Tomato soup is a very comforting food that warms you up and brings back good memories. It’s great to eat anytime. Whether you have it with a grilled cheese sandwich or by itself, canned tomato soup is really easy to make.
But there are a lot of choices in stores, so how do you know which brand tastes the best and feels the best when you eat it? I decided to taste-test ten popular canned tomato soups to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your pantry. Here’s everything you need to know, ranked from the least satisfying to the absolute best.
Why Canned Tomato Soup?
Canned tomato soup is a pantry staple because it’s quick, easy, and delicious. It can be elevated with toppings, paired with sandwiches, or eaten alone for a light meal.
However, not all canned tomato soups are created equal—some are rich and flavorful, while others leave much to be desired. I’ll explain the best and worst options for texture, taste, and nutritional content in this article.
The Evaluation Process
I chose common canned tomato soups that you can find in stores and online to make this review as fair and complete as I could. I looked at each soup based on these criteria:
- Flavor: Does it have a balanced tomato flavor, or is it too sweet, salty, or metallic?
- Texture: Is the soup smooth, creamy, or watery?
- Nutritional Value: What are the calories, fat, sodium, and sugar content per serving?
- Overall Experience: Would I repurchase this soup?
Popular Canned Tomato Soups
10. Campbell’s Old Fashioned Tomato Rice
- Nutrition (Per ½ Cup Condensed): 90 calories, 0g fat, 480mg sodium, 20g carbs, 2g protein
- Price: $3.79
- The Look: Thick and unappetizing right out of the can. Even after adding water, the consistency stayed chunky and watery, which made it hard to enjoy.
- The Taste: Unfortunately, this soup tasted more like sugar than tomato, leaving a fruity aftertaste that didn’t sit well. The rice was an excellent addition in theory but clumped together even after stirring. Overall, this one was a disappointment.
9. Campbell’s Heart Healthy Tomato Soup
- Nutrition (Per ½ Cup Condensed): 70 calories, 0g fat, 410mg sodium, 16g carbs, 2g protein
- Price: $3.79
- The Look: A clumpy, condensed soup that became thin and separated after adding water.
- The Taste: While I appreciate the lower sodium content, this soup lacked any substantial tomato flavor. It was sweet but not balanced. The texture was chunky in some spots and watery in others, leaving me unimpressed.
8. Progresso Reduced Sodium Cream of Tomato
- Nutrition (Per 1 Cup): 110 calories, 3g fat, 480mg sodium, 18g carbs, 3g protein
- Price: $7.29
- The Look: A medium-red color with some oil separation on top. Not too thick, but not too watery either.
- The Taste: This one fell flat in flavor due to its synthetic, sugary taste. While the texture was acceptable, the flavor lacked depth and a noticeable metallic aftertaste.
7. Pacific Foods Organic Tomato Basil
- Nutrition (Per 1 Cup): 80 calories, 2g fat, 630mg sodium, 12g carbs, 3g protein
- Price: $5.29
- The Look: Surprisingly light and orange, with a creamy texture. The appearance suggested a soup made with dairy, but it’s entirely plant-based.
- The Taste: While the flavor was rich and slightly smoky, this soup didn’t scream “tomato.” It tasted more like a sophisticated sauce, perfect for pasta rather than a bowl of soup. It’s delicious but different from traditional tomato soup.
6. Rao’s Tomato Basil
- Nutrition (Per 1 Jar): 160 calories, 4.5g fat, 1,200mg sodium, 22g carbs, 5g protein
- Price: $5.99
- The Look: Deep red and thick, resembling tomato sauce more than soup.
- The Taste: Heavy on the basil, which overpowered the tomato flavor. However, it wasn’t overly salty and worked well with sandwiches or a salad. Still, it’s not my top choice for a standalone soup.
5. Progresso Tomato Rotini
- Nutrition (Per 1 Cup): 120 calories, 0.5g fat, 700mg sodium, 25g carbs, 4g protein
- Price: $6.29
- The Look: A hearty soup with visible pasta pieces and large tomato chunks.
- The Taste: The tomato flavor was too sweet, but the added rotini pasta gave it a homey feel. It’s a decent option if you want something more filling, though the pasta was slightly overcooked.
4. Heyday Canning Co. Tomato Soup
- Nutrition (Per 1 Cup): 170 calories, 9g fat, 640mg sodium, 17g carbs, 5g protein
- Price: $5.99
- The Look: A rich, orange-red color with a smooth consistency.
- The Taste: This tomato soup is different because it has cheddar cheese and sourdough bread in it. It’s a fancy choice for people who like trying new things. It tastes good, but it’s not like regular tomato soup.
3. Annie’s Creamy Tomato & Bunny Pasta Soup
- Nutrition (Per 1 Can): 150 calories, 5g fat, 660mg sodium, 23g carbs, 4g protein
- Price: $4.79
- The Look: Bunny-shaped pasta pieces add a playful touch, but the soup is pale red with a creamy, somewhat thick consistency.
- The Taste: It’s not the most tomato-forward soup, but comforting and not too sweet or salty. The pasta adds a fun element, making it perfect for kids (and adults who enjoy playful food).
2. Imagine Foods Creamy Tomato Soup
- Nutrition (Per 1 Cup): 80 calories, 1g fat, 600mg sodium, 15g carbs, 2g protein
- Price: $5.29
- The Look: A vibrant, creamy consistency that looks homemade.
- The Taste: This soup was tangy and fresh, with just the right balance of sweetness. It had a comforting homemade flavor, making it one of the best store-bought options for pairing with grilled cheese.
1. Amy’s Cream of Tomato
- Nutrition (Per 1 Cup): 130 calories, 3g fat, 860mg sodium, 23g carbs, 3g protein
- Price: $4.79
- The Look: Deep red, smooth, and thick without being too heavy.
- The Taste: This soup was the definite winner. It had a strong and tangy flavor, with just the right amount of sweetness to go with the sourness of the tomatoes. It tasted fresh and homemade, not like it came from a can. This tomato soup is delicious with a grilled cheese sandwich or by itself. Amy has mixed the flavors & textures perfectly, making it the best canned tomato soup.
Final Verdict:
After testing many of the bigger brand canned tomato soups, my top nod goes to Amy’s Cream of Tomato as it is rich and fresh and really hits the texture mark.
Tastes like soup grandma used to make but came from the store. To indulge, though, there is Heyday Canning Co.’s Tomato Soup with cheddar and sourdough. However, Imagine Foods Creamy Tomato Soup is pretty good if one is looking for something that really just screams old-school zesty tomato.
Whether you pair them with a sandwich or enjoy them alone, these top picks deliver flavor and comfort in every spoonful.