21 Dietitian-Approved Low-Sodium Soups, Stocks, and Broths

Soup is a flavorful comfort food that’s notoriously high in sodium. Some canned soups contain even more than the daily recommended amount of sodium in a single package. But if you’re watching your salt intake, you don’t have to avoid soup altogether.

We’ve rounded up 21 low-sodium soups, broths, and stocks that can fit into a heart-healthy diet. Plus, we have some top dietitian-approved tips for enjoying your favorite bowl while keeping your sodium in check.

Each of the soups below are under 500 mg of sodium per serving, but be aware that one serving isn’t typically equal to one can of soup. Rupp says she always recommends measuring out each serving because it’s easy to overestimate what one cup looks like and take in more sodium than you intended.

Campbell’s Chunky Healthy Request Chicken Noodle

Sodium per Serving 410 mg

Servings per Container 2

At 410 mg of sodium per cup (that’s 820 mg per can, or 36 percent of what’s recommended for the day), this chicken noodle soup is at the higher end of a healthy range for sodium, but it is much lower in sodium than traditional canned chicken noodle soups. For example, the Campbell’s Classic version of this chicken noodle soup contains 1,690 mg (73 percent) per can.

Health Valley Organic No Salt Added Chicken Noodle

Sodium per Serving 130 mg

Servings per Container 2

For an even lower-sodium chicken noodle soup, opt for this version from Health Valley, with only 130 mg of sodium per cup. With only 260 mg (12 percent of the daily limit) in the whole can, this can fit into most heart-healthy days. Plus, with 10 grams (g) of protein per can, it will keep you feeling satisfied, too.

Amy’s Organic Light in Sodium Lentil Vegetable

Sodium per Serving 320 mg

Servings per Container 1

With just 320 mg of sodium per can, Amy’s Organic Light in Sodium Lentil Vegetable soup is lower in sodium than most other canned soups. Plus, it’s made with nutritious organic vegetables and seasonings and is a good source of protein. Lentils are an excellent source of fiber as well. Together with the other vegetables, they contribute 5 g of fiber per can of soup. That’s 18 percent of the daily recommended amount.

Health Valley Organic No Salt Added Minestrone

Sodium per Serving 45 mg

Servings per Container 2

Health Valley offers a handful of low-sodium soups that are also low in calories. Its No Salt Added Minestrone has only 45 mg of sodium and 100 calories per cup. This makes it a good option for supporting healthy blood pressure and weight loss. In addition to the minestrone, look for the vegetable and chicken noodle varieties.

Pacific Natural Foods Organic Creamy Tomato Soup Light in Sodium

Sodium per Serving 320 mg

Servings per Container 4

With 320 mg of sodium per cup and a short list of ingredients you can actually pronounce, this is a great option for tomato soup fans watching their sodium. Plus, it has 5 g of protein per cup to help keep you feeling full. Just keep in mind that tomatoes naturally have carbohydrates and that this soup adds a bit of sugar to cut their acidity, so it has 20 g of carbs per serving.

Canned options are convenient, but making your own soup can be even more cost-effective and allow you to control the amount of added sodium. Rupp suggests starting with ingredients that are as low in sodium as you can and focusing on adding flavor through aromatics like onions, garlic, and herbs instead of salt.

Low-Sodium Broths

Making homemade soup is a good way to add nutrient-rich items like vegetables and whole grains to your diet. But if you don’t have enough time to make the broth from scratch, you can start with a canned or boxed low-sodium broth or stock.

For a good, low-sodium broth, look for:

• Swanson Unsalted Beef Broth 75 mg of sodium per cup
• Swanson Unsalted Chicken Broth 35 mg of sodium per cup
• Pacific Natural Foods Low-Sodium Chicken Broth 50 mg of sodium per cup
• Pacific Natural Foods Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth 120 mg of sodium per cup
• Pacific Natural Foods Low-Sodium Beef Broth 140 mg of sodium per cup
• Pacific Natural Foods Low-Sodium Chicken Bone Broth 150 mg of sodium per cup
• Imagine Organic Free-Range Low-Sodium Chicken Broth 90 mg of sodium per cup
• Imagine Organic Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth 140 mg of sodium per cup
• 365 Organic Low-Sodium Chicken Broth 110 mg of sodium per cup

Low-Sodium Stocks

What’s the difference between a stock and a broth? A stock is made by boiling mostly bones, while a broth is made by simmering meat. A stock tends to have a richer and fuller flavor as a result of the collagen released by the simmering bones. Stocks can make a delicious base for a homemade soup.

Look for these low-sodium options:

• Swanson Unsalted Beef Stock 35 mg of sodium per cup
• Swanson Unsalted Chicken Stock 100 mg of sodium per cup
• Pacific Natural Foods Simply Stock Unsalted Chicken Stock 70 mg of sodium per cup
• College Inn Unsalted Chicken Stock 55 mg of sodium per cup
• College Inn Unsalted Beef Stock 75 mg of sodium per cup

Concentrated bouillon and broth bases are also convenient, shelf-stable options to keep on hand for homemade soup. These are typically sold as a powder or paste you mix with water.

Rupp likes using a base like bouillon because you can customize the concentration of the mixture to lower its sodium content. “You don’t have to use the full teaspoon to 8 ounces (oz),” she says. “You can do half, or you can do a little bit less, and then you can add more flavor by adding some of those other fresh herbs and spices.”

Herb Ox Sodium-Free Bouillon

Sodium per Serving 0 mg

It doesn’t get lower than 0 mg of sodium. This bouillon delivers the flavor of broth without any of the sodium, making it a home run for anyone on a low-sodium diet. While this can be a great low-sodium option, keep in mind that it doesn’t contain the most natural ingredients. So if whole foods are more your style, you may want to look for another broth option.

Orrington Farms Low Sodium Broth Base and Seasoning

Sodium per Serving 120 mg

Available in both chicken and beef varieties, this broth base contains a mere 120 mg of sodium per cup. Starting this low in sodium helps keep the whole soup as low in sodium as you’d like. Plus it’s made with natural ingredients and contains no MSG.

The products above are great options, but it’s helpful to know how to find low-sodium soups and broths yourself. The easiest way to do this is by reading the nutrition label.

Low-Sodium 140 mg of sodium or less per serving

Reduced Sodium 25-percent less sodium than the regular product

No Salt Added No salt added during processing

Remember, the terms above and the sodium content on the nutrition label are only for one serving, not necessarily one can of soup. For example, a low-sodium soup may have 100 g of sodium per serving, but the can contains two servings. If you eat the entire can of soup, you’ll get 200 g of sodium in total.

Whether you’re enjoying a can of your favorite packaged soup or making a pot from scratch, Rupp shared her top tips for using less sodium without sacrificing flavor:

• Add More Low-Sodium Components If your favorite canned soup is higher in sodium than what will fit into your diet, incorporating more water or low-sodium ingredients like fresh cooked vegetables will help reduce the sodium content per serving.
• Opt for No Salt Added or Fresh Ingredients Prioritize fresh ingredients, such as carrots and onion, when you can. And if you’re choosing between canned items, opt for “no salt added” products.
• Rinse Your Canned Beans or Tomatoes These ingredients tend to be higher in sodium, but rinsing them in a colander before adding to your soup can help remove some excess sodium.
• Avoid Adding Extra Salt If you’ve chosen low-sodium ingredients, it may be tempting to add salt, but this additional sodium can accumulate quickly. Instead, try to up the flavor with ingredients like bay leaves or sautéed garlic and onions.

• Incorporating low-sodium canned soups and broths into your diet can help manage your salt intake without compromising on comfort and flavor.
• Be mindful of serving sizes on nutrition labels because canned soups often contain more than one serving.
• For homemade options, using low-sodium ingredients and fresh aromatics like garlic and herbs can enhance flavor without the need for extra salt.
• Products labeled “low sodium” contain less than 140 g of sodium per serving, but labels like “reduced sodium” and “no salt added” don’t guarantee a specific amount of sodium.