Soup is always a comforting dish, but there's something uniquely soothing about tomato soup. Whether enjoyed on its own as a quick meal or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich, it's hard to beat. While making a homemade batch can be time-consuming, the good news is that grocery store shelves are stocked with plenty of ready-to-eat tomato soups, allowing you to savor its rich flavor without the hassle.
From gourmet versions made with premium ingredients to heart-healthy, low-sodium options, the wide variety of choices can be overwhelming. To find the best one, I sampled 10 store-bought options. What I found was that tomato soups vary widely in texture, flavor, and even color. Some brands stick to the classics, keeping it simple with tomatoes and basic seasonings, while others have gotten creative with innovative versions featuring unexpected ingredients like sourdough bread and sharp cheddar cheese.
Here's how each tomato soup ranked in descending order, starting with my least favorite and counting down to the overall best.
Campbell's Old Fashioned Tomato Rice
Nutrition (Per ½ Cup of Condensed Soup):
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g)
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Carbohydrates: 20 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 12 g)
- Protein: 2 g
Though often overshadowed by Campbell's classic tomato soup, the Tomato Rice version seemed like a promising option for a heartier meal. However, despite my initial interest in the ingredients, this soup fell short of expectations. At $3.79, I encountered several issues during preparation.
The Look
Right from the start, I had concerns. While I knew the soup was condensed, I didn’t anticipate the difficulty I’d have preparing it after adding water. The condensed soup itself was so thick that I had to scrape it out of the can with a spoon. Even after mixing in the water and heating it up, the consistency remained problematic—chunky and watery, with the soup and water refusing to blend properly.
The Taste
Unfortunately, the taste didn’t redeem the experience. While the rice seemed like a nice addition, the soup itself was disappointing. It tasted overly sweet, with an odd hint of fruitiness and a strange aftertaste. To make matters worse, some of the rice clumped together, even after stirring for a while, which made for an unpleasant texture.
Campbell's Heart Healthy Tomato Soup
Nutrition (Per ½ Cup Condensed Soup):
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 0 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g)
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Carbohydrates: 16 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 8 g)
- Protein: 2 g
Campbell’s tomato soup is undeniably iconic, evoking a sense of nostalgia for many. Its enduring popularity is evident—I had difficulty even finding a can of the original recipe. Thankfully, Campbell’s also offers a heart-healthy version, made with the same "six farm-grown tomatoes in every can" as the original, but with less sodium and sugar. It was priced at $3.79.
The Look
Before adding water, the condensed soup was very thick and came out of the can in clumps. After adding water, the consistency became worse—uneven and separated, with an orangey-red color.
The Taste
As my boyfriend aptly put it, "I can't pinpoint this flavor." It had a sweet and slightly tangy taste but oddly lacked a strong tomato flavor, which was unexpected for a tomato soup. The texture didn’t help either, alternating between watery and chunky, no matter how much I stirred. Given Campbell's association with childhood memories, I was disappointed that this soup didn’t live up to its nostalgic reputation.
Progresso Reduced Sodium Cream of Tomato
Nutrition (Per 1 Cup Serving):
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 3 g (Saturated Fat: 1 g)
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Carbohydrates: 18 g (Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 10 g)
- Protein: 3 g
Progresso is well-known for its wide variety of soups, from spicy chicken noodle to protein-packed lentil options. Their Cream of Tomato soup comes in both classic and reduced sodium versions. I opted for the low-sodium version, which cost a steep $7.29 for a single can in New York City. Unfortunately, I found the soup overly sweet for my taste.
The Look
This soup resembled the brand’s tomato rotini version, which I also sampled. It had a medium, slightly pale red color with visible specks of spices. The consistency was middle-of-the-road—not too thin or too thick—though the surface appeared a bit oily.
The Taste
The flavor leaned too heavily on the sweet side, with a slightly artificial, synthetic aftertaste. If you're looking for a tomato soup that feels homemade, this isn't the one. Despite the balanced appearance, the texture was confusing, offering a watery yet oddly heavy mouthfeel. To top it off, there was a noticeable metallic aftertaste that detracted from the overall experience.
Pacific Foods Organic Tomato Basil
Nutrition (Per 1 Cup Serving):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 2 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g)
- Sodium: 630 mg
- Carbohydrates: 12 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 9 g)
- Protein: 3 g
Pacific Foods Organic Tomato Basil is a great option if you're seeking a gluten-free, plant-based tomato soup without dairy. Made with ripe tomatoes, garlic, onion, and basil, this soup is packed with flavor, though it doesn't taste like your typical tomato soup. I spent $5.29 on a carton with a convenient resealable top.
The Look
The color was a surprising orange, reminiscent of vodka sauce. Its light orange hue made me think it contained cream or milk, but after checking the label, I found it was actually made with a soy base. The texture was creamy—neither too thin nor too thick—which was a promising sign.
The Taste
The flavor was really enjoyable, though it wasn’t what you'd expect from traditional tomato soup. It had a smoky, slightly spicy, and mildly sweet taste. In fact, both its appearance and flavor reminded me a lot of vodka sauce, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. While it doesn't offer the strong vine-ripened tomato flavor you'd typically associate with tomato soup, it’s still a solid option if you're open to a different take on the classic.
Rao's Tomato Basil
Nutrition (Per 1 Jar):
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 4.5 g (Saturated Fat: 0.5 g)
- Sodium: 1,200 mg
- Carbohydrates: 22 g (Fiber: 9 g, Sugar: 20 g)
- Protein: 5 g
Getting a reservation at Rao’s may be tough, but you can still enjoy the restaurant’s signature flavors at home with their product line. In addition to pasta sauces and frozen meals, Rao’s also offers soups, including the Tomato Basil variety. I picked up a jar for $5.99, and its strong basil flavor made it a great pairing for Italian cold-cut sandwiches or tangy salads.
The Look
The soup had a deep, dark red color, similar to tomato sauce. It was thick without large chunks of tomato, and the bits of basil and spices were easily visible. The aroma of basil was strong as soon as I opened the jar.
The Taste
The flavor was good, but very basil-heavy, so much so that the basil overpowered the tomato. However, it wasn’t overly salty, and it wasn’t as sweet as some other tomato soups. This soup would pair nicely with a Caprese sandwich or something that could balance its earthy, herb-forward flavor.
Progresso Tomato Rotini
Nutrition (Per 1 Cup Serving):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 0.5 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g)
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Carbohydrates: 25 g (Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 8 g)
- Protein: 4 g
Another notable option from Progresso is their Tomato Rotini soup, made with hearty pasta. I paid $6.29 for a can, and while the soup was a bit on the sweet side, it’s something I’d consider eating again.
The Look
The soup came in a hefty can that felt substantial when I picked it up. Inside, the soup had a medium-red color with a generous amount of rotini pasta. The consistency was thick yet somewhat transparent, with large chunks of crushed tomatoes and plenty of spice flecks visible throughout.
The Taste
The flavor was decent, though not perfect. The tomato chunks added a nice touch, giving the soup a homemade vibe, but the overall taste was a bit too sweet. The pasta was slightly too soft and had a somewhat synthetic texture, despite the soup containing no artificial flavors. Overall, while this tomato soup gets the job done, it doesn’t fully satisfy.
Heyday Canning Co. Tomato Soup
Nutrition (Per 1 Cup Serving):
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 9 g (Saturated Fat: 4.5 g)
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Carbohydrates: 17 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 7 g)
- Protein: 5 g
If you're tired of the same old tomato soups, Heyday Canning Co.'s version is a game-changer. Made with juicy diced tomatoes, organic sourdough crackers, sharp cheddar cheese, and garlic, this soup is the epitome of artisanal. With a unique taste and rich texture, this $5.99 soup is perfect on its own or as a side.
The Look
The soup had a medium red-orange color with a thick, creamy texture that reminded me of pureed vegetables. Its even, opaque appearance made it look hearty and inviting.
The Taste
This soup doesn’t taste like your typical tomato soup—but it’s seriously delicious. The artisanal quality shines through with flavors of sourdough bread and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a rich, savory profile. My only gripe is that it's a bit too salty. Still, it pairs wonderfully with salads and sandwiches, and after trying this, I’m curious to explore the other soups Heyday Canning Co. offers.
Annie's Creamy Tomato & Bunny Pasta Soup
Nutrition (Per 1 Can):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5 g (Saturated Fat: 2.5 g)
- Sodium: 660 mg
- Carbohydrates: 23 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 10 g)
- Protein: 4 g
As a big fan of Annie's boxed macaroni and cheese—truly a favorite—I was excited to give their tomato soup a try. I spent $4.79 on a can of tomato soup that featured cute bunny-shaped pasta and a milder tomato flavor.
The Look
The soup had a pale, muddy red color, with bunny-shaped pasta pieces floating throughout. The texture was thick and creamy, with a consistency reminiscent of watered-down mashed potatoes. It also had a slightly oily, iridescent layer on the surface.
The Taste
The taste was good, but not as tomato-forward as expected. The flavor was quite mild, almost as if the tomato took a backseat. However, it wasn’t too sweet or too salty, and the bunny-shaped pasta was a fun addition—pleasantly chewy without being mushy. While this soup wasn’t exactly what I’d expect from a traditional tomato soup, I still found it enjoyable.
Imagine Foods Creamy Tomato Soup
Nutrition (Per 1 Cup):
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 1 g (Saturated Fat: 0 g)
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Carbohydrates: 15 g (Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 9 g)
- Protein: 2 g
If you’re looking for a tomato soup that tastes homemade, Imagine Foods’ Creamy Tomato Soup is worth a try. Made with organic tomatoes, organic potatoes, and fresh herbs, this dairy-free option pairs perfectly with grilled cheese or crackers. I thoroughly enjoyed this choice, which cost me $5.29.
The Look
The soup had a lighter red color with a creamy consistency that wasn’t watery or transparent. I appreciated that it came in a resealable container with a screw-top lid, much like the Pacific Foods version.
The Taste
This soup was absolutely delicious. It had a tangy, slightly sweet taste with a bright, fresh tomato flavor that really hit the spot. It wasn’t overly salty and had no odd aftertaste. I can easily imagine this soup being a fantastic pairing with a grilled cheese sandwich.
Amy's Cream of Tomato
Nutrition (Per 1 Cup):
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 3 g (Saturated Fat: 1.5 g)
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Carbohydrates: 23 g (Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 15 g)
- Protein: 3 g
Made from sun-ripened tomatoes slow-simmered with organic cream, this is hands down one of the best pre-packaged tomato soups I’ve ever tasted. It’s hearty without being overly rich and delivers a perfectly balanced tangy tomato flavor—not too salty or sweet. At $4.79, this soup was a great buy, and I can’t wait to get it again.
The Look
The soup had a deep, dark red color and wasn’t too thin or watery. Its consistency was smooth and even, with visible flecks of spice throughout. It also heated up evenly, which was a definite plus.
The Taste
This soup was bright, flavorful, and had a hint of natural tomato sweetness. It was undeniably delicious and comforting, with a rich, full-bodied taste that didn’t overwhelm. There was no metallic aftertaste, which can be common in some brands, and it kept me coming back for more. My boyfriend, a big tomato soup fan, took one spoonful and said, "If this isn’t everything you’d want in a tomato soup, I don’t know what is."
Overall, this soup was a winner because it delivered exactly what you’d expect from a great tomato soup. It wasn’t too salty or artificially sweet, and it had a vibrant, tangy-creamy flavor that tasted homemade. I found myself wanting more with each bite. If you love tomato soup, you definitely need to try this one!