United States Soup Market Size and Forecast 2025

The United States soup market stood at US$ 5.03 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to reach US$ 6.64 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 3.66% between 2025 and 2033, according to Renub Research. The market’s steady rise reflects America’s growing appetite for convenient, healthy, and innovative meal options. From comforting chicken noodle classics to plant-based global recipes, soups are being reimagined to align with modern consumer lifestyles.

The Comfort of Convenience: A Staple Reinvented

Soup, a dish deeply woven into American food culture, has transformed from a humble meal starter into a go-to healthy choice for all ages. Traditionally prepared by simmering vegetables, meat, grains, and spices, soup now comes in multiple formats — ready-to-eat, condensed, dry, frozen, and broth-based.

In U.S. households, soup remains a symbol of comfort and health, especially during colder months. But today, its appeal extends far beyond seasonal consumption. The rise of on-the-go lifestyles, clean-label preferences, and plant-based eating habits has positioned soup as a wholesome, functional, and convenient meal.

Brands like Campbell’s, Amy’s Kitchen, and Panera Bread have adapted quickly — blending tradition with innovation through organic ingredients, sustainable packaging, and globally inspired flavors.

Key Growth Drivers in the U.S. Soup Market

1. Demand for Healthy and Convenient Meal Options

As busy American lifestyles leave little time for cooking, consumers are turning to ready-to-eat (RTE) soups and single-serve microwavable bowls that balance convenience with nutrition. Shoppers increasingly seek clean-label, low-sodium, and additive-free soups that fit their health-conscious goals.

In December 2024, Panera Bread launched a limited-edition Holiday Soup Cup Collection, introducing Hearty Fireside Chili and Rustic Baked Potato Soup. With over 140 million soup servings annually, Panera exemplifies the industry’s push toward modern, health-friendly comfort food.

The rise of organic, gluten-free, and plant-based soups — often fortified with superfoods and natural herbs — further strengthens this segment’s growth.

2. The Rise of Premium and Functional Soups

Modern consumers are trading traditional canned varieties for premium, restaurant-quality soups enriched with functional ingredients. Bone broth-based soups, turmeric-infused recipes, and collagen-rich blends are trending, appealing to those seeking both indulgence and wellness.

Brands such as Zoup! Good, Really Good® Soups are pioneering this shift. In January 2022, Zoup! introduced a gourmet shelf-stable soup line combining simmered flavor with convenience. These new offerings align perfectly with consumers’ desire for elevated taste and health benefits in one package.

3. Expanding Demand for Plant-Based and Vegan Options

The plant-based revolution is reshaping the U.S. soup industry. With more Americans identifying as flexitarian or vegan, soups made from lentils, chickpeas, mushrooms, and plant proteins are becoming mainstream.

In November 2024, Amy’s Kitchen, a leading organic food brand, launched five new globally inspired soups, including Southern favorites and international fusions — all made with organic vegetables and ethically sourced ingredients.

Sustainability and environmental awareness are driving this trend, as consumers look for eco-friendly packaging and responsibly sourced components. As a result, plant-based soups are emerging as one of the fastest-growing product segments.

Challenges Facing the U.S. Soup Market

1. Declining Popularity of Traditional Canned Soups

While canned soups once dominated American pantries, they now face declining demand due to concerns over preservatives, artificial additives, and high sodium content. Younger generations, in particular, are steering toward fresh, organic, and minimally processed alternatives.

Traditional players like Campbell’s and Kraft Heinz are reformulating classic recipes and updating packaging to meet these evolving expectations. Constant innovation will be critical for legacy brands to remain relevant.

2. Competition from Alternative Meal Solutions

The soup market now competes not only with rival soup brands but with an entire category of quick, functional meal alternatives — from protein shakes to salad bowls and meal kits.

As consumers seek variety, soup must compete with these newer, trendier formats. However, soups still hold an advantage in comfort, versatility, and nutrition — key areas that brands are emphasizing to retain market share.

Segment Insights: How America Eats Its Soup

Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Wet Soups

RTE soups lead the market due to their fresh taste, high nutrition, and convenience. Refrigerated and microwaveable versions are growing rapidly, replacing traditional canned soups. Brands like Panera Bread, Campbell’s Fresh, and Pacific Foods are innovating with gourmet and global flavors.

Dry Soups

Instant and powder-based soups continue to attract consumers seeking affordable, shelf-stable options. Technological advancements such as freeze-drying have improved texture and flavor, making them a preferred choice for quick meals or emergency food supplies.

Health-focused variants using organic ingredients and reduced sodium are helping this segment maintain relevance among budget-conscious shoppers.

Frozen and Refrigerated Soups

This category is witnessing robust growth as consumers increasingly associate freshness and quality with refrigerated products. Gourmet, organic, and plant-based flavors dominate supermarket aisles, appealing to health-minded customers who prefer “homemade” taste without the effort.

Frozen soups, meanwhile, provide the benefit of longer shelf life and convenience — especially valuable for online and direct-to-consumer delivery channels.

Food Service Channel

Soups have become a staple in restaurants, cafés, and QSR chains, offering versatility and profitability. Seasonal recipes, locally sourced ingredients, and grab-and-go soup cups in convenience stores are expanding food service sales.

Quick-service chains increasingly use soups as healthy add-ons or lunch combos, capitalizing on their comfort factor and easy customization.

Retail and Online Distribution

Retail continues to dominate the U.S. soup market, but e-commerce and DTC (direct-to-consumer) channels are gaining significant ground. Online grocery platforms enable consumers to explore specialty, international, and artisanal soup varieties unavailable in traditional stores.

Private-label brands from supermarket giants like Walmart, Kroger, and Whole Foods are also contributing to market growth by offering premium soups at affordable prices.

Regional Overview: A Nation of Distinct Soup Preferences

East U.S.

Cold winters and rich culinary heritage make the East Coast a hotbed for soup consumption. Favorites include Manhattan-style clam chowder, lobster bisque, and minestrone. The region’s diverse immigrant population has also introduced global soups like pho and borscht, enriching flavor profiles.

West U.S.

Health-conscious and sustainability-driven consumers dominate the West, particularly in California. The demand for vegan, gluten-free, and organic soups is soaring. Locally sourced and refrigerated soups are preferred, while brands focus on eco-friendly packaging and clean labels to align with West Coast values.

North U.S.

The colder climate of Northern states fuels high soup consumption, especially hearty options such as beef stew, chicken noodle, and split pea soup. Convenience and comfort are top priorities here, with RTE and frozen soups being especially popular during harsh winters.

South U.S.

Southern consumers favor bold, regional flavors such as gumbo, corn chowder, and spicy tomato soups. There’s also growing interest in plant-based alternatives and international cuisines, as food diversity continues to expand across the region.

Major Companies Operating in the U.S. Soup Market

The Campbell’s Company

Kellanova

PepsiCo

Nestlé

General Mills Inc.

The Kraft Heinz Company

Hain Celestial Group

Cargill Incorporated

Conagra Brands Inc.

Greencore Group

These players are investing heavily in R&D, new flavor innovation, and sustainable packaging to capture shifting consumer preferences and expand their reach across digital and retail channels.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Soup in America

The U.S. soup market is undergoing a delicious transformation — blending tradition with innovation. Health-focused consumers, the rise of functional foods, and the convenience-driven culture are collectively propelling soup into a new era of nutrient-rich, gourmet, and eco-conscious options.

As brands pivot toward plant-based ingredients, premium flavor profiles, and smart packaging, soups will continue to occupy a unique space in American mealtime culture — one that balances comfort, health, and convenience in every bowl.

By 2033, with revenues reaching US$ 6.64 billion, the American soup story will not just be about warmth and nostalgia but also about how an age-old dish continues to adapt to the ever-changing tastes of modern consumers.