What Soups Can Vegans Have? A Comprehensive Guide

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies show that plant-based soups are a cornerstone of healthy diets, often high in fiber and micronutrients while low in calories. Whether you are a long-time vegan or just curious, understanding what soups can vegans have is the first step toward creating comforting and nourishing meals.

Quick Summary

This article outlines a wide array of flavorful, hearty vegan soups, from classic vegetable varieties to creamy concoctions using plant-based thickeners, and highlights common non-vegan ingredients to watch for.

Key Points

Start with the Right Base: Use a high-quality vegetable broth instead of meat-based broths for a savory, vegan-friendly foundation.
Embrace Plant-Based Thickeners: Achieve creamy textures without dairy by blending soaked cashews, adding full-fat coconut milk, or pureeing starchy vegetables like potatoes and lentils.
Watch for Hidden Ingredients: Be vigilant about checking labels on pre-made soups for non-vegan ingredients like dairy, cheese, or beef/chicken broth, which can sometimes be found in even 'vegetable' soups.
Explore a Variety of Flavors: From hearty lentil and minestrone to aromatic Thai coconut and creamy butternut squash, a wide range of delicious vegan soup options exists.
Elevate with Toppings and Flavor Boosters: Add texture and deeper flavor with toppings like toasted nuts, seeds, or crispy chickpeas, and use ingredients like nutritional yeast or miso paste.
Easily Adapt Classic Recipes: Many traditional soups can be made vegan with simple swaps for broth, fat, and cream, as shown in the comparison table.
Enjoy Nutritional Benefits: Plant-based soups are often high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health and wellness.

Understanding the Basics of Vegan Soups

Many traditional soups rely on animal-derived ingredients for a rich flavor base or creamy texture. Common culprits include beef or chicken broth, dairy products like cream and cheese, and sometimes even butter. For vegans, the foundation of a great soup is a high-quality vegetable broth. Homemade broth from vegetable scraps offers a deep, customizable flavor, but many store-bought varieties are also available, though it's crucial to check labels for hidden animal products.

To achieve a luscious, creamy texture without dairy, vegan cooks use a variety of plant-based thickeners. Blended raw cashews soaked in hot water create a rich, creamy base, especially for soups like broccoli and potato. Full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess and is perfect for curried or Thai-inspired soups. For simpler thickening, adding and blending starchy vegetables like potatoes, beans, or lentils directly into the soup works well. Alternatively, a cornstarch or flour slurry can be used to thicken a thinner broth-based soup.

Popular and Delicious Vegan Soup Varieties

The range of vegan-friendly soups is vast, catering to every craving, from hearty and rustic to light and refreshing. Many classic soups are naturally vegan or can be easily adapted with simple substitutions.

Hearty and Filling Soups

Lentil Soup: A protein-packed classic, lentil soup is naturally vegan and incredibly satisfying. Variations include Mediterranean-style with lemon and herbs or a spiced version with carrots and cumin.
Minestrone: This Italian staple is often vegan-friendly, filled with a colorful array of vegetables, beans, and pasta. Always check restaurant versions, as they may use chicken broth.
Black Bean Soup: A chunky, flavorful soup loaded with beans, vegetables, and Mexican spices like cumin and chili powder. It pairs perfectly with toppings like fresh cilantro and avocado.
Potato Leek Soup: For a creamy yet dairy-free version, simply blend the cooked leeks and potatoes. Using a plant-based cream or blended cashews can add extra richness.

Smooth and Creamy Soups

Butternut Squash Soup: This velvety soup is naturally dairy-free and can be spiced with ginger, curry, or cinnamon for a warm, comforting feel.
Creamy Mushroom Soup: Recreate this classic by using blended cashews or full-fat coconut milk to achieve a rich, earthy flavor without the dairy.
Tomato Soup: Homemade tomato soup with a hint of basil is simple and delicious. For a creamy version, add a swirl of full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

International Flavors

Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha): With a fragrant, spicy-sour broth, this soup is made with coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, and other traditional Thai ingredients.
Vegan Ramen: A rich, savory miso-based broth with noodles, mushrooms, and tofu makes for a deeply satisfying meal.

Crafting Your Own Vegan Soup

Making soup from scratch offers complete control over ingredients and flavor. Here is a comparison of traditional and vegan ingredient swaps for a popular soup type.


Feature	Traditional Cream of Mushroom Soup	Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup
Broth	Chicken or beef broth	Vegetable broth or homemade vegan bouillon
Creaminess	Heavy cream or dairy milk	Soaked, blended cashews or full-fat coconut milk
Sauté Base	Butter	Olive oil or vegan butter
Flavor Enhancer	Parmesan cheese	Nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor
Protein/Bulk	(Optional) Chicken pieces	Lentils, chickpeas, or wild rice

Elevating Your Vegan Soup

Even simple vegan soups can be transformed into a gourmet experience with the right finishing touches. These additions can boost both flavor and texture.

Vegan Toppings for Texture and Flavor

Homemade Croutons: Toast cubed bread with olive oil and herbs for a classic, crunchy topping.
Roasted Nuts or Seeds: Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or toasted cashews add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
Crispy Shallots or Tofu: Fried until golden brown, these add a savory, crispy texture.
Roasted Veggies: Roast a few extra pieces of the main vegetables, like broccoli or cauliflower, and add them on top for concentrated flavor and a different texture.
Crispy Chickpeas: Toss chickpeas with spices and oil and roast until crispy for a hearty, protein-rich topping.

Flavor Boosters for Deeper Taste

Nutritional Yeast: Sprinkled on top or stirred in, this adds a savory, cheesy flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, or chives added at the end of cooking brighten the flavor profile.
Umami-Rich Ingredients: A dash of soy sauce, miso paste, or tomato paste can add a savory depth.
Acidic Finishing Touches: A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar can brighten a soup's flavor just before serving.

Conclusion

From creamy mushroom and decadent tomato soup to hearty lentil and flavorful ramen, the vegan soup landscape is rich and diverse. By understanding which common ingredients to avoid and embracing plant-based alternatives like vegetable broth, cashews, and coconut milk, you can easily adapt traditional recipes or explore new ones. Experiment with a variety of vegetables, spices, and toppings to create satisfying, healthy, and delicious meals all year round. The world of vegan soup is full of possibilities, proving that nourishing, comforting bowls don't require animal products.

Want to find some incredible plant-based recipes? Visit Rainbow Plant Life for more inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should check labels for beef or chicken broth, dairy products like milk or cream, cheese toppings, and sometimes butter, which can be found in a variety of soups, including seemingly vegetarian ones.

Vegans can thicken soup by pureeing starchy vegetables like potatoes or beans, blending in soaked cashews, stirring in a cornstarch or flour slurry, or adding full-fat coconut milk for a rich, creamy consistency.

Yes, but you must read the labels carefully. Many brands like Amy's, Gardein, and Progresso offer specific vegan-labeled canned soups, but most mainstream canned soups contain animal broths or dairy.

For flavor boosters, consider sautéing aromatics like garlic and onions, adding spices like cumin and paprika, stirring in nutritional yeast for a savory kick, or finishing with a dash of soy sauce or miso paste.

Simple and delicious options include basic vegetable soup, lentil soup, creamy tomato soup, or a straightforward butternut squash soup.

Yes, you can use other ingredients like full-fat coconut milk for creaminess, or blend in white beans, cooked potatoes, or silken tofu for a smooth texture without cashews.

Great vegan toppings include homemade croutons, toasted nuts or seeds (like pumpkin or cashews), crispy fried shallots, roasted chickpeas, fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or a drizzle of tahini.