In a now-viral TikTok, creator Julia Goolia from Hellthy Junk Food holds up what looks like a regular Olive Garden takeout order—only to reveal it’s a full gallon of Zuppa Toscana soup and 20 breadsticks.
Priced around $30, the massive portion has sparked disbelief and excitement online. “Is this real life?” she asks as the server confirms her order. The video has been viewed millions of times, cementing this as the latest budget-friendly food hack TikTok can’t get enough of.
@hellthyjunkfood #gallon #of #soup @Olive Garden #lifehack #olivegarden #souplover @mylyonkingarmy 🙌 #breadsticks #foodhack #foodhacks #olivegardenbreadsticks #toscana #italianfood #italiancuisine #catering #menu #specialorder #fyp ♬ original sound – HellthyJunkFood
How the Olive Garden Soup Hack Works
What many viewers didn’t know is that the gallon-sized soup order isn’t a secret menu item—it’s part of Olive Garden’s catering menu. Customers can order a half-gallon (serves about six) or a full gallon (serves about 12) for pickup. Options include fan favorites like Chicken & Gnocchi, Pasta e Fagioli, Minestrone, and the ever-popular Zuppa Toscana.
According to Food & Wine, prices vary by location but generally range from $27.99 to $31.99 for a gallon and about $16 for a half-gallon. That works out to roughly $2.33–$2.66 per serving, compared to $8–$12 for a single bowl on the regular menu.
The Breadstick Debate
Part of what made Goolia’s TikTok so jaw-dropping was the inclusion of 20 breadsticks at no extra charge. But here’s the catch—several commenters say their local Olive Garden didn’t throw in breadsticks for free.
The chain’s own catering details show breadsticks are typically sold separately, with a dozen costing $6–$8 depending on location. While some lucky customers might score free breadsticks if a location is feeling generous, it’s best to expect to add them to your order if you want the full experience.
Why TikTok Is Obsessed
Food inflation has made dining out a pricier treat, so finding a way to get 12 servings of restaurant-quality soup for under $35 feels like winning the comfort-food lottery. The deal also taps into several trends driving social media virality:
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Meal prepping: One gallon can be portioned into containers and frozen for future meals.
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Party food: It’s an easy option for feeding a crowd without cooking from scratch.
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Value hunting: TikTok thrives on “look how much I got for so little” moments.
The comments section under Goolia’s post is packed with fans tagging friends, planning soup nights, and sharing freezer storage tips.
How to Order It Yourself
If you want to try this viral hack, the process is simple:
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Visit Olive Garden’s website or call your local restaurant.
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Look for the Catering section, not the regular menu.
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Choose your soup size (half or full gallon) and flavor.
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Add breadsticks if they’re not included.
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Schedule your pickup time.
The soup comes in a large plastic container, making it easy to transport and store.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re stocking the freezer, feeding the family, or just curious about the viral buzz, Olive Garden’s gallon of soup deal is a rare blend of value, convenience, and pure comfort food. As one TikTok commenter put it, “This is my Roman Empire.”
If you’re lucky enough to get the breadsticks thrown in for free, consider it the ultimate bonus. But even if you have to pay a few dollars more, you’ll still be walking out with enough Olive Garden to last well beyond dinner.
As a mom of three busy boys, I know how chaotic life can get — but I’ve learned that it’s possible to create a beautiful, cozy home even with kids running around. That’s why I started Cultivated Comfort — to share practical tips, simple systems, and a little encouragement for parents like me who want to make their home feel warm, inviting, and effortlessly stylish. Whether it’s managing toy chaos, streamlining everyday routines, or finding little moments of calm, I’m here to help you simplify your space and create a sense of comfort.
But home is just part of the story. I’m also passionate about seeing the world and creating beautiful meals to share with the people I love. Through Cultivated Comfort, I share my journey of balancing motherhood with building a home that feels rich and peaceful — and finding joy in exploring new places and flavors along the way.
