Where to Buy the Best Chicken Noodle Soup: Your Ultimate Guide

Ever had one of those days when nothing but a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup will do? Whether you’re fighting a cold craving comfort food or just need something quick and satisfying, chicken noodle soup hits the spot like nothing else. But where can you find the best bowl when you need it most?

I’ve searched high and low to find the tastiest, most convenient options out there. From grocery store shelves to restaurant chains, here’s your complete guide to finding that perfect bowl of liquid comfort!

Grocery Store Options: Quick and Convenient

When you need chicken noodle soup ASAP, grocery stores offer plenty of delicious options you can grab and go

Walmart’s Top Chicken Noodle Soup Choices

Walmart carries an impressive variety of chicken noodle soups at different price points

• Maruchan Instant Lunch Chicken Flavor ($0.62) – A budget-friendly option at just 27.6¢/oz
• Campbell’s Condensed Chicken Noodle Soup ($1.24) – The classic choice with 4.4/5 stars from 1,855 reviews
• Progresso Traditional Chicken Noodle ($1.98) – A heartier option in a 19oz can
• Great Value Chicken Noodle Condensed Soup ($0.70) – Walmart’s store brand at just 6.7¢/oz

For those who prefer ramen-style chicken noodle soups, Walmart also offers Nissin Top Ramen Chicken Flavor and Maruchan Ramen Noodle Chicken Flavor in multi-packs or individual servings.

Target’s Premium Soup Options

Target takes a slightly more upscale approach with their soup selection:

• Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup (16oz) – A restaurant-quality option with 4.3/5 stars from 259 reviews
• Amy’s Organic Soups – For those wanting organic ingredients
• Pacific Foods – Known for their clean ingredients and broths

Restaurant Chains with Amazing Chicken Noodle Soup

Sometimes you just want someone else to do the cooking. These restaurant chains serve up some of the best chicken noodle soup around:

Panera Bread

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup – Made with white chicken meat, egg noodles, carrots, celery and herbs in a seasoned broth. At just 100 calories per bowl, it’s both delicious and relatively light.

Pro tip: Pair it with a piece of their freshly baked bread for the ultimate comfort meal!

Chick-fil-A

Yes, the chicken sandwich specialists also make an excellent chicken noodle soup! Their version features shredded Chick-fil-A chicken breast, chopped veggies, and egg noodles in clear chicken broth. Each order comes with saltine crackers for dipping or crumbling.

Boston Market

Their Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup stands out from the crowd because it’s made with their famous rotisserie chicken. The dumpling-style noodles give it extra substance, making it perfect as either a side or main dish.

Olive Garden

For something a bit different, try Olive Garden’s Chicken & Gnocchi Soup. Instead of traditional egg noodles, they use Italian pasta dumplings in a creamy broth with spinach. It’s a tasty twist on the classic!

Culver’s

This Wisconsin-founded chain offers an excellent Chicken Noodle Soup featuring tender white meat chicken, thick plank-like noodles, and veggies. It’s perfect paired with their grilled cheese sandwich.

Noodles & Company

With “noodles” in their name, you’d expect great things from their chicken noodle soup—and they deliver! Made with grilled chicken breast, wavy egg noodles, and fresh veggies, it’s available in full or side-order size.

Au Bon Pain

This cafe chain’s Chicken Noodle Soup keeps it classic with chicken breast, well-seasoned broth, egg noodles, and the traditional mix of carrots, onions, and celery.

Cafe Zupas

With over 55 locations across eight states, Cafe Zupas offers a dairy-free, low-calorie Chicken Noodle Soup featuring juicy grilled chicken, egg noodles, and fresh veggies in a flavorful chicken broth.

Making Your Decision: What to Consider

When deciding where to buy chicken noodle soup, think about:

1. Convenience – How quickly do you need it? Grocery store options can be ready in minutes.
2. Price point – Restaurant soups typically cost more but offer fresher ingredients.
3. Dietary needs – Many places now offer gluten-free, lower-sodium, or organic options.
4. Portion size – Do you want leftovers or just a single serving?

My Personal Favorites

I’ve tried a ton of chicken noodle soups over the years, and I gotta say, Boston Market’s rotisserie chicken version was one of my go-to fast-food soups growing up. That rich flavor from the rotisserie chicken really makes a difference!

For grocery store options, I think Campbell’s Chunky Classic Chicken Noodle hits the sweet spot between convenience and flavor. At $2.48 for an 18.6 oz can, it’s hearty enough to satisfy without breaking the bank.

Best Value Options

If you’re watching your budget:

• Great Value Chicken Noodle Condensed Soup at Walmart (just 6.7¢ per ounce)
• Maruchan Ramen 12-pack for $3.97 (works out to just 11¢ per ounce)
• Campbell’s 4-pack for $4.88 (a slight discount over buying individual cans)

Premium Picks Worth the Splurge

Willing to spend a bit more for quality?

• Panera Bread’s take-home soup from Target
• Progresso Rich and Hearty Chicken and Homestyle Noodles ($1.98)
• Pholicious instant chicken pho ($4.93) – A Vietnamese twist on chicken noodle soup

Make It a Meal

Whatever option you choose, consider these pairings:

• Classic grilled cheese sandwich
• Oyster crackers or saltines
• Fresh crusty bread
• Simple green salad

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re battling a cold or just craving comfort food, there’s a chicken noodle soup option out there that’s perfect for you. From budget-friendly instant cups to restaurant-quality bowls, the choices are endless.

We all have those days when only chicken noodle soup will do, and now you know exactly where to find it! What’s your go-to chicken noodle soup spot? I’d love to hear about your favorite in the comments!

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Panera’s Chicken Noodle Soup can be a healthy option because it’s broth-based, a good source of protein from chicken, and contains vegetables like carrots and celery, which provide essential vitamins and minerals.