- Amy’s uses wholesome plant-based ingredients for soups that taste close to homemade.
- Dietitians love Amy’s clear labels and low-sodium soups that support heart and kidney health.
- Made with whole foods and no additives, Amy’s soups fit balanced eating patterns.
With hundreds of canned soups stocked on supermarket shelves, it can be difficult to narrow down the healthiest options. So EatingWell tapped dietitians to learn what they look for in a store-bought soup and what brand they personally eat and recommend to their clients. They all said Amy’s—here’s why.
What Sets Amy’s Soups Apart
Since its launch in 1987, Amy’s has been dedicated to using organic and non-GMO ingredients in its products while avoiding allergens, such as peanuts, bioengineered ingredients and hydrogenated oils wherever possible. In addition, every product, including the more than 30 flavor varieties in their line of canned soups, is made with 100% vegetarian ingredients. The brand is also committed to sourcing its ingredients from local farms, working together to grow foods under the best possible conditions and for the good of everyone involved—including Mother Nature.
This business philosophy helps ensure that consumers are getting high-quality products made with whole foods, such as brown rice, beans and vegetables, which Avery Zenker, MAN, RD, says are crucial sources of essential nutrients, including fiber. “It’s estimated that about 95% of Americans aren’t meeting fiber recommendations. Fiber supports gut microbiome health, balanced blood sugar, stable appetite, immune health, healthy body weight and more,” she explained. Whole foods and zero additives also translate to better flavor and quality. In other words, Amy’s canned soups are about as close to homemade quality as it gets.
What Dietitians Look For In Canned Soups—Plus Their Favorite Amy’s Flavors
Marra Burroughs, DCN, RD, says that one thing she particularly appreciates about Amy’s products is their clear labeling, which she believes makes it easier for consumers to identify healthier options. Her favorites include the light in sodium versions of their split pea and lentil vegetable soups. “Canned soups are notoriously high in sodium, with some options containing 1,400 milligrams or more per serving. Choosing a reduced-sodium option can significantly decrease your sodium intake, supporting healthy blood pressure and kidney function, reducing the risk of heart disease and potentially decreasing fluid retention, since excess sodium causes the body to retain water,” explains Burroughs.
Susan Greeley, RDN, says that although most high-sodium meals are consumed from prepared and packaged foods, eating one high-sodium meal isn’t alone concerning, as long as it’s part of an overall balanced diet. And she said that one of the simplest ways to stick to a balanced diet is to consume whole foods and prepare meals at home, or choose prepared foods that closely match those qualities. Nearly every Amy’s canned soup nutrition label features a variety of whole foods, making them among the best choices when trying to adhere to a healthy diet, such as the DASH and Mediterranean diets, which focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. As for Greeley’s favorite go-to, she opts for the light in sodium chunky tomato bisque—it has 50% less sodium than the regular version.
Zenker adds that most Amy’s canned soups are free of cholesterol and low in sugar and saturated fats—ingredients that she says can increase the risk of chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity. “Not all artificial ingredients and additives are linked to health risks, but they’re not necessary for a healthy and tasty soup. Lack of artificial ingredients and fillers can help indicate whether a soup is high quality,” she noted.
Where To Find Amy’s Soups
Amy’s canned soups are widely available in most major supermarkets, as well as independent, natural and organic grocers. The brand also makes a large selection of prepared frozen foods, including frozen breakfast, lunch and dinner meals, as well as frozen snacks and vegetarian burger patties. Using the “Find Near You” tool on their website is the easiest way to locate stores near you that carry their products.
Our Expert Take
A diet rich in whole foods and low in sodium, added sugars and other additives is key to maintaining optimal nutrition, according to dietitians. Because prepackaged foods often contain less-than-optimal ingredients and disproportionately high levels of additives when compared to homemade foods, it can be difficult to find convenient options. Canned soups can make the task more effortless, as long as you’re choosing those prepared with nutritious, quality ingredients. Dietitians’ overall canned soup brand recommendation is Amy’s. They appreciate the brand’s focus on whole foods sourced from local organic farms, plus their low-sodium options that they say can lessen the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure and kidney disease. The line includes more than 30 varieties and is available at most major grocery retailers.