Looking for a comforting soup that's easy to make and low in calories? Look no further than a packet of cream of tomato soup! With just 110 calories per serving, this soup is a great choice for a quick and satisfying meal.

Made with quality ingredients like juicy tomatoes, rich cream, and aromatic herbs and spices, cream of tomato soup is not only delicious but also offers some key nutritional benefits.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about cream of tomato soup, including its ingredients, nutritional breakdown, and various health benefits. We'll also give you some tips and tricks for making your own version of this classic soup at home, and suggest some serving ideas and variations to help you enjoy it in different ways.

Calories in Cream of Tomato Soup

One packet of cream of tomato soup (32.6 g) contains 110 calories. This serving size also provides 3 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 4.5 grams of fat, including 3 grams of saturated fat. While cream of tomato soup is not exactly low in calories or fat, it can still fit into a balanced and healthy diet if consumed in moderation. Pair it with a side salad, some whole grain bread, or some lean protein to make a more satisfying and nourishing meal.

Ingredients in Cream of Tomato Soup

The main ingredients in cream of tomato soup are tomatoes, cream, and water. Other ingredients may include onions, garlic, herbs (e.g. basil, thyme), and spices (e.g. black pepper, paprika). Some brands may also add sweeteners, thickeners, or preservatives to their soup, so be sure to check the label if you have any dietary restrictions or preferences. One important thing to note is that cream of tomato soup is not the same thing as tomato soup or tomato bisque, which are usually made without cream or with a much lower cream content. So if you're looking for a lighter soup, you may want to opt for these instead.

Nutritional Breakdown of Cream of Tomato Soup

Here's a detailed nutritional breakdown of one packet (32.6 g) of cream of tomato soup: - calories: 110 - Protein: 3 grams - Carbohydrates: 15 grams - Fat: 4.5 grams (including 3 grams of saturated fat) - Sodium: 480 milligrams - Fiber: 1 gram - Sugar: 7 grams - Vitamin A: 10% of the Daily Value (DV) - Vitamin C: 6% of the DV - Calcium: 2% of the DV - Iron: 2% of the DV

Benefits of Eating Cream of Tomato Soup

Cream of tomato soup offers several potential benefits for your health and wellbeing, including: - It can be a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect against cancer, heart disease, and other conditions. Lycopene is found in high amounts in cooked tomatoes, such as those used in cream of tomato soup. - It can provide some vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function, skin health, and vision, and calcium and iron, which are essential for bone and blood health.

How to Make Cream of Tomato Soup at Home

While store-bought cream of tomato soup can be convenient and tasty, making your own soup from scratch can be just as satisfying and healthy. Here's a simple recipe you can try at home: - Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 2 cans of diced tomatoes (28 oz total), 1 cup vegetable broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk, 2 teaspoons dried basil, salt and pepper to taste. - Instructions: In a soup pot, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, and dried basil. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Let cool slightly, then transfer the soup to a blender or use an immersion blender to purée until smooth. Return the soup to the pot and stir in the cream or coconut milk. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot. Enjoy!

Cream of Tomato Soup for Weight Loss

Can cream of tomato soup be a good choice if you're trying to lose weight? The answer is: it depends. On one hand, cream of tomato soup is not exactly a low-calorie or low-fat food, so if you consume it in large amounts or pair it with other high-calorie foods, it can contribute to weight gain or hinder your weight loss efforts. On the other hand, cream of tomato soup can be a good source of fiber, protein, and nutrients, which can help you feel fuller for longer and prevent overeating. It can also be a satisfying and comforting food that can help you stick to your healthy eating plan in the long run. So, the key to using cream of tomato soup for weight loss is to enjoy it in moderation, pair it with other nutrient-dense foods, and make sure you account for its calories and fat content in your overall diet plan.

Top Brands of Cream of Tomato Soup

There are many brands of cream of tomato soup available in the market, each with its own unique taste, texture, and nutritional profile. Some of the most popular ones include: - Campbell's Cream of Tomato Soup: This classic soup is made with ripe tomatoes, cream, and a blend of spices for a rich and comforting flavor. Each can (10.75 oz) provides 240 calories, 4 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrates, and 16 grams of fat, including 10 grams of saturated fat. - Pacific Organic Creamy Tomato Soup: This soup is made with organic tomatoes, onion, celery, heavy cream, and garlic for a fresh and tangy taste. Each can (17.6 oz) provides 220 calories, 3 grams of protein, 17 grams of carbohydrates, and 16 grams of fat, including 10 grams of saturated fat.

Cream of Tomato Soup for a Cold

Feeling under the weather and looking for a comforting soup to soothe your cold or flu symptoms? Cream of tomato soup can be a great choice, as it offers several health benefits that can support your immune system and help you feel better. For example, the vitamin C in tomatoes and herbs can help boost your immune function and reduce inflammation, while the warmth and creaminess of the soup can provide comfort and hydration. You can also customize your soup to include other healthy and immune-boosting ingredients, such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, or chicken broth. Just be sure to choose a soup that is low in sodium and sugar, and avoid consuming too much dairy if it worsens your congestion or mucus production.

Serving Suggestions for Cream of Tomato Soup

While cream of tomato soup can be delicious on its own, you can also pair it with other foods and flavors to make a more complete and satisfying meal. Here are some serving suggestions to try: - Top your soup with some crunchy croutons, crackers, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor. - Serve your soup with a side of homemade garlic bread, pesto toast, or grilled cheese sandwich for a classic and comforting meal.

Variations of Cream of Tomato Soup

One of the great things about cream of tomato soup is that it can be customized and adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some variations and twists you can try: - Add some protein: Toss in some cooked meatballs, shredded chicken, or tofu cubes to make your soup more filling and nutritious. - Go spicy: Drizzle some hot sauce, sriracha, or red pepper flakes on top of your soup to add some heat and excitement.