When the weather cools and the craving for something warm and comforting hits, many people reach for a can of Progresso soup. But did you know that not all Progresso soups are created equal? Sure, they’re convenient and easy to prepare, but some may leave you unsatisfied or even raise some eyebrows. Here are seven Progresso soups you might want to think twice about before adding to your shopping cart.
1. Traditional Manhattan Clam Chowder
Seafood lovers may be attracted by the promise of a warm, hearty bowl of Manhattan Clam Chowder. However, some consumers have noted that this particular soup has a distinct lack of the main ingredients – clams and potatoes. Imagine the disappointment of diving into your bowl only to find it lacking in substance.
Furthermore, the soup has been criticized for being too watery. A good chowder should be thick and creamy, not thin and runny. If you’re expecting a rich, indulgent experience, this soup might not hit the mark.
And lastly, let’s not forget the importance of flavor. Some reviewers pointed out that the soup lacked the robust, savory taste they were hoping for. So, while it might seem like a good idea to have a can of this on hand for those chilly days, you might want to explore other options.
2. Spicy Jambalaya Soup
The allure of a spicy, hearty jambalaya in a can is undeniable. But, hold your horses before you grab this can off the shelf. Some consumers found the Spicy Jambalaya Soup to be too hot to handle. While a bit of spice can be a good thing, overdoing it can overpower the other flavors and ruin the overall dining experience.
Moreover, the balance between the rice and meat in this soup has been criticized. Jambalaya is known for its hearty mix of rice, meat, and vegetables. If one component overpowers the others, it can throw off the entire dish. In this case, some reviewers found that the meat was overwhelming, and there was not enough rice.
Lastly, let’s talk about consistency. A good jambalaya should have a thick, stew-like consistency. However, this soup has been described as being too watery, which can detract from the overall eating experience. So, if you’re looking for a true jambalaya experience, this soup might not be the best choice.
3. Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a classic comfort food, renowned for its hearty goodness. However, Progresso’s version of it has had its fair share of criticism. One of the major complaints has been about the presence of foreign objects in the soup. One reviewer even claimed to have found a stone in their soup, which led to a chipped tooth.
Besides the alarming possibility of finding unwanted items in your soup, some consumers also felt that the Lentil Soup lacked flavor. While lentils are known for their mild taste, a good lentil soup should be robust and savory, thanks to the addition of various herbs and spices. If it’s bland, it can be a real letdown.
Finally, texture also plays a significant role in a satisfying soup experience. Some reviewers found the lentils in this soup to be overcooked and mushy. If you prefer your lentils to have a bit of bite, this soup might not meet your expectations.
4. Chicken & Herb Dumplings Soup
Chicken and dumplings is a classic combination that’s hard to resist. However, you might want to steer clear of Progresso’s Chicken & Herb Dumplings Soup, as it has received some less than stellar reviews. One major complaint was about the taste, with some reviewers describing it as so bad that they had to throw the soup away.
Another issue mentioned was the lack of dumplings in the soup. Dumplings are a crucial part of this dish, providing a satisfying texture and soaking up the flavors of the soup. If they’re missing or scant, it can be a major disappointment for those expecting a hearty, filling meal.
Lastly, the consistency of the soup was another point of contention. A good chicken and dumplings soup should have a thick, stew-like consistency. However, some reviewers found this soup to be too thin and lacking in substance. If you’re after a rich, hearty soup, this might not be the one for you.
5. Rich and Hearty Italian Sausage and Potato Soup
On paper, the combination of Italian sausage and potato in a rich, hearty soup sounds like a winner. However, Progresso’s take on this classic combo has left some consumers less than impressed. The main issue? The soup’s spiciness. Some reviewers found it to be excessively hot, to the point of overpowering the other flavors.
The soup also came under fire for its misleading label. While the can suggests a hearty, robust soup packed with Italian sausage and potatoes, some consumers found the reality didn’t live up to the promise. According to some reviews, the soup was lacking in both sausage and potatoes, which are the stars of this dish.
Lastly, the soup’s overall quality was called into question. Some reviewers noted a decline in the quality of the ingredients and the taste of the soup over time. If you’re after a high-quality, flavorful soup, this might not be your best bet.
6. Traditional Split Pea Soup
Split pea soup is a comforting, nutritious option, but it seems that Progresso’s version doesn’t quite hit the mark. According to some reviews, the soup lacks the rich, savory flavors you’d expect from split pea soup. The soup was described as bland and unappetizing, which is a far cry from the hearty, satisfying meal that split pea soup should be.
Texture was another issue with this soup. Some consumers found the soup to be too thin and watery, which detracts from the overall eating experience. A good split pea soup should be thick and creamy, providing a comforting, hearty meal.
Lastly, the quality of the ingredients was also called into question. Split pea soup should be made with high-quality ingredients, including split peas, ham, and a variety of vegetables. However, some consumers felt that the ingredients used in this soup were not up to par, resulting in a disappointing meal.
7. Traditional Chicken Rice with Vegetables
Chicken rice soup with vegetables should be a comforting bowl of goodness, but some consumers have found Progresso’s version lacking. Firstly, the soup has been criticized for its lack of flavor. A good chicken rice soup should be flavorful, with the chicken and vegetables contributing to a rich, hearty taste.
Secondly, the balance of ingredients in the soup has been called into question. Some consumers found that the soup contained too much rice and not enough chicken or vegetables. When one ingredient overwhelms the others, it can throw off the balance of the dish and detract from the overall taste and texture.
Lastly, the soup’s consistency was another point of contention. Some reviews noted that the soup was too watery and lacked the hearty, comforting quality you’d expect from a chicken rice soup. If you’re after a satisfying, well-balanced meal, this soup might not be the one for you.
In conclusion, while Progresso offers a wide range of soups that can be a convenient meal option, not all of them hit the mark. The soups listed above have garnered criticism for a variety of reasons, from lack of flavor to the presence of foreign objects. So, the next time you reach for a can of Progresso soup, you might want to think twice about which variety you choose. After all, a satisfying soup experience comes down to more than just convenience. It’s about flavor, texture, and quality ingredients too.