Is it normal to eat soup for breakfast? Exploring a global tradition

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research from Campbell's, 45% of Brits skip breakfast at least once a week, often due to lack of time or appetite. While a savory morning meal might seem unusual in some Western cultures, it begs the question: is it normal to eat soup for breakfast?

Quick Summary

Soup for breakfast is a common and normal practice in many cultures worldwide, offering a nutrient-dense, easily digestible alternative to typical Western morning foods. It provides a warm, filling start to the day.

Key Points

Cultural Normality: Eating soup for breakfast is a normal and traditional practice in many cultures worldwide, especially in Asia and Latin America.
Healthier Start: Savory, nutrient-dense soup can be a healthier alternative to sugary cereals, providing sustained energy without a blood sugar crash.
Easy on Digestion: A warm, soothing bowl of soup is easily digestible and can be gentle on the stomach first thing in the morning.
Nutrient Boost: It is an excellent way to effortlessly increase your intake of vegetables, protein, and hydration at the start of your day.
Convenient Meal Prep: Preparing a large batch of soup on the weekend makes for a quick and easy breakfast throughout the busy week.
Versatile Options: The variety of breakfast soups is endless, from savory broths to sweet fruit soups, offering diverse flavors and nutrients.

A Global Tradition, Not an Anomaly

In many parts of the world, especially across Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, consuming soup for breakfast is not only normal but a cherished tradition. The notion that breakfast must be sweet or heavy is a modern, often Western, construct. For centuries, diverse cultures have relied on warm, savory broths and hearty stews to provide sustenance and comfort in the morning. These dishes are celebrated for their nutritional value and ability to gently fuel the body for the day ahead.

International Examples of Breakfast Soup

Vietnamese Phở: A fragrant and flavorful noodle soup made with beef or chicken broth, rice noodles, and fresh herbs. Vendors begin preparing the broth in the early hours to serve to morning commuters.
Chinese Congee: A rice porridge that has been a breakfast staple for centuries. It is often served with savory toppings like ginger, chicken, scallions, and a boiled egg, making it both comforting and nutritious.
Japanese Miso Soup: A classic Japanese meal opener that is also commonly served at breakfast. It is a light, savory soup made from a dashi stock base with miso paste, tofu, and seaweed.
Colombian Changüa: This hearty breakfast soup, sometimes called 'hangover soup,' is made with milk, water, egg, scallions, and cilantro. It's often served with stale bread that softens in the broth.
Tunisian Lablabi: A popular street food breakfast, this spiced chickpea soup is served over day-old bread and topped with harissa, tuna, and a poached egg.
Scandinavian Blueberry Soup (Blåbärssoppa): Not all breakfast soups are savory. This sweet, chilled or warm fruit soup is a beloved morning staple, especially in Sweden, known for its energy-boosting properties.

The Health Benefits of Starting Your Day with Soup

Beyond cultural normalcy, a breakfast of soup offers numerous health advantages. It can be an excellent way to introduce essential nutrients into your diet first thing in the morning.

Better Hydration: Most soups have a high water content, helping you rehydrate after a night's sleep. This is particularly beneficial on colder days when you might not reach for a glass of water.
Boosts Nutrient Intake: A vegetable-packed soup is an effortless way to get an early start on your daily vegetable intake. Adding protein like chicken, eggs, or lentils further enhances the meal's nutritional profile.
Gentle on Digestion: Many people find heavy, greasy breakfasts difficult to digest early in the day. A warm, easily digestible broth or lighter soup can be soothing and prepares your digestive system for the day.
Sustained Energy: Unlike sugary cereals or pastries that cause a quick spike and crash, a savory soup with protein and fiber provides sustained energy to keep you full and focused until lunchtime.

Comparison: Breakfast Soup vs. Traditional Western Breakfast


Feature	Breakfast Soup	Traditional Sweet Western Breakfast (e.g., Sugary Cereal)
Satiety	High. Protein and fiber lead to sustained fullness.	Low. High sugar content leads to a quick energy crash and subsequent hunger.
Nutrient Density	High. Easy to pack with vegetables, protein, and minerals.	Often low. Can be high in refined sugars and low in fiber.
Digestibility	Gentle and soothing, especially light, brothy soups.	Can be harsh on the stomach due to high sugar or fat content.
Preparation	Can be made in large batches for quick reheating throughout the week.	Can be quick (cereal) but lacks nutritional depth, or time-consuming (fry-up).
Glycemic Index	Low. Provides sustained energy release.	High. Causes rapid blood sugar spikes and crashes.

Quick and Easy Breakfast Soup Ideas

For those wanting to incorporate soup into their morning routine, several recipes require minimal time. Make a large pot over the weekend and portion it out, or try these quick, fresh options.

Simple Egg Drop Soup: Bring chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer. Slowly pour in a beaten egg while stirring gently to create silky ribbons. Add fresh ginger and green onions for extra flavor. It takes just minutes.
Miso Soup: Dissolve miso paste in warm dashi broth. Add cubes of soft tofu and chopped seaweed. Ready in under five minutes and incredibly gut-friendly.
Leftover Roast Vegetable Soup: Blend leftover roasted vegetables with some broth to create a quick and nutrient-dense purée. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or some toasted seeds.
Healing Bone Broth Soup: Heat a mug of bone broth and add anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger. Top with a soft-boiled egg for a protein boost and extra comfort.

Tips for Making Breakfast Soup Work for You

Prep Ahead: Dedicate time on the weekend to make a large batch of your favorite soup. Store it in individual containers for a grab-and-go meal during the week.
Use Leftovers: Don't limit yourself to traditional breakfast ingredients. Use leftover roasted vegetables or meats from dinner to create a new, delicious morning soup.
Customize Your Bowl: Elevate a simple canned or prepared broth by adding fresh herbs, a swirl of olive oil, or a poached egg. This adds both flavor and nutritional value.
Mind the Sodium: Pay attention to the sodium content of pre-made broths and canned soups. Look for low-sodium versions or make your own to control the salt intake.

Conclusion

While eating soup for breakfast might challenge typical Western dietary norms, it is a perfectly normal and widely accepted practice in numerous cultures around the world. The benefits of starting your day with a warm, savory, and nutrient-packed bowl are numerous, from promoting better digestion to providing sustained energy. By thinking outside the cereal box, you can discover a new, delicious, and healthy way to fuel your mornings. Whether you opt for a traditional international recipe or a quick and easy homemade version, embracing breakfast soup can be a simple and satisfying dietary change.

For more insights into global breakfast traditions, you can read more on the fascinating history of breakfast soups across different countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

While it's not a common practice in many Western countries like the U.S. or U.K., it is far from 'weird.' It is a cultural norm in many other parts of the world and is gaining popularity as a healthy, savory alternative to sugary breakfast foods.

Opt for nutritious, broth-based soups with added protein and vegetables. Simple options include egg drop soup, miso soup with tofu, chicken noodle soup, or a blended vegetable purée. For something different, you could try a sweet fruit soup like Scandinavian blåbärssoppa.

Yes, canned soups can be a convenient option, especially on busy mornings. However, be mindful of the sodium content. You can make it more nutritious by adding fresh vegetables, a protein source like chicken or chickpeas, and fresh herbs.

Yes, many find soup beneficial for digestion in the morning. It requires minimal chewing and can be soothing, and using a base like bone broth adds beneficial collagen and gelatin, which support gut health.

Absolutely. Soup is an excellent meal for batch cooking. You can make a large pot and store it in the refrigerator for several days or freeze individual portions for even longer-term convenience.

Yes, a well-balanced breakfast soup containing protein (like eggs, chicken, or lentils) and fiber (from vegetables) can provide sustained energy and keep you feeling full much longer than a sugary breakfast.

While warm soup is comforting in colder months, soup can be enjoyed year-round. Chilled soups, like gazpacho or cold fruit soups, are refreshing and delicious options for a light summer breakfast.