as a professional bartender), and making jelly.
Anne has a professional canning business, has been featured in the local newspaper as well as on the Hershey website, and has been her family canner for decades. Anyone growing up in the South knows that there is always a person in the family who has knowledge of the “old ways,” and this is exactly what Anne is.
With over 55 years of experience in these endeavors, she brings a level of hands-on knowledge that is hard to surpass. Amazingly, she doesn’t need to reference many resources due to her vast wealth of experience. She IS the source.
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