When the weather cools down or you are feeling under the weather, nothing hits quite like a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. But have you ever wondered whether that restaurant or takeout version stacks up to what you could make at home?
Spoiler alert: homemade chicken noodle soup wins on nearly every front: cost, nutrition, and even comfort factor. Let’s break down why making your own soup is the smarter, healthier choice.
I compared the cost of a cup of soup from three nearby chain restaurants where chicken noodle soup is a popular menu item, and the average price was about $4.75. You might be thinking, that’s not too bad, right? Well, by making the Chicken Noodle Soup recipe from Spend Smart. Eat Smart., the average cost per serving comes out to about $2.20. That is less than half the cost of buying it from a local restaurant!
Not only is it far cheaper to make at home, it is also healthier. By using reduced-sodium chicken broth, the sodium content is cut down by nearly two-thirds compared to restaurant versions. This homemade version is also higher in dietary fiber, especially when made with whole wheat noodles and plenty of vegetables.
At the end of the day, there is nothing like settling down with a warm bowl of homemade soup. Give it a try! Your wallet (and your health) will thank you later.
Written by Jordan Laufenberg
Jordan Laufenberg is a graduate student and dietetic intern with Iowa State University’s Master of Professional Practice in Dietetics program. In her free time, she enjoys cooking/baking, playing golf, and spending time with her friends.
