Is Tomato Soup Good for a Person with Diabetes?

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, the prevalence of diabetes has been steadily increasing, highlighting the need for careful dietary choices. But what about simple comfort foods? This article addresses the question: is tomato soup good for a person with diabetes?

Quick Summary

Tomato soup is generally suitable for diabetics, provided it is homemade to control ingredients like added sugars and sodium. It can offer antioxidants and fiber, but canned or restaurant versions often contain unhealthy additives that can spike blood sugar.

Key Points

Homemade is best: Make tomato soup from scratch to control added sugars and sodium, which are common in canned versions.
Low glycemic impact: Fresh tomatoes have a low glycemic index, causing a minimal impact on blood sugar levels.
Rich in antioxidants: Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, which supports heart health and improves insulin sensitivity.
Fiber aids blood sugar: The fiber in tomatoes helps regulate glucose absorption and promotes satiety.
Boost nutrition wisely: Add protein sources like lentils, beans, or lean chicken to make the soup more filling and diabetes-friendly.
Avoid unhealthy additives: Steer clear of high-sodium canned broth, heavy cream, and sugary toppings when preparing your soup.
Check nutrition labels: Always read the labels on canned products to identify hidden sugars and excess sodium.

Understanding Tomatoes and Their Impact on Diabetes

Fresh tomatoes are a nutritious addition to almost any diet, including a diabetes-friendly one. They are low in carbohydrates and have a low glycemic index (GI), meaning they don't cause rapid blood sugar spikes. Tomatoes are also rich in several compounds that are beneficial for individuals with diabetes:

Lycopene: This powerful antioxidant gives tomatoes their red color and has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced risk of heart disease, a common complication of diabetes.
Fiber: The dietary fiber in tomatoes helps regulate blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
Vitamins and Minerals: Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins C, K, A, and potassium, which support various bodily functions crucial for overall health.

The Critical Difference: Homemade vs. Canned Soup

The safety and health benefits of tomato soup for a person with diabetes depend heavily on how it's made. The primary issue with many store-bought or canned tomato soups is their high content of hidden sugars and sodium.

Homemade Tomato Soup: The Smart Choice

Making your own tomato soup allows for full control over the ingredients, ensuring it remains a low-carb, low-sodium option.

Homemade Recipe Elements:

Use fresh, whole tomatoes: Opt for fresh tomatoes or canned ones with no added salt or sugar.
Enhance flavor naturally: Instead of sugar, use natural aromatics like garlic, onion, and herbs (basil, oregano).
Add protein and fiber: Boost the nutritional profile by adding fiber-rich beans or lean protein.
Go for a creamy, healthy texture: Create a creamy soup by blending it or using a small amount of unsweetened almond milk, not heavy cream.

Canned Tomato Soup: The Risky Alternative

Many canned versions are engineered for taste and shelf life, often at the expense of nutritional quality. A quick glance at a nutrition label can reveal problematic ingredients.

What to Watch Out For:

High Added Sugar: Some brands can contain a surprising amount of added sugar, potentially leading to blood sugar spikes.
Excessive Sodium: Canned goods often use high levels of sodium as a preservative, which is a concern for diabetics who are also at risk for hypertension.
Less Nutritional Value: The processing can diminish some of the beneficial nutrients found in fresh tomatoes.

Homemade vs. Canned Tomato Soup for Diabetics


Feature	Homemade Tomato Soup	Canned Tomato Soup
Glycemic Impact	Low GI, minimal blood sugar increase.	Variable; potentially high GI due to added sugar.
Sodium Content	Very low; controllable by using low-sodium broth.	Often high; linked to hypertension risk.
Nutritional Profile	Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.	May have lower nutrient density due to processing.
Ingredient Control	Complete control over all ingredients.	Limited control; reliance on brand labeling.
Creaminess	Achieved with healthy alternatives like almond milk.	Often uses heavy cream or unhealthy fats.
Taste	Fresh, vibrant, and customizable.	Can be overly sweet or salty.

How to Enjoy a Diabetes-Friendly Tomato Soup

To maximize the benefits and minimize the risks, follow these preparation tips:

Start from Scratch: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes. Roasting them first can enhance their natural sweetness without adding sugar.
Use Quality Broth: Choose a low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth as your base to control sodium intake.
Boost with Fiber and Protein: Adding lentils, beans, or shredded lean chicken breast makes the soup more filling and further helps stabilize blood sugar.
Incorporate Extra Veggies: Sautéing onions, garlic, and even some non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can add flavor and nutrients.
Season Smartly: Rely on herbs and spices like basil, oregano, thyme, and black pepper for flavor instead of excessive salt.
Avoid Unhealthy Add-ins: Skip ingredients like croutons, heavy cream, or sugary toppings. Instead, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a tablespoon of Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.

Conclusion: A Clear Yes, with a Caveat

For a person with diabetes, homemade tomato soup is an excellent dietary choice due to its low glycemic index, high antioxidant content, and rich fiber profile. However, the crucial distinction lies in the preparation method. Canned or heavily processed tomato soups, laden with hidden sugars and sodium, should be avoided or consumed with extreme caution. By opting for a homemade version, individuals can enjoy a delicious and satisfying comfort food that actively supports their blood sugar management and overall health.

A final word of advice: always monitor your blood sugar after consuming new foods to see how your body reacts. What works for one person might not be ideal for another.

Full article on the systematic review of tomatoes and type 2 diabetes by Taylor & Francis Online

Frequently Asked Questions

It is generally not recommended to eat canned tomato soup due to the high levels of hidden sugars and sodium that most commercial brands contain. These additives can negatively impact blood sugar levels and blood pressure.

No, tomato soup does not actively lower blood sugar, but homemade versions made with fresh tomatoes are beneficial for managing blood sugar because they have a low glycemic index and are high in fiber, which helps regulate sugar absorption.

The best way is to make it from scratch using fresh tomatoes, low-sodium broth, and natural seasonings like garlic and herbs. You can add non-starchy vegetables or lean protein to increase fiber and satiety.

Heavy cream is not recommended due to its high saturated fat content. A better alternative for a creamy texture is to use a small amount of unsweetened almond milk or blend the soup completely for a naturally creamy consistency.

Diabetics should avoid added sugars, high-sodium ingredients, excessive amounts of starchy vegetables like potatoes, and toppings like fried croutons.

If you have diabetes along with kidney disease (nephropathy) and fluctuating potassium levels, you should consult your doctor. Tomatoes are a source of potassium, and managing intake is crucial in such cases.

Homemade soup is better for blood sugar control because you can use fresh, whole ingredients, control the amount of sodium and sugar, and add fiber-rich elements like vegetables and beans to slow digestion.