The Top Store-Bought Soups, According to a Dietitian

When the temperatures drop — or, if you're in a cooler climate, when the weather just gets a little brisker — few things are more comforting than a bowl of hearty, homemade soup. However, even the most dedicated home cooks sometimes find themselves pressed for time: It's not always feasible to make soup from scratch.

Luckily, ready-made soups have evolved far beyond the days of canned chicken noodle (which, by the way, is still a classic favorite). If you browse the aisles today, you'll discover a wide range of options, from global flavors to various ingredient combinations. There are meaty, vegetarian, creamy, chunky, and flavorful soups that come close to the homemade experience. So, the question is: Are any store-bought soups also nutritious enough to recommend?

Absolutely, says Jamie Vespa, a registered dietitian and recipe developer from Denver, Colorado. While Vespa shares plenty of homemade soup recipes on her site (like this Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi Soup), there’s one store-bought soup she consistently stocks up on. And yes, it checks all the boxes for both taste and health benefits.

Introducing the Champion: Trader Joe's Organic Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Vespa's top pick for store-bought soup is Trader Joe's Organic Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup. She describes it as "bright and tangy," with a texture that's "silky smooth." As a chef who focuses on vegetables, she values the short ingredient list, which is packed with organic produce.

Why This Soup Stands Out to a Registered Dietitian (Beyond Just Taste)

Though this soup can be enjoyed as is (Vespa calls it "delicious" on its own), she likes to enhance it with a few simple ingredients to boost both flavor and nutrition. "Since it's low in calories with minimal fat and protein," Vespa explains, she adds a spoonful of plain, full-fat Greek yogurt just before serving to increase protein and healthy fats. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast, a few cracks of black pepper, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil enhance the flavor. And like all tomato soups, Vespa points out, this Trader Joe’s version is perfect when paired with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Vespa offers a few nutritional shopping tips when picking store-bought soups. "Look for options that are rich in protein and fiber," she advises, noting that soups with lentils or beans as the main ingredient are a good sign. As for sodium, she warns against those that list salt as one of the first ingredients, and the same goes for sugar. For those with dietary restrictions: Be aware that Trader Joe’s Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup contains nonfat milk and milk powder.

Can't make it to Trader Joe's or avoid dairy? No worries! Vespa recommends Amy's soups, which are healthy, packed with protein, and satisfying enough to enjoy any day of the week.