8/15/06 | Progresso Wins Soup Poll
[ Currently Eating: Avocado Toast ]
I’ll be darned, but Progresso soup came out on top of the Soup Poll. I had Campbell’s pegged for an easy victory, due to the “nostalgia” factor. Who doesn’t remember eating a bowl of Campbell’s Chicken Noodle or Tomato Soup for lunch?
I sure had my fair share… those condensed soups were pretty cheap eats for moms on a budget. I think the price was a quarter to 30 cents when I was a kid, but maybe you remember it being even cheaper if you’re older.
Well, to be fair the race wasn’t a blowout. Progresso had 173 votes and Campbell’s had 124 votes, a difference of only 49. And before you start celebrating that David beat the Campbell’s goliath-behemoth, here’s something I just realized today when looking for the Progresso site. Progresso is owned by Betty Crocker, a formidable force in its, er, her own right.
I was surprised like the chickens, er, dickens that so many folks picked the “make your own soup” choice. I’m pretty proud of all the cheap eaters out there. At 135 votes, that’s a whole mess of homemade pots of soup out there. (By the way, Cheap Eats reader Peggasus has some pretty good tips on homemade chicken soup.)
I suspect that there were enough proud soup-makers out there who defected from Campbell’s nostalgia to tip the scales in Progresso’s favor. I personally favor Progresso, but only when I can get the cans for cheaper. I haven’t had much luck with Campbell’s Chunky Soup - either on price or taste, which is the main reason I usually stick with Progresso.
Oh, and then there’s Wolfgang Puck, whose overpriced restaurants, sloppy cooking style and half-baked product ideas have earned him the ire of many a Cheap Eater out there. He did get a few sympathy votes. I don’t see him much on the Food Channel any more which is a blessing. Maybe he pulled out of agreements with them because they didn’t pick him as a permanent Iron Chef. Scrooge McSuck.
Anyhow, enough Wolfie. The next poll awaits you. This time, I want to know your weekly cooking habits. I was curious how many times you cook dinner a week. Or, if like more than half the younger working population you eat out because there’s simply no time. No time! Speaking of which, I’ve got to jet. House painting to do…
August 15th, 2006 at 10:11 am
I’m loving your site.
I do have a question.
What is avocado toast?
Thank you,
Cathy in MN
August 15th, 2006 at 10:56 am
cathy - oh, it’s when you mash up avocados, add some salt / pepper and spread it on normal toast. Usually in the morning… I ate this a lot growing up. Picture on this post about avocados …
August 16th, 2006 at 4:52 am
I thought Campbell’s would win too. Bean with Bacon brings on the nostalgia for me. Its one semi-hearty, tasty classic variety that seems overlooked.
Ahh, Chunky soup..”Steak and Potato”…but you really must try it to fully appreciate the line of products they make. I guarantee you that it won’t disappoint.
Cool poll. I’m already surprised I’m in the same boat with a few other people in a particular area
August 16th, 2006 at 5:34 am
Chunky’s Chicken & Sausage gumbo isn’t bad, either hot or cold. It’s a standard part of my “hurricane” rations. But in general, the Progresso stuff is much tastier than the Campbell’s or Chunky counterparts.
August 16th, 2006 at 9:16 am
Thanks, Editor. Just doing my part for the cause of homemade soup.
I think Food Network fired Wolfgang because he couldn’t match a verb tense to a noun after about 30 years in this country.
August 16th, 2006 at 10:44 am
I love making my own soup. I’ll use whatever I have on hand too.
I always have cans of soup for back up though and Progresso is my soup of choice. 
As for the current poll, I voted everyday. In fact I make lunch and dinner everyday. I cook *a lot*, so much so that we hardly ever eat out.
August 19th, 2006 at 11:17 am
Hmm.. swoon avocado toast is my favorite. I had some for lunch and it was tasty and delicious. The street I live on is lined with avocado trees!
August 21st, 2006 at 6:49 pm
Progresso makes fabulous soups for a good price. Much better than cambells
September 12th, 2006 at 4:44 pm
they now have a line of soups that have 30% less sodium in them so instead of 950 it is only 450 yea finally some one is getting the hint that things do not need to be loaded with sodium for people to buy them
December 10th, 2006 at 8:12 pm
I think your soups I have tried are great. I am sending this note to let you know how much we enjoy your commercial with the girl at the check out counter. She is adorable. Hope you continue to come up with some other commercials with her in them.