Quick Answer
The main difference between tomato soup and cream of tomato soup is that tomato soup is made from tomatoes, vegetables, and tomato puree, while cream of tomato soup is made from tomatoes blended with dairy products like cream or milk.
Tomato soup has a vibrant red color and tangy tomato flavor. It is a vegetable-based soup made from tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and broth. Cream of tomato soup has a muted orange color and richer, creamier texture. The dairy helps mellow and round out the acidic tomato flavor.
While ingredients vary by recipe, tomato soup is generally lower in calories and fat compared to the cream-based alternative. Cream of tomato soup also has a smoother, less chunky consistency. Overall, tomato soup delivers bright tomato taste, while cream of tomato soup offers a luxurious, velvety soup experience.
Ingredients
The primary ingredients that distinguish tomato soup from cream of tomato soup are:
Tomato Soup Main Ingredients:
– Tomatoes – Fresh or canned diced tomatoes provide rich tomato flavor. Tomato juice or tomato puree may also be used.
– Vegetable aromatics – Onions, carrots, and celery enhance flavor.
– Vegetable or chicken broth – Provides a savory base.
– Herbs and seasonings – Basil, oregano, thyme, bay leaf.
– Optional extras – Pasta, rice or croutons may be added.
Cream of Tomato Soup Main Ingredients:
– Tomatoes – The base is tomato puree or crushed tomato.
– Heavy cream or half and half – Adds richness and creamy texture.
– Milk – Helps thin out the soup.
– Flour – Thickens the soup slightly.
– Butter – Provides richness and enhances creaminess.
– Vegetables – Onions, carrots, celery.
– Chicken or vegetable stock.
– Herbs and seasonings.
So while both soups start with tomatoes, cream of tomato has the addition of dairy products that provide a silkier mouthfeel and subdued tomato flavor.
Nutrition
Tomato soup and cream of tomato soup have markedly different nutrition profiles:
Tomato Soup (1 cup)
| Calories | 100 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 2g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 480mg |
Cream of Tomato Soup (1 cup)
| Calories | 170 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbs | 14g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
As the nutrition information shows, cream of tomato soup is significantly higher in calories and fat compared to regular tomato soup due to the dairy that’s added. Tomato soup gets its richness from tomato puree rather than cream, so it’s lower in calories, fat, and sodium by comparison.
Both provide fiber, vitamins A and C. Cream of tomato soup contains calcium from the milk/cream. Tomato soup has higher levels of potassium from the tomato content.
Uses
Here are the main uses for tomato soup vs cream of tomato soup:
Tomato Soup
– Sipped as a broth-like soup on its own.
– Paired with grilled cheese sandwiches or croutons.
– Used as a base for other soups like roasted red pepper and tomato soup.
– Added to rice or pasta dishes for flavor.
– Poured over eggs.
Cream of Tomato Soup
– Eaten as a rich, creamy soup on its own.
– Topped with croutons or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich.
– Used as the base for casseroles and pot pies.
– Swirled into risottos or pasta dishes.
– Added to sauces.
The uses overlap in some cases, but tomato soup’s lighter tomato flavor makes it better for cooking into other dishes or topping foods like eggs or rice. The velvety richness of cream of tomato soup makes it ideal for baking into comforting casseroles.
Flavors
Tomato soup and cream of tomato soup showcase different flavor profiles:
Tomato Soup Flavors
– Bright, tangy tomato taste.
– Savory from vegetable or chicken broth.
– Herbaceous notes like basil and oregano.
– Sweet from added carrots.
– Slightly chunky texture.
Cream of Tomato Flavors
– Muted tomato taste mellowed by cream.
– Rich and velvety.
– Warm, creamy background notes.
– Hint of butteriness.
– Very smooth, silky texture.
Tomato soup delivers fresher tomato flavor because there are no dairy products diluting the taste. Cream of tomato showcases more subtle tomato notes rounded out by the rich creamy ingredients.
Preparation Methods
Tomato soup and cream of tomato soup require slightly different preparation methods:
Tomato Soup
1. Saute aromatics like onion, carrots, celery in oil.
2. Add tomatoes, tomato puree, broth and simmer until tomatoes soften.
3. Blend half the soup to thicken consistency.
4. Season with herbs and salt/pepper.
5. Finish with cream or milk (optional).
Cream of Tomato Soup
1. Saute onions and celery in butter.
2. Make roux with butter and flour.
3. Add milk and broth, stirring constantly.
4. Add tomato puree and tomatoes, simmer.
5. Blend soup until very smooth.
6. Finish with cream and seasonings.
The essential difference is tomato soup simmers the vegetables in broth and tomato puree, while cream of tomato starts with a roux-thickened creamy milk base before adding tomato. Blending is optional for tomato soup but required for the cream version.
Variations
There are many possible variations of tomato soup and cream of tomato soup:
Tomato Soup Variations
– Roasted Tomato Soup – Use oven-roasted tomatoes for deeper flavor.
– Tuscan Tomato Soup – Features white beans and spinach.
– Tomato Basil Soup – With fresh or dried basil.
– Tomato Tortellini Soup – With cheese tortellini pasta.
– Southwestern Tomato Soup – Adds corn, chili powder and cilantro.
Cream of Tomato Soup Variations
– Roasted Garlic Cream of Tomato Soup – Adds roasted garlic.
– Sun Dried Tomato Cream Soup – Includes rehydrated sun dried tomatoes.
– Creamy Tomato Basil Soup – With basil.
– Tomato and Rice Soup – Blended with rice for thickness.
– Curried Cream of Tomato Soup – With curry powder.
The choices are endless! Tomato soup can take on different flavors with mix-in ingredients while the cream of tomato soup base beautifully melds with different seasonings.
Popularity
Both tomato soup and cream of tomato soup are classics, but tomato soup appears more frequently on menus and in home cooking.
According to Google Trends data, searches for “tomato soup” are significantly higher worldwide versus searches for “cream of tomato soup.” Tomato also comes up more in recipes from cooking websites.
Tomato soup is more versatile as an ingredient in other dishes, while cream of tomato is best known as a soup. The lighter tomato flavor and lower calories of tomato soup also give it broader appeal for everyday eating.
However, cream of tomato remains a favorite comfort food, especially paired with grilled cheese sandwiches. It offers a luxurious, warming soup experience compared to tomato soup’s lighter profile.
Price
Tomato soup is generally cheaper to make at home and purchase canned compared to cream of tomato soup. Some average prices:
– Canned tomato soup – $1 to $3 per can/carton
– Canned cream of tomato soup – $2 to $4 per can
– Homemade tomato soup – Approximately $2 to $5 per batch
– Homemade cream of tomato soup – Approximately $4 to $8 per batch
Factors like buying whole ingredients versus pre-made broth and using higher quality dairy affect the price points. Since tomato soup has a shorter ingredient list, it comes in at a lower cost per serving.
In restaurants, tomato soup appears on menus at a lower price point, typically $3 to $7 per bowl depending on the establishment. Cream of tomato soup may range from $5 to $9 per bowl at restaurants due to the higher ingredient expenses.
Health Benefits
Both soups provide nutritional benefits, but tomato soup has some added upsides:
Tomato Soup Health Benefits
– Excellent source of antioxidant lycopene which can promote heart health.
– Rich in vitamin C and vitamin A – supports immune function.
– Provides potassium.
– More fiber from tomato skins.
– Lower in calories and fat.
Cream of Tomato Soup Health Benefits
– Contains calcium, B vitamins, and some potassium from the milk.
– Provides some fiber.
– Offers protein from milk/cream.
While cream of tomato contains useful nutrients from dairy, tomato soup delivers more benefits from its fresh vegetable ingredients. The higher fiber, stronger antioxidant content, and lower calorie density give tomato soup an advantage health-wise.
Taste
Tomato soup and cream of tomato soup cater to different taste preferences:
Tomato Soup Taste
– Bright, tangy tomato flavor.
– Savory and herbaceous.
– Slightly chunky texture.
– Can have a watery consistency if too broth-like.
Cream of Tomato Soup Taste
– Rich, velvety mouthfeel.
– Subdued tomato taste.
– Warm, creamy background flavors.
– Very smooth, even texture.
Tomato soup fans will love its fresh tomato taste and color. However, some may find it too acidic or watered down at times.
Those who enjoy creamy, comforting flavors will prefer cream of tomato’s lush texture and muted tomato notes. However, the dairy taste may overpower the tomato for some.
Consistency
Tomato soup often has a thinner, more broth-like consistency while cream of tomato soup is thick and velvety.
Tomato soup can take on a thicker, heartier texture when ingredients like potatoes, rice or pureed vegetables are added. But in general, it retains a looser, more liquid-y profile.
Cream of tomato soup develops a thick, creamy puree texture from blending the dairy ingredients. It coats the mouth with its dense, smooth consistency.
Those who don’t like chunky soups or bits of tomato skin may favor cream of tomato soup for its perfectly smooth texture. Fans of brothier soups may find the thicker cream soup too heavy.
Pairings
Tomato soup and cream of tomato soup pair well with different foods.
Tomato Soup Pairings
– Grilled cheese sandwich
– Croutons
– Baked bread bowl
– Pasta
– Meatballs
– Chicken breast
– Roasted vegetables
– Soft boiled egg
Cream of Tomato Soup Pairings
– Grilled cheese sandwich
– Croutons
– Crackers
– Baked potato
– Pork chops
– Turkey sandwiches
– Quiche
– Veggie tarts
Grilled cheese is the classic pairing for both. Tomato soup also complements starchier sides like bread, pasta and rice. Cream of tomato pairs better with meats and baked dishes that benefit from the creamy base.
Packaging
Both tomato soup and cream of tomato soup are readily available canned or in cartons/tetra packs:
Tomato Soup Packaging
– Canned – iconic packaging with pop-top cans. Lower cost but less convenience. Heavy to transport.
– Cartons/tetra packs – More portable and lightweight. Recloseable spout. Often sold in multi-packs. Higher price per ounce.
– Ready-to-serve bowls – Microwavable individual bowls with peel-off lid. Offer the most convenience but higher cost per serving.
Cream of Tomato Soup Packaging
– Canned – traditional cans with pull-tab lids. Affordable but heavy. Prone to dents.
– Cartons – lightweight LONGER SHELF LIFE and recloseable. No can opener needed. Costs more.
– Microwavable bowls – Portion controlled cups with easy peel film. Most expensive per ounce. Very convenient.
For homemade soup, tomato and cream of tomato can be stored in:
– Plastic containers – Reusable but can stain over time. Can leak if seal isn’t tight.
– Glass jars – Durable option that won’t hold stains or odors. Heavier to transport.
– Zip top bags – Allowyou to flatten soups to freeze. Risk of leaks. Not as eco-friendly.
Shelf Life
Properly stored, both tomato and cream of tomato soups have lengthy shelf lives. Here is how their shelf lives compare:
Tomato Soup Shelf Life
– Unopened canned: 12-18 months past printed date.
– Opened canned: 5-7 days in refrigerator.
– Packaged cartons: 10-12 months unopened.
– Opened carton: 5-7 days.
– Homemade: 3-5 days refrigerated.
Cream of Tomato Soup Shelf Life
– Unopened canned: 12-18 months past printed date.
– Opened canned: 3-5 days in refrigerator.
– Packaged cartons: 6-8 months unopened.
– Opened carton: 3-5 days.
– Homemade: 3-5 days refrigerated.
The higher fat content in cream of tomato soup shortens its opened shelf life compared to tomato soup. But both can be frozen for 3-6 months for extended storage.
Overall, both canned and packaged tomato and cream of tomato soups have excellent shelf stability when properly stored.
Conclusion
While tomato soup and cream of tomato soup start from a similar tomato base, the addition of dairy transforms the flavor, texture, uses and nutrition of cream of tomato soup.
Tomato soup prides itself on vibrant tomato taste, lower calories, versatility in cooking, and cost-effectiveness. Cream of tomato soup highlights a lush, velvety mouthfeel and comforting creaminess.
Each soup has its passionate fans. Tomato soup lovers can’t get enough of its lively tomato zing. Cream of tomato soup devotees adore its muted tomato flavors meeting rich creaminess.
The choice ultimately depends on your flavor preferences and whether you want the freshness of tomato or the indulgence of cream. Both soups have stood the test of time asmenu classics, ensuring their popularity will never fade.