One cup of tomato soup delivers 65–90 calories, depending on recipe, brand, and whether it’s prepared with water or milk.
Calories
Typical Cup
Creamy Cup
Basic (Water-Prepared)
- Add equal water per label
- Simmer 3–5 minutes
- Finish with basil and pepper
Light & tangy
Better (With Milk)
- Swap 2% milk for water
- Sauté onion for depth
- Blend for silky texture
Creamier body
Best (Roasted Tomato)
- Roast tomatoes and garlic
- Add low-sodium broth
- Swirl a spoon of pesto
Big flavor
Calories In Tomato Soup By Style
Tomato soup can be light or rich. The base, liquid, and add-ins decide the calorie count. A water-prepared cup from standardized school recipes sits around 65–71 calories. Prepared with water from common canned products lands near 80–90 calories per cup. When milk or cream steps in, the number climbs.
| Type | Calories (1 Cup) | What To Expect |
|---|---|---|
| USDA school/care recipe | 65–71 | Lean base with broth; gentle sweetness |
| Ready-to-serve, water-based | ~81–90 | Classic canned bowl after diluting condensed soup |
| Condensed undiluted (half-cup) | ~80–90 | Denser serving; labels often show per 1/2 cup |
| With 2% milk | +60–90 | Extra from dairy; creamier body |
| With cream or cheese | +100–180 | Richer taste; smaller portion helps |
| Restaurant creamy basil | ~170–240 | Often includes cream, sugar, and oil |
How Many Calories Are In Tomato Soup? Nuance That Matters
Two bowls that look the same can differ on the label. Tomatoes vary, brands season differently, and some recipes lean on sugar or cream for balance. Ranges make sense here. When you need a single number, read the Nutrition Facts panel on the product you’re pouring.
Serving Size Drives The Math
Most labels show 1 cup as a serving. If your bowl holds more, double the lines on the panel. Many condensed cans list 1/2 cup condensed as the serving; after you add water, the prepared cup is the fair comparison across brands.
Liquid Choice Changes Calories
Water keeps calories in check. Using 2% milk adds roughly 60–70 calories per cup. Whole milk pushes higher. Non-dairy milks differ by brand; unsweetened almond is light, while coconut tends to land higher.
Add-Ins Can Swing The Count
Butter, cream, cheese, croutons, and olive oil raise calories fast. Veggies like carrots, celery, or roasted peppers barely budge the number but improve texture and fiber. Grains, pasta, or grilled cheese on the side shift the meal total more than the soup itself.
Simple Math From Can To Bowl
Grab a condensed can with 90 calories per 1/2 cup condensed. You’ll add roughly 1/2 cup water to make 1 cup of soup. The prepared cup still lands near 90 calories since water brings volume, not energy. If you swap in 1/2 cup 2% milk, add about 60–70 calories to that cup.
Sodium And Sugar: What’s Typical
Canned tomato soup often ranges from 200 to 700 milligrams of sodium per cup. No-salt-added versions sit well under that. Sugar can land around 5 to 12 grams per cup, coming from tomatoes and any added sweetener to balance acidity. The FDA pegs the sodium Daily Value at less than 2,300 milligrams per day; a cup with 700 milligrams uses about 30% of that budget.
Make Tomato Soup Lighter Or Heartier
Lighter, Same Comfort
Use water instead of dairy. Stir in extra tomatoes or low-sodium broth to stretch volume. Finish with fresh basil, black pepper, and a teaspoon of olive oil for aroma without many calories.
Hearty, Still Balanced
Blend in cannellini beans for body and 3–4 grams of protein per cup. Add diced carrots and celery for more texture and fiber. If you want creaminess, whisk in evaporated milk instead of heavy cream.
Tomato Soup Calories Compared To Similar Bowls
Tomato soup sits on the leaner end of the classic soup lineup. Potato chowders and cheese-based bowls climb fast, while broth-heavy vegetable soups can be lighter. Pairing choices matter just as much as the base.
| Soup Type | Calories (1 Cup) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato, water-prepared | ~65–90 | Lean, tangy |
| Tomato, with milk | ~120–180 | Creamy, richer |
| Minestrone | ~110–160 | Veggies and pasta |
| Chicken noodle | ~100–150 | Broth with noodles |
| Broccoli cheddar | ~200–300 | Cheese heavy |
| Clam chowder | ~180–300 | Cream and potatoes |
Reading Labels: Quick Tips
Spot The Serving
Match your ladle or bowl to the serving line. If a can lists 2.5 servings, that small can will feed one hungry person or two light cups.
Scan Calories, Then Sodium
Calories help you budget the meal. Sodium guides total salt for the day. Aim for lower numbers if you’re pairing the soup with a salty sandwich or crackers.
Check Sugars And Protein
Natural tomato sugars keep the taste bright. Added sugar shows up on the line; pick lower if you prefer less sweetness. Protein is modest unless beans, dairy, or meat are involved.
Portion Ideas That Fit Your Day
Tomato soup slides into many plans. A 1-cup mug works as a starter. Two cups with a side salad can feel like lunch. If you track intake, anchor it to your daily calorie needs and adjust the extras around it.
Pairing Combos
Keep it lean with a slice of whole-grain toast and a little soft cheese. Go hearty with a half grilled cheese made in a nonstick pan. Add a handful of roasted chickpeas for crunch and more protein.
Homemade Vs. Store-Bought
Speed And Control
Store-bought wins for speed. Homemade wins for control: you set the salt level, decide on dairy, and build flavor with onions, garlic, and herbs. Roasting tomatoes first adds depth without piling on calories.
Batch And Freeze
Make a big pot on the weekend. Freeze flat in zip bags so you can reheat a cup at a time. Label with date and style so you know whether it was dairy-free or creamy.
Bottom Line On Tomato Soup Calories
Per cup, tomato soup usually sits between 65 and 90 calories when made with water. Creamy versions go higher, and toppings can swing the total quickly. Want a plan that fits your goals? Try our calorie deficit guide to map portions around your day.