9 Grocery Store “Homemade” Soups That Are Better Than Mom’s

Cooler weather means it’s time for soup season.

It can be challenging to make it from home, considering the ingredients you need or the time you would have to spend on a busy weeknight.

But if you don’t want to spend money at a restaurant getting fresh soup, some great options taste homemade while also helping you save money on groceries. Here are a few tasty choices you can find at your local stores.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $4.99

Check out the refrigerated section at Trader Joe’s for some classic soups like lobster bisque, which comes in a 16-ounce container. Keep an eye out for it soon as the lobster bisque is a seasonal item at Trader Joe’s.

Price: $6.99

Wegmans is known for its hot food bar, which includes different soup choices each day so you can grab something warm on the go.

The store also offers hot soups that you can take home and warm up on your own. Traditional options include chicken noodle soup, which comes in a 16-ounce container with chunks of chicken, vegetables, and noodles.

Price: $4.99

Kroger bought meal kit brand Home Chef in 2018 and has used some of the company’s products to stock its shelves with meal kits and pre-made meals that you can heat at home for a good meal.

The Home Chef brand at Kroger includes a traditional broccoli cheddar soup that you can buy in a 15-ounce container for a leisurely lunch. The store also has a 24-ounce version for $6.00 (on sale from $6.99) if you need more.

Price: $2.99

Aldi can help you save money on groceries with affordable options like its store brands like Specially Selected.

Check out the Specially Selected Baked Potato with Bacon in a 15.5-ounce container that’s packed with chunks of potato and pieces of bacon for a hearty soup option that doesn’t come in a can.

Price: $4.08 per pound

Costco is well known for its rotisserie chickens and you can bring home some chicken soup made fresh on the rotisserie with its Kirkland Signature store brand soup.

Grab some Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup, which comes in a container that weighs around four pounds and costs about $16, depending on the exact weight.

Price: $2.99

Target is a good place to stop for home decor, clothes, books, or baby items, but you can also stop by its grocery section for some soup that will remind you of homemade options.

The company’s Good and Gather store brand includes the Good and Gather Creamy Tomato Basil Soup that comes in a 16-ounce container and only takes four minutes to heat up for delicious soup.

Price: $8.49

Whole Foods has some typical soup options, including a classic chicken noodle soup, but these are unusual choices that may be extra interesting for shoppers.

One option you may want to try is the Whole Foods Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup in a 24-ounce container. It’s made with plant-based chicken, which retains a good chicken soup flavor while maintaining a meat-free diet.

Price: $10.48

At bulk retailers like Sam's Club, you can buy specialty soups in smaller containers or choose bigger options.

For example, the store’s Member’s Mark Shrimp and Corn Chowder comes in a pack of two 24-ounce containers, so you’ll have plenty of chowder for the whole family or for a few cold nights.

Price: $3.97

Like Target, you can head to Walmart for plenty of non-food items before swinging by the grocery section for homemade soup.

The store carries 16-ounce containers of soup under its Marketside store brand, including Marketside Chicken Tortilla Soup, which features chicken, corn, black beans, and crushed tortilla chips for a unique flavor.

Grocery stores can be great for finding delicious, homemade soups, which are the perfect comfort food in cooler weather. And when you’re trying to stop living paycheck to paycheck, fresh, affordable food like this is a no-brainer.

You also don’t have to feel guilty about splurging a little on homemade options instead of canned soups if you remember to earn points using rewards credit cards that you can use later on.