7 add-ins that make store-bought soup taste homemade

On a cool fall or chilly winter day, few meals feel more comforting than a hot bowl of soup. Whether you opt for a creamy tomato soup to dip your grilled cheese into, a minestrone thick with beans, or a rich, brothy pho or chicken noodle, soup can be tasty and filling.

It can also help you reach your weight and nutrition goals: Studies have shown that compared with non-soup eaters, soup consumers have a lower body weight and an overall healthier diet quality, with more protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. And research also shows that having non-creamy based soup as an appetizer can decrease your hunger and increase your fullness, leading you to eat less for your main course.

While it’s ideal to make your own so you can decide what ingredients go into it, we know that’s not always in the cards. If you’re going with a prepared soup, just watch the sodium. Store-bought soups, broths, and stocks can be loaded with sodium to help preserve flavor and extend their shelf life, so look for low- or reduced-sodium options in the supermarket. Then you can dress them up with these simple add-ins that boost both flavor and nutrients.

Leafy greens

Salads can be refreshing in summer but less appealing in cooler weather. That’s when soup can be a great way to incorporate hearty greens such as kale, collards, escarole, spinach, and even arugula. Incorporate whatever amount you prefer (fresh or frozen), then heat until warmed and wilted.

Cooked veggies

A whole bowl of liquid can get dull — spice it up with some solids in the mix. Frozen veggies such as peas and corn make nutritious additions and simply need to be heated through. Soup is also a great blank canvas for any of your cooked leftover veggies, such as diced butternut squash, broccoli florets, and diced potato.

Lean protein

Everyone’s trying to get more protein these days. A simple way to add protein to soup, whether it’s a veggie puree or a broth-based soup, is by adding in canned beans, shredded skinless rotisserie chicken, or sliced precooked turkey meatballs. It’ll eat like a meal and help keep you satisfied for longer.

Fresh herbs

Herbs add major flavor, whether they’re fresh, dried, or frozen. If they’re fresh, chop up a handful and scatter it on almost any soup for a hit of flavor and a pretty pop of green; frozen or dried ones can be added during cooking. Some of our favorites include parsley, thyme, dill, and chives.

Something crispy

After ladling soup into a bowl, add textural interest by sprinkling a crunchy element on top. Homemade croutons, a few crumbled tortilla chips, even some pieces of plain popcorn can all add excitement to your bowl.

Umami

“Umami” is the Japanese word to describe a rich, savory flavor. Boost it in your favorite soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated cheese, a spoonful of capers or chopped olives for briny flavor, chopped mushrooms, or sundried tomatoes. Every bite will taste a little more special.

A tart finishing touch

Palate-tickling acid helps other flavors pop. If you’re serving a veggie variety of soup, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice just before serving. If you’re heating up a Mexican- or Asian-style soup, add a squiggle of sriracha or other hot sauce. Balsamic vinegar complements everything from lentil soup to tomato bisque. Other vinegars like white distilled, sherry vinegar, and wine vinegars (both red and white), can be added to practically any soup to enhance and balance out flavors. No matter which you go with, a little splash is all it takes.

The bottom line

Soup is not only a cozy meal on a cold day — eating it is also associated with lower weight. While homemade is best for deciding what ingredients go in (or stay out) of your soup, store-bought varieties are fine if you choose lower-sodium versions and limit cream-based soups. Bulking up these store-bought soups even more by adding simple ingredients that add flavor, texture, and nutrients, from vinegar to shredded chicken to hearty greens, is an easy way to create a filling and nutritious meal.