How Many Calories Are in 2 Cups of Clear Soup? A Comprehensive Guide

November 30, 2025 •

4 min read

For a Japanese-style clear soup, 2 cups contain approximately 96 calories, according to nutritional data. The precise number of calories are in 2 cups of clear soup, however, can vary significantly depending on the type of broth used, the quantity and variety of vegetables added, and other ingredients like protein or seasonings.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for clear soup is highly variable, influenced by the type of broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef), added vegetables, and any protein or fat. A basic broth can be very low-calorie, while a more elaborate soup with ingredients will have a higher count.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count for 2 cups of clear soup is not fixed and is highly dependent on the type of broth and ingredients used.
Broth Base Matters: Basic clear broths, like packaged chicken broth, can be as low as 40 calories for two cups, while vegetable broths have a slightly higher count due to carbohydrates.
Add-ins Increase Calories: Ingredients such as vegetables, protein (chicken, tofu), and starches (noodles, rice) add significant calories, turning a simple broth into a more caloric meal.
Beneficial for Weight Loss: Low-calorie clear soup can aid in weight loss by promoting a feeling of fullness, which helps reduce overall caloric consumption.
Homemade is Healthier: Making your own clear soup allows you to control the fat and, more importantly, the sodium content, which can be very high in packaged varieties.
Excellent Hydration: Due to its high water content, clear soup is an effective way to replenish fluids and stay hydrated.

Understanding Calorie Variation in Clear Soups

Determining exactly how many calories are in 2 cups of clear soup is not a one-size-fits-all answer. A simple cup of clear broth is vastly different nutritionally from a soup with added vegetables, noodles, or protein. The primary caloric contribution comes from the ingredients suspended in the broth, not the water-based liquid itself. Knowing this distinction is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake for weight management or other dietary reasons.

The Role of the Broth Base

The foundation of any clear soup is its broth, and the base ingredient has the most significant impact on the calorie count.

Chicken Broth: Often the lowest in calories, especially if prepared with lean meat and the fat is skimmed from the surface. A simple, packaged clear chicken broth can contain as few as 20 calories per cup, meaning 2 cups would be around 40 calories.
Vegetable Broth: Typically low in calories, vegetable broth can have slightly more carbohydrates and vitamins than chicken broth, depending on the vegetables used during simmering. A simple homemade version is a great low-calorie option.
Beef Broth: Can be slightly higher in fat and protein than chicken broth, especially if made from bone marrow. Skimming the fat off the top can help lower the calorie count significantly.

Impact of Added Ingredients

Beyond the base, what you add to your clear soup will directly influence its caloric density. The more solid ingredients, the higher the calorie count will be. Here are some common add-ins and their effects:

Vegetables: While low in calories, adding a generous amount of chopped carrots, celery, onions, or mushrooms will increase the overall energy content. Many recipes call for sautéing vegetables in oil first, which also adds fat and calories.
Protein: Including lean protein like shredded chicken breast, tofu cubes, or thinly sliced beef boosts both the protein and calorie content, making the soup more satiating. For example, a clear chicken noodle soup with protein can be much more substantial in terms of calories and nutrients.
Starches and Grains: Noodles, rice, or pasta will significantly raise the soup's carbohydrate and calorie count. Avoiding or minimizing these additions is a key strategy for keeping the soup low-calorie.
Fats and Oils: Finishing the soup with a drizzle of sesame oil or any fat adds calories. While a small amount can enhance flavor, it's an easy way to inadvertently increase the caloric total.

Comparison of Different Clear Soups

To better illustrate the variance, here is a comparison of the approximate calorie counts for 2 cups of different clear soup preparations. These are estimates and depend on the exact ingredients and measurements used.


Soup Type	Estimated Calories (2 cups)	Key Ingredients	Notes
Simple Packaged Chicken Broth	40-50	Water, chicken flavorings, salt	Very low calorie, often high in sodium.
Homemade Basic Vegetable Broth	50-70	Water, carrots, celery, onion	Calorie-friendly, naturally lower in sodium if unsalted.
Japanese-style Clear Soup (Hibachi)	90-100	Broth, mushrooms, fried onions	Higher due to vegetable content and sometimes oil.
Hearty Vegetable Clear Soup	300-350+	Broth, variety of vegetables, oil	Higher due to a denser concentration of ingredients.
Clear Chicken Noodle Soup	500+	Broth, chicken, noodles, vegetables	Noodles and meat significantly increase calories.

The Health and Weight Management Benefits

Clear soup is a valuable tool for health and weight management due to its low caloric density and high water content. The feeling of fullness it provides can help reduce overall calorie intake at a meal. A 2007 study highlighted that including a vegetable-based clear soup before a meal helped participants feel fuller and consume fewer calories overall, supporting weight loss.

Furthermore, clear soup can be a vehicle for essential nutrients. A broth made with a variety of vegetables and herbs offers vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting immunity and hydration. It's a particularly soothing and nourishing option when feeling under the weather.

To maximize the health benefits, focus on homemade versions where you control the sodium and fat content. Packaged broths are convenient but can contain extremely high levels of sodium.

Conclusion: Making Smarter Soup Choices

So, how many calories are in 2 cups of clear soup? The answer is: it depends. The beauty of clear soup is its versatility. You can keep it extremely low-calorie by sticking to a simple, homemade broth, or you can build it up into a more substantial, nutrient-rich meal. By being mindful of your broth choice and the quantity of your add-ins, you can easily tailor a clear soup to meet your specific dietary needs and health goals, whether for weight loss, hydration, or a comforting, light meal.

To learn more about healthy eating for weight loss, consider reading this informative article: 16 Healthy Foods to Support Weight Loss

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, clear soup can be very effective for weight loss. Its high water content and low caloric density promote a feeling of fullness, which can help reduce overall calorie intake at a meal.

Generally, simple clear chicken broth is slightly lower in calories than clear vegetable soup, as vegetables contribute a small number of calories and carbohydrates. Both are excellent low-calorie options.

Yes, adding vegetables will increase the calorie count, but typically by a small amount. Vegetables also contribute fiber, vitamins, and minerals, boosting the nutritional value of the soup.

To minimize calories, use a simple homemade broth, skim any fat that rises to the surface of a meat-based stock, and avoid or limit high-starch additions like noodles and rice.

Absolutely. Because it is predominantly water, clear soup is a fantastic way to replenish fluids and electrolytes, especially when you are sick or need extra hydration.

Packaged clear soups are convenient but can have very high sodium levels. Always check the nutrition label and choose low-sodium versions to maintain a healthier diet.

Yes, adding lean protein like shredded chicken, lean beef, or cubed tofu is a great way to make clear soup more filling and add nutritional value, supporting muscle growth and satiety.