The Many Benefits of Soup

Soup. It’s warm, it’s cosy, it makes you feel like you’re being hugged from the inside - and it’s way more than just a comfort food. Soup might just be the most underrated member of the meal world. It doesn’t shout for attention like a fancy brunch or take over your social feed like a smoothie bowl. But when it comes to nutrition, convenience, and versatility - soup quietly wins. 

Whether you're warming up with a lentil dhal, sipping a clear veggie broth, or going all-in on a creamy roasted cauliflower, soup is one of those rare meals that can tick a lot of wellness boxes without much fuss. In this blog, we’re diving into the wholesome world of soup. We’ll look at why it’s such a healthy option, how it can support weight loss, and why adding more soup to your diet might just be the easiest wellness win of the year.

Is Soup Healthy?

Short answer: yes. Slightly longer answer: absolutely yes.

When it’s made with real, whole ingredients, soup can be a genuinely healthy and nourishing meal. The best soups are usually the simplest: think vegetables, legumes, herbs, and nourishing stocks that bring both flavour and function.

We know bone broth gets a lot of attention for its benefits, especially around gut health and collagen, but in reality, you don’t need animal products to make a soup that supports your body. In fact, plant-based soups (like lentil, chickpea, or veggie-packed blends) are often lower in saturated fat, naturally high in fibre, and loaded with vitamins and minerals. They’re also easy to digest, filling without being heavy, and great for supporting overall wellbeing. So yes, bone broth has its place - but plant-based soups offer just as much when it comes to nutrition, with the added bonus of being more sustainable and often quicker to prepare.

The Health Benefits of Soup

Soup isn’t just a comfort food - it’s a smart choice. They’re nutrient-dense, hydrating, satisfying, and adaptable. Here's how it plays a supporting role in your general health (and why your body will probably thank you for making it a regular thing).

High in Nutrients

Soups made with plant-based ingredients like lentils, beans, carrots, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes are naturally packed with fibre, minerals and vitamins like A, C and K. This means you’re feeding your body with the stuff it actually wants: things like iron, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins. All of which help keep your energy levels up, your digestion moving, and your immune system quietly working in the background like it should. Besides, soups also make it easy to squeeze in a few extra veg that you might not normally eat on their own. 

Supports Weight Loss

One of soup’s many strengths is that it fills you up without being too ‘heavy’. A good vegetable soup is naturally low in calories but high in water and fibre, which means you can eat a generous portion and feel properly full. And when you feel full, you’re less likely to raid the snack drawer an hour later.

Lentil soups are a particular winner here. Lentils are rich in plant-based protein and fibre, which together support healthy digestion and help manage hunger. It’s a brilliant option if you’re trying to keep an eye on your weight in a way that doesn’t feel restrictive or joyless.

If you're doing one of our PRESS meal plans, you’ll find loads of them in the mix - packed with goodness and just right for lunch (especially if you’re in need of a satisfying, nutritious break).

Supports Hydration

Most of us think of hydration as something that happens with a bottle of water or a fancy electrolyte drink. But soup can actually help here too. Because it’s mostly liquid, soup contributes to your daily fluid intake, while also delivering nutrients, fibre, and flavour. Soups with a clear broth base or blended veggies are especially good at this. And staying hydrated isn’t just about satisfying thirst - it helps with digestion, energy levels, skin health, and even your mood. Who knew hydration could now be this simple? 

Boosts Immunity

Soup has long been the go-to when you’re under the weather - when the cold season hits, the soup cravings usually do too. Soups made with garlic, ginger, turmeric, and lots of colourful vegetables are full of natural immune-boosters. Garlic and ginger have antimicrobial properties, turmeric is anti-inflammatory, and many veg are loaded with Vitamin C and antioxidants.

Is Canned Soup Healthy?

Ah yes, the age-old supermarket question. Canned soup can be convenient, but it’s a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to nutrition. Some brands are fine, while others contain high numbers of sodium and ingredients you wouldn’t put in your own kitchen, like "flavour enhancers" or unpronounceable additives that sound like a science experiment. 

If convenience is what you’re after, that’s where PRESS soups come in handy. They’re ready to eat, and are made with the kind of ingredients you'd use at home: whole vegetables, lentils, herbs, and spices. No added nasties, no hidden sugar bombs. Just proper food, blended into something warm and satisfying. 

What to Eat With Soup

Soup is great on its own, but a little extra on the side makes it even better. Whole-grain bread is always a good choice to dip, or a crisp salad can add some freshness. For some extra protein, try adding a side like roasted chickpeas or tempeh. Lentil soups, in particular, are great when paired with whole-grain crackers or sautéed greens. These additions are an easy way to turn your soup into a full, filling meal.

Soup Cleanse Diet

A soup cleanse is a great way to give your body a break while still fueling it with all the nutrients it craves. Our plant-based soups are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fibre to keep your digestion on track and help you shed those extra pounds. Plus, they're super convenient and delicious, so you won’t be starving or bored. Think of it as a tasty way to hydrate, nourish, and reboot your system.

Conclusion

Soup might not have the glamour of a poke bowl or the flair of a truffle pasta, but it’s truly one of the most effective ways to eat well. Whether you're focused on weight loss, boosting your immune system, or simply fitting more veggies into your day, soup is a straightforward, affordable option. With just a handful of quality ingredients, a solid pot, and about 30 minutes, you can create something that’s both nourishing and comforting.

And if you're ever in doubt about what to make for lunch, dinner, or a post-workout meal, remember - there’s probably a soup for that. In fact, our meal plans include a variety of nutrient-dense soups that make eating well straightforward, allowing you to enjoy the benefits with minimal effort.