Is it good to eat soup every day for your health?

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, people who regularly consume soup tend to have a lower body weight and better overall diet quality than non-consumers. This research brings up an interesting question: is it good to eat soup every day?

Quick Summary

Daily soup consumption can offer benefits like increased hydration, higher vegetable intake, and improved satiety, which aids in weight management. However, potential drawbacks include excessive sodium from store-bought varieties and nutritional imbalances if it replaces other food groups. The healthiness of daily soup depends heavily on its ingredients and preparation.

Key Points

Homemade is Healthiest: Opt for homemade soup to control sodium, fat, and ingredients for maximum health benefits.
Boosts Hydration: Soups have a high water content, making them an excellent way to increase your daily fluid intake.
Supports Weight Management: Low-calorie, broth-based soups can increase feelings of fullness, helping to reduce overall calorie consumption.
Provides Essential Nutrients: Filling soup with vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins ensures a good intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Watch Out for Sodium: Canned and instant soups are notoriously high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure.
Avoid Nutritional Deficiencies: Relying solely on soup can lead to an imbalanced diet; it should be part of a varied meal plan.
Know Your Soups: Creamy, cheese-laden soups can be high in saturated fat and calories, so choose broth-based varieties more often.

The Potential Health Benefits of Daily Soup Consumption

Integrating a bowl of soup into your daily routine can be a smart and satisfying way to boost your overall health. When prepared thoughtfully, soup is a vehicle for a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients.

Enhanced Hydration

Many people struggle to drink enough water throughout the day, and soup offers a flavorful solution. Because soup has a high water content, it directly contributes to your daily fluid intake. Proper hydration is crucial for bodily functions, from regulating body temperature to aiding nutrient transportation and waste removal.

Increased Nutrient and Fiber Intake

Daily vegetable consumption can be challenging for some, but soup provides an easy and delicious way to increase your intake. A broth-based soup packed with a variety of fresh or frozen vegetables, legumes, and whole grains significantly increases your daily fiber intake, which is essential for digestive health and regularity. Fiber-rich foods also feed the 'good' bacteria in your gut, improving your gut microbiome.

Aiding in Weight Management

Several studies suggest that starting a meal with a low-calorie, broth-based soup can help you consume fewer calories overall, promoting weight management. The high water and fiber content increases feelings of fullness, or satiety, which can prevent overeating during subsequent courses. For those looking to control their weight, soup can be a filling and low energy-dense option.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

While the upsides are significant, daily soup consumption isn't without its potential pitfalls. Being mindful of these can help ensure your soup habit remains a healthy one.

The Sodium Problem

One of the most significant concerns with regular soup consumption is the high sodium content, especially in canned, instant, and many restaurant soups. A high-sodium diet is linked to increased blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart and kidney disease. It is crucial to read nutrition labels and choose low-sodium options or, even better, make homemade soup to control the salt. A study highlighted that while soup consumers generally had better diet quality, they also had a higher intake of sodium.

Nutritional Imbalances and Boredom

Relying exclusively on soup, especially a single type, can lead to a diet lacking in other vital nutrients. A balanced diet incorporates a wide range of food groups, including lean proteins, healthy fats, and different types of carbohydrates from solid foods. Without this variety, you risk nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, eating the same food every day can lead to dietary boredom, potentially causing you to seek out less healthy options.

High Fat and Calorie Content

Not all soups are created equal. While a simple broth-based vegetable soup is low in calories, creamy, cheese-heavy, and rich, thick soups can be surprisingly high in calories and saturated fat. Ingredients like heavy cream, butter, and cheese can turn a seemingly healthy dish into a calorie-dense meal that, when consumed daily, could lead to weight gain. Broth-based soups are generally the healthier option for daily consumption.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Soup: A Comparison

To reap the full benefits of daily soup, the source and ingredients are key. The following table compares homemade and store-bought varieties to highlight why preparing your own is often the better choice.


Feature	Homemade Soup	Store-Bought Soup
Sodium Control	Complete control over salt content.	Often exceptionally high in sodium, requires label scrutiny.
Nutrient Density	Higher nutrient density; can pack with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and fiber.	Can be lower in nutrients, relying on thickeners and preservatives.
Saturated Fat	Easy to control by using low-fat ingredients.	Creamy versions can be very high in saturated fats.
Cost-Effectiveness	More budget-friendly, especially when made in large batches.	Higher cost per serving and often less filling.
Customization	Infinite possibilities to suit personal taste and dietary needs.	Limited by available pre-made options.

How to Make Daily Soup a Healthy Habit

To ensure your daily soup habit is a health-conscious one, follow these guidelines:

Prioritize Homemade: Whenever possible, make your own soup from scratch. This allows you to control all the ingredients, from sodium levels to the quality of vegetables and protein.
Go for Broth-Based: Choose broth-based over creamy or instant varieties. These are lower in calories and fat, but still high in water and nutrients.
Pack in Nutrients: Load your soup with a diverse mix of vegetables, legumes, lentils, and lean proteins like chicken, fish, or tofu. This ensures a broad spectrum of vitamins and fiber.
Balance with Other Foods: Don't rely on soup as your only source of nutrition. Pair it with a side salad, whole-grain bread, or other balanced meals throughout the day to avoid deficiencies.
Be Mindful of Seasoning: Use herbs, spices, and a small amount of low-sodium broth or stock to enhance flavor without relying on excessive salt.

Conclusion

So, is it good to eat soup every day? The answer is a qualified 'yes', but with a strong emphasis on how it's prepared and consumed. A daily bowl of homemade, broth-based soup filled with vegetables and lean protein can be a fantastic addition to a healthy diet, offering benefits like improved hydration, weight management support, and a significant boost in nutrient intake. However, relying on high-sodium, pre-packaged, or creamy soups can introduce more health risks than benefits. The key lies in mindful preparation and ensuring your diet remains balanced and varied. For more information on dietary recommendations, consider consulting reputable sources like the American Heart Association (AHA), which provides comprehensive guidelines on sodium intake and healthy eating.

Note: This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized dietary guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, having a nutritious soup for dinner every day is a healthy option, provided it's homemade and packed with vegetables and lean protein. Ensure it doesn't replace other necessary food groups for a balanced diet.

Broth-based soups loaded with a variety of vegetables, legumes, lentils, and lean protein are the best for daily consumption. These offer high nutrients with low calories and saturated fat.

Incorporating low-calorie, high-fiber soups can assist in weight management by increasing satiety and potentially reducing overall calorie intake. However, it is not a magical solution and must be part of a balanced diet.

No, most canned soups are not recommended for daily consumption due to their extremely high sodium content, which poses health risks like elevated blood pressure. Opt for low-sodium versions or, ideally, homemade.

Yes, soup contributes positively to your daily fluid intake due to its high water content. This is especially helpful during colder months when you might feel less thirsty.

For some, particularly those unaccustomed to high fiber intake, eating fiber-rich soups daily could initially cause digestive changes. It is best to increase fiber gradually while staying hydrated.

To prevent boredom, vary your soup ingredients regularly. Use different vegetables, spices, protein sources, and bases. You can also vary the soup's texture, from chunky to pureed.