Nutrition-Wise Series: Less Salt, All Flavor

Nutrition-Wise Series: Less Salt, All Flavor

Jun 26th 2025

Watching your sodium intake doesn’t mean giving up on flavor. With a few smart swaps, you can enjoy the ease and comfort of our Homemade in Minutes soup mixes—while keeping things lighter on salt.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Penny Clark shared these quick tips to help you reduce sodium without sacrificing taste. Bonus: many of these adjustments use pantry staples you likely already have.

? General Low-Sodium Tips for Any Soup Mix

  • Use low-sodium broth instead of regular

  • Cut sodium further by replacing half the broth with water

  • Skip or reduce salty add-ins like croutons, cheese, ham, sausage, or bacon

  • Amp up flavor naturally with fresh herbs, citrus juice, garlic, or vinegar

  • Check labels on canned tomatoes, beans, hash browns, etc.—go for “no salt added”

Arizona Sunset Enchilada Soup Mix

  • Swap salsa/enchilada sauce for:

    • 1 can no salt added diced tomatoes

      • ¼ tsp cayenne and/or 1 Tbsp lime juice

  • Why: All the flavor with less sodium—and lime brightens everything

Chicago Bistro French Onion Soup Mix

  • Skip: Cheese + croutons

  • Use: Reduced sodium Worcestershire + low-sodium broth

  • Extra step: Sub water for half the broth

  • Why: A rich soup doesn’t need the salt to shine

Connecticut Cottage Chicken Noodle Soup Mix

  • Use: Low-sodium broth

  • For even less: Use water for half the broth

  • Why: Great flavor from the herbs in the mix—let them lead

Florida Sunshine Red Pepper Corn Chowder Mix

  • Use: Low-sodium broth

  • Optional: Replace half with water

  • Why: Still creamy and flavorful with lower sodium

Washington High Plains Potato Leek Soup Mix

  • Use: Low-sodium broth or water for half

  • Check frozen hash browns: Choose plain, no salt added

  • Why: Smart swaps without extra salt sneaking in

Kentucky Homestead Chicken & Rice Soup Mix

  • Use: Low-sodium broth

  • Cut further: Replace half with water

  • Why: The veggies and rice still shine through

Mississippi Delta Tomato Basil Soup Mix

  • Use: No salt added tomato puree + low-sodium broth

  • Cut further: Replace half broth with water

  • Reduce added sugar: Use 1 Tbsp brown sugar instead of 2

  • Why: Balanced flavor without overwhelming salt or sugar

New Orleans Front Porch Creole Jambalaya Mix

  • Use:

    • No salt added tomatoes (with garlic or green chilies)

    • Low-sodium broth instead of clam juice

  • Skip: Processed meats like ham; use fresh chicken, pork, or shrimp

  • Why: You still get the spice and soul without the salt

Pacific Rim Gingered Carrot Soup Mix

  • Use: Low-sodium broth or half water

  • Why: Let the ginger and carrots shine

Pennsylvania Woodlands Mushroom Barley Soup Mix

  • Use: Low-sodium broth or water for half

  • Why: Earthy mushrooms and barley carry the flavor

Thai Style Golden Peanut Soup Mix

  • Use:

    • Peanut butter with no salt or sugar added

    • Low-sodium broth or partial water

  • Why: A peanut-rich soup doesn’t need extra sodium

South of the Border Tortilla Soup Mix

  • Swap salsa for:

    • 1 can no salt added diced tomatoes

      • ¼ tsp cayenne or 1 chopped fresh chili

  • Skip: Tortilla chips; top with avocado, lime, or fresh cilantro instead

  • Why: A flavorful finish without salty crunch

Virginia Blue Ridge Broccoli Cheddar Soup Mix

  • Use: Low-sodium broth or partial water

  • Why: The creamy texture still comes through, even with less salt

Final Takeaway:

Reducing sodium doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. A few thoughtful ingredient swaps—and maybe a squeeze of lemon—can keep your soup delicious, balanced, and better for your heart.