That would be me.
I've been invited to tour the Campbell's Soup Company headquarters and kitchens in New Jersey. I'm up early, trying to pack my stuff in a carry on bag - because I never pack early and procrastinate enormously! - and pondering what, exactly, you'd have me ask of the higher ups there. What have you always wanted to know about Campbell's, and their affiliates: Pace, Pepperidge Farm, Prego Spaghetti Sauce, Swanson broths and V8 beverages. Want some info? Leave your questions here.
I'll continue with the questions and answers later today and tomorrow. Wish me luck flying!






What I want to know is what possessed them to mix fruit juice into their low sodium V8?!? That stuff is foul - bland and foul. Seriously, whoever thought grapes and tomatoes were meant to be mixed was on something.
But that's not a real endearing question, so instead I'll just say "Have a good trip, and enjoy yourself!"
Posted by: lisa4011 | January 28, 2009 at 07:57 AM
Please beg them to take Partially Hydrogenated Oil out of their soups (and other products). Oh, and while they're at it, how about ditching the HFCS (what with the mercury news and all....). Not exactly questions, but I miss their stuff.
THANKS and have a great time away!
Posted by: madge | January 28, 2009 at 08:23 AM
Did you actually get there and back w/ no weather problems?
That's great that you got to go do something like that! How fun!
Posted by: Kathy B in West Texas | January 28, 2009 at 08:42 AM
I'd like to know why they feel the need to put corn syrup in Prego. I guess that question might not win you any popularity points there. And I'm also curious -- how did you get this opportunity? Is it something that came up at the last minute? Sounds really cool, have fun!
Posted by: Megan | January 28, 2009 at 09:02 AM
Yes.
Why do they need to use wheat-based modified food starch so often in their soups and broths? Why won't the Swanson brand clearly label their gluten free broths as such, rather than just saying via email that if it doesn't say "wheat" or "barley" it's safe?
Why has Pace and Prego asked to not be classified as gluten-free anymore? The ingredients read the same, and all they are doing is pissing off the GF community.
Why is the Safeway brand of chicken and rice soup gluten free but not the Campbells?
1 in 115 Americans have issues with gluten, why wouldn't the company want to reach out to this growing number?
have a safe trip! use clorox wipes on the airplane tray and arm rests. to make me happy :-)
xoxo
steph
Posted by: crockpot lady | January 28, 2009 at 09:19 AM
Have fun!
And don't forget to give
Elizabeth a birthday hug from me (it's on Friday!)
Posted by: Headless Mom | January 28, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Oh, yes, please (something positive...) tell them that the graham cracker goldfish ARE good enough to be packaged alone, in large packages.
I will echo the other comments, too.
Posted by: Anna | January 28, 2009 at 10:09 AM
I second the crockpot lady. I don't buy any of this company's products anymore because of the conflicting gluten free/ not gluten free reports.
Posted by: kelli in the mirror | January 28, 2009 at 10:34 AM
I am NOT a vegetable person, so ask them if their new V8 ish drink that purports to taste like fruit REALLY does taste like fruit. If it does, I might just try it. And tell them I think the V8 "smack" is one of the funniest commercials on tv. Enjoy the trip.
Posted by: mm | January 28, 2009 at 12:20 PM
I'm thankful they have HFCS-free Prego now. Mostly cause I'm too lazy to make my own pasta sauces. Although I do have to say Healthy Chunky soups taste nothing like the regular kinds.
Posted by: Katie | January 28, 2009 at 12:42 PM
I can't think of any questions but have a great trip!
Posted by: Jamie | January 28, 2009 at 01:11 PM
Could you please ask them what it is that they put in chicken noodle soup that always makes you feel better!!! j/j Have a fun trip!
Posted by: Hattie | January 28, 2009 at 01:44 PM
I would LOVE it if you could ask them what is up with the inclusion of gluten (wheat) in all their "cream" soups (i.e., Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Chicken, etc) and in their broths, specifically their chicken broth.
The wheat in these foods makes it VERY hard for me, recently diagnosed with Celiac Disease, to make some of my recipes. Gluten-free soups are EXPENSIVE.
Thanks! :)
Posted by: Erin | January 28, 2009 at 04:22 PM
The graham cracker goldfish are awesome but very hard to find in MD. Also would they consider making PF Milan cookies slightly less wonderful so I could better resist them ? LOL Have fun ;)
Posted by: amie | January 28, 2009 at 04:53 PM
Why oh why don't they make more vegetarian soups? Something more than tomato and vegetarian vegetable would be amazing.
Posted by: sara l | January 28, 2009 at 06:02 PM
Please ask them why in heck a can of Batman soup would have 7,000 mg of sodium? (It may have been a bit less than that, but still -- it was outrageous)
Posted by: Kris | January 28, 2009 at 08:19 PM
My question is this: Can I get a coupon?
Posted by: Kerry | January 28, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Please beg them to start making meatball alphabet soup again. Really,just one can would be fine, I miss it so mcu
Posted by: Kyla | January 29, 2009 at 07:06 AM
Please ask them: Why do soups have wheat in them (our daughter is celiac)? Why can't you reduce/eliminate sodium AND fat and make a decent tasting soup? Thanks!
Posted by: Bama Cheryl | January 29, 2009 at 07:08 AM
I live a couple miles from their tomato soup factory in Dixon, CA. Ask 'em why they don't require tarps on their freaking produce delivery trucks. It is not fun to get smacked in the helmet by a tomato at 50 mph...
Posted by: Thumper | January 29, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Ask them if they can just print "mushroom free" since that's a common allergy. :)
Posted by: kyoot | January 29, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Probably too late, but I wonder if they cook their soups in the can, or cook them and then can them. I understand baked beans are usually cooked in the can.
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 29, 2009 at 01:59 PM
I just found your blog and it is great. How fun to go to the campbell's soup place!!
www.happyheiferhouse.blogspot.com
Posted by: Megan ANdrews | January 29, 2009 at 07:17 PM