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Who doesn’t love a steaming bowl that comforts and fuels you at the same time? Soups and broths are timeless—simple, versatile, and wildly satisfying. In the UK, from a quick tin on a rainy day to a carefully simmered bone broth for an evening feast, there’s a soup for almost every mood and occasion. This guide walks you through where to buy the best varieties, what to look for when shopping online or in-store, and a handful of ideas to upgrade your next bowl. Think of it as your roadmap to tastier, smarter soup shopping.
If you’re after convenience, variety, or specialty items, different retailers shine in different ways. Big supermarket chains and online grocers cover everyday tins and chilled ranges, while specialty shops and novelty retailers add international and gourmet choices. Below I break down where to head for budget-friendly cans, premium bone broths, instant ramen, and quirky gift-ready sets—so you can find exactly what you crave without wandering the aisles aimlessly.
Tesco is a solid go-to for classic favourites, seasonal soups, and family-sized options. You’ll typically find 14 oz cans and ready-to-heat pints ideal for a quick lunch. Tesco’s own-brand soups cover everything from tomato and chicken noodle to more adventurous spiced lentil blends, and you can often pick up low-sodium and reduced-fat alternatives. Want something fast and filling? Their chilled soups are great heated on the hob or in the microwave when you’re short on time.
Sainsbury’s tends to sit between budget and premium, offering both affordable tins and more refined ready meals. Their “Taste the Difference” range features richer soups in roughly 16 oz tubs that pair well with crusty bread. If you’re hunting for seasonal or vegetarian-friendly options, this is a good place to browse. I like popping into Sainsbury’s for a midweek treat—think smoky squash or an indulgent leek and potato.
For something a little special, Waitrose stocks premium and artisan broths. Expect more complex flavour profiles and often smaller, carefully produced batches in about 12 oz containers. If you’re exploring bone broths for cooking or sipping, or want a refined consommé for dinner guests, Waitrose is where many shoppers head. Prices are higher but the quality and provenance information are often clearer.
Asda and Morrisons are strong on value, with multipack tins and larger family tubs—perfect if you meal-prep or feed a household. You’ll find economical 14 oz cans and bulk chilled soups around 48 oz family sizes on occasion. These stores are handy when you want reliable staples without breaking the bank, and they often stock decent instant ramen options too if you’re craving something quick and warming.
Ocado is known for a wide range and easy online browsing, with everything from Japanese-style miso broths to gourmet bone broths. If you enjoy trying regional soups—Thai tom yum, Korean broths, or artisanal vegetable blends—Ocado’s selection often covers it. Their platform is great for comparing ingredient lists and nutrition facts, so you can pick low-salt or high-protein broths that match your goals.
Yes, Menkind pops up in the soup scene in a surprising and fun way. They often stock novelty food gifts and unique sets, like the Treat Factory Korean Ramen Set, which is perfect if you want an experiential, Instagram-ready meal. These sets usually include several individual packets in single-serving sizes—think 6 oz portions—so they’re ideal for tasting sessions or gifting to a friend who loves bold, spicy noodle soups.
Instant ramen has come a long way from basic cup noodles. Today’s offerings range from cheap 2-for-£ deals to premium packets imported from Japan and Korea. If you want depth and convenience, look for options with separate seasoning oil and real noodle texture. Instant bowls often come in 10–12 oz containers ready in minutes, and Specialty retailers or online shops stock regional favourites and limited-edition flavours that make dinner feel like a mini-adventure.
The Treat Factory Korean Ramen Set, available from novelty and gift retailers like Menkind, typically bundles a variety of authentic Korean instant noodles with different spice levels and flavour bases. It’s perfect if you like trying bold tastes—gochujang heat, seafood umami, or soy-garlic blends. These sets are also great for sharing at a casual dinner or for a themed night when you want to sample a handful of distinct packets.
Don’t sleep on local Asian grocers when hunting for authentic broths and noodles. They often carry full-flavour Korean stocks, Japanese dashi, and Thai soups with real shrimp paste or fish sauce. Portions are usually sold in packs of individual 7–10 oz servings or larger family packs, so you can cook a single meal or feed a group. The variety and authenticity here are hard to beat.
If you’re seeking something nourishing, bone broth has surged in popularity for its rich mineral profile and savory depth. Brands now sell ready-to-drink bone broths in cartons or jars, typically 12–16 oz servings perfect for sipping or cooking. Look for slow-simmered varieties with transparent labels so you know whether bones, herbs, and a splash of vinegar were used. Bone broths can add serious flavour when you’re making risotto, gravy, or a comforting mug to sip on a chilly evening.
Vegetable and mushroom broths have gotten bolder, offering an umami punch without animal products. Expect concentrated options in 8 oz stock pots and boxed broths in pint sizes that are excellent for sauces, braises, and soups. Mushroom-based stocks can mimic that savory depth we usually associate with meat, so they’re great if you’re cooking for mixed dietary needs or want a lighter base for delicate soups.
Picking the right soup depends on purpose and mood. Need something quick? Look for ready-to-heat 12–16 oz tubs or 6–8 oz instant bowls. Cooking a large dinner? Opt for 48 oz family tubs or make a simple broth-based soup and add protein, grains, or veg. For health-conscious choices, compare sodium per serving—many labels will show salt in milligrams, but aim for lower numbers and natural ingredients where possible. And if you love bold flavours, seek out broths with real bones or seaweed for depth instead of artificial enhancers.
Never underestimate a great pairing. A creamy tomato soup loves a grilled cheese on the side, while a clear Asian broth is perfect with steamed dumplings. For heartier stews, try a slice of crusty bread or a light salad to balance the meal. Drinks? A crisp cider or a light-bodied tea can make a cozy supper feel restaurant-level without any fuss.
Storage matters for both quality and safety. Canned soups typically last months on the pantry shelf—look for 14 oz tins and check best-before dates. Chilled soups in tubs should be consumed within a few days of opening and are fine for reheating on the hob. If you make your own bone broth, it will keep in the fridge for a few days or freeze in 8–12 oz portions for later. When reheating, bring to a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to preserve texture and flavour.
Freeze single servings in shallow containers or ice cube trays so you can defrost exactly what you need. A typical approach is freezing 8 oz portions for quick meals or 16 oz for a generous single serving. Thaw overnight in the fridge—or for faster results, use a warm water bath. Always reheat until steaming hot to ensure food-safe temperatures.
If you love exploring flavours, specialty brands and delicatessens are gold mines. You’ll find smoked game stews, truffle mushroom soups, and heritage bone broths in smaller jars or 12 oz tubs. Fortnum & Mason and high-end delis stock items that make dinner feel celebratory. These picks are ideal for gifting, special dinners, or when you want to try a sophisticated flavour profile without hours of simmering.
Turn a humble soup into a feast with simple add-ins: roasted chicken, a handful of grains, or a swirl of cream. A 12 oz soup becomes a full meal when you add 3–4 oz of cooked protein and some veg. For texture, top with toasted seeds or croutons the size of a quarter-inch for crunch. These little changes take a quick bowl from kitchenette to crowd-pleaser in minutes.
On a tight budget, shop supermarket own-brands and bulk tins to stretch your pound further. If you want a treat, spend a few extra quid on artisanal broths or specialty ramen bundles. The key is balancing convenience and quality—sometimes a mid-range option from Ocado or Sainsbury’s strikes the perfect note between price and flavour. Personally, I mix cheap staples for weekday lunches and save premium buys for weekend dinners when I have time to savor them.
Whether you’re stocking up on pantry staples or hunting for an exotic ramen experience, the UK market has something for every soup lover. From everyday tins to artisanal bone broths and eye-catching ramen gift sets, you can easily tailor purchases to taste, budget, and dietary needs. Consider where you shop based on convenience, quality, and the kind of meals you want to cook. Next time you crave comfort in a bowl, you’ll know exactly where to look—and how to make that bowl sing.
| Soups & Broths | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Bett'r High Protein Instant Potato Soup - 30 G | £ 1,50 | |
| Treat Factory Korean Ramen Set | £ 25,- | |
| Meritene Pure Chicken & Mushroom - 12x300g | £ 49,90 |
