Does tomato soup have high calories? A breakdown of canned vs. homemade

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

A single bowl of homemade, broth-based tomato soup typically contains only 100-150 calories, making it a low-calorie and satisfying meal option. However, the real answer to 'Does tomato soup have high calories?' depends entirely on its ingredients and preparation method.

Quick Summary

Calorie count in tomato soup varies significantly based on preparation, with homemade broth versions being low-calorie while creamy or canned varieties often contain higher fat, sodium, and sugar.

Key Points

Depends on Preparation: The calorie content of tomato soup varies dramatically based on ingredients, ranging from low-calorie homemade broth versions to high-calorie creamy or canned options.
Homemade is Healthier: Homemade tomato soup allows for full control over ingredients, resulting in a low-calorie, low-sodium, and antioxidant-rich dish.
Canned Options Vary: Canned tomato soups can be convenient but often contain high levels of sodium, added sugars, and preservatives; always check the nutrition label.
Beware of Cream and Butter: Adding ingredients like heavy cream, butter, or full-fat milk significantly increases the calorie and fat content of the soup.
Promotes Satiety: With a high water and fiber content, low-calorie tomato soup can help you feel full, which is beneficial for managing your appetite and weight.
Health Benefits Beyond Calories: Cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a potent antioxidant, and provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.

Factors Affecting Tomato Soup Calories

The most significant factor in a soup's calorie density is its base. A simple, broth-based soup relies on the natural low-calorie profile of tomatoes. Canned and creamy versions, however, introduce several other ingredients that increase both calorie and fat content.

Added Fats: For richness and flavor, many recipes—especially creamy or restaurant-style ones—add ingredients like heavy cream, butter, or olive oil. These additions dramatically increase the calorie count. For example, a tomato bisque often has a higher calorie density than a simple tomato broth.
Thickeners and Additives: Commercial canned soups often use starches, sweeteners, and preservatives, which can add hidden calories and sugar. A condensed canned tomato soup mixed with milk, for instance, can contain almost 200 calories per cup.
Toppings and Garnishes: What you add after the soup is prepared also counts. Toppings like cheese, croutons, or a swirl of cream can turn a low-calorie soup into a high-calorie one. Opting for fresh herbs or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add flavor without significant calories.
Sodium Content: While not directly a calorie source, canned soups are notoriously high in sodium, with some containing up to 40% or more of the daily value in a single serving. Excess sodium can lead to bloating and other health issues, so it's a critical consideration for health-conscious consumers.

Canned vs. Homemade: A Calorie Comparison

Comparing different types of tomato soup highlights how much the calorie count can vary. A simple homemade recipe offers the greatest control over ingredients and nutrition.

Homemade Tomato Soup

When made from scratch, the ingredients are straightforward: tomatoes, vegetable broth, onions, garlic, and herbs. This results in a product that is naturally low in calories and sodium, but rich in nutrients.

A cup of homemade tomato soup is generally low in calories, often falling within the 100-150 calorie range, making it excellent for weight management.
It is rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant, and essential vitamins like C and K. Cooking the tomatoes actually increases the bioavailability of lycopene, meaning the body can absorb more of it.
The high water and fiber content from the tomatoes promotes a feeling of fullness, aiding in portion control.

Canned Tomato Soup

Canned versions can be a quick and convenient option, but their nutritional profiles are often very different from homemade.

A can of condensed tomato soup prepared with water might be around 85 calories per cup, but this is often coupled with very high sodium levels.
If prepared with milk, the calories can jump significantly, as with creamy varieties that use added fat and sugar.
Checking the nutritional label is crucial, as some 'healthier' or 'low-sodium' canned options are available, but they still typically contain higher levels of processing and added ingredients than a fresh soup.

Comparison Table: Calorie Breakdown by Soup Type


Soup Type	Base Ingredients	Added Cream/Fat	Typical Calories (per cup)	Sodium Content	Best For...
Homemade Broth-Based	Tomatoes, Veggies, Broth	No	100–150 kcal	Low	Maximum nutrient density and minimal calories.
Creamy Tomato (Homemade)	Tomatoes, Veggies, Broth	Yes (Heavy Cream/Butter)	180–250+ kcal	Medium	A richer, more indulgent flavor profile.
Canned Condensed	Tomatoes, Water, Corn Syrup	Varies	70–100 kcal	High	Quick convenience, but requires label-checking.
Canned Bisque	Tomatoes, Cream, Thickeners	Yes (Cream/Butter)	150–200+ kcal	Medium-High	A ready-to-eat creamy texture.

How to Make a Healthy, Low-Calorie Tomato Soup

Creating a delicious and low-calorie tomato soup at home is simple and puts you in complete control of the ingredients. The key is to build flavor with aromatics and vegetables rather than relying on heavy fats and salt.

Here’s a basic low-calorie recipe foundation:

Sauté Aromatics: Gently cook chopped onions and garlic in a small amount of olive oil or use a non-stick pan with cooking spray until soft. Add other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrients and natural sweetness.
Add Tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes (look for 'no salt added' varieties) or fresh, ripe tomatoes. The beets in some recipes enhance the color and sweetness.
Simmer with Broth: Pour in low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth. Add dried herbs like basil or oregano for depth of flavor. Simmer for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Blend Until Smooth: Use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the soup to a stand blender to achieve your desired consistency. Adding beans or a small chopped potato can thicken the soup naturally without cream.
Season and Serve: Season to taste with black pepper. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or other herbs for a fresh finish. No heavy cream or excess salt required.

The Verdict: Calories Depend on the Recipe

Ultimately, the question of whether tomato soup has high calories is not a simple yes or no. A classic, homemade, broth-based recipe is naturally low in calories and rich in antioxidants like lycopene, vitamins, and fiber, making it a highly nutritious choice for weight management and overall health. Canned and creamy versions, however, can contain significantly more calories, sodium, and fat, and should be consumed with more caution.

For a truly healthy option, making your own tomato soup is the best approach. It allows you to control every ingredient, reduce sodium and fat, and maximize the nutritional benefits of the tomatoes. By choosing ingredients wisely, tomato soup can be a guilt-free, satisfying, and healthy part of your diet.

For additional nutritional facts and data from a trusted source, you can review information from the University of Rochester Medical Center on Tomato Soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, homemade, broth-based tomato soup is often low in calories while being high in water and fiber, which helps promote a feeling of fullness and aids in weight management.

The calorie count in canned tomato soup varies significantly. A cup of condensed soup prepared with water can be as low as 85 calories, but cream-based versions or those prepared with milk can be 150-200 calories or more per cup.

Canned tomato soups use salt as a flavor enhancer and a preservative. This is why many brands can contain very high levels of sodium, often exceeding recommended daily intake amounts in a single serving.

The main difference is the addition of cream. Tomato soup is typically broth-based, while a bisque, by definition, contains heavy cream, resulting in a richer, higher-calorie, and smoother texture.

You can thicken tomato soup naturally by blending in cooked vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or canned white beans. A small amount of corn flour mixed with water and simmered can also work.

Yes, tomato soup is rich in the antioxidant lycopene, and vitamins C and K. These nutrients support immunity, heart health, and may have cancer-fighting properties.

Absolutely. A simple homemade recipe using fresh tomatoes, low-sodium broth, and minimal oil and omitting cream or butter can be a delicious and low-calorie meal.

No, in fact, cooking tomatoes actually increases the body's ability to absorb lycopene, the antioxidant responsible for many of tomatoes' health benefits.

For homemade versions, calculate based on your ingredients. For canned options, check the nutrition facts panel on the can, paying attention to the serving size and how the soup is prepared (e.g., with water or milk).