If you are looking for a quick and easy meal, 1 Can (10.75 Oz), Prepared New England Clam Chowder (with Equal Volume Water, Canned) is a great option! With 231 calories per can, this soup is a good source of nutrients and energy to fuel your day.

Clam chowder is also rich in protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. A single serving can provide over 10% of the recommended daily intake of protein, vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron. This makes it a healthy and filling option for any meal.

In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies on how to prepare and serve canned clam chowder to make it even more enjoyable. We'll also take a look at the health benefits and potential risks of eating this soup, as well as some food pairing ideas to enhance the flavor of your meal.

Calories in Canned Clam Chowder

As mentioned earlier, a single can of prepared New England clam chowder contains 231 calories. This makes it a moderately high-calorie food, so it's important to consume it in moderation if you are watching your calorie intake. However, the soup is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, which makes it a healthier option compared to other high-calorie meals. If you want to reduce the calorie content of your meal, you can try diluting the soup with additional water or low-fat milk. This can also make the soup more filling and help you stay satisfied for longer.

Preparation Instructions

Preparing canned clam chowder is a simple and easy process. All you need to do is open the can and pour the contents into a pot. Add an equal volume of water or milk to the pot and stir well. Heat the soup on medium-high heat until it comes to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let the soup cook for a few more minutes. You can add spices and seasonings of your choice to enhance the flavor. If you want to speed up the cooking process, you can also heat the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and bubbly.

Serving Size

The recommended serving size for canned clam chowder is one can, which is equivalent to 10.75 oz or 305 grams. This serving size contains 231 calories, 9 grams of fat, 32 grams of carbohydrates, and 9 grams of protein. If you are looking for a more filling meal, you can increase the serving size or pair the soup with a side salad or whole-grain bread. However, if you are following a strict diet or trying to lose weight, you may want to reduce the serving size to half a can or less. This can help you control your calorie intake and still enjoy the rich flavor and nutrients of the soup.

Total Fat Content

A single can of prepared New England clam chowder contains 9 grams of total fat, which is equivalent to 14% of the recommended daily intake. However, most of the fat in the soup is unsaturated, which makes it a healthier option compared to other high-fat meals. Unsaturated fats can help lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. If you want to further reduce the fat content of your meal, you can try using low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk or cream. You can also pair the soup with a salad or steamed vegetables to make it a more balanced and nutritious meal.

Carbohydrate Content

A single can of prepared New England clam chowder contains 32 grams of carbohydrates, which is equivalent to 11% of the recommended daily intake. Most of the carbohydrates in the soup come from complex sources like whole grains, which can provide sustained energy and improve digestion. However, the soup also contains some simple carbohydrates like sugar, which can increase blood sugar levels and lead to energy crashes. If you are diabetic or have high blood sugar levels, you may want to limit your intake of canned clam chowder or choose a low-sugar option.

Protein Content

A single can of prepared New England clam chowder contains 9 grams of protein, which is equivalent to 18% of the recommended daily intake. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, and can also help you feel fuller for longer. The protein in canned clam chowder comes from clams, which are a rich source of lean protein and other nutrients. If you want to increase the protein content of your meal, you can also add additional sources of protein like chicken breast, tofu, or beans. This can make the soup more filling and satisfying, and help you meet your daily protein needs.

Vitamins and Minerals

Canned clam chowder is also a good source of vitamins and minerals that can support your overall health and wellbeing. A single can of prepared New England clam chowder can provide over 10% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium. Vitamin C is essential for a strong immune system, healthy skin, and wound healing. Vitamin A is important for good vision, healthy skin, and growth and development. Iron is essential for healthy blood cells and oxygen transport, and potassium is important for a healthy heart and strong bones.

Health Benefits

Eating canned clam chowder can provide a range of health benefits due to its high nutrient content. Some of the potential health benefits of this soup include:

• Improved immune function and wound healing due to high vitamin C content
• Reduced risk of anemia and fatigue due to high iron content
• Enhanced vision and skin health due to high vitamin A content
• Lowered risk of heart disease and improved bone health due to high potassium content
• Increased satiety and reduced calorie intake due to high protein and fiber content

However, it's important to note that these health benefits can vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation method used to make the soup. Canned clam chowder may also contain additives like preservatives and sodium, which can negatively impact your health if consumed in excess.

Potential Risks

While canned clam chowder can be a healthy and convenient meal option, it's also important to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming this food. Some of the most common risks include:

• High sodium content: Canned clam chowder is often high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure and raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. You can reduce your sodium intake by choosing low-sodium or no-salt-added options, or by making your own soup from scratch.
• Potential allergens: Clam chowder can contain shellfish, milk, wheat, and other potential allergens that can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you have a food allergy, make sure to read the ingredient labels carefully and avoid any products that contain allergens.
• Environmental contaminants: Clams and other seafood can contain environmental contaminants like mercury, PCBs, and dioxins, which can be harmful to human health if consumed in large amounts. To minimize your exposure to these contaminants, choose wild-caught or sustainably farmed seafood, and avoid consuming large amounts of shellfish on a regular basis.

Food Pairing

Canned clam chowder can be paired with a variety of foods to enhance its flavor and texture. Some popular food pairing options include:

• Crackers, bread, or croutons
• Steamed or grilled vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
• Side salads with mixed greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette dressing
• Cornbread or biscuits
• Seafood like shrimp or scallops

Experiment with different food pairing options to find your favorite combination. You can also add spices and seasonings like black pepper, thyme, or garlic to add more flavor and depth to your meal.