Soup is a beloved food that comes in many varieties and is enjoyed all over the world. Determining the average serving size for a bowl of soup can be helpful for portion control and managing calorie intake. However, soups can vary greatly in ingredients, preparation methods, and serving customs, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Typical Serving Sizes
Many food guides and restaurants reference typical soup serving sizes between 1 and 2 cups or 8 and 16 ounces (237 to 473 ml). For example:
- The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) lists a serving of low-sodium canned soup as 1 cup.
- Many U.S. restaurant soup servings range from 12-16 oz (355-473 ml).
- Canada’s Food Guide considers 125-175 mL or 1⁄2 to 3⁄4 cup as a soup serving.
- The United Kingdom’s NHS recommends a 200 mL or 7 oz serving.
Using these references, a common soup serving size is often estimated at around 1 to 1 1/2 cups or 8 to 12 fluid ounces (237 to 355 ml). However, soups vary widely, so these serving sizes may not always apply.
Factors Affecting Serving Size
Many factors can affect typical soup serving sizes, including:
- Soup Type: Serving sizes can vary greatly depending on the style of soup. A cream-based chowder often has a smaller serving size than a broth-based soup.
- Ingredients: Hearty soups loaded with meats, beans, pasta, or potatoes tend to have larger serving sizes than broth-based vegetable soups.
- Calorie and Nutrient Content: Lower calorie soups may be served in larger portions.
- Cooking Method: Serving sizes might be smaller for rich, creamy puréed soups versus soups with distinct chunks.
- Course Serving: A small soup course may be 4-8 oz (118-237 mL) while a soup for a main lunch meal may be 12-16 oz (355-473 mL).
- Container Size: Prepackaged soup serving sizes are often determined by container size, ranging from 7-17 oz (207-500 mL) for a single-serve can.
- Cultural Styles: Some cuisines feature soup more prominently in meals, affecting typical serving sizes.
- Personal Preference: Individual appetites and tastes impact desired soup portion sizes.
Serving Size by Soup Type
Examining some common soup varieties can provide more insight into average serving sizes:
Broth-Based Soups
Examples: chicken noodle, minestrone, wonton, egg drop, ramen
Typical serving size: 1 to 2 cups, 8 to 12 oz (237 to 355 mL)
These soups have an emphasis on broth with ingredients like noodles, vegetables, and small pieces of meat or eggs. The ample broth makes them lower in calories and allows for larger serving sizes.
Cream-Based Soups
Examples: chowders, bisques, cream of mushroom, puréed vegetable
Typical serving size: Around 1 cup, 8 oz (237 mL)
The creamy base and puréed texture of these soups makes them more dense and rich. So, serving sizes tend to be smaller even though calorie counts run moderate to high.
Hearty Stews and Chilis
Examples: beef stew, pozole, chicken tortilla soup, three bean chili
Typical serving size: 1 1/2 to 2 cups, 12 to 16 oz (355 to 473 mL)
These chunky soups are loaded with meats, beans, vegetables, and starches like potatoes or rice. Their stew-like consistency warrants a larger serving size even though they are often high in calories.
Cold Soups
Examples: gazpacho, vichyssoise, fruit soup
Typical serving size: Around 1 cup, 8 oz (237 mL)
Blended cold soups tend to have smaller serving sizes due to their thicker, richer consistency. Their lower temperature also means they are consumed more slowly.
Nutrition Information Per Serving
Nutrition information can also help determine appropriate soup serving sizes:
| Soup Type | Serving Size | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Noodle | 1 cup | 120 | 10g | 4g | 6g |
| Tomato Bisque | 1 cup | 270 | 25g | 6g | 18g |
| Minestrone | 1 1/2 cups | 200 | 30g | 10g | 8g |
| Beef Chili | 1 1/2 cups | 300 | 30g | 20g | 12g |
A hearty beef chili or creamy bisque often has a higher calorie count per serving compared to a broth-based vegetable soup. This can help guide serving sizes based on dietary needs.
Tips for Measuring Soup Servings
To better assess and manage soup serving sizes:
- Use measuring cups instead of bowls or ladles which can be inconsistent.
- Check serving sizes listed on canned or packaged soups for a starting reference.
- Start with a smaller amount, then go back for refills as needed.
- For higher calorie soups, a 3⁄4 to 1 cup serving may be adequate.
- Consider splitting a large portion of hearty stew into two smaller servings.
- Try beginning a meal with a broth-based soup for filling volume without too many calories.
Serving Size Recommendations
General recommendations for average soup serving sizes include:
- Broth-based: 1 to 1 1/2 cups, 8 to 12 oz (237 to 355 mL)
- Cream-based: Around 1 cup, 8 oz (237 mL)
- Hearty stew or chili: 1 1/2 to 2 cups, 12 to 16 oz (355 to 473 mL)
- Cold soup: Around 1 cup, 8 oz (237 mL)
However, many factors can alter ideal serving sizes like ingredients, texture, calorie content, and personal preference. Paying attention to portion sizes, nutrition information, and your own hunger cues can help determine appropriate soup servings for each style.
Conclusion
While guide references suggest typical soup servings of 1 to 2 cups or 8 to 16 oz (237 to 473 mL), the optimal portion can vary greatly. Cream-based and hearty chunky soups often have smaller serving sizes than broth-heavy soups. Checking nutrition facts, using measuring cups, and adjusting portions based on your appetite can help determine the perfect serving. In the end, there is no universal average for all soups, but paying attention to eating habits can lead to healthy, satisfying portion sizes.
