Old El Paso Chicken Tortilla Soup for Affordable Desk Lunches, Ready 18.5 oz Can
Old El Paso Chicken Tortilla Soup for Affordable Desk Lunches, Ready 18.5 oz Can
Couldn't load pickup availability
Why you'll love it
- Only 90 calories per serving supports weight management without sacrificing flavor
- Gluten-free certification removes worry for celiac households and dietary-restricted eaters
- No artificial flavors or colors reassures parents and clean-eating shoppers
- Trusted Old El Paso brand heritage reduces risk in the crowded canned soup aisle
- Mildly spicy profile is approachable for kids and spice-sensitive adults alike
- Versatile across the product line — Chipotle Corn Chowder, Chicken Cheese Enchilada, Chicken and Rice, and Chicken Tortilla keep family variety without switching brands
- Has a bit of Mexican flair that leaves you wanting more
- Converted a skeptical husband into a fan
- Considered the best tasting canned soup the reviewer has ever eaten
Perfect for
- Quick 5-minute lunch or dinner straight from the can with no prep
- Base soup topped with crushed tortilla chips, cheese, or sour cream for an elevated bowl
- Starter course for a Mexican-themed family dinner alongside tacos or enchiladas
- Light, low-calorie meal on busy workdays when time is limited
- Comfort food warming on cold evenings
- Topping for sweet potatoes, pasta, and broccoli
- Purchasing multiple cases to keep stocked in the pantry
- Buying as a gift for a friend
Product Information
CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP: Mildly spicy soup made with chicken broth, tomatoes, green sweet peppers, cooked chicken, corn, and other enticing ingredients; Just 90 calories per serving GLUTEN FREE GOODNESS: Old El Paso Chicken Tortilla Soup is gluten free and contains no artificial flavors or colors from artificial sources QUICK AND EASY: Makes part of a tasty lunch or dinner entree; Serve a bowl topped with crushed up corn tortilla chips or alongside gluten free bread FAMILY FAVORITE: At Old El Paso, we've been sharing our tradition for great tasting food with families for generations; Try our entire selection of soups, taco shells, tortillas, seasoning, sauces, refried beans, and more CONTAINS: One 18.5 oz can of Old El Paso Chicken Tortilla Canned Soup
Product Dimensions : 3.45 x 3.45 x 4.45 inches; 1.16 Pounds UPC : 041196136081 Manufacturer : GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. Units : 18.5 Ounce Best Sellers Rank: #4,713 in Grocery & Gourmet Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an affordable option for a college student or young professional?
Canned soup is one of the most budget-friendly ready meals available, and the 18.5 oz can offers multiple servings, making it a smart pick for students and first-apartment pantries.
Can I really heat this at my desk or dorm microwave and get back to work?
Yes — pour it into a microwave-safe bowl, heat for a few minutes, and you're back to your tasks. There's no recipe to follow, no pans to clean, and no prep time lost.
Is 90 calories per serving useful for a work-day lunch plan?
It's a manageable calorie count for most adults who want a warm midday meal without the post-lunch slump that comes from heavier fast-food options.
Does the 18.5 oz can fit in a dorm mini-fridge?
Yes — the can is slim enough to fit on standard dorm and mini-fridge shelves, and you can store a few at a time for grab-and-go lunches all week.
Can I keep several cans stocked in my apartment pantry for quick meals?
Canned soup has a long shelf life, so keeping four to eight cans on hand is a common strategy for students and young professionals who want a no-think backup meal.
Is this filling enough to get me through a long work or study session?
The chicken, corn, and broth combo is more substantial than a plain broth soup, and pairing it with crackers, a sandwich, or a piece of fruit extends the meal easily.
How does this compare to instant ramen as a desk lunch?
It offers a heartier, protein-included alternative to instant noodles with a more developed Mexican-inspired flavor, and it heats just as quickly with even less packaging waste.
Can I eat it straight from the can if I have no dishes?
It is ready to serve and fully cooked, so it can be eaten straight from the can when needed — just make sure to have a spoon on hand.
Does it interfere with focus or concentration at work?
The warm, savory profile is comforting rather than heavy, and most people find a light, warm meal supports afternoon focus better than skipping lunch or grabbing greasy takeout.
What if I want variety throughout the week without thinking?
Old El Paso offers four flavors in matching 18.5 oz cans — Chipotle Corn Chowder, Chicken Cheese Enchilada, Chicken and Rice, and Chicken Tortilla — so you can rotate without changing brands.
Is the flavor profile too 'adult' for a college palate?
Not at all — the mild, slightly spiced profile is broadly appealing and has converted many skeptical eaters, including partners and roommates who expected to dislike canned soup.
What if I'm too busy to even think about lunch?
Keep a stack of these cans at your desk or in your dorm, and you've got a warm, no-prep meal that's faster than waiting in a delivery queue.
Is it cheaper per serving than ordering delivery?
In nearly every case, yes — a single can yields multiple servings for a fraction of the cost of a single restaurant or delivery meal, which matters when you're on a tight budget.
Does it take long to clean up?
Cleanup is just one bowl and a spoon, which is ideal for shared kitchens, dorms, or anyone trying to keep post-meal chores minimal.
Can I take it to a study group or share with a roommate?
Yes — the 18.5 oz size works well for sharing, and you can top individual bowls to please different taste preferences.
What if I try it and don't like the flavor — is it a waste of money?
At its price point, the risk is low, and most reviewers consider it the best-tasting canned soup they've tried — so the upside significantly outweighs the downside.
How do I heat Old El Paso Chicken Tortilla Soup?
Pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or heat it in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat until hot. It's ready to serve — no additional cooking required.
Can I add toppings or mix-ins to change it up?
Yes — popular additions include crushed tortilla chips, shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, lime juice, or fresh cilantro. You can also stir in cooked rice or use it as a sauce over pasta, sweet potatoes, or broccoli.
How long does an unopened can last in the pantry?
Canned soup typically has a long shelf life of 1–2 years or more. Check the best-by date printed on the can and store in a cool, dry place for best quality.
Does this soup work with other Old El Paso products for a full meal?
Yes — it pairs naturally with Old El Paso taco kits, enchilada kits, and tortillas, and can be served as a starter or side for a Mexican-themed family dinner.
Is the can itself microwave safe?
No — metal cans should not go in the microwave. Always transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl before heating.
What's in the can when I open it?
Each 18.5 oz can contains a ready-to-serve soup with chicken, tomatoes, peppers, corn, and a mildly spiced broth. No additional ingredients are needed to enjoy it as-is.
Is it safe to eat straight from the can without heating?
The soup is fully cooked and safe to eat cold, though most people prefer it heated for flavor. If eating unheated, pour it into a clean bowl first.
Does it need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes — transfer any unused portion to a sealed container and refrigerate, consuming within 3–4 days for best quality and food safety.
How does canned chicken tortilla soup differ from homemade versions?
Canned versions offer convenience and a 5-minute prep time, while homemade allows full control over ingredients and spice level. Old El Paso's version is designed to deliver a balanced, ready-to-eat alternative without sacrificing much flavor.
