Tomato Bisque Calories: Exact Count & Nutrition Facts

A standard 1-cup (245g) serving of traditional tomato bisque contains approximately 200-250 calories. Homemade versions can range from 150-300 calories depending on ingredients, while restaurant servings often exceed 300 calories due to added cream and butter.

Understanding the precise calorie content of tomato bisque is essential for anyone tracking their nutritional intake. Whether you're managing weight, following a specific diet plan, or simply making informed food choices, knowing exactly what's in your bowl matters.

Tomato Bisque Nutrition Breakdown

Tomato bisque, that rich and creamy soup beloved by many, varies significantly in nutritional content based on preparation methods. The classic French-inspired soup transforms simple tomatoes into a velvety delight, but that transformation affects its calorie profile.

Tomato Bisque Type	Calories (per 1 cup)	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Protein (g)
Homemade (light recipe)	150-180	6-8	22-25	4-5
Traditional homemade	200-250	12-15	20-23	4-5
Canned (regular)	180-220	8-10	25-28	3-4
Canned (low-sodium)	150-170	6-8	28-30	2-3
Restaurant serving	280-400+	18-25	20-25	5-7

This nutritional comparison, sourced from the USDA FoodData Central, reveals significant variations between preparation methods. Restaurant versions typically contain substantially more calories due to generous cream portions and butter usage.

Why Calorie Counts Vary So Much

The calorie range in tomato bisque stems from several key factors that dramatically alter its nutritional profile:

Cream and Dairy Content

The most significant variable is dairy content. Traditional bisque recipes call for heavy cream, which adds approximately 80 calories per ¼ cup. Many modern recipes substitute with half-and-half (50 calories per ¼ cup) or even milk (25 calories per ¼ cup), substantially reducing the calorie count while maintaining creaminess.

Tomato Base Composition

The foundation of your bisque matters. Canned tomatoes typically contain 30-40 calories per cup, while tomato paste (often used for depth) packs 70 calories per ¼ cup. Some recipes add sugar to balance acidity, contributing an additional 80 calories per tablespoon.

Portion Size Reality Check

What constitutes a "serving" varies dramatically. While nutrition labels typically use 1 cup (245g) as a standard, restaurant portions often range from 1.5 to 2 cups. That seemingly innocent bowl of soup could actually represent 400-600 calories—equivalent to a full meal.

Tomato Bisque Through Time: Evolution of Recipes

Tomato bisque has evolved significantly from its origins, with calorie content changing alongside culinary trends:

• 1950s-1970s: Classic French preparations emphasized heavy cream and butter, with minimal attention to calorie counting
• 1980s-1990s: The "fat-free" trend led to versions using skim milk but often adding sugar to compensate for flavor loss
• 2000s: Focus shifted to "reduced fat" versions that maintained some cream content
• 2010s-Present: Modern recipes emphasize whole food ingredients, with creative substitutions like cashew cream or blended white beans for creaminess without excessive calories

This evolution reflects broader dietary awareness while maintaining the soup's signature flavor profile, as documented by culinary historians at the American University Food Studies Program.

When Tomato Bisque Fits Your Dietary Goals

Tomato bisque can be part of various eating patterns, but context matters significantly:

Suitable For:

• Vegetarian and vegan diets (with appropriate substitutions)
• Mediterranean diet patterns when prepared with olive oil instead of butter
• Gluten-free diets (naturally gluten-free when thickened properly)
• Heart-healthy eating when made with reduced-fat dairy

Considerations For:

• Low-carb diets: Traditional versions contain 20+g carbs per serving
• Keto diets: Requires significant modification to reduce carb content
• Sodium-restricted diets: Many versions contain 800-1200mg sodium per serving
• Calorie-restricted diets: Restaurant portions often exceed single-meal allowances

Creating Lower-Calorie Tomato Bisque Without Sacrificing Flavor

You don't need to sacrifice the rich flavor of tomato bisque to reduce calories. Professional chefs use these science-backed techniques:

Smart Ingredient Substitutions

Replace half the cream with unsweetened almond milk or blended silken tofu. These alternatives provide creaminess with significantly fewer calories while maintaining the emulsified texture that defines bisque. For every cup of heavy cream (822 calories), substituting with almond milk (30 calories) saves approximately 790 calories.

Flavor Concentration Techniques

Roast your tomatoes before blending. This caramelizes natural sugars, creating deeper flavor without added calories. The Maillard reaction enhances umami compounds, allowing you to use less salt and fat while maintaining satisfaction.

Strategic Thickening Methods

Instead of roux (butter and flour), try blending cooked cauliflower or white beans into your soup. These add thickness and creaminess while contributing fiber and nutrients rather than empty calories. One cup of pureed cauliflower adds just 25 calories compared to 150+ calories from a traditional roux.

Reading Labels: What to Watch For

When purchasing canned or prepared tomato bisque, scrutinize these often-overlooked elements:

• Serving size discrepancies: Some brands list servings as small as ½ cup, making products appear lower in calories
• "Creamy" claims: Often indicate added dairy fats even in "light" versions
• Sodium content: Can range from 400mg to over 1000mg per serving
• Hidden sugars: Check for multiple sugar sources (cane sugar, corn syrup, fruit juice concentrate)

The FDA's food labeling guidelines require accurate serving information, but manufacturers sometimes use creative portion sizing to make products appear healthier.

Tomato Bisque in Balanced Eating

When incorporated thoughtfully, tomato bisque can contribute positively to your nutritional profile. Tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant with demonstrated health benefits, particularly when cooked. The addition of olive oil (in place of butter) enhances lycopene absorption while contributing heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

For those tracking calories, consider tomato bisque as a starter rather than a main course. A 150-calorie cup makes an excellent appetizer that can reduce overall meal consumption by promoting satiety before the main course.

How many calories are in a cup of tomato bisque?

A standard 1-cup (245g) serving of traditional tomato bisque contains 200-250 calories. Homemade light versions can be as low as 150 calories, while restaurant servings often exceed 300 calories per cup.

Is tomato bisque good for weight loss?

Tomato bisque can fit into a weight loss plan when prepared with smart substitutions like reduced-fat dairy or vegetable purees for creaminess. A 150-200 calorie serving makes a satisfying low-calorie starter, but traditional versions with heavy cream may be too high in calories for regular consumption during weight loss.

What makes restaurant tomato bisque so high in calories?

Restaurant tomato bisque typically contains more calories due to generous portions of heavy cream, butter, and larger serving sizes. Many establishments use a full cup of heavy cream per batch, adding approximately 800 calories, and serve portions of 1.5-2 cups rather than the standard 1 cup serving size.

How can I reduce calories in homemade tomato bisque?

To reduce calories in homemade tomato bisque, substitute half the cream with unsweetened almond milk or blend in cooked cauliflower. Roast tomatoes to enhance natural sweetness without added sugar, and use olive oil instead of butter. These changes can reduce calories by 30-40% while maintaining rich flavor and texture.

Is canned tomato bisque healthy?

Canned tomato bisque varies in healthfulness. Many standard versions contain 180-220 calories per cup with moderate sodium levels. Low-sodium versions typically have fewer calories (150-170) but may contain more carbohydrates. Always check serving sizes and ingredient lists, as some 'light' versions compensate for reduced fat with added sugars.