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From the condensed chicken-and-stars soup we slurped down as a kid to the styrofoam cups of instant ramen we still occasionally eat when we’re pressed for time (and low on cash) at lunch, store-bought soup has been a mainstay of our diets, and it’s always good to have some stashed in the pantry. Soup is a criminally underrated lunch and dinner option. It’s super low-maintenance, which is great news for parents who are strapped for time.
The soup aisle can be intimidating, though. There are so many options, from brands to flavors, and if you want to go outside of your chicken noodle comfort zone, it can be difficult to pick out a soup for dinner. We know that not all premade soups are created equal, so we set out to find which canned, cartoned and otherwise ready-to-serve soups at the store are actually worth buying. These are some of our favorites.
Nongshim Ramyun Black Noodle Soup
If you’re used to flabby ramen noodles in a weakly seasoned broth, Nongshim Ramyun Shin Black, which sports chewy al dente noodles and a richly spiced beef bone broth, will blow your mind. It’s widely considered to be one of the best instant ramens in the world.
Rao’s Made for Home Italian Wedding Slow Simmered Soup with Meatballs 6-Pack
This Italian Wedding Soup from Rao’s might not be just like grandma made, but it’s pretty much as close as you can get. With a rich, sippable broth, savory seasoned meatballs, and acini de pepe, you’ll want to drink it straight from the jar.
Panera Bread Gluten Free Baked Potato Soup
The next best thing to heading to Panera for some cozy soup in a bread bowl is this baked potato soup you can get at Target. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
Nongshim Soon Veggie Noodle Soup 6-Pack
It used to feel impossible to find good vegan soup in stores, but Nongshim, the same brand behind Shin ramyun, now offers up this savory instant noodle cup option. It’s one of our favorites, with toothsome noodles and a spicy, flavorful broth.
Bar Harbor Clam Chowder 6-Pack
New England clam chowder is one of our favorite things to eat when it’s cold outside, thanks to its creamy texture, rich flavor, and sweet clam meat. Bar Habor is pretty much the best canned clam chowder brand around, so stock up this winter.
Kettle and Fire Keto Soup Variety Pack
Stock up on keto soups with a four pack from Kettle & Fire. You’ll get one carton of broccoli cheddar soup, one carton of mushroom bisque, one carton of butter curry, and one carton of spicy cauliflower soup to warm you from the inside out on chilly days.
Pacific Foods Organic Creamy Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup
If you want to slurp on something comforting and nutritious, you can’t go wrong with Pacific’s creamy roasted red pepper and tomato soup. One reviewer notes that “this soup has just the right spices” for days when you’re feeling under the weather.
Bear Creek Country Kitchens Cheddar Broccoli Soup Mix
Sometimes you just want to basically drink liquid cheese. We get it! When the craving strikes, a packet of this cheddar broccoli soup mix is all you need.
Campbell’s Well Yes! Sipping Soup in Sweet Corn & Roasted Poblano
Gone are the days when Campbell’s just meant condensed cream-of soups. Their Well Yes! soups can be taken on the go for easy eats when you’re busy, and they’re made with a simple ingredient list that includes wholesome veggies. This corn and poblano soup flavor is sweet, savory and creamy and has a tiny kick to keep it from tasting too heavy.
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Miko Brand Japanese Instant Miso Tofu Soup
Dried miso paste and bonito extract form the base of this soup’s broth, which is filled with tofu and seaweed. Sip away for a super-cozy meal experience.
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