Prepared Soups: Nutrition Facts and Calories

Prepared soups include a wide variety of ready-to-eat options, such as canned, boxed, frozen, and dry mixes that only require adding water. These convenient products can be a quick meal or side dish. When choosing prepared soups, checking the Nutrition Facts label and ingredient list can help you make informed decisions. Pay attention to sodium content. The FDA recommends a Daily Value of 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Some prepared soups can contribute significantly to this amount. Also, check for saturated fat; the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommend consuming less than 10% of calories from saturated fat. While less common in savory soups, look for added sugars, as the DGA recommends no amount of added sugars. On the ingredient list, prioritize soups with vegetables, legumes, or whole grains listed among the first few ingredients. These ingredients often contribute beneficial fiber. Choosing soups with a variety of whole foods can support a balanced eating pattern. All values are shown per 100 g so products can be compared.