Most Processed Canned Soups
Each product is ranked by its own Processing Score, highest first. To keep the list from being one company's catalog, it shows at most two products from any one brand.
Canned Soup by the Numbers
We scored every canned soup product in our database: 2,321 items across 168 brands. In our analysis, about 90% land in the Highly or Ultra-Processed tiers.
What should you look for on the label?
- Broth or water should be the first ingredient, not "cream base" or "soup stock"
- Under 600mg sodium per serving is low for canned soup
- Low sodium soup options exist but check that sodium is not replaced with extra MSG or sweeteners
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG) or "yeast extract" are flavor enhancers that indicate processing
- Recognizable vegetable pieces vs smooth purees generally indicates less processing
Least Processed Canned Soups
For context, here are the top 5 of the opposite ranking, the least processed canned soups in our analysis.
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How are products scored?
Every product is evaluated using two independent scores. The Processing Score (lower is better) measures the degree of industrial processing based on ingredient analysis, including the presence of artificial additives, preservatives, and highly modified ingredients. The Nutrition Score (higher is better) rates overall nutritional quality, rewarding protein and fiber while penalizing excess sodium, added sugars, and saturated fat.
Products are assigned to one of four processing levels: Minimal (score ≤ 2.5), Processed (2.6 to 5.0), Highly Processed (5.1 to 8.0), and Ultra-Processed (above 8.0). Each product in the ranking is placed by its own Processing Score, not by its brand. Based on our analysis of 445K+ curated products from the USDA FoodData Central database. For a deeper look, see our Processing Score guide and Two-Score System explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is sodium so high in canned soup?
Canning reduces flavor perception, so manufacturers compensate with high sodium. Salt also acts as a preservative. Typical canned soup has 800-1100mg sodium per serving, or 35-50% of daily recommended intake.
What is modified food starch in soup?
Modified food starch is chemically or physically treated starch used as a thickener. It replaces traditional methods like slow-cooking or using roux, enabling faster industrial production.
Are condensed soups more processed?
Condensed soups are typically more processed because they require additional thickeners, stabilizers, and concentrated flavoring agents to maintain quality when diluted.