Soups On! Unpacking the Delicious History of Canned Soup.

Welcome, soup lovers and history enthusiasts, to an exploration of the history of canned soup. Join me on this journey as I uncover the origins and evolution of this beloved comfort food. 

The Birth of Canned Soup

Picture this: it’s the 19th century when culinary convenience was taking its first steps. Enter Nicolas Appert, a French chef and inventor, who in 1809 developed the method of sealing food in glass jars. Fast forward a bit, and in 1895, the Campbell Soup Company, led by the visionary Joseph Campbell and chemist Dr. John T. Dorrance, set out to make Appert’s concept even more practical.  

Campbell’s Soup, the iconic brand we all recognize, was the first to introduce commercially successful canned soups. In 1897, Campbell’s released its condensed soup line, a game-changer regarding shelf-stability and convenience. Dr. John T. Dorrance invented the process of condensing soup, leading to the smaller packages – cans.

Eventually, the distinctive red and white label became synonymous with quality and flavor, solidifying Campbell’s as a soup titan.

Interesting Fun Fact: In 1898, the first red and white label debuted after a company executive attended the Cornell-Penn football game and was impressed by Cornell’s new red and white uniforms.  

The big question on everyone’s mind: What was the first flavor of canned soup?

Drumroll, please! Tomato soup takes the crown as the inaugural star of the canned soup universe. The resounding success of tomato soup can be attributed to its vibrant hue and delectable flavor, rendering it an instantaneous sensation. Swiftly establishing itself as a household favorite, tomato soup played a pivotal role in shaping the expansive and diverse landscape of the contemporary soup aisle. 🤔 Hmmmm, it begs the question: When was tomato soup first paired with a grilled cheese sandwich? **

So, Just How Much Did That First Can of Soup Cost?

In the late 19th century, a can of Campbell’s condensed tomato soup retailed for 10 cents. Adjusted for inflation, that’s roughly $3 today—a small price for the warmth and comfort found within those humble cans. Today, a can of Campbell’s Tomato Soup costs about $1.20.

Flavorful Expansions

While tomato soup held the spotlight in the early days of canned goodness, it wasn’t long before the soup aisle became a diverse palette of flavors. In 1934, Campbell’s introduced the iconic Chicken Noodle Soup, adding a comforting blend of noodles, chicken, and a savory broth, and Cream of Mushroom soup.

"We introduced Campbell’s Noodle with Chicken and Cream of Mushroom soups. Noodle with Chicken became Chicken Noodle after a radio announcer misread an ad for the soup and the name stuck.."

https://www.campbellsoupcompany.com/about-us/our-story/campbell-history/

Cream Of Mushroom quickly gained popularity for its rich and creamy texture, as well as its versatile flavor that could be used in various recipes. Let me guess, your first thought was Green Bean casserole? Am I right? The soup became a staple ingredient in many households, contributing to the success and expansion of the Campbell’s Soup Company.

The development of Campbell’s Vegetable Soup is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to offering diverse and nutritious options. While specific details about the introduction of Campbell’s Vegetable Soup are not readily available in the provided information, it is known that the company has continuously expanded its soup offerings to include a variety of flavors to cater to different tastes and preferences. The addition of Vegetable Soup likely took place as part of this broader strategy to provide consumers with a range of flavorful and convenient soup choices.

Kitchen Ally

As we wrap up our exploration of the history of canned soup, take a moment to appreciate the journey from a basic convenience to a versatile culinary staple. Whether it’s the classic comfort of Chicken Noodle, the wholesome goodness of Vegetables, or the rich savoriness of Cream of Mushroom, canned soup has evolved to suit diverse tastes and preferences.

Beyond the warmth and convenience, canned soup has become a kitchen ally, offering a quick and delicious base for countless recipes. Consider experimenting with your favorite canned soups in recipes like hearty stews, casseroles, or creative one-pot wonders. Speaking of recipes, do you have a favorite canned soup recipe tucked away in your kitchen? Here’s Sam’s favorite:

https://www.campbells.com/recipes/beef-stroganoff/

Canned Soup Legacy

There’s an opportunity for us to extend the legacy of canned soup. Consider the simple act of participating in The Mashburn Zell Group’s CANTREE entry for FOOD SHARE of Ventura County’s 12th Annual CANTREE Canned Food Drive. By donating soup cans, we not only share comfort but also contribute to a sense of community and warmth for those in need.

Remember, home is where the soup is, and the magic of sharing begins. The impact of canned soup reaches far beyond the can, and it’s in our hands to continue this legacy of comfort and generosity. So, let’s ladle out kindness, one can at a time.

Your contribution to our #CANtree2023 can make a difference in the lives of those who may be in need, bringing not only comfort but also a sense of community. See the links below for donating soup cans or visit our CANTREE Website.

1. Amazon Wishlist: You can conveniently donate by purchasing items from our Amazon Wishlist. All items will be delivered directly to us and added to CANtree on the day of the event.
2. Target Wishlist: You can conveniently donate by purchasing items from our Target Wishlist. All items will be delivered directly to us and added to CANtree on the day of the event.   
3. In-Person Drop-off: Shop for 10.5 or 10.75 oz SOUP cans and drop off at our Ventura Office located at 1190 S. Victoria Ave. Ventura, CA. 93003.
4. Schedule Pick-Up: If you can’t reach our drop-off location or order online, schedule to arrange for Ventura City pick-up of SOUP cans. CLICK HERE to schedule for local pick-up.

More Interesting Fun Facts: 

- In 1898, the first red and white label debuts after a company executive  attended the Cornell-Penn football game and was impressed by Cornell’s new red and white uniforms.

- In 1951, Campbell’s first television ad was aired. Eventually, sponsoring “Lassie.”

- Did you know that Andy Warhol's famous artwork, "Campbell's Soup Cans," showcased 32 canvases, each representing a different flavor of Campbell's soup? 

- In 1955, Campbell home economist Dorcas Reilly created the iconic Green Bean casserole recipe. Click here for Campbell’s More Fun Facts about Green Bean Casserole.

- **Some fun grilled cheese sandwich facts : https://www.cheesystreetgrill.com/blog/the-history-of-the-grilled-cheese-sandwich