If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s the sheer convenience and unexpected delights that await us in those beloved TJ’s aisles. From quirky snacks to pantry staples, it’s a treasure hunt every single time. But today, we’re diving deep into a category that promises warmth, comfort, and quick meal solutions: the premade soups.
You know the drill. Tucked neatly into the long stretch of refrigerated goods, or sometimes shelf-stable in cartons and cans, Trader Joe’s offers quite the assortment of ready-to-go soups. And by ready-to-go, we mean you can literally pop one of the containers into the microwave and slurp on warm soup in a matter of minutes. This convenience is a total game-changer, especially for those who live alone and don’t need a batch big enough to feed a crowd, or for anyone needing a speedy lunch or dinner fix.
But here’s the million-dollar question: with such a vast selection, are these soups actually *any good*? Do they deliver on flavor, texture, and that all-important comfort factor? Well, my friends, I took on the monumental task of taste-testing all 11 of Trader Joe’s premade soups to give you the definitive, no-holds-barred ranking from worst to best. Our methodology was simple: we bought ’em, we slurped ’em, and we judged ’em on overall flavor quality, texture, and how well each soup bodes as a meal on its own. Let’s get into it, starting with the ones that, well, just didn’t quite hit the mark.
1. **Hearty Minestrone Soup**Oh, minestrone. It sounds so wholesome, so comforting, doesn’t it? Loaded with plant-based goodness, a hearty minestrone soup promises a full meal or at least a nourishing side. However, Trader Joe’s hearty minestrone just couldn’t compete with the others on this list, landing it squarely at the very bottom. While it is indeed hearty, its blandness is undeniable, leaving much to be desired in the flavor department.
One of the biggest letdowns here is the orzo — or, more accurately, the distinct lack thereof. As you navigate through a brothy bowl of this soup, you’ll encounter an assortment of vegetables and a few beans, but you’ll find yourself straining to locate the alleged rice and quinoa orzo. It’s truly a mystery where it went! This absence contributes significantly to the soup’s overall lack of textural excitement and substance.
Ultimately, this soup suffers from being a little too broth-forward for its own good. And that wouldn’t be such a problem if the broth itself wasn’t desperately in need of salt and a serious flavor boost. If you’re a diehard minestrone fan, you might not be completely disappointed, as it does have a basic minestrone essence. However, for most, it’s simply not worth the fridge space, and you’d be better off making a batch of your own or reaching for another option entirely. As one fan noted, it can come across as “angry-tasting” and “incomplete.”
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2. **Organic Creamy Mushroom Soup**”Vegan” and “creamy” in the same title can often be a tricky combination, and unfortunately, Trader Joe’s organic creamy mushroom soup is a prime example. While it is undeniably vegan and gluten-free, the “creamy” part falls a bit short. Don’t get me wrong, this soup isn’t terrible; in fact, it packs in quite a bit of flavor complexity, especially considering the dietary restrictions it navigates.
The soup manages to capture a savory, almost meaty umami flavor profile without being overly mushroomy or super earthy, which is a definite plus. Vegetables like carrots and kale are present and help to balance out the mushrooms. However, the biggest downfall, beyond the lack of creaminess, is the texture. It’s chunky, but not in a delightful, rustic way. Instead, you’ll find lots of little chunks of mushrooms or carrots that just don’t come across as appealing, contributing to an overall awkward mouthfeel.
Despite the flavorful broth, the thin consistency is a letdown, and the greyish-brown color certainly doesn’t help its case. One shopper called it “basic and forgettable,” finding it tolerable but not worth repurchasing. While adding a splash of cream could potentially elevate it for non-vegans, as it stands, this mushroom soup doesn’t quite live up to its promising title and remains firmly near the bottom of our ranking.
3. **Pumpkin Butternut Squash Bisque**Anyone who’s enjoyed a good pumpkin or butternut squash soup knows this variety often leans into a delightful sweeter flavor profile. Trader Joe’s pumpkin butternut squash bisque aims for a two-for-one combo, blending both autumnal squashes into a fall-forward soup. The problem? It leans into sweet flavors a bit *too much*, resulting in a “sweet all-over taste” rather than a pleasant sweet aftertaste.
Beyond the pervasive sweetness, this bisque simply isn’t very interesting. While no bisque will be texturally exciting (unless you consider ultra-smooth broths a thrill), the flavor doesn’t offer much in the way of complexity or depth. Pumpkins and butternut squash, on their own, can be quite bland, so transforming them into soup requires a heavy reliance on other flavors to make them pop. Unfortunately, the additional flavors intended to do this – brown butter and sage – ultimately miss the mark.
The sage does shine through a little, providing some extra autumnal warmth, but the nutty brown butter flavor gets completely lost in the sauce. It’s a real shame, as brown butter would taste delicious in a pumpkin bisque if its presence were stronger. The unique tanginess from apple cider vinegar, noted by some, further detracts from the cozy fall taste one would expect, necessitating significant doctoring to become enjoyable. This seasonal offering, unfortunately, falls short of its potential.
4. **White Bean Chicken Chili**Trader Joe’s white bean chicken chili dives headfirst into Southwestern flavors, offering strong notes of poblano pepper, cumin, and chili powder. For cilantro lovers, this soup is a win, boasting a very cilantro-forward flavor that seems right at home amidst the other Tex-Mex spices. However, for those with the “cilantro soap gene” or simply those who can’t stand the herb, consider this a stern warning – the cilantro is definitely present and accounted for.
While we won’t fault the chili for its authentic cilantro inclusion, we *will* fault it for its less-than-desirable texture. If you’re someone who typically avoids chili for fear of beans, you should definitely steer clear of this mushy mixture. The two most abundant ingredients, white beans and chicken, aren’t particularly flavorful on their own, leading to a somewhat confusing bite. You get a smoky broth, but then bland and unexciting add-ins that don’t quite pull their weight.
On the positive side, this chili does serve its purpose if you need something to fill you up in a pinch, providing a decent amount of protein. We always appreciate a soup that can function as a full meal. However, the chunky elements simply don’t taste as good as the broth itself, leaving a sense that this white bean chicken chili could be a whole lot better with more flavorful and texturally distinct components.
5. **Kettle Cooked Chicken Soup**There’s arguably no soup more comforting, more universally loved, than classic chicken soup. The thought of tender chicken, carrots, and celery simmering in a rich, buttery, savory broth instantly conjures images of cozy nights and feeling nurtured. It’s the go-to when you’re under the weather or just need a simple, satisfying meal. So, it feels almost blasphemous to place Trader Joe’s kettle-cooked chicken soup this low on our list, but here we are.
Let’s be clear: this soup is not bad by any means. In fact, we can happily report that it’s “as good as the stuff you enjoyed from a can as a kid but even better.” The chicken broth is indeed nice and buttery, the chunks of chicken are tender, and the carrots add a pleasant earthiness. It’s fresh-tasting and perfectly acceptable if you prefer your soup on the milder side, or if you’re looking for something that’s simply savory and comforting without too many surprises.
However, its biggest drawback, for many, is the unexpected lack of noodles. While the package makes no mention of pasta, a classic chicken soup almost inherently suggests noodles for many, which significantly impacts its heartiness. Beyond that, it simply lacks the “oomph” or extra boost of salt and pepper that could elevate it beyond being just “playing it safe.” It’s a good, solid chicken soup, but ultimately, there are simply tastier and more exciting options further up this list that make this one feel a tad underwhelming.
6. **Harvest Chili**Who says chili needs meat to be robust and filling? Trader Joe’s Harvest Chili is a hearty contender, loaded with black beans, squash, pumpkin puree, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes. This diverse mix of ingredients, as the name heavily implies, delivers comforting and undeniably autumnal flavors, making it a perfect choice for warming up on a chilly fall or winter day. It’s certainly one of the most nourishing options on the list, packed with hearty goodness.
While its heartiness is commendable, this chili unfortunately falls victim to a similar conundrum as the pumpkin butternut squash bisque: it features an assortment of ingredients that are relatively bland on their own, and the chili doesn’t do enough to “jazz them up.” You will find some subtle smokiness and a warming spice that tickles the palate, but it ultimately could benefit from even more seasoning to truly make the flavors pop. It’s mildly spiced, as some note, though some find it slightly tangy from vinegar.
And once again, a warning about cilantro: this harvest chili does contain it, and you can certainly taste it. While the herb felt appropriate in the white bean chili, it feels a bit out of place here. Fortunately, it’s subtle enough that you can still enjoy the other flavors of the chili without it becoming a cilantro-forward dish, but it’s something to be aware of if cilantro isn’t your thing. Fans love its “autumnal vibe” and “hearty mix,” though some recommend pairing it with cornbread to round out the experience. It’s good, but it leaves you wanting just a *little* bit more.
Alright, soup enthusiasts, we’ve navigated the tricky waters of the “not-so-souper” options, and now it’s time to ascend to true soupy greatness! We’re talking about the creamiest, the most flavorful, and the downright most comforting bowls that Trader Joe’s has to offer. Prepare your spoons and your shopping lists, because these are the winners that truly earn their spot in your pantry (or fridge!), starting with our 5th best and working our way to the absolute top.
7. **Lentil Soup with Ancient Grains** (Our 5th Best Soup!)If you’re on the hunt for a soup that’s not just delicious but also a total nutritional powerhouse, then look no further than Trader Joe’s Lentil Soup with Ancient Grains. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a fiber-packed, plant-based champion, making it a fantastic choice for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to boost their veggie intake. It might not be the prettiest soup on the shelf, but trust me, what it lacks in visual flair, it absolutely makes up for in substance and taste.
If you’re on the hunt for a soup that’s not just delicious but also a total nutritional powerhouse, then look no further than Trader Joe’s Lentil Soup with Ancient Grains. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a fiber-packed, plant-based champion, making it a fantastic choice for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to boost their veggie intake. It might not be the prettiest soup on the shelf, but trust me, what it lacks in visual flair, it absolutely makes up for in substance and taste.
The flavor profile here is surprisingly refreshing, considering its hearty nature. Lentils, which form the bulk of this soup, bring a wonderful earthy taste on their own. But the real magic happens in the broth, which is a delightful cumin-forward concoction. Add in grains like quinoa and millet, and you’ve got a symphony of wholesome goodness that feels both satisfying and surprisingly light. It’s a comforting blend that hints at homemade quality.
Now, let’s talk texture. This soup is *thick* — so thick, in fact, that some might even say it’s closer to a chili. You could honestly eat it with a fork, which is a testament to its incredible heartiness! While some folks might prefer a thinner consistency and choose to thin it out with a splash of stock or water, I personally love the full-bodied experience it delivers. This thickness also makes it an incredibly filling option, easily standing alone as a complete meal.
Beyond its impressive nutritional benefits and fantastic flavor, this soup is a testament to how satisfying plant-based options can be. It’s truly a winner for anyone craving a wholesome, flavor-packed bowl that nourishes the body and comforts the soul. It’s no wonder health-conscious shoppers consistently praise its fresh, homemade taste and impressive protein and fiber content.
8. **Tomato Feta Soup** (Our 4th Best Soup!)Okay, I’ll be honest: I didn’t expect Trader Joe’s Tomato Feta Soup to rank quite so high, earning its spot as our fourth favorite. Tomato soup, while a classic comfort, often isn’t the most *exciting* contender in the soup aisle. But leave it to TJ’s to take a classic and give it an absolutely brilliant, zesty twist that makes it so much more than average. This soup proves that sometimes, all it takes is one star ingredient to elevate an everyday favorite into something truly special.
The secret weapon? Those wonderful, briny chunks of feta cheese swimming in the smooth tomato broth. They don’t overwhelm the soup with cheesiness; instead, they function more like tiny bursts of flavor, much like grated Parmesan enhances a spaghetti sauce. This clever addition makes the soup not just more flavorful, but also texturally intriguing, adding delightful little surprises with every spoonful. It’s a game-changer for anyone who thought tomato soup was destined to be a one-note affair.
And let’s not forget the tomato base itself – it’s absolutely spot on. The soup perfectly captures that acidic goodness you crave from a good tomato, providing a nice tanginess that tingles on your tongue without ever veering into sour or overbearing territory. It’s bright, fresh, and beautifully balanced, creating a vibrant backdrop for those cheesy feta pops. It’s no surprise that it’s gaining popularity, tapping into that viral tomato-feta trend with incredible success.
This shelf-stable gem is a versatile superstar. While it’s utterly fantastic on its own, it also serves as a brilliant base for creative culinary adventures. Imagine adding some tortellini, chickpeas, or fresh spinach to really round out your meal. Or, for the ultimate comfort food pairing, simply grab a grilled cheese sandwich and prepare for lunchtime heaven. It’s a testament to bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors done right.
9. **Lobster Bisque** (Our 3rd Best Soup!)If you’re ready to indulge in a truly luxurious, decadent experience, then Trader Joe’s Lobster Bisque is about to become your new best friend, taking our number three spot! This soup is every bit as rich and buttery as it sounds, delivering a gourmet feel without the gourmet price tag. It’s thick, it’s creamy, and it absolutely screams indulgence from the first spoonful, instantly transporting you to a fancy seaside restaurant.
What sets this bisque apart is its complex flavor profile. Beyond the rich, sweet notes of lobster, you’ll be treated to prominent hints of sherry wine and aromatic thyme, which really shine through and give it a sophisticated depth that many other premade soups simply can’t compete with. While it might not be the most texturally thrilling soup, its silky smoothness and layered flavors are enough to captivate your taste buds completely.
Now, a small, expected caveat: you won’t find an abundance of actual lobster pieces in this bisque. It’s a common compromise in such an affordably priced, restaurant-quality offering. However, the robust lobster flavor in the broth is so profound that you might barely notice. For those who crave a bit of crunch, a few crackers on the side would perfectly complement its creamy richness, or as some creative fans suggest, it makes an “insanely delicious” base for a shrimp pasta sauce!
This bisque is a true testament to Trader Joe’s ability to deliver high-end flavors in a convenient package. It’s a fan favorite for good reason, often praised for its “silky smooth” texture and amazing depth of flavor, making it a go-to when you’re seeking a sophisticated yet easy meal. Whether enjoyed as a standalone treat or as a versatile ingredient, this lobster bisque is a triumph of creamy, seafood-infused goodness.
10. **Unexpected Broccoli Cheddar Soup** (Our 2nd Best Soup!)Full disclosure, fellow soup fanatics: Trader Joe’s Unexpected Broccoli Cheddar Soup has quite a story, and there was even an infamous recall in the summer of 2023. The reason? Well, let’s just say there “may or may not have been insects inside the soup,” which, understandably, is not a selling point. I’ll admit, I had to try really hard to push those “creepy crawly” thoughts aside when I was taste-testing. But here’s the kicker: despite that rather unsettling chapter, this soup is so genuinely delicious that it still earned its high spot on our list as our second-best!
Why is it so good? This soup is a celebration of cheesy goodness, thanks to a blend of yellow cheddar and Trader Joe’s iconic Unexpected Cheddar. If you’re not familiar, Unexpected Cheddar is a magical cross between aged cheddar and Parmesan, offering a delightful mix of saltiness, sharpness, and even a hint of nuttiness and tang. This means you’re getting a cheese flavor that’s leagues above those Velveeta or American cheese-based soups, hitting that perfect balance without ever being *too* cheesy.
The rich, savory broth flows beautifully, and it’s generously studded with abundant broccoli florets. These aren’t just for show; they provide a pleasant earthiness that perfectly balances the creamy, sharp cheddar notes, ensuring every spoonful is a harmonious blend of flavors. The big chunks of broccoli add a welcome texture to an otherwise perfectly smooth and creamy experience.
While this soup is undeniably a savory delight, it’s worth noting that it might not feel like a complete meal on its own. But hey, that’s what a simple sandwich or a piece of crusty bread is for! It’s a fantastic option for a comforting lunch or a cheesy side, delivering everything you could want from a broccoli cheddar soup, living up to the delicious hype of its namesake cheese.
11. **New England Clam Chowder** (Our #1 Best Soup!)And now, for the undisputed champion, the one true king of the Trader Joe’s premade soup aisle: the New England Clam Chowder! If you’re from New England, or simply appreciate a truly authentic clam chowder, then you know it’s not always easy to find a really good one ready-made. But Trader Joe’s absolutely nailed it, delivering a bowlful that tastes so close to a fresh batch, it’s almost uncanny. This soup isn’t just good; it’s an experience, securing its top spot with undeniable superiority.
This chowder embodies everything a classic clam chowder should be: it’s incredibly rich, wonderfully creamy (without being gloppy), and delightfully savory. And yes, it hits all those perfectly fishy notes that clam chowder lovers adore. While clam chowder can be polarizing – some revere its distinct seafood flavor, while others find it a bit too much – we’re firmly in the “delightful” camp for this one. It’s got just enough clam flavor without ever becoming overpowering, making it a universally appealing seafood symphony.
The texture is nothing short of perfection. You’ll find a solid amount of tender clam chunks, alongside silky, hearty potato pieces and even a touch of sautéed onions that lend a subtle sweetness. It’s a truly filling soup, laden with all the good stuff that makes it a substantial meal on its own. Add in a good amount of pepper, and you’ve got just enough spice to keep things interesting and your taste buds tingling.
Truly, this New England Clam Chowder offers a restaurant-quality experience in a convenient container. Fans consistently rave about its “creamy, dreamy texture” and “perfect clam flavor,” calling it “like a cozy seaside meal in a bowl.” It’s the ultimate go-to for seafood lovers, a standby for a quick, comforting meal, and without a doubt, the very best premade soup you can find at Trader Joe’s. Go ahead, stock up – you won’t regret it!
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**Final Thoughts and Shopping Wisdom**
Phew, what a journey through the wonderful, wild world of Trader Joe’s premade soups! From the “not worth it” pile to the undisputed champion, we’ve slurped, savored, and ranked our way through 11 contenders to bring you the definitive guide. It’s clear that while not every soup is a winner, TJ’s still offers some incredible, convenient, and utterly delicious options that can make your mealtime a whole lot easier and more flavorful.
So, as you gear up for your next Trader Joe’s run, keep these pearls of wisdom in mind to ensure a savory success. First off, if you discover a favorite from our top picks – especially the Clam Chowder or Lobster Bisque – don’t hesitate to stock up! These gems can fly off the shelves, particularly during those cozy winter months. Remember, most of these soups are super budget-friendly, making it easy to experiment without breaking the bank.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and enhance flavors, especially with some of the more versatile options. A swirl of cream, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a handful of veggies can transform a simple soup into a gourmet delight. Always check the preparation instructions too; some refrigerated soups, like the French Onion (though not on *this* list, a good general tip!), truly shine with a little oven time, while others are microwave-ready for ultimate speed. And finally, trust your gut (and our ranking!): skip the duds to save your taste buds and your wallet.
Whether you’re cozying up with a bowl of the unbeatable New England Clam Chowder, experimenting with mix-ins for the delightful Tomato Feta, or enjoying the healthful goodness of the Lentil Soup with Ancient Grains, Trader Joe’s has a soup for every craving and every busy schedule. So, explore that soup aisle with newfound confidence, and happy slurping, TJ’s fans!
