A good bowl of soup on a chilly afternoon is one of life’s simple pleasures, and a well chosen can in the pantry means you are never more than a few minutes away from one. Of course, not every can is created equal. The food site Tasting Table ranked twenty popular canned soups from worst to best, weighing flavor, ingredients and overall quality. At the very bottom, the Aldi brand Fit & Active chicken noodle was ranked last for having little flavor. Here are the six brands that landed at the top of that list, starting with the winner, so your next trip down the soup aisle goes a little smoother.
1. Amy’s Kitchen
Amy’s Kitchen took the number one spot in the Tasting Table ranking. The reviewer described the lineup as diverse, wholesome and flavorful, mentioning the lentil, organic cream of tomato and rustic Italian vegetable soups by name. Gluten free and dairy free options are available, which is a real help if someone at your table has a special diet. The reviewer also pointed out that the company’s website has a dietary search tool, so you can find a soup that fits your needs before you ever leave the house. If you are building a pantry for cold weather, a few cans of the cream of tomato are a good start, especially with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side. Many of us have wandered the soup aisle wondering which can to trust, and a ranking like this can make the decision much easier. Keep two or three varieties on hand and you will always have a warm meal ready for a busy day.
2. Panera Bread at Home
Panera’s soups are a familiar treat when you are out running errands, and the Tasting Table ranking put the grocery store version in second place. The reviewer praised the lineup as hearty and varied, naming Thai style chicken, turkey sausage kale and quinoa, and Greek lemon chicken among the choices. Just as important for many shoppers, the review noted that they are free of artificial ingredients and preservatives. That means you can enjoy a restaurant style bowl at your own kitchen table, in your slippers, without waiting in line. Warm a bowl up, add a slice of crusty bread, and lunch is done in minutes. It is a nice option for a quiet lunch at home, or for a neighbor who could use a warm meal and a kind visit. Pour it into a good bowl and it feels like a small celebration, even on an ordinary Tuesday.
3. Whole Foods 365 Organic Chicken Noodle
Chicken noodle soup is the classic comfort food, so it is no surprise to see it among the winners. In the Tasting Table ranking, the Whole Foods 365 organic chicken noodle came in third. The reviewer said it has clean ingredients, good flavor and a well balanced ratio of noodles to chicken, which anyone who has ever fished around a bowl for the chicken will appreciate. It is the kind of can you can keep on hand for a day when someone in the family is under the weather, or when you simply want something gentle and familiar for supper. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top never hurts. Pair it with saltine crackers or a buttered slice of toast, and it becomes the kind of lunch that feels like a warm hug on a gray day. It is simple, familiar and satisfying.
4. Campbell’s Well Yes!
Campbell’s has been a pantry staple for generations, and the Tasting Table ranking gave its Well Yes! line fourth place. These are sipping soups, and the reviewer said they are packed with vegetables, whole grains and meats, with no dyes. Many are also vegan or vegetarian, so there is a good range to pick from. A sipping soup is handy when you want something warm without sitting down to a full bowl. You can pour one into a favorite mug and enjoy it on the porch or by the window. If you grew up on the red and white can, this is a modern take from a name you already trust. It is also a good pick if you want to add more vegetables to your day without spending an hour at the cutting board. Sip it slowly and enjoy a quiet moment to yourself.
5. Annie’s
Annie’s landed in fifth place in the Tasting Table ranking, with the reviewer highlighting the Organic Bunny Pasta and Chicken Broth soup. It is made without artificial flavors, colors, MSG or preservatives, which makes it an easy yes for many shoppers who like to keep an eye on labels. The reviewer did note a limitation, saying that the brand lacks gluten free and vegan options. So if someone in your home eats that way, you will want to look at a different brand from this list. For everyone else, the bunny shaped pasta is a sweet touch, especially when the grandchildren come to visit and ask for a bowl of their own. Read the label and the brand’s website to be sure a soup fits your needs, just as you would with any can. A good soup is one you can enjoy without worry, and a little checking goes a long way toward that.
6. Progresso Traditional Chicken Noodle
Rounding out the top six in the Tasting Table ranking is Progresso. The reviewer called the traditional chicken noodle hearty and flavorful, with no artificial flavors or coloring, and described it as a comforting, low fat choice. It fits nicely into a busy afternoon. If you want a bowl that tastes like it simmered on the stove without actually standing there stirring, this one is worth a try. Add a handful of crackers or a fresh roll, and you have a simple supper that warms you right up on a chilly evening. It is a nice reminder that a trusted name on the shelf can still earn its place among the best, and that comfort does not have to be complicated. Stock a couple of cans for those days when the weather turns.
