Mrs. Grass Soup: History, Varieties & Preparation Guide

Mrs. Grass soup refers to a popular line of dry soup mixes first introduced in the 1950s, best known for their Chicken Noodle Soup variety. These shelf-stable mixes require only the addition of water and cooking time to prepare, offering a convenient alternative to homemade soup with recognizable flavor profiles loved by generations of American households.

The History Behind Mrs. Grass Soup

Originally developed by the Campbell Soup Company in the mid-1950s, Mrs. Grass soup mixes entered the market during America's post-war convenience food boom. The brand name pays homage to a fictional matriarchal figure representing home cooking expertise, though no actual "Mrs. Grass" ever existed. The distinctive yellow packaging with its red lettering became an iconic grocery store staple throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

What set Mrs. Grass apart from competitors was its emphasis on recognizable ingredients. While other instant soup products relied heavily on artificial flavors, Mrs. Grass prominently featured real dried vegetables and egg noodles in their Chicken Noodle variety. This commitment to visible ingredients helped build consumer trust during an era when processed foods were becoming increasingly common.

Popular Varieties of Mrs. Grass Soup Mixes

Though Chicken Noodle remains the flagship product, the Mrs. Grass line has expanded to include several varieties that maintain the brand's signature convenience and flavor profile:

Variety	Key Features	Preparation Time
Chicken Noodle	Real egg noodles, visible carrots and celery	10-12 minutes
Tomato with Noodles	Rich tomato flavor with small pasta shapes	8-10 minutes
Vegetable Beef	Beef-flavored broth with mixed vegetables	12-15 minutes
Chicken Rice	Rice grains instead of noodles, milder flavor	10-12 minutes

How to Prepare Authentic Mrs. Grass Soup

While the preparation instructions on the package provide basic guidance, experienced users have developed techniques to elevate the simple mix into something approaching homemade quality. The standard preparation method involves:

1. Bring 4 cups of water to boil in medium saucepan
2. Stir in soup mix and return to boil
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for specified time (8-15 minutes depending on variety)
4. Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes before serving

For improved results that enhance the Mrs. Grass soup experience, consider these professional tips:

• Substitute water with low-sodium chicken broth for richer flavor
• Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme during the last two minutes of cooking
• Include additional fresh vegetables such as diced carrots or celery
• Stir in a tablespoon of lemon juice before serving to brighten flavors
• Top with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese

Nutritional Profile and Dietary Considerations

Understanding the nutritional content of Mrs. Grass soup products helps consumers make informed choices. A standard prepared serving (about 1 cup) of Chicken Noodle variety typically contains:

• Calories: 60-70 per serving
• Sodium: 800-900mg (approximately 35% of daily value)
• Carbohydrates: 12-14g
• Protein: 2-3g
• Fat: 0.5g or less

For those monitoring sodium intake, preparing the soup with water instead of broth and adding extra vegetables can help balance the sodium content. The soup mixes contain no artificial preservatives and are certified kosher, making them suitable for various dietary requirements when prepared appropriately.

Enhancing Your Mrs. Grass Soup Experience

Many home cooks have discovered creative ways to transform the basic Mrs. Grass soup mix into more substantial meals. These Mrs. Grass soup recipe enhancements have been passed down through generations:

• Protein boost: Add shredded cooked chicken, canned white beans, or small meatballs during the last five minutes of cooking
• Vegetable expansion: Include fresh spinach, kale, or zucchini slices for added nutrition
• Creamy variation: Stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or coconut milk after cooking for a richer texture
• Grain addition: Cook additional rice or small pasta shapes separately and add to the finished soup
• Flavor layering: Sauté onions and garlic before adding water and mix for deeper flavor complexity

These simple modifications maintain the convenience of the original Mrs. Grass soup while creating a more satisfying and nutritionally balanced meal. The beauty of these soup mixes lies in their versatility—they serve equally well as a quick solo meal or as a flavorful base for more elaborate culinary creations.

Where to Find Mrs. Grass Soup Products

Though less ubiquitous than in previous decades, Mrs. Grass soup mixes remain available through multiple channels. Major grocery chains including Kroger, Albertsons, and Meijer typically stock them in the soup aisle alongside other dried soup products. Regional availability may vary, with stronger presence in Midwest and Eastern United States markets.

For consistent access, online retailers provide reliable purchasing options. Amazon, Walmart.com, and Target.com all carry Mrs. Grass soup varieties, often in multi-pack configurations that represent better value than single-serve boxes. Some specialty food websites focusing on nostalgic or convenience products also feature the brand, sometimes offering larger case quantities preferred by regular users.

Comparing Mrs. Grass to Other Soup Mix Brands

When evaluating Mrs. Grass against competitors like Lipton Recipe Secrets or Knorr Homestyle, several distinctive features emerge. Mrs. Grass maintains a more traditional flavor profile with less emphasis on heavy seasoning and more focus on recognizable vegetable pieces. The egg noodles in their Chicken Noodle variety are notably larger and more substantial than those found in competing products.

Unlike some modern soup mixes that incorporate artificial flavors or MSG, Mrs. Grass has maintained a relatively clean ingredient list throughout its history. While sodium content remains similar to competitors, the absence of certain additives makes it preferable for consumers seeking simpler ingredient profiles. The brand's nostalgic appeal also distinguishes it from newer market entrants that lack the multi-generational recognition of Mrs. Grass.

What makes Mrs. Grass soup different from other instant soups?

Mrs. Grass soup distinguishes itself through visible ingredients like real dried vegetables and egg noodles, a cleaner ingredient profile without artificial flavors or MSG, and a more traditional flavor profile compared to many competitors. The brand has maintained consistent quality and formulation since its introduction in the 1950s.

How can I reduce the sodium content in Mrs. Grass soup?

To reduce sodium in Mrs. Grass soup, prepare it with water instead of broth, add extra vegetables to balance the sodium concentration, and consider using only three-quarters of the seasoning packet. Adding fresh lemon juice before serving can also help counterbalance saltiness while enhancing overall flavor.

Are Mrs. Grass soup mixes gluten-free?

Traditional Mrs. Grass soup mixes are not gluten-free as they contain wheat-based noodles. However, the brand does offer a Chicken Rice variety that substitutes rice for noodles, which may be suitable for some gluten-sensitive individuals though not certified gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination in manufacturing.

What is the shelf life of unopened Mrs. Grass soup mix?

Unopened Mrs. Grass soup mixes typically maintain best quality for 12-18 months when stored in a cool, dry pantry. The 'best by' date printed on the box provides the most accurate timeframe, though properly stored mixes may remain usable beyond this date with potential minor flavor degradation.

Can I make Mrs. Grass soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, Mrs. Grass soup can be prepared in a slow cooker. Combine the mix with 4 cups of water or broth, cook on low for 2-3 hours, and stir occasionally. For best results, add the mix during the last hour of cooking to preserve noodle texture and prevent overcooking.