Clam chowder is a popular soup that can be enjoyed any time of year. New England clam chowder, in particular, is a creamy and flavorful soup that is made with fresh clams, potatoes, and onions, among other ingredients. If you are wondering about the number of calories in one cup of New England clam chowder, you will be pleased to know that it contains around 240 calories.

Additionally, one cup of New England clam chowder contains 11 grams of fat, which is made up of 5 grams of saturated fat and 2 grams of monounsaturated fat. It also contains 58 milligrams of cholesterol, 853 milligrams of sodium, 21 grams of carbohydrates, 1.9 grams of fiber, and 10 grams of protein.

If you are a fan of New England clam chowder but want to learn more about its nutritional value, as well as how to make it at home, keep reading for some practical tips and strategies.

Calories in New England Clam Chowder

As previously mentioned, one cup of New England clam chowder contains around 240 calories. While this may seem high for some people, it is important to keep in mind that this soup is a complete meal in itself and can be quite filling. Additionally, it is an excellent source of protein, fiber, and other important nutrients. To help manage your calorie intake, consider having a smaller portion of New England clam chowder as an appetizer or pairing it with a side salad or vegetables as a main course.

How Much Fat is in New England Clam Chowder?

One cup of New England clam chowder contains 11 grams of fat, which is about 16% of your daily recommended intake. However, not all fats are created equal. While this soup does contain some saturated fat, it also has monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that are good for your heart health. To keep your fat intake in check, you can opt for lower-fat milk or cream in your soup, use leaner cuts of bacon, and/or add more vegetables to the recipe.

How Much Cholesterol is in New England Clam Chowder?

New England clam chowder contains about 58 milligrams of cholesterol per cup, which is about 19% of your daily recommended intake. While this may seem high, keep in mind that cholesterol is an essential nutrient that your body needs to function properly. However, if you are watching your cholesterol intake, you can opt for low-cholesterol milk or cream, use less butter or oil in your recipe, or skip the bacon altogether.

How Much Sodium is in New England Clam Chowder?

One cup of New England clam chowder contains around 853 milligrams of sodium, which is about 37% of your daily recommended intake. While sodium is essential for your body to function properly, too much of it can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues. To reduce your sodium intake, try making your own broth or using low-sodium broth in the recipe. You can also use fresh clams instead of canned ones, which tend to have more sodium.

How Many Carbs are in New England Clam Chowder?

One cup of New England clam chowder contains 21 grams of carbohydrates, which is about 7% of your daily recommended intake. While this may not seem like a lot, keep in mind that carbs can add up quickly throughout the day. To balance your carb intake, try to pair your soup with a side of vegetables or a salad. You can also use cauliflower or turnips instead of potatoes in your recipe to reduce your carb intake.

How Much Fiber is in New England Clam Chowder?

One cup of New England clam chowder contains 1.9 grams of fiber, which is about 8% of your daily recommended intake. While this may not seem like a lot, fiber is important for maintaining a healthy digestive system and can help you feel full longer. To increase your fiber intake, consider adding more vegetables to your recipe, such as carrots or celery. You can also add barley or lentils to your soup for an extra boost of fiber.

How Much Protein is in New England Clam Chowder?

One cup of New England clam chowder contains 10 grams of protein, which is about 20% of your daily recommended intake. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in your body and can also help you feel full longer. To add more protein to your soup, you can use a combination of clams, shrimp, and/or scallops. You can also add beans or tofu to your recipe for an extra boost of protein.

Vitamins and Minerals in New England Clam Chowder

New England clam chowder is a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, calcium, and iron. To increase the nutritional value of your soup, consider adding more vegetables to your recipe, such as spinach or kale. You can also use low-fat milk or cream to boost your calcium intake.

Benefits of Eating New England Clam Chowder

Aside from being delicious, New England clam chowder can offer several health benefits. For example, the clams in the recipe are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health and brain function. Additionally, the soup is a good source of protein and fiber, which can help you stay full longer and maintain a healthy weight. To get the most out of your soup, try to use fresh, local ingredients whenever possible. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to add more flavor and depth to your recipe.

How to Make New England Clam Chowder at Home

Making New England clam chowder at home is relatively easy and can be a fun activity for the whole family. To get started, you will need fresh or canned clams, potatoes, onions, bacon, milk or cream, and a few other ingredients. To make the soup, you will first need to cook the bacon until it is crispy, then sauté the onions and potatoes in the bacon fat. Next, add the clams, broth, and milk or cream to the pot and simmer until everything is cooked through. Finally, season the soup with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. For a detailed recipe and step-by-step instructions, check out some of the many New England clam chowder recipes available online or in cookbooks.