Additional Coverage:
- The Best (and Worst) Chicken Noodle Soups at the Grocery Store (blog.cheapism.com)
Chicken Noodle Soup Showdown: Local Journalist Slurps Down Eight Brands to Find the Best
Forget baseball, is chicken noodle soup America’s true pastime? When we’re feeling under the weather, or just craving a warm hug in a bowl, many of us reach for that familiar can.
But with so many options lining grocery store shelves, which brand reigns supreme? I bravely sampled eight popular chicken noodle soups to determine the ultimate comfort food champion.
The Undisputed King: Rao’s Chicken Noodle Soup
No surprises here. Rao’s, the legendary New York City restaurant, already holds a crown for its pasta sauce.
Now, they’ve conquered the soup aisle. This wasn’t just a win; it was a total knockout.
The broth, infused with garlic and Italian herbs, was a revelation compared to the bland offerings from other brands. The chicken was tender, the noodles perfectly cooked, and the carrots offered a satisfying bite.
If you’re looking for restaurant-quality soup at home, look no further.
Second Place Surprise: Old El Paso Jalapeño Chicken Noodle Soup
Okay, I’ll admit it, this one bent the rules a bit. Old El Paso brought some serious heat to the competition with their jalapeño-infused chicken noodle soup.
While purists might cry foul, the subtle spice and savory broth created a surprisingly delicious twist. Add some tortilla strips and avocado, and you’ve got a crossover contender that almost qualifies as tortilla soup.
Fair? Maybe not.
Tasty? Absolutely.
A Solid Contender: Campbell’s Slow Kettle Roasted Chicken Noodle Soup
A significant upgrade from Campbell’s classic offering, this slow kettle version boasts visible herbs and spices, along with actual pieces of carrots and celery. The convenient microwavable cup is a plus, though the cooking instructions need some adjusting. Overall, a decent and flavorful option for a quick lunch or dinner.
Middle of the Pack: Progresso Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup
Progresso delivers on real chicken flavor, but the broth could use a boost. While the carrot slices were a personal preference miss, this classic canned soup remains a reasonable choice for those seeking a familiar comfort.
Room for Improvement: Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup
While Panera’s soup fared poorly against its in-house competitors, it wasn’t the worst of this bunch. The shredded chicken, though visually appealing, lacked flavor. The thick, bland broth and toothsome noodles couldn’t save this one from a mediocre ranking.
Disappointing: Annie’s Organic Chicken Noodle Soup
I had high hopes for Annie’s Organic, expecting a wholesome, veggie-packed broth. Sadly, this soup fell flat. While the overall flavor wasn’t offensive, the strangely textured chicken, made with tapioca starch, was a major turn-off.
Near the Bottom: Campbell’s Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup
This “heart healthy” option landed somewhere between Campbell’s other offerings. Nothing remarkable to note, and it shared the same odd, tofu-like chicken texture found in Annie’s.
Dead Last: Campbell’s Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
The quintessential canned soup, unfortunately, landed at the bottom of the barrel. Gummy noodles, minuscule chicken cubes, and an oily broth make this a classic to avoid. Even the convenience of the microwavable cup couldn’t redeem this disappointing soup.
Read More About This Story:
- The Best (and Worst) Chicken Noodle Soups at the Grocery Store (blog.cheapism.com)