When the cold weather sets in, nothing hits the spot quite like a steaming bowl of soup.
Whether you fancy a classic tomato, hearty minestrone, soothing chicken noodle, or warming Scotch broth, soup has earned its place as the ultimate winter comfort food.
In the UK, we’re practically obsessed. With the market for tinned soup valued at over £463 million and the average person munching through around 2.5kg a year, these pantry staples are a weekly must-have.
And according to surveys, a quarter of UK families insist they “can’t live without” them.
My Soup Routine
I’ll admit it: I’m part of that group. Quick tomato soup for my sons’ dinners, chunky veg for a desk lunch, or something a bit fancier as a starter on a cold evening – we reach for soup at least once a week.
Those familiar supermarket brands? Always in my shopping trolley.
Campbell’s Controversy Shakes the Soup World
But last week, the comforting world of soup got a jolt.
Campbell’s, one of Britain’s most trusted names, found itself in hot water after a recording emerged allegedly capturing vice-president Martin Bally calling its products “s***” and questioning their healthiness.
Comments about “bio-engineered meat” and 3D-printed chicken didn’t help.
Campbell’s quickly refuted the claims, stressing that their chicken comes from long-trusted suppliers.
Some ingredients, like corn, sugar beet, and soybeans, are genetically modified—but there’s no mystery meat lurking in the cans.
Still, soup-lovers everywhere checked their tins a little more carefully.
What’s Really Inside a Tin?
Nutritionist GQ Jordan points out that soups can look healthier on the label than they actually are.
“Many contain more salt than people realise, with added sugar, cream, or starch boosting flavor, while protein and fiber are often low,” she explains.
Below, we break down Britain’s most popular supermarket soups, revealing what’s really inside each tin—and how they stack up nutritionally.
Heinz Cream of Tomato (£1.70)
A nostalgic favourite since 1910, it’s 89% tomatoes and claims half a tin counts as one of your five-a-day.
But it’s sweet for a savoury soup: 1.5 teaspoons of added sugar per serving, 1.1g salt, and minimal protein or fiber. Calories: 102, fat: 4.3g.
Health Factor: 1/5
Sainsbury’s Pea and Ham Soup (63p)
With 35.5% peas and 3.5% ham, this budget option packs fiber and plant protein.
Low sugar (3.3g) and moderate salt (0.7g) make it a solid choice. Calories: 97.
Health Factor: 4/5
Tesco Broccoli and Stilton Soup (63p)
A creamy treat, but only 16% is actual broccoli and Stilton.
High in saturated fat (2g) and salt (0.89g), low in fiber (0.5g). Calories: 100, fat: 5g.
Health Factor: 0/5
M&S Chunky Vegetable Soup (£1.10)
Vegetables make up 45%, with good chunks and texture.
Fiber: 2.2g, protein: 1.8g, low fat: 0.8g. Salt is moderate (1g), calories: 66. A convenient, wholesome option.
Health Factor: 5/5
Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (£1.50)
Despite its name, only 4% is chicken. High salt (1.27g), low protein (3.4g), 142 calories per serving.
Works better as a cooking ingredient than a meal.
Health Factor: 2/5
Heinz Chicken Noodle Soup (£1.70)
Mainly broth and noodles, with just 2% chicken.
Low protein (2.7g), high salt (1.2g), sugar 2.3g, 64 calories. Light, easy to digest, but won’t keep you full.
Health Factor: 2/5
Waitrose Lentil and Vegetable Soup (£1.20)
Packed with lentils and veggies (81%), protein and fiber are strong.
Calories: 101, salt: 1.93g. A closer match to homemade soups many hope for.
Health Factor: 5/5
Morrisons Roasted Red Pepper Soup (65p)
Mainly red peppers and tomato puree, with cream, sugar, and salt.
High sugar (10.3g), fat 5.7g, low protein and fiber. Pleasant starter but not a full meal.
Health Factor: 3/5
Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (£1.60)
Only 10% mushrooms; mostly oil, starch, cream, and flavorings.
Calories: 90, sugar: 1g, salt: 1.5g. Rich in taste, thin in nutrition.
Health Factor: 2/5
Asda Oxtail Soup (64p)
Contains just 4% beef, with water, sugar, flavorings, and fat making up most of the tin.
Saturated fat 0.8g, salt 1g, calories: 90. Hearty but better as an occasional treat.
Health Factor: 3/5
Baxters Scotch Broth (£2)
Traditional mutton, beef, and pearl barley. Mostly water with 6% barley, 2% mutton, 1.5% beef.
Fiber 2.15g, calories: 76, salt 0.96g. A satisfying, vegetable-rich option.
Health Factor: 4/5
Baxters French Onion Soup (£2)
Water, cornflour, sugar, and 4% caramelised onion.
Salt: 2.15g, sugar: 14g, minimal protein or fiber. Tasty but more treat than meal.
Health Factor: 0/5
Sainsbury’s Leek and Potato Soup (63p)
Mainly water, potato 23%, leeks 12%, plus cream, milk powder, and sugar.
Calories: 92, sugar: 3.6g, salt: 1.2g. Light but not filling.
Health Factor: 1/5
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