Are Progresso Canned Soups Healthy? A Comprehensive Nutritional Guide

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Research from the American Heart Association recommends keeping daily sodium intake below 2,300 mg, a limit many canned soups exceed in a single serving. With this in mind, a critical question arises for many consumers: are Progresso canned soups healthy, or should they be avoided entirely?

Quick Summary

The healthiness of Progresso soups is not universal; it depends entirely on the specific variety's nutritional content, particularly its sodium, saturated fat, and fiber levels. Careful label scrutiny is necessary to make informed choices, even with available low-sodium and protein-rich options.

Key Points

Not a Universal Answer: The healthiness of Progresso soup varies significantly between different lines and flavors, depending on their specific nutritional content.
Scrutinize Sodium Levels: Many Progresso soups are high in sodium, but the brand offers 'Reduced Sodium' and 'Light' options that are much healthier alternatives.
Choose Broth Over Cream: Broth-based soups are generally lower in calories and saturated fat compared to cream-based varieties, which can negatively impact heart health.
Enhance with Whole Foods: You can easily boost the nutritional value of any Progresso soup by adding fresh vegetables, lean protein, or fiber-rich legumes.
Check for Protein and Fiber: For a more filling and satisfying meal, opt for varieties in the 'Protein' or 'Hearty' lines, which contain higher levels of protein and fiber.
Watch Serving Sizes: Be mindful that a single can of Progresso often contains two servings, so consuming the entire can means doubling the listed nutritional information.

The Nutritional Trade-Off: Convenience vs. Health

Canned soups offer undeniable convenience, providing a quick, shelf-stable meal option for busy lifestyles. For Progresso, with its extensive variety of flavors and product lines—from Traditional and Hearty to Light and Protein—the health profile can vary dramatically. A blanket assessment of all Progresso soups is misleading; a more detailed look at specific nutritional components is required.

The Sodium Scrutiny

One of the most significant concerns with canned soups is the high sodium content, which acts as both a preservative and a flavor enhancer. Many standard canned soups contain between 700 mg and 1,000 mg of sodium per serving, a substantial portion of the American Heart Association's ideal limit of 1,500 mg per day. While a typical Progresso can contains two servings, many people consume the entire can, inadvertently doubling their intake. However, Progresso offers a "Reduced Sodium" line specifically designed for those watching their intake. Varieties like the Reduced Sodium Roasted Chicken Noodle or Reduced Sodium Southwest Style Black Bean & Vegetable offer significantly less salt per serving, making them a much healthier choice for blood pressure management. The key is to compare labels carefully, as even within the same brand, sodium levels differ widely.

Fat Content: Cream vs. Broth-Based

Beyond sodium, saturated fat is another factor to consider. As a rule of thumb, cream-based soups and chowders are significantly higher in saturated fat and calories than their broth-based counterparts. For example, a creamy chicken noodle soup will generally have a less favorable fat profile than a vegetable-barley soup. Progresso offers a range of broth-based options, including their Light soups, which are intentionally formulated to be lower in fat and calories while maintaining flavor. Choosing a broth-based variety can help manage cholesterol and calorie intake.

Ingredients, Processing, and Additives

Like many processed foods, canned soups can contain additives and flavorings. Early concerns were raised about Bisphenol A (BPA) leaching from can linings. In response to consumer demand, Progresso has adopted non-BPA lined cans for its products. They also state their soups contain no artificial flavors or colors from artificial sources. While highly processed, modern canned soups, including many Progresso options, are cleaner than they once were. The nutritional value is also a factor; processing can reduce water-soluble vitamins, though it may make some nutrients more accessible. Soups often contain fiber from vegetables, but if the skins are removed, that fiber can be lost.

How to Choose the Healthiest Progresso Soup

For those seeking a healthier canned soup, here is a simple checklist:

Prioritize Low-Sodium: Always check the label for the "Reduced Sodium" or "Light" designation. Compare milligrams per serving to find the lowest option.
Opt for Broth-Based Soups: Whenever possible, choose clear, broth-based varieties over creamy, cheese-based, or bisque-style soups to reduce saturated fat and calories.
Look for Fiber and Protein: Search for soups with ingredients like lentils, beans, and vegetables, which provide satiating fiber and protein. Progresso's Protein and Hearty lines can be good options.
Read the Ingredient List: Familiarize yourself with the ingredients. A shorter, more recognizable list is generally better. The first ingredients listed are the most abundant.

Boosting the Nutrition of Any Canned Soup

Even a moderately healthy canned soup can be improved with a few easy additions:

Add More Vegetables: Stir in fresh spinach, frozen peas, or chopped carrots and celery. This increases fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Include Extra Protein: For a more filling meal, add shredded chicken, canned chickpeas, or leftover beans.
Dilute with Broth or Water: If a regular soup is too high in sodium, diluting it with water or unsalted broth can help.
Serve with Sides: Pair your soup with a side salad or a slice of whole-grain bread with avocado to create a more balanced and satisfying meal.

Progresso vs. Homemade vs. Other Healthy Brands: A Comparison


Feature	Homemade Soup	Progresso (Reduced Sodium)	Amy's Organic (Low Sodium)	Progresso (Creamy, Standard)
Sodium	Fully controlled; can be very low.	Lower than standard, but still present.	Typically lower and organic.	High; can exceed recommended limits.
Saturated Fat	Controlled by ingredients; can be very low.	Can be low in broth-based varieties.	Generally low, especially in vegetable options.	Often high, especially in cream-based soups.
Processing Level	Minimal.	Moderate; involves cooking and canning.	Low-moderate; uses organic ingredients.	Moderate to high; includes many additives.
Cost	Can be cheaper if ingredients are bought in bulk.	Generally mid-range, convenient.	More expensive, but organic.	Mid-range, but higher calorie/fat content.
Flavor Control	Fully customizable.	Pre-determined flavor profile.	Pre-determined flavor profile; often robust.	Pre-determined flavor profile; can taste canned.

Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective

Ultimately, the question of whether Progresso canned soups are healthy has a nuanced answer. They are not inherently unhealthy, especially when low-sodium, broth-based varieties are chosen. The brand has made efforts to improve its products by reducing sodium in some lines and using non-BPA cans. However, they are still a processed food, and the sodium content of many standard soups remains high. For optimal nutrition, checking the label is essential, and supplementing with fresh ingredients is a great strategy. As a convenient and occasional meal, a carefully selected Progresso soup can absolutely fit into a balanced diet. However, for a foundation of daily nutrition, homemade soup or other specifically formulated healthy brands may be a better choice.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health offers detailed guidance on sodium intake.

Frequently Asked Questions

The healthiest Progresso soups are generally the broth-based, 'Light,' and 'Reduced Sodium' varieties. Look for those with high fiber and protein content from vegetables, beans, or lentils, and low saturated fat.

To lower the sodium, either choose a 'Reduced Sodium' version from the start or, for standard soups, dilute it by adding water or low-sodium broth. You can also add fresh, unsalted vegetables to help balance the flavor.

Some broth-based, high-fiber, and high-protein Progresso soups can support weight loss by promoting fullness with fewer calories. However, those high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories may not be ideal. Choose wisely and check the nutrition label.

Progresso has stated that its cans are lined with a non-BPA alternative. This addresses the long-standing concern over the chemical BPA, an endocrine disruptor, potentially leaching into food from traditional can linings.

The primary health concern with most canned soups, including many standard Progresso varieties, is their excessively high sodium content. Consuming too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.

Homemade soup is almost always the healthier option because it offers complete control over ingredients, especially sodium, preservatives, and fat. Canned soup, while convenient, is a processed food and generally higher in salt.

Progresso's 'Protein' soups are formulated with specific ingredients like chickpeas, beans, and meat to provide a higher protein count per can, making them more filling and beneficial for those focusing on protein intake.