I Asked 4 Food Pros To Name the Best Canned Soup, and They All Said the Same Thing

It's barely fall, but I’m already enjoying comfort food season. While I do like the fresh, light recipes of warm-weather months, I still find myself longing for the hearty, cozy dishes that come with cooler temps. No surprise, soup is one of my favorite things to eat right now.

That said, I don’t always have the time (or the desire) to commit to the prep, cooking, and simmering required for most good soup recipes. That’s when I reach for a canned soup—without an ounce of shame, I might add.

If you’ve ever stepped into the canned soup aisle, you know how overwhelming the experience can be: The sheer number of brands and varieties is enough to make you consider something else. To make this process more manageable, I asked four food professionals which brand of canned soup they keep in their pantry—and everyone said the same thing.

The Soup-Loving Food Pros

• Kat Marris: Chef and former senior recipe developer at HelloFresh
• Natasha Fischer: Creator of food blog Trader Joe’s List
• Erin Clarke: Cookbook author and founder of Well Plated
• April Benshosan, MS: Food and health editor and writer

The Best Canned Soup, According to Experts

When it comes to soup in a can, the food pros all agreed: Amy’s Organic Black Bean Vegetable Soup is their top choice.

“This is my favorite soup whenever I'm craving a hearty meal. It has a rich, deep savory flavor," says Marris, noting that the beans are soft without being mushy. Clarke agrees: “It's hearty, protein-packed, and has a nice smoky flavor.”

The experts told me this soup lives up to its name with an impressive array of veggies—including onion, carrots, corn, potatoes, celery, and leeks—along with plenty of herbs and spices. Benshosan appreciates that there’s not a single unrecognizable ingredient in this soup. “Amy’s Kitchen Organic Black Bean Vegetable Soup is made with simple, wholesome ingredients I’d toss into my own pot,” she explains.

“It’s thick, flavorful, and packed with plant-based protein," Fischer adds. "I love the earthy flavor of the black beans paired with the veggies. It’s filling and satisfying without feeling heavy."

How to Serve Amy’s Organic Black Bean Vegetable Soup

It’s easy to dress up, too, explains Marris: “I like to add a dollop of sour cream, some fresh scallions, and a dash of hot sauce for the perfect bowl."

Meanwhile, Fischer loves to stir in extra vegetables and bone broth for added protein. Clarke says, “I like to top it with avocado, a scoop of plain Greek yogurt, and shredded cheese to make it a well-rounded meal, or shower the black beans with crushed tortilla chips and chopped fresh cilantro."

While this soup is great on its own, one food writer told me that it can also play a supporting role in other meals. “With seven grams of fiber and nine grams of protein, it’s hearty enough to shine solo, but it’s also the perfect sidekick for whatever’s on my dinner plate,” Benshosan says.

This canned favorite doesn’t have to be served as a soup, either. It’s the perfect topper for baked potatoes, rice, or even a burrito bowl. You can find this soup in most major grocery stores for about $4 per can. Looks like Amy's Black Bean Vegetable Soup is a big ol' pot full of positives!