Can I have tomato soup if I have a sore throat?

December 17, 2025 •

3 min read

While soup is a classic comfort food for when you're feeling unwell, not all varieties are created equal when it comes to soothing an inflamed throat. Many people crave a warm bowl of tomato soup, but its high acidity can actually worsen your symptoms, irritating the sensitive tissue in your throat.

Quick Summary

The high acidity of tomatoes and tomato-based soups can irritate an inflamed throat, making it uncomfortable to swallow. Soothing, low-acid soups like creamy chicken or vegetable broth are better alternatives for relief during a sore throat.

Key Points

Avoid Acidic Foods: Tomato soup and other acidic items can irritate an already inflamed sore throat.
Choose Soothing Alternatives: Opt for low-acid options like chicken broth, cream-based soups, or vegetable purees for gentle relief.
Benefit from Warmth and Hydration: Warm, non-irritating liquids can help soothe your throat and combat dehydration.
Stick to Soft Textures: Hard, crunchy, or spicy foods can scratch and aggravate a tender throat lining.
Consider Cold Options for Relief: Popsicles, ice cream, and other cold foods can temporarily numb the throat and reduce swelling.
Include Nutrient-Dense Foods: Soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and eggs provide essential nutrients for your immune system without irritation.

Understanding the Problem with Acidic Foods

When your throat is sore, the lining is already inflamed and sensitive. Introducing acidic foods, like those made with tomatoes, can exacerbate this irritation, causing a burning or stinging sensation that prolongs discomfort. Think of it as putting lemon juice on a wound; the reaction will be a sharp, painful one. Tomato-based soups are naturally acidic, and this is why many health experts and nutritionists advise against them during a throat ailment. Even if you add ingredients like cream or baking soda to temper the acidity, it may still be too harsh for a tender throat.

The Soothing Role of Warm Liquids

On the other hand, warm liquids in general can provide comfort and aid in recovery. The warmth and steam from a bowl of soup can help soothe your throat, moisturize dry tissues, and open up congested nasal passages. This is why chicken soup has long been a go-to remedy for colds and flu. The key is to find a soup that offers the warmth and hydration benefits without the added irritants. For instance, broth-based soups or creamy, non-acidic vegetable soups are excellent choices that deliver warmth and nutrients without the potential for irritation.

What to Eat Instead: Soothing Soup Alternatives

If you're looking for a comforting and throat-friendly bowl of soup, consider these excellent alternatives:

Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Rich in nutrients and electrolytes, broth is easy to swallow and helps keep you hydrated. The savory warmth provides soothing relief.
Cream-Based Soups: Soups like butternut squash, potato, or a simple cream of mushroom soup have a smooth, non-irritating texture. They are packed with vitamins and healthy fats for energy.
Chicken Noodle Soup: The classic for a reason. The warm broth, soft noodles, and protein from the chicken are gentle on the throat and provide much-needed energy.
Mashed Soups: Pureed vegetable soups (like carrot or celery) are full of vitamins and have a smooth consistency that won't scratch your throat.

Other Excellent Foods for a Sore Throat

Beyond soup, there are many other foods that can offer comfort and support your immune system during a sore throat:

Yogurt: The soft, cool texture and probiotics in yogurt can be very soothing. Choose plain yogurt to avoid added sugar, which can cause inflammation.
Mashed Potatoes: A soft, bland food that is easy to swallow and provides energy. Avoid adding excessive salt or spices.
Oatmeal: Warm, cooked oatmeal is gentle and contains fiber and antioxidants. Add a drizzle of honey for extra soothing power.
Scrambled Eggs: Soft, cooked eggs provide a gentle source of protein and vitamins.
Honey: A natural anti-inflammatory with antimicrobial properties. A spoonful in warm tea or on its own can coat and soothe the throat.
Popsicles or Ice Cream: Cold foods can temporarily numb the throat and reduce swelling and pain.

Soothing vs. Irritating Soup Options


Feature	Soothing Soup Options	Irritating Soup Options
Acidity	Very low to neutral	High (e.g., tomatoes, citrus)
Consistency	Smooth, creamy, or broth-based	Chunky, spicy, or very hot
Examples	Chicken broth, creamy squash soup, blended vegetable soup	Tomato soup, spicy lentil soup, sour soups
Effect on Throat	Gentle, hydrating, comforting	Burning, stinging, aggravating
Best For	Easing pain and discomfort during a sore throat	Enjoying when completely healthy

Foods to Strictly Avoid

In addition to tomato soup, several other food items should be avoided to prevent further irritation:

Spicy Foods: Spices like chili powder or hot sauce can increase inflammation and pain.
Hard or Crunchy Foods: Crackers, toast, nuts, or raw vegetables can scratch the tender throat lining.
Citrus Fruits and Juices: Like tomatoes, these are highly acidic and can cause burning.
Very Hot Beverages: While warmth is good, liquids that are too hot can scald the throat.
Alcohol: Dehydrating and can cause irritation.

For more information on dietary choices during a sore throat, consult reliable resources like the advice provided by Healthline.

Conclusion

While the thought of a warm bowl of soup can be comforting when you have a sore throat, it is best to avoid tomato soup. Its high acidity can aggravate your inflamed throat and delay your recovery. Instead, opt for gentle, non-acidic alternatives like chicken broth, creamy vegetable soups, or oatmeal. By choosing soothing, soft foods and staying hydrated, you can provide your body with the comfort and nutrients it needs to recover without causing further irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tomato soup is highly acidic, and this acidity can irritate the inflamed tissues of a sore throat, potentially worsening pain and slowing down the healing process.

Broth-based soups like chicken or vegetable broth, as well as creamy, non-acidic soups such as butternut squash or potato soup, are best. Their smooth texture and warmth are very soothing.

While adding a pinch of baking soda can help neutralize some of the acid, it may not be enough to make it completely non-irritating for a sensitive throat. A creamy soup is a safer option.

Canned tomato soup is generally not recommended for a sore throat for the same reason homemade is—its inherent acidity. It's better to choose a non-acidic alternative.

Avoid highly acidic vegetables like tomatoes. Also, hard, crunchy vegetables should be cooked until very soft or pureed to prevent scratching the throat during swallowing.

Both can be beneficial. Warm, non-acidic foods like broth can be soothing, while cold foods like popsicles or ice cream can numb the throat and reduce pain.

To reduce acidity, avoid triggers like tomatoes, citrus, and spices. Focus on a bland diet with soft foods and consider adding ingredients known to be alkaline, such as bananas or yogurt.