Is it good to drink soup for breakfast?

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2012 study, people who ate a low-calorie soup before a meal consumed fewer calories overall. This finding suggests a potentially beneficial effect of starting your day with soup, a practice common in many cultures, which raises the question: is it good to drink soup for breakfast?

Quick Summary

This article explores the pros and cons of having soup for breakfast, highlighting nutritional benefits like hydration and satiety, while also addressing concerns regarding high sodium or unhealthy additives.

Key Points

Good for Hydration: Broth-based soups help replenish fluids first thing in the morning.
Gentle Digestion: A light, warm soup is easy on the stomach for those sensitive to heavy breakfast foods.
Nutrient-Dense: Homemade soups are a great way to boost vegetable, vitamin, and mineral intake.
Supports Weight Management: The high water and fiber content can increase satiety and reduce overall calorie consumption.
Avoid High Sodium and Cream: Steer clear of instant or cream-based soups, which are often high in sodium and unhealthy fats.
Consider Cultural Examples: Many cultures embrace breakfast soup, including Japanese miso and Colombian changua.

The Surprising Benefits of Starting Your Day with Soup

While the American breakfast is often associated with sweet cereals or heavy, fried foods, many cultures around the world regularly consume soup as their first meal. A morning bowl of soup can offer a surprisingly nutritious and gentle way to start your day, providing hydration, essential nutrients, and a feeling of fullness that can help manage appetite throughout the morning.

Why You Should Consider a Breakfast Soup

Improved Hydration: Many people start the day dehydrated. A broth-based soup is a great way to replenish fluids and get a head start on your daily water intake.
Gentle on Digestion: For those who find heavy, greasy breakfasts unsettling, a warm, easily digestible soup can be a soothing alternative. Broth-based soups often require minimal chewing, which can aid digestion.
Nutrient-Dense Start: Soups are an excellent vehicle for packing in a wide variety of vegetables, lean proteins, and fiber. This helps boost your intake of vitamins, minerals, and other health-promoting compounds right at the start of the day.
Weight Management: The high water and fiber content in many homemade soups can increase feelings of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake at subsequent meals, potentially aiding in weight management.
Immune System Support: A hot bowl of soup can provide warming comfort, while ingredients rich in vitamins and minerals like zinc, vitamin C, and antioxidants can help support your immune system.
Cultural Variety: From Japanese miso soup with tofu and seaweed to Colombian changua (egg and milk soup) and Vietnamese pho, the global tradition of breakfast soup offers endless options to explore.

Potential Drawbacks and What to Avoid

While homemade, nutrient-rich soups are generally beneficial, not all soups are created equal. It's important to be mindful of certain types that can be less healthy, especially when consumed regularly.

High Sodium Content: Many canned and instant soups are notoriously high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues. Reading labels and choosing low-sodium options or making your own soup is a better choice.
Excessive Calories and Unhealthy Fats: Cream-based soups, often thickened with heavy cream, butter, or high-calorie thickeners like cornstarch, can significantly increase your calorie and saturated fat intake.
Processing and Preservatives: Instant soups often lose much of their nutritional value during processing and contain various additives and preservatives that are best avoided.

How to Create the Perfect Healthy Breakfast Soup

Crafting a nourishing breakfast soup is simple and can be done easily with some planning. The key is to focus on broth-based recipes rich in vegetables and lean protein.

A Simple, Healthy Breakfast Soup Recipe

Base: Start with a low-sodium vegetable or bone broth.
Veggies: Add finely chopped onions, carrots, celery, and leafy greens like spinach or kale. You can pre-chop these for extra-quick morning prep.
Protein: Incorporate lean protein like shredded chicken, tofu, or lentils for a more filling meal.
Flavor: Use fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley and spices like ginger, turmeric, or garlic powder instead of relying on excess salt.
Bonus: For added creaminess without heavy cream, blend in some mashed beans or a spoonful of tahini.

Comparison: Broth-Based vs. Cream-Based Soup


Feature	Broth-Based Soup (Ideal for Breakfast)	Cream-Based Soup (Best in Moderation)
Nutritional Profile	Low in calories, rich in vitamins, minerals, and hydration.	High in calories and saturated fats from thickeners like cream.
Digestibility	Easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.	Can be heavy and lead to bloating or discomfort.
Preparation	Often simple, quick, and can be pre-made.	Can be more complex and time-consuming.
Key Ingredients	Water or low-sodium broth, vegetables, lean protein, herbs.	Cream, cheese, butter, flour, and higher-fat items.
Satiety	High water and fiber content promote fullness with fewer calories.	Fat and caloric density can lead to a heavy, sluggish feeling.

Conclusion

So, is it good to drink soup for breakfast? The answer is a resounding yes, provided you make smart choices. By opting for homemade, broth-based soups packed with vegetables, lean proteins, and fiber, you can enjoy a nutritious, hydrating, and easily digestible start to your day. It is an excellent alternative for those who find traditional breakfasts unappealing or who need a quick, warming, and comforting meal on a busy morning. However, be cautious of highly processed, high-sodium canned varieties and heavy, cream-laden versions. Embrace the global tradition of a savory morning bowl and discover a delicious new way to energize your body and mind.

Optional Outbound Link

For more in-depth nutritional information on different types of ingredients, Healthline offers a helpful guide on healthy soup choices: Is Soup Healthy? Ingredients, Benefits, and Different Types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, breakfast soup is a well-established tradition in many global cuisines, especially in Asia and parts of South America. Examples include miso soup in Japan, congee in China, and pho in Vietnam.

Broth-based soups are the best choice for breakfast. They are hydrating, low in calories, and can be packed with vegetables and lean protein. Avoid heavy, cream-based varieties and opt for low-sodium ingredients.

Yes, studies suggest that consuming low-calorie, broth-based soup can increase feelings of fullness and lead to lower overall calorie intake. The high water content adds volume without calories, helping to manage appetite.

The main drawbacks involve unhealthy soup types. Highly processed canned or instant soups are often high in sodium, while creamy soups can be laden with saturated fats and calories. Choosing homemade or low-sodium options is key.

For a quick breakfast soup, use a pre-made low-sodium broth and add leftover vegetables, shredded protein (like rotisserie chicken or tofu), and fresh herbs. A batch can also be prepared on the weekend and reheated in minutes.

Both can be healthy options depending on the ingredients. Soup offers a warm, savory start that can aid digestion, while smoothies can be packed with fruits and vegetables. The 'best' option depends on personal preference and nutritional needs.

A hot bowl of nourishing soup can be very beneficial when you have a cold. It helps with hydration, provides comforting warmth, and the nutrients can support your immune system.