Canned Soup Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Condensed, Ready-to-Eat, Others), By Sales Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience/Grocery Stores, Online, Others), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 8245.97 Million
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.45%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 10707.61 Million

Market Overview

The Global Canned Soup Market will grow from USD 8245.97 Million in 2025 to USD 10707.61 Million by 2031 at a 4.45% CAGR. The Global Canned Soup Market comprises preserved liquid or semi-liquid meal solutions packed in hermetically sealed metal containers to ensure sterility and extended shelf life for ready-to-eat or condensed products. Primary drivers supporting market growth include rapid urbanization and the increasing necessity for convenient, cost-effective nutritional options among time-constrained working populations who prioritize meal preparation speed. This demand for shelf-stable staples is evident in recent industry performance metrics. According to the Specialty Food Association, in 2024, the specialty food industry reached a record valuation of $206.8 billion, with shelf-stable categories including soup identified as top performers that outpaced other departments due to their enduring consumer appeal.

Despite this positive trajectory, the market faces a significant challenge regarding rising health consciousness and the scrutiny of nutritional content. Consumers are increasingly wary of the high sodium levels and artificial preservatives traditionally found in canned varieties, leading to a shift in preference toward fresh or frozen alternatives that are perceived as healthier. This demand for clean labels and low-sodium formulations compels manufacturers to reformulate established products, potentially impeding volume growth in the traditional canned segment as shoppers seek minimally processed options.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Popularity of Shelf-Stable Foods Amid Economic Uncertainty is a primary force shaping the market as inflation and cost-of-living pressures compel consumers to prioritize affordability and non-perishable staples. This economic environment has revitalized the appeal of canned and ambient soups as essential pantry items that offer long-term value and easy storage. Manufacturers are capitalizing on this trend by ensuring product availability and emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of these meal solutions compared to fresh or foodservice alternatives. The financial impact of this demand is evident in the performance of major regional players who focus on ambient categories. According to Premier Foods, May 2024, in the 'Annual Report 2023/24', headline revenue in the Grocery category increased by 16.7%, underscoring the robust consumer reliance on savory staples and cooking sauces during periods of economic tightness.

Acceleration of Product Innovation with Premium and Ethnic Flavor Profiles acts as a critical counter-strategy to volume stagnation in the traditional condensed segment. To attract younger demographics and health-conscious shoppers, companies are aggressively acquiring or developing clean-label, high-quality brands that feature distinct ethnic ingredients and superior taste profiles. This strategic pivot toward premiumization allows firms to drive topline growth even when organic unit volumes face pressure. For instance, according to Campbell Soup Company, August 2024, in the 'Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2024 Results', net sales increased 3% primarily due to a 5-point benefit from the acquisition of Sovos Brands, which includes premium sauce and soup portfolios. This focus on value-added innovation is essential in a challenging retail landscape where, according to General Mills, in 2024, annual net sales decreased 1 percent, signaling broader headwinds for legacy processed food portfolios.

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Key Market Challenges

Rising health consciousness and the intense scrutiny of nutritional labels present a formidable barrier to the Global Canned Soup Market. As consumers become more educated regarding the long-term effects of dietary intake, there is a quantifiable shift away from products perceived as heavily manufactured. Traditional canned soups are frequently associated with excessive sodium content and industrial preservation methods, which contradicts the growing preference for clean-label items. This negative perception encourages shoppers to bypass the canned food aisle in favor of fresh or frozen alternatives that offer transparent ingredient profiles, directly stalling volume growth for legacy brands.

This avoidance behavior is substantiated by recent industry data which confirms the economic risk to this category. According to the International Food Information Council, in 2024, 63% of consumers reported actively avoiding processed foods at least some of the time. This statistic highlights a significant portion of the consumer base that is systematically filtering out shelf-stable meal solutions. Consequently, the market faces a structural headwind as the core attribute of canned soup—its preservation method—is increasingly viewed by the modern shopper as a health liability rather than a convenience asset.

Key Market Trends

The Adoption of Sustainable and BPA-Free Packaging Solutions is rapidly transforming the manufacturing landscape as companies respond to environmental regulatory pressures and consumer demand for circular economy practices. Major soup producers are systematically transitioning away from traditional single-use materials toward fully recyclable or biodegradable formats to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize landfill waste. This operational shift extends beyond simple material substitution, involving the redesign of steel cans and flexible pouches to ensure they meet rigorous environmental standards without compromising shelf stability. The scale of this transition is evident in the sustainability milestones of leading industry players. According to General Mills, April 2024, in the '2024 Global Responsibility Report', 93% of the company's packaging portfolio by weight was recyclable or reusable, reflecting a comprehensive push across its brands, including Progresso, to eliminate non-compliant packaging materials.

Simultaneously, the Expansion of Plant-Based and Vegan Product Portfolios is reshaping the category as manufacturers reformulate recipes to cater to the growing demographic of flexitarian and ethically motivated consumers. To mitigate the volume decline in traditional meat-based segments, brands are launching vegetable-forward lines that utilize legumes, pulses, and dairy alternatives to deliver high-protein, cruelty-free meal solutions. This strategic diversification allows canned soup brands to align with broader dietary shifts while capitalizing on the premium positioning often associated with plant-based certifications. The economic viability of this segment is supported by robust regional performance data. According to The Good Food Institute Europe, December 2024, in its analysis of retail sales data, sales of plant-based foods in six key European markets grew by 5.5% to €5.4 billion in 2023, signaling a sustained consumer pivot that is compelling global soup manufacturers to diversify their protein sources.

Segmental Insights

The online distribution channel is recognized as the fastest-growing segment in the global canned soup market, driven by the shifting retail landscape and evolving consumer purchasing habits. This growth is largely attributed to the significant convenience of home delivery and the ability to purchase shelf-stable products in bulk without physical constraints. Furthermore, e-commerce platforms provide extensive access to international flavors and specialized organic formulations that are frequently limited in traditional brick-and-mortar outlets. Consequently, the increasing penetration of internet connectivity and smart devices continues to bolster the rapid expansion of online sales for canned food products.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a leading position in the Global Canned Soup Market, primarily driven by widespread consumer demand for convenient, ready-to-eat meal solutions. This market strength is supported by high disposable incomes and a strong preference for processed foods that accommodate busy lifestyles. The region benefits significantly from well-developed retail distribution channels and the extensive presence of major manufacturers. Additionally, strict compliance with food safety regulations enforced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ensures consistent product quality, fostering strong consumer confidence. These factors collectively secure the region's status as the dominant global market.

Recent Developments

• In November 2025, the Princes Group made its trading debut on the London Stock Exchange following an initial public offering (IPO) that valued the business at approximately £1.16 billion. The listing marked a significant milestone for the company, which had recently undergone a change in ownership and strategic realignment under the New Princes Group. The capital raised from the float was earmarked to support further inorganic growth and acquisitions, allowing the soup and ambient food manufacturer to expand its product range and strengthen its market presence in the UK and internationally.
• In July 2025, General Mills launched a new product line under its Progresso brand called Progresso Pitmaster, designed to offer barbecue-inspired flavors in a convenient canned soup format. The range introduced five high-protein varieties, such as Grilled Chicken & Fire Roasted Corn and Steak & Potatoes with Roasted Vegetables, each containing at least 14 grams of protein per can. This launch aimed to capture consumer demand for bold, smoky profiles and substantial meal options that replicate the experience of a summer cookout without the need for grilling.
• In July 2024, Newlat Food S.p.A. finalized the acquisition of the Princes Group from Mitsubishi Corporation for £700 million. This transaction created a major new player in the European food industry, combining Newlat’s pasta and bakery operations with Princes’ extensive portfolio of canned soups, fish, and ambient products. The deal positioned the newly formed group as a leading diverse food and beverage company in the UK and Europe, with a strategy to leverage synergies and expanded production capabilities across its network of manufacturing sites.
• In March 2024, the Campbell Soup Company completed the acquisition of Sovos Brands, Inc. for approximately $2.7 billion. This strategic move expanded Campbell’s Meals & Beverages division by adding a portfolio of premium growth brands, including Rao’s and Michael Angelo’s, which complement its existing core soup and broth offerings. The company established a new business unit named Distinctive Brands to manage these premium assets, aiming to drive sustained profitable growth and strengthen its position in the ultra-distinctive Italian and ready-to-eat meal categories.

Key Market Players

• Campbell Soup Company
• General Mills Inc.
• The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.
• The Kraft Heinz Company
• Unilever Plc
• Amy's Kitchen Inc.
• Baxters Food Group Limited
• Bar Harbor Foods
• BCI Foods Inc.
• Sprague Foods, Ltd.

By Type	By Sales Channel	By Region
Condensed Ready-to-Eat Others	Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Convenience/Grocery Stores Online Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Canned Soup Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Canned Soup Market, By Type:

• Condensed
• Ready-to-Eat
• Others

• Canned Soup Market, By Sales Channel:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience/Grocery Stores
• Online
• Others

• Canned Soup Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE