Pumpkin soup is often described as a comforting dish that evokes warmth and nostalgia. While it’s simple to prepare at home, an array of pre-made options can be found on supermarket shelves for those short on time. To identify the best convenient pumpkin soups, chef David ‘Stix’ Allison and I conducted a tasting of 11 products from major stores, assessing them based on flavour, texture, and consistency.
Our analysis revealed that packaging—whether tin, pouch, or tub—had minimal effect on the soup’s overall quality. However, those soups that integrated additional flavours, such as coconut milk or curry paste, tended to be more enjoyable than the straightforward pumpkin varieties. Surprisingly, our belief that all pumpkin soups are inherently good was proven wrong.
Among the many samples, Dari’s Classic Pumpkin Soup stood out as the best, earning a score of 7.5 out of 10. This refrigerated option delivered a rich, natural pumpkin flavour, although its texture was thinner than expected. Nonetheless, it had a vibrant colour and an inviting aroma.
For value, Soup Co. Spicy Pumpkin Soup was the top pick, scoring 6.5. While it leaned more towards a Thai red curry profile—with a notable absence of a rich pumpkin taste—it offered a delightful explosion of flavours, including spices and a satisfying heat.
Other noteworthy mentions included Hart & Soul Creamy Coconut & Pumpkin Soup, which featured a smooth texture and a harmonious blend of flavours, scoring 7.0, and Woolworths Creamy Pumpkin Soup that, despite its unusual grey-green hue, presented a warmly spiced taste, scoring 6.5.
However, not all soups were well-received. Heinz Classic Creamy Pumpkin Soup and Coles Creamy Pumpkin Soup both failed to deliver on the pumpkin flavour, receiving scores of 5.5 and 5.0, respectively. The Heinz version notably tasted more like unripe pumpkins rather than the intended comforting dish.
On the lower end of the spectrum, Heinz Soup of the Day Buttercup Pumpkin and Vegetable Soup ranked poorly with a score of 2.5, marred by an undesirable aftertaste despite its appealing appearance. The worst performer was Campbell’s Country Ladle Butternut Pumpkin Soup, which scored a mere 1.5, described as an unfortunate cross between thin gruel and disappointment.
Overall, while pumpkin soup can evoke warm, nostalgic feelings, the ready-made offerings showcased a range of flavours and qualities that varied significantly. Some soups provided excellent taste and good value, while others served as reminders that convenience does not always guarantee satisfaction.