Emergency kit essentials: Why instant tomato soup belongs in your survival food stockpile

• Instant tomato soup is a budget-friendly, space-saving, adaptable food that’s a reliable and comforting source of nutrition during emergencies.
• Instant tomato soup can last two to five years without refrigeration, making it ideal for emergencies.
• It’s easy to prepare: Just add hot water (or heat with cold water). Some varieties can even be eaten straight from the can.
• A bowl of tomato soup provides emotional relief during stressful times with its nostalgic, warming flavor. It’s also nutritious and offers lycopene (antioxidant), vitamin C and hydration from its water base. Opt for low-sodium versions for a healthier choice.
• Instant tomato soup can be used as a soup base, sauce or flavor enhancer in dishes like chili, creamy bean soup or stuffed pepper skillet meals.

When building a food stockpile for emergencies, instant tomato soup might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But this staple deserves a prime spot in your survival food pantry.

Packed with flavor, versatility and essential nutrients, instant tomato soup is a practical, shelf-stable option that can serve as a meal base, a comforting dish or even an ingredient in more complex recipes.

Read on to find out why you should stock up on instant tomato soup, along with some creative ways to use it beyond just a simple bowl of soup. (h/t to CrisisPreparedness.com)

Instant tomato soup belongs in your food stockpile

Here are some reasons to get instant tomato soup for your prepping stockpile:

Long shelf life and easy storage

Instant tomato soup, whether in powdered form, condensed cans or shelf-stable cartons, has a long shelf life, often lasting two to five years when stored properly.

Unlike fresh produce or perishable foods, instant tomato soup doesn’t require refrigeration, making it an excellent choice for emergency preparedness.

Quick and effortless preparation

In a crisis, time, fuel and energy may be limited. Instant tomato soup can be prepared in minutes: just add hot water (or cold water and heat). Some varieties can even be eaten straight from the can if necessary.

Comfort food in stressful times

Familiar flavors can provide emotional comfort during tough times.

A warm bowl of tomato soup is nostalgic for many, offering a sense of normalcy during times when other comforts are scarce. (Related: Top canned foods with the longest shelf life.)

Nutrient-dense and hydrating

While instant soups can be high in sodium (a common preservative), they also provide:

• Hydration, since soup is water-based
• Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant
• Vitamin C (from the tomatoes)

For a healthier option, look for low-sodium or organic versions for your stockpile.

Versatile recipe base

Instant tomato soup isn’t just good for making plain soup. It can be used as a flavorful sauce, stew base or flavor enhancer in multiple dishes.

A single can of instant tomato soup can be transformed into various meals with the right ingredients.

Creative ways to use instant tomato soup

Below are three recipes that use instant tomato soup, along with other nutritious ingredients such as beans and bell peppers.

Creamy tomato and white bean soup

This healthy and creamy tomato soup is full of protein because it also includes white beans. Serve this soup for a nutritious lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• A 28 oz. can of instant tomato soup
• 1 can (15 oz.) of cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (Use low-sodium beans, if possible)
• 1/2 cup of half-and-half
• 1 small yellow onion, diced small (1/2 cup)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper (add more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (add more to taste)
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, saute the onions in olive oil for about five minutes or until soft and translucent. Add the basil, garlic, paprika, rosemary and thyme. Continue to cook the mixture for one more minute or until fragrant. Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer to a blender container.
2. Add the tomatoes, beans and half-and-half to the blender. Process until smooth.
3. Pour the blended soup back into the saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat for five to 10 minutes until heated through. Keep an eye on the saucepan to avoid boiling the soup.
4. Taste and season the soup. Add some salt, smoked paprika and pepper if using. If the soup seems too tangy, add a bit of brown sugar.

Stuffed pepper rice skillet 

If you love stuffed peppers but want to save some time making them, try this deconstructed version that you can cook in a skillet.

This simple recipe features the flavors of stuffed peppers but is made on the stovetop. Use either red, green, yellow or orange bell peppers.

Ingredients:

• 1 (10.75-ounce) can of instant tomato soup
• 1 (14.1 ounce) can of diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 1/4 cups water (add more if needed)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup white rice
• 4 medium bell peppers (diced)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Get a large skillet and cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the onion is soft and translucent.
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Drain the extra grease.
3. Add the tomato soup, diced tomatoes, rice, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and water to the cooked beef. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced peppers and cook until the rice is tender (about 15 to 20 minutes). Top the cooked rice and beef with mozzarella cheese and cover the saucepan. Set it aside until the cheese has melted.

Quick, easy classic chili

Instant tomato soup adds a rich flavor and texture to this warm, classic chili that you can whip up in 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb ground beef
• 1 can of kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 can of petite diced tomatoes
• 1 can of instant tomato soup
• 1/2 green pepper, diced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1/2 cup frozen corn
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (add more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• cayenne pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Brown the ground beef with the onion and green pepper in a soup pot. Drain the liquid and return to the pot.
2. Add the beans, tomato and instant tomato soup to the beef. Stir and add the seasonings. Add a soup can of water if desired. Heat the soup to a boil. Add the corn if using.
3. Reduce the heat and simmer the chili for 20 minutes. Serve warm.

This classic chili is great for prepping because it’s a protein-rich, warming meal that you can prepare with minimal effort.

Instant tomato soup is a budget-friendly, space-efficient and versatile addition to any emergency food supply. Whether used as a quick meal or a base for more complex dishes, instant tomato soup is a reliable, comforting option when fresh food isn’t available.

Where to buy lab-verified Organic Creamy Tomato Instant Soup

The Health Ranger Store is committed to helping you prepare for any emergency, so we’re offering clean, lab-verified healthy food options such as Organic Creamy Tomato Instant Soup.

A timeless classic and an all-time favorite dish, creamy tomato soup is an amazing, heartwarming dish that is unrivaled in its delectable appeal and rich, creamy taste.

Health Ranger Select Instant Organic Creamy Tomato Powder is a rich, creamy and cheesy soup mix made with fresh ingredients that can support good health. The organic tomato powder in this delicious mix is balanced by organic heavy cream powder, organic cheddar cheese powder and organic butter powder.

To make a simple but warming tomato soup, add a heaping 1/4 cup of soup mix into a cup and pour one cup of very hot or boiling water. Stir well. For best results, mix the liquid with a milk frother.

Organic Creamy Tomato Instant Soup can last 10 to 15 years, depending on storage conditions. Keep it in a dark, cool and low-humidity location and it will last for an extended duration.

Visit Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store to find more prepping products for your survival stockpile. You can also check out Food.news for more healthy recipes to try at home.

Click on this link to learn how to make an immune-supporting green soup.

Watch this clip about the health benefits of Organic Tomatoes.

This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Survival stockpile staples: Emergency foods for long-term storage.

Food preservation techniques: Keep your pantry stocked for any crisis.

Super sprouts: Creative ways to incorporate sprouts into your meals.

Prepper recipes: How to make artisan pretzel bread.

Sources include:

CrisisPreparedness.com

RachelCooks.com

AllRecipes.com

RealizingHome.com

HealthRangerStore.com 1

HealthRangerStore.com 2

Brighteon.com