Do Soups Count as Hydration? Separating Fact from Broth

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Harvard Health, soups are excellent sources of dietary fluid, putting them in the same category as milk and yogurt for hydration. This may come as a surprise, but yes, soups count as hydration and are a surprisingly effective way to replenish fluids and essential electrolytes.

Quick Summary

Soups, particularly those with a broth base, contribute significantly to daily fluid intake by providing water and electrolytes like sodium. The presence of solids in soup slows the fluid's passage through the stomach, aiding prolonged hydration. While not a complete replacement for plain water, soup is a nutrient-rich and satisfying way to supplement your fluid needs, with hydrating capacity varying based on its ingredients and base.

Key Points

Yes, Soups Hydrate: The fluid in soup, especially broth-based varieties, contributes effectively to your daily hydration goals.
Electrolytes are Key: Soups contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium, which are essential for fluid balance and can replenish those lost during sweating.
Sustained Absorption: Solids in soup delay gastric emptying, meaning the fluid is absorbed more slowly and provides more sustained hydration than plain water.
Not All Soups are Equal: Broth-based soups are best for hydration, while cream-based soups are more calorie-dense and less efficient for fluid replenishment.
Beneficial for Illness: Soups are excellent for rehydration when you are sick, helping to soothe symptoms and replenish fluids lost due to fever.
Nutrient-Dense Option: In addition to water, soups can provide a range of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients not found in plain water.

The Science of Soup and Water Retention

At its core, hydration is about replenishing the body's water supply. While plain water is the most direct way to do this, research shows that the body processes fluid differently when it is consumed alongside solid food. When you drink water with a meal, your stomach can quickly 'sieve' the water from the solids, allowing it to pass through relatively quickly. However, when the water and food are combined in a liquid-rich dish like soup, the mixture is more homogenized. This prevents the rapid sieving process, causing the fluid and nutrients to remain in the stomach longer, which helps to delay gastric emptying. This prolonged retention period can lead to more sustained hydration compared to drinking a glass of water alone.

Beyond Just Water: The Role of Electrolytes and Nutrients

What sets soup apart from just drinking water is its rich nutritional profile. Many soups, especially those made with a broth base, are packed with electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Electrolytes are crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance and nerve function in the body. When we sweat, we lose these vital minerals, and soup can help replenish them effectively. Homemade broth, in particular, is an excellent source of these minerals, as they are drawn out from the bones and vegetables during cooking. For athletes or those recovering from illness, this combination of fluid and electrolytes makes soup a particularly effective rehydration tool.

Not All Soups Are Created Equal

It is important to recognize that the hydrating potential of soup varies significantly depending on its ingredients and preparation. Broth-based soups, which are mostly liquid, are unequivocally excellent for hydration. However, the picture is more complex with cream-based or very thick soups.

Broth-Based vs. Cream-Based Soups

Broth-Based Soups: These are primarily water-based, containing minimal fat and calories. Examples include chicken noodle, vegetable barley, or miso soup. Their high water and electrolyte content makes them ideal for rapid and efficient rehydration.
Cream-Based Soups: Soups thickened with cream, cheese, or butter, like cream of mushroom or New England clam chowder, have a higher fat and calorie content. While they still contain water, the higher energy density means they are more focused on caloric intake than pure hydration. They can be heavier on the digestive system and are less effective for simply replenishing fluids.

Maximizing Hydration from Your Soup

To get the most hydrating benefit from your soup, consider the following tips:

Choose a broth base: Opt for clear broths over thick, creamy ones when hydration is the primary goal.
Add lots of vegetables: Ingredients like celery, leafy greens, and tomatoes have high water content and add essential vitamins and minerals.
Include lean protein: Lean meats or plant-based proteins like lentils can help with satiety without compromising hydration benefits.
Be mindful of sodium: While some sodium is good for hydration, excessive amounts in some canned varieties can be problematic. Consider making your own broth to control sodium levels.
Add whole grains: Grains like barley or quinoa absorb water during cooking and release it slowly, contributing to prolonged hydration.

A Comparison of Soup Types for Hydration


Feature	Broth-Based Soups	Cream-Based Soups	Thick Vegetable Soups (e.g., Lentil)
Primary Hydration Source	High water content, excellent.	Moderate water content, lower.	High water content, good.
Electrolyte Content	Generally high in sodium from broth, often good source of potassium.	Can be high in sodium, but less potassium compared to vegetable-heavy options.	Varies, but often high in potassium and other minerals from legumes and vegetables.
Digestibility	Very easy to digest, ideal for illness.	Heavier on the stomach due to fat content.	Easy to digest, with added fiber slowing the process.
Satiety Value	Moderate, but can be high with added vegetables and protein.	High due to fat content.	Very high due to fiber, protein, and complex carbs.
Best For...	Illness recovery, quick hydration, light meals.	Colder weather, rich comfort food.	Sustained energy, weight management, long-lasting fullness.

The Role of Soup in Managing Illness

For centuries, chicken soup has been a staple remedy for colds and flu, and science is starting to back up this traditional wisdom. During illness, it is vital to stay hydrated, and soup offers a palatable and nutrient-dense way to achieve this, especially when appetite is low. The warmth of the broth can help soothe a sore throat and clear nasal congestion, while the fluids replenish what is lost through fever or sweating. Furthermore, ingredients often found in soup, such as garlic, onion, and ginger, possess anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties that can aid recovery. A recent systematic review found that soup consumption was associated with faster recovery and milder symptoms in some studies involving respiratory infections.

Conclusion

So, do soups count as hydration? The answer is a definitive yes, particularly for broth-based varieties rich in vegetables and electrolytes. While it is not a direct replacement for drinking plain water, soup offers a nutritious and effective way to supplement your daily fluid intake. It is particularly beneficial for rehydration during illness or after exercise, thanks to its mineral content. By understanding the differences between broth-based and cream-based options, you can make informed choices to maximize your hydration and overall health. The next time you feel thirsty or under the weather, remember that a warm, savory bowl of soup can be a powerful and delicious tool for staying hydrated and feeling your best.

It’s clear that relying solely on water can be limiting. Incorporating hydrating foods like soup, especially nutrient-dense, vegetable-based broths, can add both variety and key nutrients to your diet. For more evidence-based information on nutrition and health, consider visiting a resource like Harvard Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

While plain water is the purest form of hydration, broth-based soups can be equally, if not more, effective due to their electrolytes (like sodium) which help the body retain fluid more efficiently.

Broth-based soups are the best for hydration. Examples include chicken noodle soup, vegetable soup, and miso soup. They have a high water content and contain electrolytes that aid in fluid balance.

Yes, soup is an excellent choice when sick. It helps maintain hydration, its warmth can soothe a sore throat and clear congestion, and it provides easily digestible nutrients when your appetite is low.

Cream-based soups do contribute some fluid, but they are less effective for pure hydration compared to broth-based options. Their higher fat and calorie content means they are more focused on caloric intake.

The sodium in soup is a key electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in the body, which is crucial for effective hydration. However, it's important to be mindful of excessive sodium, especially in highly processed, canned soups.

Homemade soup is often better because you can control the ingredients, including the amount of sodium. This allows for a better balance of electrolytes without excessive salt intake, which can be an issue with some canned varieties.

Many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and leafy greens, have high water content. Oatmeal, yogurt, and milk also contribute to daily fluid intake.