Tomato Soup Calories: Exact Counts by Type (2025 Data)

A standard 1-cup (245g) serving of tomato soup contains approximately 170-200 calories when made from canned varieties, while homemade versions range from 90-150 calories depending on ingredients. Cream-based versions can reach 250+ calories per serving, while broth-based recipes may contain as few as 70 calories.

Understanding the exact calories for tomato soup is essential for making informed dietary choices. Whether you're meal planning, tracking macros, or seeking healthier options, knowing what's in your bowl matters. This guide delivers precise nutritional information backed by authoritative sources to help you navigate tomato soup options with confidence.

Why Tomato Soup Calorie Counts Vary Significantly

Tomato soup isn't a one-size-fits-all food when it comes to calorie content. The dramatic differences stem from preparation methods and added ingredients. Commercial products often contain thickeners and sweeteners, while homemade versions give you complete control over the nutritional profile.

According to the USDA FoodData Central, the base tomato component contributes minimal calories, but common additions transform the nutritional equation:

Preparation Method	Calories per 1-Cup Serving	Key Calorie Contributors
Basic Homemade (tomatoes, broth, herbs)	70-90	Natural tomato sugars
Canned Regular (no cream)	170-200	Added sugars, thickeners
Cream-Based (canned or restaurant)	220-280	Cream, butter, cheese
"Light" Commercial Varieties	90-120	Artificial thickeners, reduced fat

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Making Informed Choices

When evaluating tomato soup nutrition facts, homemade versions typically offer the most control over calorie content. A simple recipe using fresh tomatoes, vegetable broth, and herbs creates a nutrient-dense meal under 100 calories per serving. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics confirms that cooking from scratch eliminates hidden sugars and unnecessary additives found in many commercial products.

Commercial soup manufacturers often add sugar to balance tomato acidity—sometimes as much as 8-10 grams per serving. This seemingly small addition contributes approximately 30-40 empty calories that many consumers overlook when tracking calories in canned tomato soup.

Practical Strategies for Lower-Calorie Tomato Soup

Reducing calories in tomato soup doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. Professional chefs use these evidence-based techniques:

• Replace cream with pureed white beans - Adds creaminess with fiber and protein instead of fat
• Use roasted tomatoes - Deepens flavor naturally without added sugar
• Add umami boosters like nutritional yeast or tomato paste instead of salt and fat
• Include vegetable bulk with carrots, celery, and onions to increase volume with minimal calories

These methods create satisfying low calorie tomato soup options that maintain rich flavor while reducing caloric density. A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that vegetable-enhanced soups increased meal satisfaction while reducing overall calorie intake.

Nutritional Context: Beyond Just Calories

While tracking calories for tomato soup is important, considering the complete nutritional profile provides greater value. Tomato-based soups offer significant lycopene—a powerful antioxidant more bioavailable when tomatoes are cooked. The National Institutes of Health notes that lycopene absorption increases by 2-3 times when consumed with minimal healthy fats like olive oil.

When comparing tomato soup calorie comparison options, also consider:

• Sodium content (often 400-800mg per serving in canned varieties)
• Fiber content (homemade versions typically contain 3-5g vs. 2g in canned)
• Added sugar levels (check for multiple sugar sources like corn syrup, fructose)

Smart Shopping: Reading Labels Effectively

When selecting commercial tomato soup, understanding labeling terminology prevents calorie miscalculations. "Serving size" discrepancies create confusion—some brands list servings as 1 cup (245g) while others use smaller portions. "Light" or "reduced calorie" claims require a 33% reduction from the original product, but the base product might still be high in calories.

For accurate tomato soup nutrition facts, always:

1. Check the actual serving size in grams, not just "1 bowl" or "1 cup"
2. Calculate calories based on what you'll actually consume
3. Compare sodium-to-calorie ratios (lower is better)
4. Look for added sugars listed among the first five ingredients

Creating Balanced Meals with Tomato Soup

Understanding how to reduce calories in tomato soup helps integrate it into a balanced eating pattern. Pairing a lighter tomato soup (90-120 calories) with a protein source and vegetables creates a complete 300-400 calorie meal. Registered dietitians recommend adding 3-4 ounces of grilled chicken or 1/2 cup of cooked lentils to transform tomato soup from a side dish to a satisfying main course without excessive calories.

Remember that the context of your entire meal matters more than isolated calories in homemade tomato soup. A nutrient-dense tomato soup that keeps you satisfied for hours provides better value than a lower-calorie processed version that leaves you hungry soon after eating.

How many calories are in a cup of homemade tomato soup without cream?

A basic homemade tomato soup made with tomatoes, vegetable broth, and herbs contains approximately 70-90 calories per 1-cup (245g) serving. This version provides about 3-5 grams of fiber and significant lycopene without added sugars or thickeners found in many commercial varieties.

Is tomato soup good for weight loss?

Tomato soup can be an excellent component of a weight loss plan when prepared with attention to ingredients. Broth-based versions under 100 calories per serving provide volume and nutrients with minimal calories. Research shows that consuming broth-based soups before meals can reduce total calorie intake by 20% during the meal. Avoid cream-based varieties and check commercial products for hidden sugars.

What makes canned tomato soup higher in calories than homemade?

Commercial tomato soups often contain added sugars (8-10g per serving), thickeners, and sometimes cream or cheese that significantly increase calorie content. A standard canned tomato soup typically contains 170-200 calories per cup compared to 70-90 for a basic homemade version. Manufacturers add these ingredients to enhance shelf stability and create consistent flavor across batches.

How can I make tomato soup lower in calories without losing flavor?

To reduce calories while maintaining flavor: roast tomatoes to deepen natural sweetness, use white bean puree instead of cream, add umami boosters like tomato paste or nutritional yeast, and include extra vegetables for volume. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends these techniques as they increase fiber and nutrients while reducing caloric density. A well-seasoned low-calorie tomato soup can be more satisfying than higher-calorie alternatives.

Does the calorie count differ between tomato basil soup and regular tomato soup?

Tomato basil soup typically contains similar calories to regular tomato soup unless cream is added. The fresh herbs contribute negligible calories. However, restaurant versions of tomato basil soup often include cream or cheese, increasing calories to 250+ per serving compared to 170-200 for standard tomato soup. Always check preparation methods when comparing 'tomato soup calories' as minor ingredient changes significantly impact nutritional content.