The Top Store-Bought Tomato Soup

There are few foods that taste nearly as good from a can as they do homemade, but tomato soup is definitely one of them. A bowl of tomato soup brings a wave of nostalgia, especially when paired with a hot, melty grilled cheese. While many people think of soup as a winter dish, tomato soup is a comfort food that's perfect year-round. There’s one brand most people associate with tomato soup, but if you explore the soup aisle, you'll find a variety of options, including soups in cartons. To find the best, we sampled 13 different kinds of tomato soup and narrowed it down to the top picks.

How We Tested

All soups were sampled hot and blindly, meaning tasters had no idea which brand they were trying. Each soup was prepared according to the directions on the packaging. And while we all had an intense craving for a grilled cheese to dip, we tried the soups on their own. The soups were judged by a panel of 5 tasters, both young and (kind of) old, based on texture and flavor.

Best for Creamy Soup Lovers: Amy's Cream of Tomato Soup

Amy's Cream of Tomato Soup is incredibly smooth and creamy, offering a rich and luxurious texture. Made with organic tomatoes, it has just the right amount of cream to create a delightful mouthfeel without feeling too heavy. The soup has a slight sweetness that isn't overwhelming, making it a favorite among our testers.

Best Budget Option: Campbell's Condensed Tomato Soup

It's hard to deny the nostalgic pull of this tomato soup. Much like ketchup, there's something familiar and comforting about Campbell's. It's almost as if this is the benchmark by which all other tomato soups are judged. While we didn’t think it had the best texture when made with the full 1-to-1 soup-to-water ratio as directed on the can, its perfect blend of sweet and savory is so iconic that it had to make the best-of list. Personally, I'd cut back on the water to about three-quarters of a can to thicken it up, but it's tough to argue with the classic flavor Campbell's nailed in this soup.

Best Soup for Grilled Cheese: Rao's Tomato Basil Soup

Rao's tomato soup has a homemade quality to it, almost like pasta sauce. The texture is chunkier compared to condensed soups, making it a favorite for those who prefer heartier stews over smoother soups. This would pair perfectly with a grilled cheese, as you can scoop up some of the chunky tomatoes, and the basil adds an extra layer of fresh flavor.

Best for the Adventurous Palate: Maya Kaimal Tomato & Warm Spices

Flavored with cumin, cinnamon, and cloves, this tomato soup is ideal for those who like a bold twist on a classic dish. Tasters couldn’t resist going back for seconds of this creamy soup, which gets its richness from a touch of coconut cream. For fans of Asian-inspired dishes, or anyone looking to try something a little different, this is the perfect choice.