Understanding the calorie content of tomato soup is essential for anyone monitoring their dietary intake. Whether you're managing weight, tracking macros, or simply making healthier food choices, having accurate nutritional information helps you make informed decisions about this popular comfort food.
Calorie Breakdown by Tomato Soup Type
The calorie count in tomato soup varies significantly based on preparation method and ingredients. Let's examine the nutritional differences between common varieties:
| Soup Type | Calories per 1 Cup (245g) | Key Ingredients Affecting Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Canned Tomato Soup | 70-100 | Tomatoes, water, minimal added sugar |
| Low-Sodium Canned Version | 80-110 | Often contains slightly more carbohydrates |
| Homemade Basic Recipe | 80-120 | Tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil (1 tsp) |
| Cream-Based Tomato Soup | 150-250 | Added cream, butter, or cheese |
| Tomato Basil Soup (Canned) | 90-120 | Additional herbs and sometimes cream |
Factors That Influence Tomato Soup Calories
Several elements affect the final calorie count of your tomato soup:
Preparation Method
Homemade tomato soup calories depend entirely on your recipe choices. A simple version with just tomatoes, vegetables, and minimal oil will be on the lower end (around 80 calories per cup), while adding ingredients like cream, cheese, or excessive olive oil can dramatically increase the calorie content.
Added Ingredients
Common additions that boost calorie counts include:
- Cream or half-and-half (adds 50-100+ calories per serving)
- Croutons or bread (adds 30-60 calories per serving)
- Grated cheese (adds 25-50 calories per tablespoon)
- Extra virgin olive oil (adds 40 calories per teaspoon)
Commercial Variations
Major brands like Campbell's, Progresso, and Amy's Organic offer different formulations. For example:
- Campbell's Condensed Tomato Soup: 80 calories per 1/2 cup (100 calories per cup when prepared)
- Progresso Traditional Tomato Soup: 90 calories per cup
- Amy's Organic Chunky Tomato Bisque: 150 calories per cup (contains cream)
Nutritional Profile Beyond Calories
Tomato soup offers more than just calorie information—it provides valuable nutrients that contribute to a balanced diet. A standard cup of tomato soup typically contains:
- 15-20% of your daily vitamin C needs
- 20-25% of your daily vitamin A requirements
- Significant lycopene content (a powerful antioxidant)
- 2-4 grams of dietary fiber
- Approximately 500-700mg of potassium
The nutritional benefits of tomato soup make it a smart choice for those seeking nutrient-dense, relatively low-calorie meal options. The lycopene in tomatoes, which increases in bioavailability when cooked, offers potential health benefits including cardiovascular support and antioxidant properties.
Creating Lower-Calorie Tomato Soup
If you're watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy tomato soup, consider these practical modifications:
Smart Ingredient Swaps
- Use vegetable broth instead of cream for creaminess without the calories
- Add blended white beans for thickness instead of dairy
- Roast tomatoes instead of frying in oil to enhance flavor naturally
- Incorporate extra vegetables like carrots and celery to increase volume without significant calorie addition
Portion Control Strategies
When enjoying higher-calorie versions, practice portion awareness. A standard serving is one cup, but restaurant portions often contain 2-3 servings. Requesting a to-go container before your meal arrives can help prevent overconsumption of tomato basil soup calories or other creamy varieties.
Tomato Soup in a Balanced Diet
Tomato soup can be an excellent component of various dietary approaches when you understand its nutritional profile. For those following calorie-controlled diets, knowing the exact tomato soup nutrition facts helps with accurate tracking. The soup's high water content and moderate fiber contribute to satiety, potentially helping with portion control at subsequent meals.
When comparing tomato soup calories to other common soup varieties, tomato generally falls in the lower to middle range:
- Vegetable soup: 60-90 calories per cup
- Chicken noodle soup: 80-120 calories per cup
- Tomato soup: 70-100 calories per cup (standard)
- Clam chowder: 200-300 calories per cup
- Cream of mushroom: 150-250 calories per cup
Reading Labels for Accurate Calorie Information
When purchasing canned tomato soup, pay attention to serving size information. Many cans list nutrition facts for 1/2 cup, but the entire can typically contains 2-2.5 servings. This misunderstanding leads many consumers to accidentally consume double the expected tomato soup calories.
Look for products with minimal added sugars and sodium. Some brands add significant sugar to balance tomato acidity, which increases both calories and carbohydrate content without nutritional benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a full can of tomato soup?
A standard 14.5-ounce can of condensed tomato soup contains approximately 160-200 calories for the entire can, which equals about 2 servings. When prepared according to directions (adding water or milk), this yields roughly 2 cups with 80-100 calories per cup.
Is tomato soup good for weight loss?
Tomato soup can be an effective component of weight loss diets due to its relatively low calorie count and high water content, which promotes satiety. A standard cup contains only 70-100 calories while providing valuable nutrients. For best results, choose low-sodium varieties without added cream or excessive sugar, and pair with a protein source for balanced nutrition.
Does homemade tomato soup have fewer calories than canned?
Homemade tomato soup calories can be lower than canned versions when prepared with minimal added fats. A basic homemade recipe with tomatoes, vegetables, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil contains approximately 80-100 calories per cup. However, many homemade recipes include cream or excessive oil, which can increase calories beyond commercial varieties. The advantage of homemade is complete control over ingredients and calorie content.
How do tomato basil soup calories compare to regular tomato soup?
Tomato basil soup calories are typically 10-30 calories higher per cup than basic tomato soup. Standard tomato soup contains 70-100 calories per cup, while tomato basil varieties often range from 90-120 calories. The difference comes from additional ingredients like cream, cheese, or slightly more oil used in flavored varieties. Always check nutrition labels as formulations vary significantly between brands.
What's the lowest calorie tomato soup option available?
The lowest calorie tomato soup options are typically broth-based varieties with no cream or dairy, containing approximately 60-80 calories per cup. Some specifically formulated 'light' or 'garden' versions from major brands can have as few as 50-70 calories per serving. For the absolute lowest calorie option, make homemade tomato soup using only tomatoes, vegetables, and minimal oil (about 1/2 teaspoon per batch), which can yield soup with approximately 50-65 calories per cup.
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