United States Soup Market Key Drivers, Regional Insights & Forecast to 2033

United States Soup Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth & Forecast Report (2025–2033)

Renub Research | Consumer Goods & Retail

Market Overview

The United States soup market was valued at US$ 5.03 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach approximately US$ 6.64 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.66% during the forecast period (2025–2033). The market is being driven by a fusion of modern consumer demands — including convenience, health-conscious eating, premiumization, and global culinary influences — making soup not only a comfort food but also a functional, diverse, and daily meal solution.

  1. Introduction to Soup Consumption in the U.S.

Soup, a staple across American households, is evolving from a seasonal comfort food to an everyday meal choice. Traditional varieties like chicken noodle, tomato bisque, and clam chowder still dominate, but innovation is pushing the boundaries through health-forward, plant-based, ethnic, and gourmet soup options. Whether it’s served piping hot in winter or cold like gazpacho in summer, soup remains versatile and appealing across demographics.

  1. Key Market Drivers

2.1 Rising Demand for Convenient, Healthy Foods

With more Americans leading busy lives, ready-to-eat (RTE) and microwavable soup options are gaining momentum. Clean-label soups with natural ingredients, low sodium, and no artificial additives are especially attractive. Consumer preference for organic, plant-based, and nutrient-dense products is a major growth catalyst.

Example: Panera Bread’s seasonal soup launches, like Hearty Fireside Chili, reflect the rising appeal of fresh, high-quality soup cups in winter seasons.

2.2 Premiumization and Functional Ingredients

Consumers are shifting from generic canned soups to gourmet and functional offerings that mimic restaurant-quality dishes. Ingredients such as bone broth, turmeric, ginger, and collagen provide not just taste but health benefits.

Example: Zoup!’s Good, Really Good® Soups cater to premium shoppers seeking clean-label and shelf-stable gourmet options.

2.3 Plant-Based and Vegan Soup Boom

The growing vegan and flexitarian movements have led to a surge in demand for plant-protein-based soups. Brands are innovating with lentil, chickpea, and vegetable-based broths. Additionally, the use of sustainable packaging is influencing buying decisions.

Example: Amy’s Kitchen recently introduced globally inspired vegan soups with scratch-made organic vegetables.

  1. Market Challenges

3.1 Decline in Traditional Canned Soup Popularity

Canned soups, once a pantry staple, are now viewed skeptically due to concerns about preservatives, high sodium, and lack of freshness. Legacy brands are rebranding and reformulating products to stay competitive.

3.2 Rising Competition from Alternate Meal Options

Consumers now have access to meal kits, salads, protein shakes, and frozen entrees, offering similar convenience but with broader variety and perceived freshness, reducing reliance on soups alone.

  1. United States Soup Market by Product Type

4.1 Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Wet Soups

These soups are seen as premium alternatives to canned variants. Brands are offering microwavable bowls and refrigerated options with restaurant-style flavors.

Notable Players: Panera Bread, Campbell’s Fresh Reserve

4.2 Dry Soups

Including instant mixes and powdered soups, this segment benefits from long shelf life and cost-effectiveness. Enhanced with freeze-drying tech and organic ingredients, dry soups are being revitalized for health-conscious users.

4.3 Frozen & Refrigerated Soups

A rapidly growing segment, offering freshness, no preservatives, and home-cooked quality. These are widely available in grocery stores and through direct-to-consumer delivery models.

4.4 Condensed Wet Soups & Broths

Though traditional, these soups are facing stagnation. However, innovation in packaging and ingredient quality may help reinvigorate this category.

New Publish Reports

 

  1. Market by Distribution Channel

5.1 Retail

Retail remains the largest distribution channel, with increasing shelf space for plant-based, organic, and refrigerated soups. Growth in private-label and international SKUs is evident.

5.2 Food Service

Restaurants, cafés, and convenience stores continue to integrate soups into menus, particularly due to their low cost and high margin potential. Seasonal varieties and gourmet flavors are trending.

5.3 Online Stores

E-commerce is fueling access to global soup varieties and specialty dietary soups. Subscription models and meal delivery services are also pushing this channel forward.

  1. United States Soup Market by Region

6.1 East

High consumption of regional favorites like New England Clam Chowder and Lobster Bisque. Cultural diversity contributes to demand for international soups like pho and borscht.

6.2 West

Home to health-conscious consumers, the West sees high demand for organic, plant-based, and clean-label soups. California leads in vegan innovation.

6.3 North

With harsh winters, demand spikes for hearty, protein-rich soups like beef stew and split pea soup. RTE and frozen options are especially popular.

6.4 South

The Southern market favors bold flavors, including spicy and hearty recipes. Growing Hispanic influence is bringing more tortilla and pozole soups to market.

  1. Competitive Landscape

Major Players:

  • The Campbell’s Company
  • Kellanova
  • PepsiCo
  • Nestlé
  • General Mills Inc.
  • The Kraft Heinz Company
  • Hain Celestial Group
  • Cargill Incorporated
  • Conagra Brands, Inc.
  • Greencore

Each company is profiled across:

  • Overview
  • Key Personnel
  • Recent Developments
  • Revenue Insights
  1. Market Segmentation

By Product Type:

  • Ready-to-eat Wet Soups
  • Condensed Wet Soups
  • Dry Soups
  • Frozen/Refrigerated Soup
  • Wet Broths/Stocks

By Distribution Channel:

  • Food Service
  • Retail
  • Online Stores

By Region:

  • East
  • West
  • North
  • South
  1. Report Deliverables
Feature Details
Base Year 2024
Forecast Period 2025–2033
Format PDF, Excel (PPT/Word on request)
Customization 20% Free
Post-Sale Support 1 Year
Coverage 10 Companies, 4 Regions, 5 Product Categories
  1. Key Questions Answered in the Report
  1. What is the projected market size of the U.S. soup industry by 2033?
  2. What is the expected CAGR of the soup market in the U.S. between 2025 and 2033?
  3. Which product segments are expected to dominate the market growth?
  4. What are the driving factors behind the rise of plant-based and premium soups?
  5. How is the canned soup market being impacted by changing consumer preferences?
  6. What challenges do soup brands face from alternative meal options?
  7. Which distribution channels offer the greatest growth potential for soup manufacturers?
  8. How does regional demand vary across East, West, North, and South U.S.?
  9. What are the innovations shaping the future of the U.S. soup industry?
  10. Who are the key market players and what strategies are they employing to remain competitive?