The Ultimate Trader Joe’s Soup Guide: Ranked by Taste, Price, Popularity, and Fan Feedback

As a dedicated Trader Joe’s fan, I know the joy of browsing their aisles for comforting, flavorful soups that make meal prep a breeze.

To help fellow TJ’s shoppers navigate the diverse selection of canned, jarred, and refrigerated soups, I’ve crafted a comprehensive ranking based on taste tests, price points, popularity, and fan feedback.

Whether you’re craving a cozy bowl for a chilly day or a quick lunch, this guide highlights the best soups to stock up on and a few to skip, ensuring your next Trader Joe’s trip is a savory success.

1. Clam Chowder

Taste Test: This refrigerated New England-style clam chowder is creamy without being gloppy, with tender clams and hearty potato chunks. It’s rich, savory, and balanced, offering a restaurant-quality experience with a comforting, classic flavor.

Price: $4.99 for a 16-oz tub, a fair price for its premium quality and generous portion.

Popularity: A top-tier choice, widely loved for its authentic clam chowder taste, making it a go-to for seafood lovers and a standout in TJ’s soup lineup.

Fan Feedback: Rated highly for its “creamy, dreamy texture” and “perfect clam flavor.” Fans praise its heartiness, with one noting it’s “like a cozy seaside meal in a bowl,” though some wish for more clam pieces.

2. Lobster Bisque

Taste Test:  This refrigerated bisque is silky, rich, and buttery, with a strong lobster flavor enhanced by sherry wine and thyme. While it has minimal lobster meat, its seafood broth shines, making it versatile as a soup or pasta sauce.

Price: $4.99 for a 16-oz tub, a great value for its restaurant-quality taste.

Popularity: A fan favorite, especially for those seeking a luxurious soup experience, often praised for its gourmet appeal.

Fan Feedback: Fans call it “insanely delicious” and “silky smooth,” with some creatively using it as a shrimp pasta sauce. A few note the lack of lobster chunks but love the flavor depth.

3. Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Taste Test: This shelf-stable soup blends the savory-sweetness of tomatoes with earthy, jammy roasted red peppers. It’s versatile, perfect alone or with mix-ins like cream, yogurt, or croutons, offering a comforting yet elevated tomato soup experience.

Price: $3.49 for a 32-oz carton, an excellent value for its adaptability and robust flavor.

Popularity: A dark horse winner, popular for its homemade feel and ability to pair with grilled cheese or pasta add-ins.

Fan Feedback: Fans rave about its “rich, jammy flavor” and “perfect balance,” with many blending it with cream for a luxurious twist. It’s hailed as a pantry staple for quick meals.

4. Tomato Feta Soup

Taste Test: This shelf-stable soup combines a bright tomato base with briny feta, creating a drinkable, well-balanced flavor that avoids overwhelming cheesiness. It’s a great base for mix-ins like tortellini, chickpeas, or spinach.

Price: $4.79 for a 20-oz carton, reasonable for its unique flavor profile.

Popularity: Gaining popularity for its nod to the viral tomato-feta trend, it’s a hit for those who love bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Fan Feedback: Shoppers love its “bright tomato taste” and “subtle feta kick,” with many praising its versatility for creative dishes. Some add pasta or veggies for a heartier meal.

5. Chicken Noodle Soup (Canned)

Taste Test: This canned soup features wide, eggy noodles, chunks of carrots, celery, and tender chicken in a broth that tastes remarkably close to homemade. It’s comforting and satisfying, perfect for a quick meal.

Price: $2.99 for a 19-oz can, a budget-friendly option for a classic soup.

Popularity: A perennial favorite, especially for its nostalgic, homemade vibe and affordability.

Fan Feedback: Fans call it “frighteningly close to homemade,” praising the “eggy noodles” and “hearty veggies.” Some add fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.

6. Creamy Tomato Soup

Taste Test: This shelf-stable soup delivers a classic, savory tomato flavor with a creamy texture, ideal for pairing with grilled cheese or crusty bread. It’s simple yet comforting, with a smooth consistency that feels indulgent.

Price: $3.49 for a 32-oz carton, a great value for its rich taste and versatility.

Popularity: A staple for tomato soup lovers, popular for its reliability and pairing potential.

Fan Feedback: Shoppers love its “smooth, rich texture” and “classic tomato flavor,” often dunking bread or adding basil for a gourmet touch. It’s a go-to for cozy lunches.

7. French Onion Soup

Taste Test: This refrigerated soup, when baked for 40 minutes, yields a perfectly crusted cheese topping and a rich, savory onion broth. Its deep flavor satisfies French onion soup fans, though the smaller size is a slight drawback.

Price: $4.99 for a 20-oz tub, fair for its premium quality but less value due to the smaller portion.

Popularity: Popular among French onion soup enthusiasts, especially for its authentic taste when baked.

Fan Feedback: Fans rave about the “crisp cheese crust” and “deep onion flavor,” though some note the need for oven prep to maximize enjoyment. Microwave users find it less impressive.

8. Chicken Ramen Soup

Taste Test: This refrigerated, microwaveable ramen offers a savory chicken broth with chewy noodles and a mild, comforting flavor. It’s a quick, satisfying option, though not as bold as the spicy miso variety.

Price: $3.99 for a 20-oz tub, a solid value for a quick, flavorful meal.

Popularity: Popular for its convenience and familiar ramen taste, especially among busy shoppers.

Fan Feedback: Shoppers enjoy its “comforting broth” and “chewy noodles,” with some adding veggies or an egg for extra flair. It’s a favorite for quick dinners.

9. Autumnal Harvest Soup

Taste Test: This seasonal refrigerated soup combines pumpkin, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, black beans, red quinoa, lentils, and cauliflower for a hearty, autumnal flavor. It’s filling and mildly spiced, though some find it slightly tangy.

Price: $3.99 for a 25-oz tub, reasonable for its complex ingredients and seasonal appeal.

Popularity: A seasonal hit, popular for its fall-inspired ingredients and hearty texture.

Fan Feedback: Fans love its “autumnal vibe” and “hearty mix,” though some note the tanginess from vinegar can overpower. It’s recommended with cornbread.

10. Lentil Soup with Ancient Grains

Taste Test: This refrigerated soup features lentils, quinoa, amaranth, and flax seeds for a hearty, protein-packed texture. It’s flavorful with a fresh, homemade taste, though some find the broth slightly thin.

Price: $4.49 for a 20-oz tub, a good value for its nutrient-dense profile.

Popularity: Popular among health-conscious shoppers for its high fiber and protein content.

Fan Feedback: Shoppers praise its “hearty texture” and “fresh taste,” with 9g protein and 8g fiber per serving. Some add spices for extra depth.

Honorable Mentions

• Organic Split Pea Soup ($3.99, 32-oz carton)

• • Taste Test: This shelf-stable soup offers a mild, comforting flavor from a mirepoix of onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and basil. Its thick, protein-rich base is perfect for dipping with bread, though it may need extra seasoning for some.

  • Price: At $3.99, it’s a budget-friendly, nutrient-dense option with 7g fiber and 9g protein per serving.

  • Popularity: Popular among vegetarians and health-conscious shoppers for its wholesome ingredients and filling texture.

  • Fan Feedback: Fans appreciate its “thick, comforting base” and “mild flavor,” often pairing it with whole-grain bread or a salad. Some add salt and pepper to boost taste.

• Organic Low Sodium Butternut Squash Soup ($3.99, 32-oz carton)

  

  • Taste Test: This shelf-stable soup delivers a sweet, mildly spiced butternut squash flavor with a smooth texture. Its low sodium (under 100mg per serving) makes it ideal for restricted diets, though it’s less rich than other bisques.

  • Price: At $3.99, it’s a great value for a low-sodium, nutrient-rich soup.

  • Popularity: A favorite for health-conscious shoppers, especially those seeking low-sodium options.

  • Fan Feedback: Shoppers call it “light and sweet,” perfect as a meal starter or side. Many add cream or spices for a richer flavor.

• Spicy Miso Ramen Soup ($3.99, 20-oz)

  

  • Taste Test: This refrigerated ramen offers a bold, spicy miso broth with chewy noodles, providing a more intense flavor than the chicken ramen. It’s quick and satisfying but may be too spicy for some.

  • Price: At $3.99, it’s a solid value for a flavorful, convenient meal.

  • Popularity: Popular among spice lovers and ramen fans for its bold, authentic taste.

  • Fan Feedback: Fans love the “spicy kick” and “chewy noodles,” often adding green onions or a boiled egg. Some note it’s spicier than expected.

Avoid These: The “Not Worth It” Pile

• Hearty Minestrone ($4.99, 20-oz)

  

  • Taste Test: This shelf-stable soup is bland, with a watery broth and sparse orzo and beans. The tomato-heavy flavor lacks balance, and the rice forms a starchy blob, making it a disappointing minestrone.

  • Price: At $4.99, it’s affordable but not worth it due to its lackluster flavor.

  • Popularity: Widely panned, one of the least popular TJ’s soups due to its blandness and poor texture.

  • Fan Feedback: Shoppers call it “angry-tasting” and “incomplete,” with many disappointed by the lack of pasta and flavor. Most recommend canned minestrones instead.

• Italian Style Wedding Soup ($4.49, 32-oz jar)

  • Taste Test: This shelf-stable soup features large, spongy, flavorless meatballs in a preservative-heavy broth. Despite its attractive jar, it’s a letdown, tasting worse than canned options.

  • Price: At $4.49, it’s overpriced for its poor quality and lack of flavor.

  • Popularity: Unpopular due to its disappointing taste and texture, often skipped by meatball soup fans.

  • Fan Feedback: Shoppers express frustration, with one saying, “I’d be so disappointed if I bought this.” Many suggest Progresso’s Chickarina instead.

• Organic Creamy Mushroom Soup with Carrots and Kale ($4.49, 15-oz tub)

  

  • Taste Test: This refrigerated soup has a greyish-brown color and a generic, salty-vegetal taste with minimal mushroom flavor. The carrots stand out, but the thin consistency disappoints.

  • Price: At $4.49, it’s not worth the cost for its lack of flavor and unappealing look.

  • Popularity: Unpopular, especially among mushroom lovers, due to its blandness and odd appearance.

  • Fan Feedback: Shoppers call it “basic and forgettable,” with some noting it’s tolerable but not worth repurchasing.

• Unexpected Cheddar Broccoli Soup ($4.99, 20-oz tub)

  

  • Taste Test: Despite featuring TJ’s beloved Unexpected Cheddar, this refrigerated soup is thin and flavorless, like “water and melted butter” with sparse broccoli and carrots. It fails to deliver the expected cheddar punch.

  • Price: At $4.99, it’s overpriced for its lackluster taste and texture.

  • Popularity: A surprising miss, unpopular due to its failure to live up to the Unexpected Cheddar hype.

  • Fan Feedback: Shoppers call it “shockingly bland,” disappointed by the lack of cheddar flavor. Many suggest other creamy soups instead.

• Pumpkin Butternut Squash Bisque ($4.49, 20-oz)

  

  • Taste Test: This shelf-stable bisque is oddly tangy due to apple cider vinegar, lacking the sweet, creamy flavor expected from pumpkin and squash. It needs significant doctoring to be enjoyable.

  • Price: At $4.49, it’s not worth it for its off-putting flavor.

  • Popularity: Unpopular, as it fails to deliver the cozy fall taste promised by its ingredients.

  • Fan Feedback: Shoppers find it “tangy and off,” suggesting the refrigerated Fall Harvest Soup for a better seasonal option.

Shopping Tips for Trader Joe’s Soups

• Stock Up on Favorites: Top picks like Clam Chowder and Lobster Bisque sell out quickly, especially in winter, so grab them when available.

• Budget-Friendly: Most soups are under $5, making it easy to try new flavors without breaking the bank.

• Enhance Flavors: Add mix-ins like cream, herbs, or veggies to shelf-stable soups like Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper for a gourmet touch.

• Check Preparation: Refrigerated soups like French Onion benefit from oven baking, while others are microwave-friendly for quick meals.

• Dietary Options: Look for low-sodium (Butternut Squash) or vegetarian (Split Pea, Lentil) options for specific needs.

• Skip the Duds: Avoid the “not worth it” soups to save your taste buds and budget.

Final Thoughts

Trader Joe’s soups offer a range of flavors, from the luxurious Lobster Bisque to the comforting Chicken Noodle. This guide, based on detailed taste-test highlights the best picks and ones to avoid, making your TJ’s shopping trip effortless. Whether you’re cozying up with a bowl of Clam Chowder or experimenting with Tomato Feta mix-ins, these soups will elevate your meals. Share your favorite TJ’s soups or let me know if I missed a gem—happy slurping, TJ’s fans!