Does Soup Contain a Lot of Sugar?

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the American Heart Association, women should limit added sugars to about six teaspoons per day, yet a single can of condensed tomato soup can contain nearly this much. For those wondering, 'Does soup contain a lot of sugar?' the answer is often a resounding yes, especially for store-bought varieties.

Quick Summary

The sugar content in soup varies widely, with canned and processed options often containing surprisingly high amounts of added sugars for flavor enhancement and balance. Homemade versions typically contain much less, or only natural sugars from vegetables, giving consumers more control over their diet. Learning to read nutritional labels is crucial for identifying hidden sugars in store-bought products to make healthier, more informed choices.

Key Points

Hidden Sugars are Common: Many canned soups contain surprisingly high amounts of added sugar for flavor and texture, particularly creamy and tomato-based varieties.
Check Nutrition Labels: Look for the 'Added Sugars' line on the nutrition facts panel to identify the actual sugar content, not just the total amount.
Read the Ingredient List Carefully: Sugar is listed under more than 60 names, such as corn syrup, dextrose, and molasses; check for these synonyms, especially at the top of the list.
Homemade is Healthier: Making soup from scratch gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid added sugars and excess sodium found in processed products.
Opt for Broth-Based Soups: As a general rule, vegetable and chicken broth-based soups are less likely to contain high levels of sugar compared to creamy or condensed tomato options.

Uncovering the Hidden Sweetness in Canned Soups

While you might associate soup with savory, comforting flavors, the reality is that many commercially prepared soups—especially canned and condensed varieties—are loaded with added sugar. Manufacturers add sugar for several reasons, not just for a sweet flavor profile. It is often used to balance the acidity of ingredients like tomatoes, enhance overall flavor, and improve the product's texture and shelf life. Understanding this hidden sweetness is key for anyone watching their sugar intake.

Why Processed Soups Are a Concern

Even seemingly innocent soups, like canned vegetable or chicken noodle, can have sugar hiding in plain sight. For example, some canned tomato soups have been found to contain up to 20 grams of added sugar in a single can, which is comparable to the sugar in some servings of ice cream. This practice is part of a larger trend in the food industry to make products more palatable to the average consumer. Savory items with sugar trick the taste buds and can lead to overconsumption of empty calories over time.

Common Names for Sugar on Nutrition Labels

Identifying added sugars requires a careful eye when reading nutrition labels. It's not always explicitly listed as "sugar" but can go by many different names. Here is a list of common sugar synonyms to watch for:

High-fructose corn syrup
Dextrose
Maltose
Sucrose
Brown sugar
Corn sweetener
Molasses
Honey
Agave nectar
Rice syrup

When a product's ingredients are listed, they are arranged in order of prominence. If one of these sugar names appears near the top of the list, it indicates a high sugar content. Always check the ingredient list for these deceptive terms to make the most informed decision.

Canned vs. Homemade Soup: A Comparison

To highlight the difference, consider the nutritional profile of a typical canned soup compared to a homemade version. The benefits of making soup from scratch go far beyond just saving on added sugar; it gives you total control over all ingredients.


Feature	Canned Soup	Homemade Soup
Sugar Content	Often contains significant added sugars for taste and preservation.	Typically contains only natural sugars from vegetables, with no added sweeteners.
Sodium Levels	Notoriously high in sodium, with some servings containing over half of the daily recommended value.	Allows for complete control over salt content, often using herbs and spices for flavor.
Ingredients	May include preservatives, flavor enhancers, and thickeners.	Uses fresh, whole ingredients for a more nutrient-dense meal.
Flavor	Can have a one-dimensional, manufactured taste profile.	Offers richer, more complex flavors depending on the quality of ingredients used.

Tips for Choosing Lower-Sugar Soups

If you still prefer the convenience of store-bought options, there are ways to make smarter choices:

Read the label: Look for the 'Added Sugars' line under 'Total Sugars' on the nutrition facts panel. This is now a standard on US food labels. Also, check the ingredient list for the sugar names mentioned earlier.
Opt for broth-based soups: Creamy and tomato-based soups are more likely to have higher sugar counts. Broth-based vegetable or chicken soups are generally a safer bet, though you should still check the label.
Choose 'No Added Sugar' varieties: Many brands now offer versions specifically marketed as having no added sugar or being 'low sugar.' These are always the better choice if available.
Modify store-bought soups: For canned broth, you can add your own fresh vegetables and seasonings to boost flavor without adding sugar.

Conclusion

While soup is a staple in many diets, it is a myth that it is always a low-sugar meal. Many pre-packaged varieties, especially tomato and creamy soups, contain considerable amounts of added sugar to enhance flavor and shelf life. The best way to reduce your sugar intake from soup is to opt for homemade versions, which give you full control over ingredients. For those who rely on store-bought convenience, a careful inspection of nutrition labels for 'Added Sugars' and other sugar aliases is essential to making healthier choices. By being mindful of these hidden ingredients, you can enjoy a nutritious and flavorful soup without the surprising sweetness.

Resources

American Heart Association: Added Sugars
Today Show: Is canned soup healthy?

Frequently Asked Questions

Tomato soup, particularly the condensed variety, often contains the most sugar among common savory soups. Creamy and other processed varieties also frequently have added sugar for flavor and texture.

To find out if your soup has added sugar, check the nutrition facts panel for the 'Added Sugars' line, which is now mandatory on US food labels. You should also scan the ingredient list for common sugar names like corn syrup, sucrose, or dextrose.

Manufacturers add sugar to savory soups for several reasons, including balancing the natural acidity of ingredients like tomatoes, enhancing the overall flavor profile, and improving the soup's texture.

Yes, homemade soup is significantly better for managing sugar intake because you have full control over the ingredients. Canned soups often have hidden added sugars and high sodium levels that you can easily avoid when cooking from scratch.

Yes, natural sugars can come from whole food ingredients like vegetables (e.g., carrots, onions). These are different from added sugars and are accompanied by fiber and nutrients that benefit your health.

Low-sugar soup alternatives include homemade vegetable and chicken broth-based soups, as well as store-bought varieties specifically labeled as 'no added sugar' or 'low sugar'. Read labels carefully, even on seemingly healthy options.

Commercial chicken noodle soup can contain added sugar, though often less than tomato or creamy soups. However, some brands list 0g of sugar. Always check the nutrition label, as some brands use sugar to compensate for lower sodium content.