Are you feeling under the weather or just craving that warm comforting bowl of chicken soup that reminds you of home? I’ve been there too! Nothing beats a steaming bowl of chicken soup when you’re feeling down or when the weather turns chilly. But where exactly can you find the best chicken soup without spending hours making it yourself? Let’s dive into all the places where you can buy chicken soup today!
Why Chicken Soup Is Worth Hunting Down
Before I share all my favorite places to buy chicken soup. let’s take a quick moment to remember why we’re all so obsessed with this liquid gold
- It’s basically a hug in a bowl
- Perfect for cold days and sick days
- Packed with protein and veggies (hello, nutrition!)
- Reminds us of childhood and comfort
- Versatile enough to please almost anyone
Grocery Stores: The Classic Option
Target
Target is one of my go-to places for grabbing chicken soup. They carry several options, but one of their most popular choices is Campbell’s Condensed Chicken Vegetable Soup. Coming in a 10.75oz can, this soup has earned itself an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars from customer reviews!
What I love about shopping at Target for chicken soup
- You can easily add it to your regular shopping trip
- Options for pickup, delivery, or shipping
- Free returns within 90 days (though who returns soup? lol)
- Can add to registries and wish lists (yes, some people love soup that much!)
- Frequently bought with other comfort foods
Campbell’s chicken vegetable soup is condensed, which means you’ll need to add water, but that also means it’s more economical. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare – just heat and eat!
Whole Foods Market
If you’re looking for something a bit more gourmet or freshly made, Whole Foods Market has an impressive selection of prepared soups including several chicken options.
Their prepared foods section features:
- Whole Foods Kitchens Chicken Noodle Soup (24 oz)
- Nana’s Chicken Noodle Soup (24 oz)
- Mom’s Chicken Soup (24 oz)
- Chicken & Rice Soup (24 oz)
What makes Whole Foods a great option:
- Fresh, prepared soups rather than just canned
- Many dietary options (gluten-free, organic, etc.)
- Available in larger 24 oz containers perfect for families
- Can be purchased in-store or ordered online
- Option for pickup and delivery through Amazon
I personally love their Mom’s Chicken Soup when I’m feeling nostalgic – it’s seriously close to homemade!
Other Grocery Store Options
Don’t forget to check these other grocery stores for chicken soup:
- Kroger/Ralph’s
- Safeway/Albertsons
- Trader Joe’s
- Publix
- Walmart
- Aldi
- Local grocery chains
Most of these stores will have both canned options and fresh soups in their deli or prepared foods sections.
Specialty Food Shops
For those times when you want something a bit more special, specialty food shops often carry gourmet or artisanal chicken soups.
- Gourmet markets: Places like Dean & DeLuca, Zabar’s, or local gourmet shops often have house-made chicken soups
- Ethnic markets: Try Asian markets for wonderful variations like chicken pho or wonton soup
- Butcher shops: Many butchers make fresh stock and soups from their quality meats
- Farmers markets: Local vendors often sell homemade soups with farm-fresh ingredients
Restaurants and Food Delivery
Dedicated Soup Restaurants
Some restaurants specialize in soups and often have multiple chicken soup variations:
- Zoup!: Chain restaurant focused exclusively on soups
- Hale and Hearty: Offers several chicken soup varieties daily
- Panera Bread: Known for their chicken noodle soup
- Corner Bakery: Offers a homestyle chicken noodle soup
DoorDash and Other Delivery Services
When you’re really not feeling well enough to go out, delivery services like DoorDash can bring chicken soup right to your door.
DoorDash has a whole category for “Chicken Soup Near Me” which helps you find the closest restaurants serving this comfort food. You can easily:
- Browse various restaurants in your area that serve chicken soup
- Compare prices and delivery times
- Read reviews from other customers
- Add extras like crackers or bread
- Have it delivered without changing out of your pajamas (my personal favorite part!)
Other delivery services to check:
- Uber Eats
- Grubhub
- Postmates
- Seamless
Online Options
If you want to stock up or get specialized chicken soups, online is the way to go:
Amazon
Amazon carries everything from:
- Canned chicken soups
- Boxed broths
- Gourmet options
- International varieties
- Bulk packages
Specialty Online Retailers
- Goldbelly: Ships famous restaurant soups nationwide
- Spoonful of Comfort: Ships homemade-style chicken soup care packages
- Nonna’s Chicken Soup: Ships traditional Italian-style chicken soup
- Grandma’s Chicken Soup: Another care package option
Making Your Decision: What Type of Chicken Soup Do You Want?
Before rushing out to buy chicken soup, think about what kind you’re actually craving:
Quick and Easy
- Canned soups from Target (like Campbell’s)
- Microwave cups
- Instant ramen with chicken flavor
Fresh and Wholesome
- Whole Foods prepared soups
- Deli counter soups from grocery stores
- Restaurant soups via DoorDash
Specialty Diets
- Gluten-free options (available at Whole Foods and health food stores)
- Low-sodium versions (available at most grocery stores)
- Organic chicken soups (Whole Foods, natural food stores)
International Flavors
- Mexican chicken tortilla soup
- Thai chicken and coconut soup
- Jewish matzo ball soup
- Vietnamese chicken pho
Price Comparison Chart
Here’s a rough idea of what you might expect to pay for different chicken soup options:
Source | Type | Approximate Price | Portion Size |
---|---|---|---|
Target | Campbell’s Condensed | $1.50-2.50 | 10.75 oz can |
Whole Foods | Fresh prepared | $6.99-9.99 | 24 oz container |
Restaurant | Made to order | $5-12 | Bowl (8-16 oz) |
DoorDash | Restaurant delivery | $8-15 | Bowl + delivery fee |
Specialty Online | Gourmet/Care Package | $30-80 | Multiple servings + shipping |
My Personal Recommendations
After trying basically ALL the chicken soups out there (yes, I’m a bit obsessed), here are my top picks:
- Best Budget Option: Campbell’s from Target when I’m watching my wallet
- Best “Tastes Like Homemade”: Whole Foods Mom’s Chicken Soup
- Best When Sick: DoorDash delivery from a local diner or Jewish deli
- Best for Gifting: Spoonful of Comfort care packages
- Best for Stocking Up: Amazon bulk ordering of my favorite brand
Tips for Buying Chicken Soup
Here are some pro tips from a chicken soup enthusiast (me!):
- Stock up during sales: Canned soups often go on sale in fall/winter
- Check expiration dates: Especially important for canned soups
- Read the ingredients: Some “chicken” soups contain very little actual chicken
- Consider sodium content: Many prepared soups are high in sodium
- Look for chunky varieties: If you want something more substantial
- Ask for recommendations: Deli counter staff often know which soups are freshest
- Order ahead: For specialty shops or popular delis, calling ahead can save time
Enhancing Store-Bought Chicken Soup
Even the most basic store-bought chicken soup can be elevated with a few simple additions:
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or thyme)
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- Extra shredded rotisserie chicken
- Fresh vegetables
- Cooked rice or noodles
- A dash of hot sauce
- A dollop of sour cream
- Crispy crackers or croutons
When to Splurge vs. When to Save
Splurge when:
- You’re really sick and need the good stuff
- Comfort is your primary goal
- You’re serving guests
- You have dietary restrictions that require specialty options
Save when:
- You’re using the soup as an ingredient in another recipe
- You’re on a tight budget
- You plan to doctor it up yourself anyway
- You’re stocking an emergency pantry
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Chicken Soup
At the end of the day, the best place to buy chicken soup depends on your specific needs at that moment. Are you sick and need delivery? Head to DoorDash. Want something quick and affordable? Target’s Campbell’s soup is calling your name. Craving something that tastes homemade without the work? Whole Foods has you covered.
Whatever your chicken soup needs, there’s definitely an option out there that’s perfect for you. The wonderful thing about chicken soup is that even the simplest version provides comfort and warmth.
So next time you’re feeling under the weather or just need a bowl of comfort, you’ll know exactly where to go to find your perfect chicken soup!
What’s your favorite place to buy chicken soup? I’d love to hear about your go-to soup spots in the comments below!
Stay warm and cozy,
Your Friendly Neighborhood Soup Enthusiast
Shop our Best Sellers
First, we freeze our homemade chicken soup so it is fresh frozen; then we pack it in specially insulated packaging that keeps food safe and delicious. We ship it and it arrives ready to heat, eat and enjoy.
The Best and Worst Supermarket Chicken Broths | The Taste Test
FAQ
What is the best store-bought chicken soup?
- Best: Rao’s Chicken Noodle Soup. …
- Old El Paso Jalapeño Chicken Noodle Soup. …
- Campbell’s Slow Kettle Roasted Chicken Noodle Soup. …
- Progresso Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup. …
- Panera Bread Chicken Noodle Soup. …
- Annie’s Organic Chicken Noodle Soup.
Does Panera Bread sell chicken soup?
Is chicken soup actually healthy?
Yes, chicken soup is generally healthy as it’s rich in beneficial nutrients like protein, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, providing nourishment and support for the immune system, especially during illness. The healthiness of chicken soup depends on the ingredients; incorporating plenty of vegetables and whole grains, and opting for low-sodium or homemade broth, enhances its nutritional value and overall health benefits.
Does Chick-fil-A sell soup?
Yes, Chick-fil-A has offered Chicken Noodle Soup and Chicken Tortilla Soup on their menu, though Chicken Tortilla Soup is a seasonal item. Chicken Noodle Soup is a permanent menu item with shredded chicken, carrots, celery, and egg noodles in a hearty broth, while Chicken Tortilla Soup is available seasonally, usually during the colder months, and features shredded chicken, beans, and tortilla strips in a creamy base.