How to choose packaged soup - Healthy Food Guide (2024)

Soup is a great comfort meal, and packaged soup is a convenient option when we are short on time or need a base to build a meal from.

What’s available?

There is a wide selection of soups available. Some are lower in energy, making them a good snack option. Alternatively, adding some extra protein and vegetables, and serving with a grainy bread roll can turn them into a more satisfying meal.

Soups with meat, chicken, or fish tend to be higher in energy and protein, making them a good lunch or light supper choice. Some of the soups analysed here may need to have the vegetable content boosted, which will also increase the fibre.

Sodium

The amount of sodium in soups varies enormously from less than 2mg per 100g (made up) in McKenzie’s Superblend Fibre Freekeh, Lentils & Beans, to 410mg per 100g in Hansells All Natural Mexican Chicken & Tomato Soup. It is important to read the nutrition information panel. Limiting our sodium intake is recommended as better for blood pressure and cardiovascular health. So choose a soup with 300mg sodium or less per 100g.

Fibre

Soups with legumes and vegetables will be higher in fibre. Fibre is important for bowel and gut health. We recommend choosing soups with 1.5g fibre or more per 100g.

Saturated fat

Some of the more gourmet-style soups sound healthy, but may have cream or coconut milk added which increases the saturated fat content. For example, Naked Locals Bay of Plenty Asparagus & Spinach Soup contains 11 per cent cream and has a saturated fat content of 3g per 100g. We recommend choosing soups with 1g saturated fat or less per 100g.

NOTE: Most of the traditional soup mixes available are low in sodium, high in fibre and a great base for a hearty winter soup.