19 Best Canned Soups in 2024 [Gourmet in a Can]
Navigating the soup aisle in your local grocery store can be an overwhelming task. Rows upon rows of cans compete for your attention, each promising heartwarming flavors and essential nutrients. You may wonder, "Which one should I pick? Which one is really the best canned soup?" Not all canned soups are created equal. Some are loaded with excess sodium while others are brimming with hard-to-pronounce ingredients.
Lucky for you, I've done the research and tasted the selections. I am here to guide you through the realm of canned soups, and help you select the best canned soup options that do not sacrifice flavor for convenience.
Also Read: What to Serve with French Onion Soup?
Article Includes
19 Best Canned Soups of 2024
The world of canned soups is as vast and varied as the recipes you can create with them. From hearty options packed with protein and fiber to velvety smooth bisques that soothe the soul, there's a canned soup for every palate. Here are some of my tried-and-true favorites that elevate your taste experience and fit seamlessly into a nutritious diet:
1. Amy’s Organic Soups Black-Bean Vegetable
When it comes to organic canned soups, few can compete with Amy’s Organic Soups Black-Bean Vegetable. This comforting and filling soup combines the heartiness of black beans with the fresh flavor of organic vegetables. The black beans provide a significant amount of plant-based protein, making this soup a fantastic choice for vegetarians and vegans.
It's also gluten-free and packed full of fiber which boosts digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. Loaded with antioxidants from the organic vegetables, this soup protects your body from harmful free-radicals and bolsters your immune system. In terms of taste, the blend of spices shines through, offering a hint of heat without overwhelming your taste buds. Overall, this is a nutrient powerhouse that's worth adding to your pantry.
2. Amy’s Organic Soups Lentil Vegetable
Another gem from Amy’s kitchen, the Lentil Vegetable variant is a delightful concoction that marries the earthy taste of lentils with the natural sweetness of vegetables. This combination results in a savory and satisfying soup that’s good for you too!
A can of this soup provides an impressive amount of protein and fiber, aiding in weight management and contributing to a well-balanced diet. Aside from the hearty taste, it's also packed with vitamins and minerals essential for overall wellness. The lentils, spinach, carrots, and onions lend this soup an appealing texture that’s both creamy and chunky.
3. Amy’s Organic Soups, Vegan, Gluten Free, Organic Quinoa, Kale & Red Lentil
Dive into the healthful world of quinoa and kale with this vegan and gluten-free soup option from Amy's. Filled with superfoods like quinoa, kale, and red lentil, this soup is a nutrient-dense add-on to your meal.
Quinoa, a complete protein grain, lends this soup a mild, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the slight bitterness of kale. On the other hand, red lentils create a creamy base and provide an additional protein boost. Each spoonful of this soup bursts with flavors, making it a perfect stand-alone meal or an appetizing accompaniment to your main course. It's organic, gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and downright delicious. So, even if you're not on a vegan diet, give this hearty soup a go!
4. Amy’s Organic Soups Chunky Tomato Bisque
Let's talk about Amy's Organic Soups Chunky Tomato Bisque. The mere mention of this soup likely brings to mind the traditionally smooth, creamy tomato soup that you've enjoyed many times. Amy's bisque takes an innovative twist on this classic by giving it a chunkier texture that allows you to really feel the ingredients.
The soup is made from organic diced tomatoes, making every bite feel fresh and ripe as if they came straight from the vine. The consistency is thick and creamy, exceptionally pleasing for those who like a fuller-bodied soup. This soup does not disappoint and possesses the distinct comforting quality we associate with tomato soup. Best served with a warm grilled cheese, it offers nostalgic flavors just like mom made.
5. Amy’s Organic Soups Chunky Vegetable
This is a soup for those chilly days when all you want is a warm hug from the inside. Like its siblings on this list, Amy's Organic Chunky Vegetable Soup is hits the mark of being flavorful and nutritious. Packed with wholesome organic vegetables like peas, carrots, and green beans, this soup delivers a robust flavor you won't forget.
Each bite is a burst of veggie goodness that's both filling and heart-warming. It's a comfort food that doesn't make you feel guilty indulging in. This soup has less sodium compared to most canned choices, is dairy-free and gluten-free, making it a suitable option for those with dietary restrictions. A true soup classic, no soup list would be complete without it.
6. Amy’s Gluten-Free Mushroom Bisque Soup
Mushroom lovers, here's your rave-worthy soup! Amy's Gluten-Free Mushroom Bisque Soup is a full-bodied option that will satisfy your taste buds and keep your health in check. The rich earthiness of mushrooms shines in this bisque, creating a pleasing balance of flavors that is neither too strong nor too bland.
It's creamy yet light and contains less sodium than other canned soups, making it an excellent choice for those monitoring their salt intake. Gluten-free and crafted with organic ingredients, it's an allergy-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste. Whether you enjoy it on its own or as a base for a casserole, it's a versatile addition to your pantry.
7. Campbell’s Well Yes! Vegetable Noodle Soup Lightly Salted
For those who crave a familiar, homely flavor, Campbell’s Well Yes! Vegetable Noodle Soup Lightly Salted is the perfect pantry go-to. Designed to uphold Campbell's well-known tradition for comfort soups, this one hinges on simple, heart-warming ingredients.
Each spoonful showcases a delightful combination of noodles, and a myriad of vegetables — carrots, tomatoes, celery, bell peppers, to name a few. All these, lightly salted, come together to create a tantalizing medley of flavors and textures. Perfect for those days when you don't want anything too heavy, this lightly salted vegetable noodle soup is your ticket to a light and nutritious meal.
8. Campbell’s Condensed Cream-of-Mushroom Soup
Of course, the legendary Campbell’s Condensed Cream-of-Mushroom Soup cannot be left out of this list. An iconic product from the Campbell's line, it is lauded as one of the most versatile soup options on the market, fit for a standalone light meal, or as an ingredient in numerous recipes.
True to its name, it’s a creamy blend of mushroom puree and a series of hearty spices - a combination that consistently teases your palate. It's the pleasing mushroom chunks in a milky brothy backdrop that makes this soup a perennial favorite. Whether as a base for your signature casserole, a creamy sauce for your pasta, or a quick gratifying soup, it definitely deserves its staple status in the pantry.
9. Progresso Beef & Vegetable
Turning our heads now to Progresso Beef & Vegetable. If you’re yearning for a hearty canned soup that reminisces the slow-cooked flavors of home, this would most likely be your top pick.
This soup pulls off the delicate balance between tender beef cuts and a garden-fresh blend of vegetables. It's the depth and richness of this soup that reminds one of a long-cooked hearty stew. It's packed with sizable chunks of beef, partnered with carrots, potatoes, onions, and other nutritious vegetables. It's wholesome, satisfying, and makes a great meal, especially during those colder days. Taste-wise, Progresso Beef & Vegetable soup can easily stand up to most homemade soups. The best part? It's all ready within minutes.
10. Progresso Light, Chicken Noodle Soup
Progresso Light, Chicken Noodle Soup continues to impress with its lower-sodium option that still tastes great. In a world where health-conscious eating is progressively becoming the norm, this soup perfectly fits into any diet regimen without making compromises on taste.
It delivers the familiar comfort of chicken noodle soup in a healthier, fit-for-portion can. A warm bowl gives you tender chunks of white-meat chicken, curly egg noodles, and a decent share of carrots and celery for some vegetable goodness. The flavors harmonize well, providing a rich taste profile that respects your dietary goals.
11. Progresso Chicken Noodle Soup
However, if you are inclined towards the classics, Progresso Chicken Noodle Soup is a solid choice. This flavor is deeply embedded in the American soup culture as a comfort food, and Progresso has managed to capture this heartwarming classic perfectly in a can.
A careful blend of chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles makes this soup simple but flavorful. It features moisture-infused chicken pieces closely tangled with light and wispy egg noodles. The gentle crunch of well-cooked celery and carrots adds to the overall texture and taste. As a canned soup, this one ticks every checklist - homely, savory, and satisfying.
Also Read: Best Canned Clam Chowders
12. Rao’s Chicken Noodle Soup
Raos Chicken Noodle Soup takes a stroll on the Italian path, offering a delightful take on the traditional chicken noodle soup. This canned soup, through its harmonious blend of chicken, pasta, and vegetables, accurately mirrors the genuine flavors of homemade Italian cuisine.
The noodles in Rao's Soup are a little thicker, definitely holding their own among the accompanying chicken pieces and mixed vegetables. The broth itself stands out, well-balanced and fragrantly herbed, truly living up to its Italian roots. Whether a quick supper in a clamorous weekday or a warm, soothing meal on a wintry day, Rao's Chicken Noodle Soup has got you covered.
13. Pacific Foods Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Unleashing a plethora of sweet and savory flavors, Pacific Foods Creamy Butternut Squash Soup offers a unique taste experience. The butternut squash is inherently sweet, but when coupled with the hint of sea salt added, it swiftly turns into a rich, velvety, and savoury soup.
The result is a pureed soup that’s rich, creamy and highly flavorful, achieving that silky texture that most soup aficionados will certainly appreciate. The taste is subtly sweet and earthy initially, then it gradually gives way to a savory finish. This canned soup is an excellent vegetarian option, both for a quick meal or a fancy availability at your next dinner party.
14. Pacific Foods Organic Vegetable Lentil & Roasted-Red-Pepper Soup
Offering an elegant twist on a comforting classic, Pacific Foods Organic Vegetable Lentil & Roasted-Red-Pepper Soup works its magic with a varied mix of ingredients. The addition of roasted red peppers elevates the traditional lentil soup to an entirely new level.
It's a hearty soup chock full of protein-packed lentils, vibrant red peppers, and a mix of vegetables. The lentils provide a satisfying bite, adding a wholesome dimension to the soup. Meanwhile, the roasted red peppers infuse the soup with a sweet and tangy kick. This gentle stirring of flavours makes every spoonful a pleasant surprise, making it a nutritious and delicious addition to any meal.
15. Bar Harbor New England Style Clam Chowder
Representative of a New England tradition, the Bar Harbor New England Style Clam Chowder is an authentic seafood experience you don't want to miss. Besides the succulent clams, this chowder is also teeming with diced potatoes, onions, and celery blended into a savoury cream base.
Known for its chunky consistency and rich flavor, this canned soup is as close as it gets to fresh, home-cooked chowder. The clams' fresh flavor and the savory, creamy broth balance nicely, eliciting a rich sea-like flavour that's perfectly complemented by the inclusion of herby flavors. It's essentially a bowl of comfort that brings the East Coast directly to your kitchen, no matter where you are.
16. Pacific Foods Organic Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup
Taking a step away from the traditional, the Pacific Foods Organic Cashew Carrot Ginger Soup combines three power-packed ingredients, making for a quick but satisfying meal. This aromatic blend of savory carrots, creamy cashews, and the punch of ginger is a crazy-healthy, nutty delight packed in a can.
Starting with the smoothness of the carrot base, the soup is balanced with the unmistakable richness of cashews. The ginger root's zingy flavor gives a hot finish that lingers pleasantly on the palate. Enjoy this soup on its own or use it as a base for sauces and stews. It's versatile and loaded with enough flavor to transform any dish it touches.
17. Pacific Foods Vegan Tomato Basil Organic Soup
Dairy-free but still creamy, Pacific Foods Vegan Tomato Basil Organic Soup is a delight for all Vegan soup lovers. The ultimate marriage of tangy tomatoes and aromatic basil, with a touch of garlic, this soup delivers the authentic Italian-style classic in a convenient can.
What's great about this soup is its ability to appease both the vegan and non-vegan crowd with its well-rounded and robust flavors. The tanginess of ripe tomatoes strikes a perfect balance with the gentle warmth of basil. It's like comfort in a can – something to cozy up with on a chilly evening or whip up quickly for a light lunch.
18. Panera Baked Potato Soup
Let's be real: this is comfort in a can for potato lovers. The Panera Baked Potato Soup brings a hearty, savory basic the kitchen pantry. It's a homely, stick-to-your-ribs type of soup that uses one of our favorite staples – potato – as a star ingredient.
It offers a creamy, velvety texture brimming with the rich, savory flavor of baked potatoes. Each spoonful feels like a loaded baked potato featuring a delectable blend of cheese and spring onions. The result is a satisfying and filling soup that'll make you want seconds. It's an excellent canned option when you're craving that restaurant-quality soup in the comfort of your own home.
19. Kettle & Fire Tomato, Miso, Butternut Squash, and Thai Curry Bone-Broth-Soup Variety Pack
The Kettle & Fire Variety Pack mixes it up with a selection of gourmet flavors, consisting of Tomato, Miso, Butternut Squash, and Thai Curry. This variety pack is a sophisticated showcase of flavors, delivering bone broth's tried-and-tested health benefits in an exciting new way.
Each soup features an innovative blend of ingredients. The creamy butternut is sweet yet savory; the miso contains a depth of umami flavor; the tomato soup offers a fresh and vibrant tanginess, and the Thai Curry provides an intense heat balanced by coconut milk's creaminess. This expansive variety pack represents a culinary journey around the world - all from the comfort of your kitchen. In my book, that's winning!
How to Choose the Best Canned Soup?
Choosing the best canned soup can sometimes seem like a daunting task with so many options available, but armed with a little knowledge, you can make the healthiest and most delicious choice for your pantry.
Understanding Labels: The Key to Healthy Choices
When faced with the challenge of choosing the perfect canned soup, understanding labels is a skill that cannot be emphasized enough. Always take a keen look at the nutrition facts panel and the ingredient list. The healthiest soups are those that have no artificial flavors, colors and preservatives. Look for "natural" or "organic" on labels. Lower sodium levels, higher protein levels, and fewer calories are also desirable.
Sodium Content: The Hidden Enemy in Canned Soups
Did you know that one in three Americans are said to have high blood pressure due to high sodium intake?
It's no secret - canned soups can be chock full of sodium. When possible, always go for the "lower in sodium" or "low-sodium" options. To put it in perspective, a low-sodium food contains 140 milligrams or less per serving, while very low- sodium describes foods with 35 milligrams or less per serving.
By taking the time to carefully read and understand the labels, you can help safeguard your health and find the tastiest and most nourishing soup for your pantry.
Also Read: Best Trader Joe's Sweet Snacks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the healthiest canned soup to buy?
Generally, the healthiest canned soups are those that are low in sodium, and high in whole ingredients like vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Some of the healthiest options include Amy’s Organic Soups, Campbell’s Well Yes! line and Pacific Foods Organic Vegetable Soups.
Are canned soups good for weight loss?
Not all canned soups are created equal when it comes to weight loss. Certain varieties, like low-sodium, low-fat, and high-fiber options can be a part of a well-balanced diet that promotes weight loss. Always check the nutritional information on the can.
Can canned soup be considered a complete meal?
While canned soups can be a good source of nutrients, they often lack the protein and fiber to make them a complete meal on their own. Consider pairing your soup with a salad, sandwich, or a side of whole grain bread to make it more balanced and filling.
Are there gluten-free canned soup options?
Yes, many companies, like Amy’s and Pacific Foods, offer gluten-free soup varieties. Always check the label for the gluten-free certification.
How long can you store canned soup?
If stored properly, canned soup can last for 2-5 years past the date printed on the can. However, for the best taste and nutrient content, it’s recommended to consume within one year of purchase.
Is it safe to eat canned soup past its expiration date?
In many cases, yes – canned goods are often safe to eat well after their expiration date. However, if the can is dented, rusted, or bulging, it should be discarded regardless of the date.
Are there vegan canned soup varieties?
Absolutely! There are plenty of vegan canned soup options out there, like Amy's Organic Quinoa, Kale & Red Lentil Soup and Pacific Foods Vegan Tomato Basil Organic Soup.
Which canned soup is best for someone on a low-sodium diet?
Campbell's Well Yes! Vegetable Noodle Soup Lightly Salted is a great option for those looking to reduce their sodium intake.
How to enhance the flavor of my canned soup?
Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil, a sprinkle of cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even some hot sauce. A handful of fresh spinach, kale, or other leafy greens can also be a nutritious addition.
Conclusion
Navigating the pre-packaged food aisle, particularly when it comes to canned soups, can indeed feel like a daunting challenge. But armed with a bit of knowledge and the right guidance, you're now fully equipped to make healthier and tastier decisions.
Whether you're reaching for the familiar comfort of a Campbell's classic, the organic goodness of Amy’s soups, the adventurous flavors of Pacific Foods, or the hearty satisfaction of a Progresso favorite, remember that the best canned soup is the one that fits your personal dietary needs, and of course, tickle your taste buds just right. So, don't fear the soup aisle and let your next grocery trip be an exciting flavor quest! The soup cans are waiting for your discovery, and a heartwarming meal is just a simple can opener away.
