Nutrition-Wise Series: Creative Ways to Add Fruit to Hearty Meal Soups

Nutrition-Wise Series: Creative Ways to Add Fruit to Hearty Meal Soups

Jun 25th 2025

Sweet meets savory in these smart fruit-forward tips from Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Penny Clark. Whether fresh, dried, or juiced, fruit adds brightness, depth, and nutritional benefits to your soups.

Fruit isn’t just for dessert. A touch of apple, citrus, or even raisins can transform your soup with natural sweetness and balance. These creative ideas make it easy to add vitamins, antioxidants, and flavor—no extra sugar required.

Benefits of Adding Fruit

  • Adds natural sweetness without added sugar

  • Boosts vitamin C and fiber

  • Enhances flavor complexity

  • Supports digestive and immune health

Indiana Harvest Sausage Lentil Soup

  • Add 3/4 cup raisins or 1 diced apple with tomatoes for a sweet-savory balance

Spiced & Sweet Butternut Squash and Lentil Soup

  • Use 100% orange juice for a citrusy base

  • Add mandarin oranges canned in juice—not syrup—for extra brightness

Texas Wrangler Black Bean Soup

  • Add 1 1/2 cups fresh orange segments or mandarin oranges (canned in juice)

  • Prepare with 100% orange or grapefruit juice to deepen flavor

Vermont Farmhouse Apple Sausage and Bean Soup

  • Prepare with 2 large diced apples

  • Add 1 finely chopped hot chili pepper for sweet heat

Michigan Ski Country Chili

  • Swap brown sugar for 2 tablespoons of apple juice concentrate

  • Stir in diced sweet bell pepper for a fruity crunch

    Fruit can elevate a bowl of soup from hearty to unforgettable. Keep a few pantry staples like raisins, apples, and citrus juice on hand, and experiment with new combinations. Share your creations using #FruitForwardSoup and tag us @frontiersoups!