What brand of soup has the lowest sodium? A guide to finding healthy, low-salt options

October 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the American Heart Association, the average American consumes well over the recommended daily sodium limit of 2,300 mg. For those seeking healthier packaged options, navigating the grocery aisle can be tricky. So, what brand of soup has the lowest sodium? The answer often lies in specific product lines labeled “no salt added,” with brands like Health Valley leading the pack.

Quick Summary

This guide compares top brands of low-sodium and no-salt-added canned soups. It explains how to decipher nutrition labels and brand claims to identify the healthiest options. Find out which specific products offer the lowest sodium content for a more heart-healthy diet. Also covered are key factors like protein, fiber, and avoiding potassium additives.

Key Points

Health Valley's 'No Salt Added' varieties typically have the lowest sodium. Specific soups like their Vegetable and Minestrone contain as little as 45 mg per serving.
Read labels carefully for low-sodium claims. 'Low Sodium' means 140 mg or less per serving, while 'Reduced Sodium' simply means 25% less than the original, which could still be high.
Consider the overall nutrient profile. Look for soups high in protein and fiber from sources like lentils, beans, and vegetables, which aid in satiety.
Be cautious of additives. Some low-sodium soups use potassium salts, which individuals with kidney conditions may need to monitor.
Prioritize organic and broth-based options. Organic ingredients mean a cleaner product, and broth-based soups are generally lower in saturated fat than creamy varieties.
Homemade soup offers the most control. For the most precise sodium management, consider making your own soup from scratch using unsalted broth and seasonings.

Why Low-Sodium Soup is Crucial for Your Health

Soups are a convenient and often nourishing meal, but many canned versions are notoriously high in sodium. A single can of traditional soup can contain over 1,500 mg of sodium, which is more than half of the daily recommended limit. Excessive sodium intake is a major contributor to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Choosing a low-sodium option is a proactive step toward better cardiovascular health.

Decoding Sodium Claims on Food Labels

When searching for a low-sodium soup, understanding the language on the label is key. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has specific criteria for these claims, but they can be misleading.

Low Sodium: This claim is the most straightforward. To be labeled as “low sodium,” a product must contain 140 mg of sodium or less per serving. This is a very reliable indicator of a healthier choice.
No Salt Added / Unsalted: Products with this label have no salt added during processing, but they may still contain naturally occurring sodium. For soups, these are often the lowest sodium options available, sometimes offering as little as 25-45 mg per serving. A disclaimer like “This is not a sodium-free food” might be included.
Reduced Sodium / Less Sodium: This means the product has at least 25% less sodium than the original version. However, if the original product is very high in sodium, the reduced-sodium version can still be a poor choice. Always check the nutrition facts label for the actual milligrams per serving.
Light in Sodium: This indicates at least 50% less sodium than the original product. Similar to “reduced sodium,” it’s a better choice than the original but still requires a label check to determine if it meets your needs.

Top Brands with the Lowest Sodium Soup Options

When it comes to canned soup, Health Valley's 'No Salt Added' line is a clear winner for those seeking the absolute lowest sodium content. They consistently provide options with minimal sodium, making them ideal for strict low-salt diets. Other brands, such as Pacific Foods and Amy's Kitchen, offer solid 'Light in Sodium' alternatives that significantly reduce sodium compared to standard recipes.

Comparison Table: Low-Sodium Soup Brands


Brand	Product	Sodium per Serving (mg)	Sodium Claim	Notes
Health Valley	Vegetable Soup	45	No Salt Added	Among the lowest sodium options available.
Health Valley	Minestrone	45	No Salt Added	Excellent choice for very low-sodium intake.
Pacific Foods	Butternut Squash Soup	240	Light in Sodium	A smooth, flavorful option with moderately low sodium.
Imagine Foods	Butternut Squash Soup	200	Light in Sodium	Organic option with less sodium than Amy's 'Light' varieties.
Amy's Kitchen	Minestrone, Light in Sodium	440	Light in Sodium	Good for a reduced-sodium option, but higher than 'No Salt Added' brands.
Amy's Kitchen	Lentil, Light in Sodium	450	Light in Sodium	A good source of plant-based protein and fiber.
Kettle & Fire	Chicken Bone Broth	Varies (often low)	Low Sodium	A protein-rich, gluten-free option for a soup base.

Beyond Sodium: Other Factors for Healthy Soup

While sodium is a major consideration, it’s not the only factor when choosing a healthy packaged soup. Look for products that also offer these benefits:

High Fiber and Protein: Soups with a good amount of fiber and protein can help you feel full and satisfied. Look for ingredients like lentils, beans, and lean meats.
Organic Ingredients: Choosing organic can help avoid pesticides and other harmful chemicals, leading to a cleaner ingredient list.
Additives to Watch For: Some brands use potassium salts (potassium chloride) to replace sodium. While not a problem for everyone, people with kidney disease may need to monitor their potassium intake. Always check the ingredient list for any words containing “potassium” or “phos” (for phosphorus additives).
Base Type: Broth-based soups are generally lower in saturated fat than creamy soups like chowders or bisques, which often use cream or coconut milk.

Making Your Own vs. Buying Packaged

While convenient, store-bought soups will rarely beat a homemade version for ultimate sodium control. If you have time, consider making your own soup from scratch using low-sodium or unsalted broths and seasonings. You can use spices, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of citrus to add flavor without relying on salt.

For a deeper dive into label reading and sodium management, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) offers comprehensive guidelines.

Conclusion

Finding the lowest sodium soup requires careful label reading and a clear understanding of the FDA's terminology. While Health Valley's 'No Salt Added' products often contain the lowest overall sodium, other 'Light in Sodium' lines from brands like Pacific Foods and Amy's offer significant reductions from standard recipes. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific dietary needs and how much sodium reduction you're targeting. Always check the nutrition facts, compare brands, and consider other factors like fiber and protein to ensure you're making the healthiest choice possible for your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can find some canned soups with very low sodium content, particularly those labeled 'No Salt Added.' For example, Health Valley Organic Vegetable Soup and Minestrone both offer as little as 45 mg of sodium per serving.

Look for the specific 'Low Sodium' claim on the label, which indicates 140 mg of sodium or less per serving. You should also check the 'Nutrition Facts' panel for the exact milligram count, as some 'reduced' or 'light' options may still be high.

No. 'Reduced Sodium' only means there's at least 25% less sodium than the original product. If the original was very high in sodium, the reduced version may still contain a significant amount. 'Low Sodium' is a stricter claim, guaranteeing 140 mg or less per serving.

Amy's offers a 'Light in Sodium' line, with products like their Organic Lentil Vegetable and Organic Split Pea soups being good choices. These are still higher in sodium than 'No Salt Added' brands, so always check the label.

Broth-based soups are generally lower in saturated fat and calories than creamy soups, which often contain dairy products like cream or cheese. For heart health, broth-based options are typically a better choice.

You can add flavor using a variety of salt-free seasonings such as black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, dill, or fresh herbs like basil and parsley. Citrus juice, such as lemon, can also brighten the flavors.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day for most healthy adults. Ideally, they suggest a target of 1,500 mg per day.