How many calories are in one tin of soup? A Detailed Breakdown

November 30, 2025 •

3 min read

The calorie count in a tin of soup can vary significantly, with some cans containing fewer than 100 calories while others exceed 400. Understanding precisely how many calories are in one tin of soup is crucial for effective dietary planning and weight management.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of a single can of soup depends heavily on its type and ingredients. Cream-based and chunky soups generally have more calories than broth-based varieties due to added fats and proteins. Checking the nutrition label is the most reliable method.

Key Points

Variety Matters: Calories in a tin of soup vary widely (100-450 kcal) depending on the type (broth vs. cream) and ingredients.
Check Labels: Always review the nutrition facts for calories per serving and total servings per can, as a can often contains more than one serving.
Broth is Lower: Broth-based soups generally contain fewer calories and less fat than cream-based varieties.
Thickeners Add Calories: Ingredients like cream, cheese, and starches (potatoes, pasta) significantly increase the calorie count.
Sodium Concern: Canned soups are often high in sodium, which is a key consideration for health beyond just calories.

Factors Affecting Canned Soup Calories

Several key components determine the caloric value of canned soup:

Ingredients and Base

The most significant factor is the soup's base. Broth-based soups (like chicken noodle or vegetable) are generally much lower in calories than cream-based soups (like cream of mushroom or cream of chicken). This difference stems from the higher fat content in creams, butter, and oils used as thickeners in creamy varieties.

Fats: Each gram of fat contains 9 calories. Soups with added oils, cheese, or cream will have a higher calorie count.
Carbohydrates: Ingredients like noodles, rice, potatoes, beans, and sugars contribute carbohydrates, which provide 4 calories per gram.
Protein: Meats, fish, and legumes add protein, which also provides 4 calories per gram.

Type (Condensed vs. Ready-to-Serve)

Condensed soups are typically lower in calories per can before preparation, as they are meant to be mixed with water or milk. If prepared with milk, especially whole milk, the calorie count of the final product will increase substantially. Ready-to-serve soups, on the other hand, list the nutritional values for the soup as it is in the can.

Can Size and Servings

Can sizes vary widely, from small single-serving tins (around 7-10 ounces) to large family-sized cans (up to 20 ounces or more). The calorie count on the label is often listed per serving (e.g., 1 cup), not per can. It is essential to check how many servings the entire tin contains to calculate the total calories.

Calorie Comparison: Popular Soup Types

To provide a general idea, here is a comparison of typical calorie ranges for common types of canned soups per tin (assuming a standard can size, typically 10.5 to 15 ounces).

Broth-Based Soups

These soups are generally the lowest in calories. Chicken noodle soup, for instance, often contains between 100 and 200 calories per can. Vegetable and lentil soups also fall into this lower range if they are not cream-based.

Cream-Based Soups

Cream soups are significantly higher in calories due to dairy and other thickeners. A can of cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup can contain anywhere from 200 to over 400 calories, depending on the brand and specific recipe.

Bean and Lentil Soups

While rich in protein and fiber, these soups can also be moderate to high in calories, typically ranging from 150 to 300 calories per tin, depending on added fats and sugars.

Comparison Table: Calories in One Tin of Popular Soups

The following table provides approximate total calorie counts for a standard-sized (around 14-15 oz or 400-425g) can of various popular soups.


Soup Type	Approximate Calories Per Tin (Standard Size)	Key Calorie Sources
Chicken Noodle (Condensed)	150 - 220	Noodles, chicken, fats
Cream of Tomato (Condensed)	150 - 250	Sugars, fats, cream
Cream of Mushroom (Condensed)	200 - 350	Cream, fats, mushrooms
Vegetable Beef (Ready-to-Serve)	140 - 200	Vegetables, beef, broth
Lentil or Split Pea	250 - 400	Legumes, thickeners
New England Clam Chowder (Cream)	300 - 450	Cream, potatoes, fats

Tips for Choosing Healthy Tinned Soups

For those monitoring calorie intake, consider these tips:

Check Serving Sizes: Always look at the nutrition label to see the calories per serving and the number of servings per container.
Opt for Broth-Based: Choose soups that are broth or vegetable-based over creamy ones to reduce fat and calorie intake.
Monitor Sodium and Sugar: Canned soups can be very high in sodium (sometimes over half the daily recommended limit in one can) and some, like tomato soup, can be high in sugar. Look for "low sodium" or "no added sugar" labels.
Add Your Own Nutrients: Enhance low-calorie canned soups by adding fresh vegetables, lean protein (like beans or chicken), or whole grains to increase satiety and nutritional value.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Tinned Soup

The number of calories in one tin of soup is highly variable, generally ranging from 100 to 450 calories depending on ingredients. While convenient, it is vital to read nutrition labels carefully to understand the fat, sugar, and sodium content. By making informed choices and potentially enhancing canned soups with fresh ingredients, they can be part of a healthy and balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average calorie count for a tin of soup is typically between 150 and 300 calories, but this range can extend from less than 100 to over 450 depending on the type and brand.

Yes, cream-based canned soups are significantly higher in calories than broth-based soups. This is due to the added fats from cream, milk, and other thickening agents.

Condensed soup typically has fewer calories in the can compared to ready-to-serve on a volume basis, but its final calorie count depends on whether it is prepared with water (lower calorie) or milk (higher calorie).

A standard tin of condensed chicken noodle soup usually contains between 150 and 220 calories, while ready-to-serve versions may vary.

A standard tin of condensed tomato soup contains approximately 150 to 250 calories, largely depending on sugar content and if it's a creamy variety.

Canned soup can be part of a weight loss diet if low-calorie, broth-based, and low-sodium options are chosen. Soup can promote feelings of fullness, which helps reduce overall calorie intake at a meal.

The ingredients that add the most calories to canned soup are fats (cream, butter, oils) and carbohydrates (noodles, rice, potatoes, and sugars).