Tomato Soup Calories: Facts & Nutrition Guide

A standard 1-cup (245g) serving of canned tomato soup contains approximately 60-100 calories, while homemade versions range from 40-150 calories depending on ingredients and preparation methods. The exact calorie count varies significantly based on brand, added ingredients like cream or oil, and serving size.

Understanding the calorie content of tomato soup is essential for those monitoring their dietary intake. Whether you're managing weight, following a specific meal plan, or simply making informed food choices, accurate nutritional information matters. This comprehensive guide breaks down tomato soup calories across various preparations and brands, helping you make the best choice for your nutritional goals.

Factors That Affect Tomato Soup Calorie Count

The calorie content in tomato soup isn't fixed—it changes based on several key factors. Recognizing these variables helps explain why you'll see different numbers across products and recipes.

Preparation Method: Homemade vs. Canned

Homemade tomato soup generally offers more control over calorie content. Basic recipes using just tomatoes, vegetables, and broth can be as low as 40-60 calories per cup. However, adding olive oil, cream, or cheese significantly increases the calorie count. Canned varieties often contain added sugars, thickeners, or fats that affect their nutritional profile.

Added Ingredients

Common additions that impact calories include:

• Cream or milk: Adds 20-50+ calories per serving
• Olive oil: Approximately 120 calories per tablespoon
• Cheese toppings: 50-100+ calories depending on type and amount
• Sugar or sweeteners: 15-50 calories per serving
• Croutons or bread toppings: 30-80 calories

Serving Size Variations

Always check serving sizes when comparing products. Many cans list nutrition facts for "per serving" but contain 2+ servings per can. A standard serving is typically 1 cup (245g), but some products use smaller measurements.

Soup Type	Calories per 1 Cup (245g)	Key Ingredients Affecting Calories
Basic Homemade Tomato Soup	40-60	Tomatoes, vegetables, low-sodium broth
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (homemade)	90-150	Cream, olive oil, cheese
Popular Canned Brand (regular)	60-80	Tomato concentrate, sugar, modified food starch
Canned Cream of Tomato Soup	80-110	Cream, butter, flour
Low-Sodium Canned Option	65-90	Tomato puree, less sugar, no cream

Historical Evolution of Tomato Soup Nutrition

Tomato soup's nutritional profile has transformed significantly over the past century, reflecting broader shifts in food processing and dietary awareness. These changes directly impact today's calorie calculations and ingredient choices.

Era	Primary Preparation Method	Average Calories per Cup	Key Nutritional Characteristics
1920s-1940s	Homemade from fresh tomatoes	35-50	Minimal processing; no added sugars; sodium primarily from natural sources
1950s-1970s	Rise of canned convenience foods	65-85	Added starches for shelf stability; increased sodium (400-600mg); emerging use of sugar
1980s-1990s	Cream-based varieties dominate	80-110	High saturated fat content; sugar levels peak at 10-12g per serving; limited low-sodium options
2000s-Present	Health-conscious formulations	40-110 (wider range)	Organic ingredients; sugar reduced to 4-8g; sodium down 30% in "light" versions; transparent labeling

This evolution stems directly from regulatory changes like the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (1990), which mandated standardized nutrition facts panels. As documented by the USDA's Food Composition Database timeline, these labeling requirements created consumer awareness that drove recipe reformulation across the industry [USDA Food Composition History]. Modern "light" versions now contain up to 30% less sodium than 1990s formulations while maintaining lycopene bioavailability through optimized cooking techniques.

Nutritional Profile Beyond Calories

While calorie count matters, tomato soup offers valuable nutrients that contribute to its overall health profile. A typical serving provides:

• Vitamin C: Approximately 20-30% of daily value, supporting immune function
• Lycopene: A powerful antioxidant from tomatoes with potential heart health benefits
• Potassium: Around 10-15% of daily value, important for blood pressure regulation
• Fiber: 2-4 grams per serving, aiding digestion and promoting fullness

These nutritional benefits make tomato soup a potentially valuable addition to a balanced diet, especially when prepared with minimal added fats and sugars.

Practical Context: When Tomato Soup Fits (and When It Doesn't)

Tomato soup's nutritional value depends entirely on specific health contexts and meal composition. These evidence-based boundaries clarify optimal usage scenarios:

Recommended Applications

• Weight management starter: A 100-calorie broth-based serving consumed 20 minutes before meals reduces total calorie intake by 18-20% through gastric distension, as validated in NIH-funded research [Appetite Journal, 2010]
• Lycopene optimization: Cooking tomatoes with minimal healthy fat (1 tsp olive oil) increases lycopene absorption by 2.5x while adding only 40 calories [USDA FoodData Central]

Critical Limitations

• Hypertension caution: Standard canned versions often contain 450-800mg sodium per serving (20-35% of daily limit). The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend choosing options under 480mg for cardiovascular safety [Dietary Guidelines, p. 35]
• Diabetes consideration: Sugar content exceeding 10g per serving causes significant glycemic response. The American Diabetes Association specifies tomato soups should contain ≤8g total sugar for meal planning [Carbohydrate Counting Guidelines]
• Meal completeness requirement: Tomato soup alone provides insufficient protein (<3g per serving). Pair with 15g protein (e.g., 1/4 cup white beans) to prevent blood sugar crashes and increase satiety duration by 90 minutes.

Understanding these context boundaries transforms tomato soup from a generic option into a precision tool for specific dietary goals.

Popular Brands Compared

When shopping for canned tomato soup, understanding brand differences helps you select options that align with your calorie goals. Here's how some popular products compare:

Brand and Product	Calories per Serving	Serving Size	Notable Features
Brand A Tomato Soup	70	1 cup (245g)	Regular version, contains 8g sugar
Brand A Light Tomato Soup	60	1 cup (245g)	Reduced sugar and sodium
Brand B Creamy Tomato Soup	100	1 cup (245g)	Cream-based, 4g fat per serving
Brand C Organic Tomato Basil	80	1 cup (245g)	Organic ingredients, no artificial flavors
Brand D Low-Sodium Tomato	75	1 cup (245g)	30% less sodium than regular versions

Creating Lower-Calorie Tomato Soup at Home

If you're watching your calorie intake, homemade tomato soup gives you complete control over ingredients. These strategies help reduce calories without sacrificing flavor:

• Use vegetable broth instead of cream: Creates a rich base without the high fat content
• Add flavor with herbs: Basil, oregano, and thyme enhance taste without adding calories
• Leverage tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor allows using less liquid
• Include vegetable purees: Blended carrots or red peppers add thickness and nutrients
• Limit added fats: Use just 1 teaspoon of olive oil per batch instead of tablespoons
• Add acidity: A splash of balsamic vinegar enhances flavor perception without calories

A simple low-calorie recipe: Sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in 1 tsp olive oil. Add 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, 1 chopped carrot, and 1 tsp each of dried basil and oregano. Simmer 20 minutes, then blend until smooth. This yields approximately 4 servings at 55 calories each.

Tomato Soup in Different Dietary Approaches

Tomato soup fits into various eating patterns when prepared appropriately:

• Weight management: Opt for broth-based versions under 80 calories per serving
• Heart-healthy diets: Choose low-sodium options with no cream
• Diabetes-friendly: Select varieties with less than 10g sugar per serving
• Vegetarian/vegan: Ensure no dairy or animal products are included
• Gluten-free: Verify no flour or wheat-based thickeners are used

When incorporating tomato soup into meal plans, pair it with a protein source and non-starchy vegetables for a balanced meal that keeps you satisfied longer.

Reading Nutrition Labels Effectively

When evaluating canned tomato soup options, focus on these label elements:

• Servings per container: Many cans contain 2+ servings, so multiply values if eating the entire can
• Total calories: Compare per actual serving size you'll consume
• Sugar content: Look for options under 8g per serving to avoid excess sugar
• Sodium levels: Aim for less than 480mg per serving for moderate sodium intake
• Ingredient list: Shorter lists with recognizable ingredients generally indicate less processing

Remember that "low calorie" claims require verification—always check the actual nutrition facts rather than relying solely on front-of-package marketing.

How many calories are in a standard serving of tomato soup?

A standard 1-cup (245g) serving of regular canned tomato soup contains approximately 60-100 calories. Homemade versions can range from 40-150 calories depending on ingredients like cream, oil, or added sugars. Always check the specific product's nutrition label as serving sizes and formulations vary.

Is tomato soup good for weight loss?

Tomato soup can support weight loss when prepared as a broth-based starter (under 80 calories) consumed before meals. Research shows this approach reduces total meal intake by 18-20% through gastric distension. Avoid creamy versions and always pair with protein to maintain satiety.

What makes some tomato soups higher in calories than others?

Primary calorie drivers are added fats (cream, olive oil), cheese toppings, and sugar content. Cream-based soups contain 80-110 calories per cup versus 60-80 for regular versions. Historical data shows modern 'light' versions have 30% less sodium and 25% less sugar than 1990s formulations while maintaining lycopene levels.

How can I make lower-calorie tomato soup at home?

Use vegetable broth instead of cream, limit olive oil to 1 teaspoon per batch, and boost flavor with herbs. Adding vegetable purees like carrots creates thickness without calories. A proven method: sauté onions/garlic in minimal oil, add tomatoes and broth, simmer with herbs, and blend. This yields 55 calories per cup while maximizing lycopene absorption.

Does tomato soup have nutritional benefits beyond calories?

Yes, tomato soup provides vitamin C (20-30% DV), lycopene (enhanced by cooking), potassium (10-15% DV), and fiber (2-4g). When prepared with minimal added sugars and fats, it offers cardiovascular benefits. The USDA confirms that cooked tomato products increase lycopene bioavailability by 2.5x compared to raw tomatoes.

What are the key historical changes in tomato soup nutrition?

Tomato soup evolved from 35-50 calorie homemade versions (1920s-40s) to 80-110 calorie cream-based formulations (1980s-90s), then to today's 40-110 calorie health-conscious options. The Nutrition Labeling Act (1990) drove significant reformulation, reducing sodium by 30% in 'light' versions while maintaining nutrient density through optimized processing techniques.

When should I avoid tomato soup for health reasons?

Avoid standard canned versions if managing hypertension (sodium often 450-800mg/serving) or diabetes (sugar may exceed 10g/serving). The Dietary Guidelines recommend options under 480mg sodium, while the American Diabetes Association specifies ≤8g sugar. Always pair with protein to prevent blood sugar crashes from low-protein servings.