How many calories does a bowl of tomato soup have?

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

The calorie count for a bowl of tomato soup can vary significantly, ranging from approximately 90 calories for a standard, condensed version to over 200 calories for a rich, creamy bisque. The final number depends heavily on the recipe, whether it’s homemade or canned, and the additional ingredients used. Understanding these factors is key to knowing how many calories does a bowl of tomato soup have and how it fits into your diet.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for tomato soup varies widely based on ingredients and preparation, with homemade and broth-based versions generally being lower in calories than creamy, ready-made options. Added ingredients like milk, cream, or cheese dramatically increase the caloric content, while focusing on a simple, tomato-heavy recipe can keep it a light and nutritious meal. Adjusting preparation methods and mindful toppings are key to controlling the final calorie total.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count for a bowl of tomato soup can range widely, from under 100 to over 200 calories, depending on ingredients and preparation.
Homemade vs. Canned: Homemade soup typically has fewer calories and less sodium, giving you more control over the recipe than canned versions.
Cream Adds Calories: The primary factor for higher calorie counts is the addition of milk or heavy cream, which can create a creamy bisque but significantly increases fat and caloric density.
Mindful Toppings: Be aware of toppings like cheese, croutons, and high-fat swirls, as these can add substantial, and often unnecessary, calories to your bowl.
Nutrient-Rich Option: When prepared simply, tomato soup is rich in beneficial nutrients like lycopene, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C, offering significant health benefits.
Healthy Preparation: To keep calories low, opt for a broth base instead of cream and use fresh herbs for flavor instead of relying on added fats.

The Core Calorie Factors in Tomato Soup

The most significant factors influencing the final calorie count of a bowl of tomato soup are the ingredients and preparation method. A simple, broth-based soup made from fresh tomatoes will be dramatically different from a velvety, store-bought bisque or one loaded with heavy cream.

Homemade vs. Canned Tomato Soup

Homemade soup offers the most control over calories and sodium. A simple recipe with fresh tomatoes, onion, and vegetable stock could be as low as 100-150 calories per bowl. By contrast, canned soups can vary greatly. A condensed, reduced-sodium variety might be relatively low in calories (e.g., 90 calories per half-cup of condensed soup) but other options, especially 'creamy' versions, pack a much higher calorie and fat punch. Panera's Creamy Tomato Soup, for example, is reported to have around 230 calories per cup, before any croutons.

The Impact of Additional Ingredients

The base of the soup is just the beginning. The add-ins are often where the calorie count truly escalates.

Cream or Milk: Adding dairy, especially heavy cream, dramatically increases calories and fat. Tomato bisques, which are often made with heavy cream, are much richer. A can of condensed cream of tomato soup prepared with milk can jump to around 136-139 calories per cup.
Oil or Butter: The amount of oil or butter used to sauté vegetables can add hidden calories. While some fat is necessary for flavor, excessive amounts will add up quickly.
Toppings: Garnishments like a swirl of full-fat sour cream, cheese, or croutons are easy ways to increase the total calories without a second thought.
Pairings: The classic grilled cheese sandwich companion, while delicious, will also push the meal's calorie count much higher. Some restaurant pairings can reach over 600 calories.

A Deeper Look at Nutrient Density

While calories are important, the nutritional value of your soup is also key. Tomato soup, when prepared mindfully, is rich in important nutrients.

Lycopene: A powerful antioxidant found in high concentrations in tomatoes. Cooking tomatoes actually makes this compound more bioavailable to the body.
Vitamins and Minerals: Tomatoes are an excellent source of Vitamin C and A, as well as potassium.
Fiber: Especially in homemade versions that include the tomato skins, fiber content can aid digestion and contribute to a feeling of fullness.

Comparison of Different Tomato Soups

To better illustrate how preparation can affect calories, here is a comparison table of various types of tomato soup.


Soup Type	Base Ingredients	Added Ingredients	Estimated Calories (per cup)	Notable Nutrients
Simple Homemade (Broth-Based)	Tomatoes, vegetable broth, onions, herbs	None	100-150	High in Lycopene, Vitamin C
Canned Condensed (Prepared with Water)	Condensed soup, water	Sugar, high sodium	76-95	Potassium, Vitamin C
Creamy Canned Soup	Condensed soup, milk/cream	Higher fat content	136-190	Calcium (with milk), higher fat
Restaurant-Style Bisque	Tomatoes, heavy cream, butter	High fat, often higher sodium	200+	High fat, rich flavor, high calories

How to Manage Calories in Your Tomato Soup

If you are aiming for a healthier, lower-calorie meal, consider these tips:

Choose a broth base: Opt for vegetable or chicken broth instead of milk or cream.
Make it from scratch: This gives you full control over ingredients like added sugar, salt, and fat.
Control toppings: Go light on cheese or use a sprinkle of nutritional yeast instead. Opt for air-popped croutons over fried ones.
Boost flavor with herbs: Use fresh basil, thyme, or oregano to enhance taste without adding calories. A little smoked paprika can also add depth.
Add vegetables: Incorporating extra vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach can increase the nutrient density and fiber without a significant calorie increase.

Conclusion

The number of calories in a bowl of tomato soup is not a fixed figure, but a spectrum that depends on your ingredient choices. While a simple, homemade bowl can be a nutritious and low-calorie addition to a diet, store-bought creamy versions or those prepared with high-fat ingredients can be surprisingly high in calories. For weight management and overall health, understanding the different varieties and making intentional choices about preparation and add-ins is crucial. A simple, broth-based tomato soup remains a healthy and satisfying option.

Low-Calorie Tomato Soup Recipe

For a delicious, guilt-free tomato soup, try this simple recipe. You'll need fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, and basil. This recipe avoids heavy cream and excessive oil, keeping the calories minimal while maximizing flavor. Simply sauté the aromatics, add your chopped tomatoes and broth, simmer, and blend until smooth. Finish with a handful of fresh basil and a pinch of black pepper for a flavorful finish. Find a recipe for a healthy version here: Healthline's Easy Tomato Soup.

Making the Best Choice for Your Diet

Ultimately, knowing how many calories a bowl of tomato soup has empowers you to make informed decisions for your diet. Whether you're tracking calories for weight loss, focusing on overall nutrient intake, or simply trying to eat a healthier meal, a little knowledge goes a long way. Read labels carefully, and remember that fresh, simple ingredients are always the best way to get the most nutritional bang for your calorie buck.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard bowl (approximately 2 cups) of canned, condensed tomato soup prepared with water can contain around 170 calories, though this can vary by brand and serving size.

Yes, adding milk or heavy cream significantly increases the calorie count. For example, a condensed soup prepared with milk can raise the calorie count to around 136-139 per cup, compared to preparing it with water.

Homemade tomato soup, if made with a simple broth base and fresh vegetables, is generally lower in calories than most canned varieties, which often contain added sugars and high levels of sodium.

Yes, creamy tomato soup, or bisque, is typically much higher in calories than broth-based versions due to the addition of heavy cream or other high-fat dairy products.

For a low-calorie option, use a vegetable or chicken broth base instead of cream, rely on herbs and spices for flavor, and avoid high-calorie toppings.

Yes, tomato soup can offer significant health benefits. It is rich in the antioxidant lycopene, vitamins A and C, and can be a good source of fiber, all contributing to immunity, skin health, and other bodily functions.

To reduce sodium, look for canned varieties specifically labeled as 'low-sodium' or 'reduced sodium'. Many standard canned soups contain a high percentage of the daily recommended sodium intake.