Dietitian Reveals Healthiest Tinned Tomato Soups in UK Supermarkets
When searching for a hearty, budget-friendly lunch option, a tin of soup often seems like a wholesome choice. However, not all tinned soups are created equal when it comes to health credentials, and a higher price tag does not necessarily guarantee better nutritional value. According to a recent study by Action on Salt and Sugar (AoSS), a concerning 23% of soups available in UK supermarkets exceed the recommended salt limits.
The study examined 481 soup varieties and found that some contained nearly double the government sodium target of 0.59 grams per 100 grams. One particularly alarming example was Soup Head's Tom Yum soup, which was discovered to be saltier than two McDonald's cheeseburgers combined. This highlights that what might appear as a nutritious meal could potentially contribute negatively to your daily salt intake.
Expert Analysis of Tomato Soup Varieties
Tomato soup, long celebrated as the nation's favourite, comes in numerous options ranging from well-known brands to supermarket own-labels. While they may taste similar, the recipes and nutritional profiles can vary significantly. Katie Sanders, a verified dietitian and nutritionist on the healthcare review platform Doctify, emphasizes that overall dietary patterns matter more than individual product choices.
"In the context of a healthy balanced diet, tomato soup can be a convenient and reasonable choice," Sanders explains. "However, the most meaningful nutritional variations between different tinned tomato soups typically lie in their salt and sugar content."
We asked Sanders to rank the most popular branded and supermarket own-brand tomato soups based on these criteria, helping consumers make informed decisions without sacrificing convenience or affordability.
Top-Ranked Healthiest Tomato Soups
Waitrose Cream of Tomato Soup (400g) emerged as the healthiest option, praised for its "best overall balance." With 53 calories, 5 grams of sugar, and 0.43 grams of salt per 100 grams, its lower salt content proved decisive in securing the top spot.
Weight Watchers from Heinz Tomato Soup (295g) claimed second place with an "exceptional sugar profile" of just 2.8 grams per 100 grams and the lowest calorie count among all tested soups. However, its higher salt content of 0.6 grams per 100 grams slightly diminished its standing.
Campbell's Condensed Cream of Tomato Soup (295g) ranked third. When prepared according to instructions with a 1:1 water ratio, its nutritional values become comparable to standard ready-to-eat soups.
Aldi's Bramwells Cream of Tomato Soup (400g) secured fourth place as the best budget option at just 59 pence per tin. Sanders noted it offers "one of the lower sugar profiles alongside typical salt values."
Middle and Lower Rankings
Despite being the UK's best-selling soup brand, Heinz Cream of Tomato Soup (400g) landed in the middle of the ranking. Its nutritional profile was described as "very competitive," but it ranked fifth for both sugar and salt content, neither exceptionally high nor low.
The bottom three spots featured Asda Cream of Tomato Soup (400g) in ninth place with the highest sugar content at 6.1 grams per 100 grams. Baxters Favourites Cream of Tomato Soup (400g) and Tesco Cream of Tomato Soup (400g) occupied the last two positions, both disadvantaged by their 0.6 grams of salt per 100 grams and sugar levels above the moderate threshold of 5 grams per 100 grams.
Public Health Implications
Sanders highlights the ongoing public health concern regarding salt consumption in the UK. "Salt content remains particularly relevant because average intakes continue to exceed recommended levels," she states. "Excessive salt consumption is linked to raised blood pressure, a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes."
She further explains that much of the salt in modern diets comes from processed foods such as bread, sauces, ready meals, and soups—not just from table salt. "Foods perceived as relatively light or healthy can still contribute meaningfully to overall salt intake," Sanders warns.
Practical Takeaways for Consumers
Sanders' analysis reveals that price or branding does not reliably predict nutritional quality. "The nutritionally stronger options generally represented good value, with budget own-brand soups performing strongly alongside slightly more expensive branded alternatives," she concludes.
While the differences between soups are relatively small, and no single meal can determine overall health, making mindful choices can contribute to better dietary habits. For those looking to reduce salt or sugar intake, opting for soups with lower levels of these ingredients represents a positive step forward.
Remember to consider portion sizes and accompaniments—pairing soup with whole-grain bread instead of buttered white bread can further enhance the nutritional value of your meal.
