7 ways you can tell if canned soup is healthy - Healthy Food Guide (2024)

A can of soup is a quick and easy meal but is it healthy? Healthy Food Guide dietitian Melissa Meier shares seven ways to tell if the soup you’re buying is a good choice

Take a stroll through the canned soup aisle and you’ll see a huge variety of brands on offer. But some lack the right balance of nutrients, and many contain excessive levels of salt. So how do you know if a canned or packet soup is healthy?

Compare your cans of soup

It’s important to consider three essential nutrients when you’re buying canned soup:

1 Fill up with fibre

Fibre is crucial for gut health and vegetables are a great source of it. Choose a soup with 50 per cent or more veg (check the ingredients list) and you’re off to a good start. Add fibre-rich legumes, such as beans, chickpeas and lentils, to your soups as well as grains such brown rice and barley. This will make sure your soup fills you up for longer.

2 Pack a protein punch

Many vegetable-based soups are low in protein, which might be why some people find them unsatisfying. That’s because we digest protein slowly and this contributes to feelings of fullness. For a satisfying soup, chose one with ingredients such as beef, chicken or legumes. If they’re not in the can, you can always add them, or serve them on the side.

3 Slash the sodium

Canned soups can be teeming with sodium (salt). Some contain well over half your recommended daily sodium limit of 2000mg, which can lead to high blood pressure. To stay safe, make your goal no more than 700mg sodium per serve.

What else is on the shelf?

Canned soup is just one option when it comes to what you can buy for a convenient meal or snack:

4 Dried soup

Powdered soup sachets are usually high in salt, but lack protein and fibre. They are best left on the shelf — or choose a low-sodium brand as a savoury, warming snack.

5 Fresh soup pouches and tubs

Fresh, chilled soups are closest to what you’d make at home, so they can be nutritious. Avoid the coconut- or cream-based varieties, as they can be high
in kilojoules and saturated fat.

6 Shelf-stable soup pouches

These can also be a healthy choice, but check the label as they can be particularly high in sodium. Again, try to avoid coconut- or cream-based soups.

7 What is a good portion size for soup?

Pay careful attention to the serving size on the nutrition information panel on canned soup. Many cans are intended to serve two, so the nutrition information listed per serve is often for only half the can — not the whole thing!

To make your own soup from scratch, check out these delicious recipes!

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7 ways you can tell if canned soup is healthy - Healthy Food Guide (2024)

FAQs

How healthy are canned soups? ›

The nutrient value of canned soups varies depending on the type of soup and the way it is made. Canned soups do contain some vitamins and some fiber. While processing may remove some nutrients, such as water-soluble vitamins, other nutrients, such as fiber, may become easier to digest and absorb.

What are the main factors to consider a healthy soup? ›

For example, soups made with bone-, vegetable-, or meat-based broths provide vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, such as collagen. They also deliver great flavor while keeping added fats and calories to a minimum. Additionally, eating soup is an easy and tasty way to increase your vegetable intake.

What is the healthiest soup? ›

These healthy soup recipes are packed full of goodness but they also pack a punch when it comes to flavour.
  • 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

Why are soups a healthy choice? ›

Since soups are mostly liquid, they're a great way to stay hydrated and full. They give your immune system a boost. Soups can help you stave off cold and flu, and they're a great antidote for times when you are sick, too!

What is canned soup usually high in group of answer choices? ›

Canned soup is often high in sodium, with upwards of 400mg in a can.

Is soup healthy yes or no? ›

Usually, yes! Soup can be filling, low calorie, nutrient-dense, and supportive of your immune system and weight loss journey. Maximize the benefits by avoiding soups that are full of salt, sugar, or cream. Look for soups brimming with vegetables and sources of filling protein and healthy fat instead.

How does the 7 day soup diet work? ›

One of the most popular soup diets, the cabbage soup diet is a 7-day eating plan that involves eating a chicken- or vegetable-broth-based soup that contains cabbage and other low carb vegetables. In addition to cabbage soup, you can also have one or two other low calorie foods, such as skim milk or leafy greens.

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 are the 5 factors of healthy food? ›

By having an idea of the balance in your diet, it should be easier to enjoy food and be healthy. There are seven essential factors for a balanced diet: carbs, protein, fat, fibre, vitamins, minerals and water. The rough percentage of daily calories that should come from each factor is shown in Table 10.

What makes a good soup? ›

To make sure that every spoonful of soup is richly flavored, with juicy meat and/or tender vegetables, follow these kitchen-tested tips.
  • Use a Sturdy Pot. ...
  • Sauté the Aromatics. ...
  • Start with Good Broth. ...
  • Cut Vegetables to the Right Size. ...
  • Stagger the Addition of Vegetables. ...
  • Keep Liquid at a Simmer. ...
  • Season Just Before Serving.
Oct 9, 2022

What canned soup is best for you? ›

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.

Is canned soup considered processed food? ›

Examples of processed foods include breakfast cereals, packaged sweets, canned soups, frozen dinners, and certain kinds of meat.

Is soup healthy or junk food? ›

Many people wonder whether eating soup is good? In fact, soup is very healthy if prepared and used properly. Eating soup regularly is not only good for the digestive system but also prevents other potential health risks such as cancer, obesity, heart disease or diabetes.

Can canned soup be healthy? ›

Canned foods typically get a bad rap for being too processed or high in sodium, but canned soups can be a nutritious source of vegetables and lean protein. While a can of soup doesn't scream "satisfying meal," with a few key additions, you can hack a can of soup into a meal that hits the spot.

Can I eat soup every day? ›

What Experts Say. "The concept of eating soup to lose weight has spanned decades, but experts say an all-soup diet lacks nutrients and is not sustainable. They do agree it can be smart to eat vegetable-packed soups for some meals, though, as these are filling, nutrient-dense, and low in calories."

What is the best time to drink soup? ›

It should be preferred that soups should be taken as early as possible in the evenings, latest by 7:00pm, if at home and 8:00pm if having dinner out as it has salt content which can lead to water retention in the body if consumed too late.

What are 3 thick soups? ›

Thick soup recipes (373)
  • Ash Dough (Persian Thick Soup) ...
  • One pot thick sweet potato soup. ...
  • Thick and Spicy sausage, bean and cheese tortellini soup. ...
  • Thick chicken & vegetable soup. ...
  • Thick Chicken Soup Hungarian Style. ...
  • Thick Potato Soup. ...
  • Thick Tofu and Mizuna Soup. ...
  • Vickys Thick & Creamy Curried Parsnip Soup, GF DF EF SF NF.

What are the advantages of canned soup? ›

Some canned soup varieties will give you important nutrients thanks to the veggies and protein-rich foods they're made with. Plus, many canned soups fall below 400 calories per can, making them great for quick, nutritious meals.

Is canned soup a good snack? ›

Canned soups can be teeming with sodium (salt). Some contain well over half your recommended daily sodium limit of 2000mg, which can lead to high blood pressure. To stay safe, make your goal no more than 700mg sodium per serve.

Is canned soup considered a processed food? ›

Examples of processed foods include breakfast cereals, packaged sweets, canned soups, frozen dinners, and certain kinds of meat. A balanced diet comprising a variety of whole foods is often the best option for overall wellness.

Is it healthy to eat Campbell's soup everyday? ›

One primary drawback to eating Campbell's soup is the high sodium content most of the varieties contain. Too much sodium increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. The tomato soup, for example, contains 480 milligrams of sodium per serving.

Is it healthy to drink pre-packed soup? ›

Packaged soups contain very high amount of salt. This is extremely not recommended for people suffering from blood pressure or even those who have borderline blood pressure as high salt will increase their levels.

Is canned soup OK on a diet? ›

Canned soup can be a great way to save yourself the effort, time, and money. Yet at the same time, some canned soup varieties are loaded with sodium, added sugar, and refined carbs, making these a not-so-ideal choice.

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