Soup in Pantry

What types of soups should I keep stocked in my pantry for cooking?

If you like to cook, you'll want to keep your pantry stocked with at least one or two cans of each of the "cream of" soups. That includes cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, and cream of celery. These are usually considered condensed soups and are great for adding flavor to dishes like casseroles. You'll also want to make sure you have some stocks and broths on hand, like beef, chicken, and vegetable. These are common ingredients for soups, sauces, and stews.

What does it mean when a canned soup says it's "reduced sodium?"

A reduced sodium soup means that it has less salt in it than the traditional version of that soup, usually around 25 percent less, though this can vary from brand to brand. You'll still need to read the nutrition label to see what the sodium content is if you're watching your salt intake because that number may still be higher than what you want. To find a soup with no salt or sodium, you'll need to look for labels that say "salt free," "sodium free," "unsalted," or "no sodium." When you check the nutrition label, it should read that the soup has 5 milligrams of sodium or less.

What's the best type of soup to eat when you're sick?

Chicken noodle soup is the quintessential soup for colds and flus. It's a great source of protein, minerals, electrolytes, and fluids. Soups with a high garlic content are also good options for colds and flu because they may have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. When you have stomach flu and can't keep any solid food down, try sipping chicken broth to help keep you hydrated.