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8 Popular Fast Food Soups

When people think about fast food, menu items like burgers, fries, and fried chicken might come to mind.

Panera soup and bread

But some of the most famous fast-food restaurants across the US offer a side item that’s appealing for people looking for something a little different – soup!

Soup is typically a healthier, more filling option compared to other sides like mac and cheese, chicken nuggets, or french fries. And because of their water content, broth-based soups can also make you feel fuller for longer.

If you are trying to squeeze in a meal right in your car, finger foods like fries and nuggets are easier to eat right in the parking lot. However, if you have a little more time to sit at a table – a hearty fast food soup might be the way to go.

But which fast-food restaurants have the best soups?

In this article, I’ll relay popular fast food soups that you can try the next time you want a tasty, quick, and inexpensive meal or side dish.


Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A is well-known for its chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and waffle fries.

But if you’re in the mood for something different, they offer two soups on their menu – chicken tortilla soup and chicken noodle soup.

The chicken tortilla soup is filled with shredded chicken, vegetables, and beans mixed in a creamy, thick soup base.

There’s a bit of heat, so it’s a favorite for spice lovers. Plus, they top the soup with crunchy tortilla chips, which adds some complexity to the overall consistency.

Their chicken noodle soup is a bit healthier and lighter, as it has a broth-base. It also includes chicken breasts, egg noodles, carrots, and celery.

Since the chicken tortilla soup is a seasonal item, I recommend searching first for their chicken noodle soup. Plus, Chick-fil-A does a great job sticking with a more traditional preparation of this classic soup dish.


Panera Bread

Unlike other fast-food restaurants, Panera is known for its healthier options like sandwiches, salads, and soups, so it’s no surprise Panera’s soups are on this list!

They have plenty of soup options, including broccoli cheddar soup, cream of chicken and wild rice soup, homestyle chicken noodle soup, Thai chicken soup, cream of tomato soup, and more.

The best soup at Panera bread will depend on your taste preferences and overall meal. For example, their classic grilled cheese sandwich pairs best with their tomato soup.

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But my ultimate go-to Panera soup is their broccoli cheddar soup. It is so creamy, warm, and inviting, especially if you get it in Panera’s famous “bread bowl.”

The bread bowl will get nice and soaked with the broccoli cheddar which gives you a nice snack after most of the soup has been drained.


Wendy’s

Wendy’s chili is almost as popular as their Baconator burger and chocolate Frosties.

Even after the infamous finger scam, people continued to order Wendy’s chili because it was just that good.

The chili includes ground beef, red kidney beans, chili powder, garlic, cumin, onion, celery, tomato, and other highly flavorful ingredients.

Chili is not a common fast food item by any means, which makes it even more impressive that Wendy’s is able to pull off their chili so well.


Chipotle

Chipotle Mexican Grill is mainly known for their custom burritos, burrito bowls, salad bowls, and chips.

But at select locations, they offer a special vegan soup that includes tomato, cumin, oregano, and plenty of veggies.

They mainly rolled out these soups in the Chicago area, but if you’re wondering whether a location near you has or may soon have this soup, it’s worth sending them a quick call or email to ask!


Long John Silver’s

Long John Silver’s is an excellent place to go if you want well-priced and well-fried seafood items like shrimp, salmon, and cod.

But if you’re in the mood for soup, you may be able to find clam chowder at some locations.

Clam chowder is a thick soup made with potatoes, onion, celery, clam broth, and of course, clams.

They use hand-shucked surf clams from the Atlantic Ocean for all of their clam dishes, so you can expect fresh, tasty, real clam chowder from this establishment.


Blimpie

Like Panera, people know that they’ll have plenty of sandwich and salad options at Blimpie.

But they claim their rotating selection of soups is almost as good – if not just as good – as their subs.

You’ll have to contact your neighborhood location to ask which soup they are offering that day, but they typically offer classics such as broccoli and cheese, chicken noodle, and minestrone.

I like the fact that they choose one soup per day because it means that they can pay extra close attention to it and make sure it’s cooked to perfection!

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The rotating selection keeps you on your toes and ensures that you have a nice surprise waiting for you.


Culver’s

Culver’s is a fast food joint with a lot to offer. They have a range of tasty items on their menu, from burgers and chicken sandwiches to jumbo shrimp to cold custard.

But their soup selections are to die for, as they are hearty, chunky, and packed with flavor.

You can choose between clam chowder, chili, chili supreme, broccoli cheese, chicken noodle, potato with bacon, tomato Florentine, wild and brown rice with chicken, vegetable beef, and stuffed green pepper soup.

My favorite is the stuffed green pepper soup because it is a unique soup option, especially for a fast-food establishment. However, many people adore the tomato Florentine.

My best recommendation is to try them all!


Taco Bell

If you’ve never seen soup on the menu at Taco Bell, it makes sense because they don’t actually directly serve soup.

However, they have a recommended recipe for converting their chicken tacos into a delicious, well-seasoned soup called Rolled Chicken Taco Bisque.

For this flavor-packed creamy soup, you’ll need to get cilantro, tomatoes, oregano, onion, and garlic.

They made this recommendation specifically for Thanksgiving Dinner, but no one will stop you from making it at any time of the year, as long as you are near a Taco Bell location still serving Rolled Chicken Tacos!


Fast food has a bad reputation for lacking healthy options, unique options, and overall versatility. And people don’t often think about getting soup when they want to order fast food.

But there are plenty of delicious, hearty soup options available at fast-food restaurants.

And while some of these establishments are better known for their burgers or sandwiches, they all offer at least one type of soup that is worth trying.

So next time you find yourself at a fast-food restaurant, don’t be afraid to order a soup! You may be pleasantly surprised.

One Comment

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  1. Thanks for this list. I’m going to try out Chick Fil A traditional Chicken noodle soup because I’m feeling under the weather.

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Written by Brian Nagele

Brian attended West Virginia University, then started his career in the IT industry before following his passion for marketing and hospitality. He has over 20 years experience in the restaurant and bar industry.

As a former restaurant owner, he knows about running a food business and loves to eat and enjoy cocktails on a regular basis. He constantly travels to new cities tasting and reviewing the most popular spots.

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