How to choose packaged soup - Healthy Food Guide (2024)

Soup is a great comfort meal, and packaged soup is a convenient option when we are short on time or need a base to build a meal from.

What’s available?

There is a wide selection of soups available. Some are lower in energy, making them a good snack option. Alternatively, adding some extra protein and vegetables, and serving with a grainy bread roll can turn them into a more satisfying meal.

Soups with meat, chicken, or fish tend to be higher in energy and protein, making them a good lunch or light supper choice. Some of the soups analysed here may need to have the vegetable content boosted, which will also increase the fibre.

Sodium

The amount of sodium in soups varies enormously from less than 2mg per 100g (made up) in McKenzie’s Superblend Fibre Freekeh, Lentils & Beans, to 410mg per 100g in Hansells All Natural Mexican Chicken & Tomato Soup. It is important to read the nutrition information panel. Limiting our sodium intake is recommended as better for blood pressure and cardiovascular health. So choose a soup with 300mg sodium or less per 100g.

Fibre

Soups with legumes and vegetables will be higher in fibre. Fibre is important for bowel and gut health. We recommend choosing soups with 1.5g fibre or more per 100g.

Saturated fat

Some of the more gourmet-style soups sound healthy, but may have cream or coconut milk added which increases the saturated fat content. For example, Naked Locals Bay of Plenty Asparagus & Spinach Soup contains 11 per cent cream and has a saturated fat content of 3g per 100g. We recommend choosing soups with 1g saturated fat or less per 100g.

NOTE: Most of the traditional soup mixes available are low in sodium, high in fibre and a great base for a hearty winter soup.

How to choose

Use these criteria to compare packaged soups.

How to choose packaged soup - Healthy Food Guide (1)

For more…

How much sodium is in that soup?

More than 100 delicious soup recipes – make a big batch and freeze some for later!

Some healthier choices we found

(Serve sizes vary from 200g to 350g)

How to choose packaged soup - Healthy Food Guide (2)

McKenzie’s Superblend Fibre Freekeh, Lentils & Beans
$6.99 per 350g pack (7 serves)

Per 100g (made up): 286kJ, 4g protein, <1g saturated fat, 2mg sodium, 3.2g fibre, $0.40

A great base for a hearty soup. Good texture.

How to choose packaged soup - Healthy Food Guide (3)

Pitango Japanese Free Range Chicken Miso Soup
$7.39 per 600g pouch (2 serves)

Per 100g: 145kJ, 3.7g protein, 0.2g saturated fat, 235mg sodium, 1.9g fibre, $1.23

Great flavour. Delicious!

How to choose packaged soup - Healthy Food Guide (4)

Campbell’s Country Ladle Minestrone
$3.50 per 495g tin (2 serves)

Per 100g: 162kJ, 2g protein, <0.1g saturated fat, 271mg sodium, 1.6g fibre, $0.70

Yum! Love this – it tastes healthy.

How to choose packaged soup - Healthy Food Guide (5)

Wattie’s Very Special Moroccan Bean Soup
$3.89 per 530g pottle (2 serves)

Per 100g: 275kJ, 3.2g protein, 0g saturated fat, 290mg sodium, 2g fibre, $0.73

Good flavour and texture.

How to choose packaged soup - Healthy Food Guide (6)

Naked Locals Horowhenua Broccoli Soup
$5.50 per 500g pouch (2 serves)

Per 100g: 218kJ, 1.7g protein, 0.4g saturated fat, 226mg sodium, 2.8g fibre. $1.10

Delicious! Thick and creamy tasting.

How to choose packaged soup - Healthy Food Guide (7)

Tasty Pot Co Soup Supergran’s Pea & Ham
$5.00 per 350g pottle (1 serve)

Per 100g: 296kJ, 3.8g protein, 0.3g saturated fat, 218mg sodium, 3g fibre, $1.43

A substantial soup. Perfect for a winter’s day.

How to choose packaged soup - Healthy Food Guide (8)

The Good Taste Co Creamy Pumpkin Soup
$4.99 per 600g pouch (2 serves)

Per 100g: 230kJ, 1.5g protein, 0.6g saturated fat, 205mg sodium, 1.6g fibre $0.83

Sweet and tangy. Yum!

How to choose packaged soup - Healthy Food Guide (9)

Tasty Pot Co Soup Thai Pumpkin
$5.00 per 350g pottle (1 serve)

Per 100g: 194kJ, 1.6g protein, 0.8g saturated fat, 177mg sodium, 1.3g fibre, $1.43

Smooth texture and great taste. A winner.

How to choose packaged soup - Healthy Food Guide (2024)

FAQs

How to choose packaged soup - Healthy Food Guide? ›

It is important to read the nutrition information panel. Limiting our sodium intake is recommended as better for blood pressure and cardiovascular health. So choose a soup with 300mg sodium or less per 100g.

Are packaged soups healthy? ›

Other types of soup you should watch out for are instant and canned soups, which are often loaded with sodium. High sodium intakes are associated with high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart and kidney disease, and stroke ( 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ).

What is the best soup to eat every day? ›

6 delicious and healthy soups
  • Chicken Vietnamese Pho.
  • Green spring minestrone.
  • Herb and yoghurt-based soup.
  • Lamb shank and barley soup.
  • Pumpkin soup with star croutons.
  • Lentil and vegetable soup with crusty bread.
Apr 26, 2020

What are 6 qualities of a good soup? ›

A soup's quality is determined by its flavor, appearance and texture. A good soup should be full-flavored, with no off or sour tastes. Flavors from each of the soup's ingre- dients should blend and complement, with no one flavor overpowering another. Con- sommés should be crystal clear.

What is the healthiest canned soup to eat? ›

Amy's Organic Low Sodium Lentil Vegetable Soup is one the healthiest canned soups because it's made with non-GMO, organic ingredients, is low in sodium, and is a great source of protein and fiber. With 11 grams of plant-based protein and 8 grams of fiber in one can, this lentil vegetable soup is filling and nutritious.

What is the healthiest packet soup? ›

Some healthier choices we found
  • McKenzie's Superblend Fibre Freekeh, Lentils & Beans. ...
  • Pitango Japanese Free Range Chicken Miso Soup. ...
  • Campbell's Country Ladle Minestrone. ...
  • Wattie's Very Special Moroccan Bean Soup. ...
  • Naked Locals Horowhenua Broccoli Soup. ...
  • Tasty Pot Co Soup Supergran's Pea & Ham.

Are packet soups any good? ›

Many instant soups are made as health foods and are made to become a healthy part of your diet. That said, there are many instant soups that are not healthy. Some brands contain a high amount of sodium. While a pack or two of these noodles won't harm you, having them on a regular basis can have negative effects.

What's the secret to a good soup? ›

"Soups and stews really need to simmer for long periods to allow the ingredients to meld together. Taking that a step further, most soups and stews are better if you prepare them the day before serving. Allowing them to cool and then reheating them really helps bring out the flavors and textures."

What is the most important ingredient in soup? ›

For clear, brothy soups, stock is your most important ingredient. If you want to make a good soup, you need to use an excellently flavored stock — otherwise, the entire pot could be tasteless.

What are the three quality indicators for soup? ›

Answer: Three quality indicators for stock, sauce, and soup are clarity, aroma, and taste. Stock should be clear and free from any particles or impurities. Sauce and soup should have a pleasant aroma and a balanced, pleasant taste.

Are progresso soups healthy? ›

Most notably, high sodium was prevalent across many varieties, a factor that, if consumed regularly, can lead to hypertension and other cardiovascular issues, according to Healthline. Additionally, many of these soups lacked essential nutrients; for example, vitamin D's consistent absence was particularly noticeable.

Are supermarket soups healthy? ›

While packet soups and canned options are notoriously high in salts and additives, with far less protein and vegetable bulk than is ideal, the newer tetra-packed soups and fresh options can be made with no extra additives and high proportions of vegetables, which makes them just as good as fresh options you make at ...

Which soup has the lowest sodium? ›

  • HEALTH VALLEY Organic No Salt Vegetable Soup, 15 OZ. ...
  • Dr Mcdougalls, Low Sodium Garden Vegetable Soup, 17.9 Ounce. ...
  • Amy's Soup, Chunky Tomato Bisque Soup, Light in Sodium, Gluten Free, Made With Organic Tomatoes and Cream, Canned Soup, 14.5 Oz (6 Pack)

Are processed soups healthy? ›

Some canned soups are good for you, while many are not. Those containing large amounts of sodium and fats, of course, are not good. While this used to be the only thing to choose, there are many now that are much better.

What are the disadvantages of packet soup? ›

Instant soups remain in the gut for a longer period of time which causes issues like bloating, gas, and even abdomen pain. It may not seem like good news for weight watchers. Regular intake of the soup might hinder weight loss goals as they contain starch which increases weight and hike sugar in the blood.

Is packaged chicken soup healthy? ›

Store-bought chicken noodle soup isn't always the healthiest options, which is why some experts recommend making a homemade version so you can control overall nutrition content.

Is instant soup considered healthy? ›

They claim to have the goodness of vegetables and herbs & behind these advantages, instant soups tend to pass off as healthier options. However, this is not always the case. While soups and broths are wonderful options to get a serving of nutrition, instant or packaged soups are far from healthy.

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