Split pea soup with ham is a classic comfort food, especially when the weather turns cold. But if you’re watching what you eat, you might wonder about the nutritional profile of this hearty soup.
This article will give you a comprehensive overview of the calories in split pea soup with ham, along with a breakdown of its other nutritional information.
Keep in mind that the exact calorie count can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size.
Understanding the Calorie Content of Split Pea Soup with Ham
If you’re trying to eat healthier or just keep track of your calories, you may be wondering how many calories there are in split pea soup with ham.
On average, a serving of split pea soup with ham has around 374 calories. But keep in mind that this is just an estimate. The exact number of calories in your bowl of soup will depend on the ingredients and the recipe you use.
For instance, if you use a fattier cut of ham or add more ham to the recipe, that’ll increase the calorie count. If you add vegetables like carrots, celery, or onions, you’ll be adding some calories, but you’ll also be adding vitamins, minerals, and fiber. And if you saute the veggies in butter or oil, that’ll add to the calorie count, too.
Serving size is also key. A larger bowl of soup will naturally have more calories than a smaller one, so take that into account when you’re counting calories.
Macronutrient Breakdown
If you’re counting carbs, fats, and proteins, here’s what you can expect from a serving of split pea soup with ham:
Carbohydrates
One serving of split pea soup with ham may contain about 37 grams of carbs, according to one recipe. However, another source states that one cup of split pea soup has 28.3 grams of total carbs and 24 grams of net carbs.
Split peas are a great source of complex carbohydrates, which means they’ll keep you feeling full for longer than simple carbs.
Protein
You’ll get a good dose of protein from split pea soup with ham. One serving can give you around 25 grams of protein, according to one recipe. One cup contains 11.7 grams.
Both the ham and the split peas contribute to the overall protein content of the soup.
Fat
A serving of split pea soup with ham can contain around 14 grams of fat, although one cup only has about 4.2 grams. The amount of fat will depend on the type of ham used and whether any fats like butter or oil are added during cooking.
Micronutrient Profile and Health Benefits
Beyond the calorie count, split pea soup with ham is packed with micronutrients that can boost your health.
Vitamins and minerals
Split pea soup with ham contains a good bit of vitamin C (about 25% of your daily value), along with calcium (4% DV), iron (17% DV), and potassium (17% DV). You’ll also get smaller amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, selenium, folate, and various B vitamins.
These vitamins and minerals support a range of bodily functions, from immune health to energy production.
Fiber content
Split pea soup is a fiber superstar! A serving can give you more than half (54%) of your daily value for dietary fiber — about 4.3 grams in a one-cup serving.
Fiber is a champion for digestive health, helping to keep things moving smoothly. Plus, it promotes satiety, which means you’ll feel fuller longer after eating, which can help with weight management.
Calorie counts can vary wildly
The nutritional information above is an estimate. The total calories in your split pea soup will vary depending on the recipe you use.
For example, some recipes call for a ham bone to make the stock. Others use chicken stock. Some have more vegetables than others. And some cooks add extra oil or butter.
If you’re tracking calories, be sure to check the nutritional information for your specific recipe. You can also use an online tool to calculate the calories based on your exact ingredients.
The Bottom Line
Split pea soup with ham is a hearty, healthy meal that’s packed with protein, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals. It’s also relatively low in calories.
Enjoy split pea soup with ham as part of a well-rounded diet, but keep in mind that the calorie counts can vary widely depending on the portion size and the ingredients.
The great thing about split pea soup is that you can easily adjust the recipe to meet your individual dietary needs and preferences.