These diabetic-friendly soups are comfort food at its best.
33 Diabetic-Friendly Soup Recipes with a Perfect 5-Star Rating
Updated on Oct. 03, 2024
Hearty Vegetable Soup
A friend gave me the idea to use V8 juice in vegetable soup because it provides more flavor. My best vegetable soup recipe is perfect to prepare on a crisp autumn afternoon. —Janice Steinmetz, Somers, Connecticut
1/33
2/33
Turkey-Vegetable Soup
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
The blend of flavors and colors in this hearty soup will bring everyone at the table back for more. —Charlotte Welch, Utica, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 191 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
3/33
White Bean Soup with Escarole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Pantry staples make this healthy soup oh, so simple to prepare. When I can't find escarole, I use fresh spinach. Just add to the soup pot moments before serving. —Gina Samokar, North Haven, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup soup with 1-1/2 teaspoons cheese: 174 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
4/33
Zesty Chicken Soup
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
10 servings (3-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This spicy chicken soup is chock full of chicken and vegetables. Best of all, it freezes nicely, making a second meal with little effort! —Gwen Nelson, Castro Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups (calculated without cheese and tortilla chips): 152 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 518mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
5/33
Old-Fashioned Split Pea Soup with Ham Bone
Total Time
2 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Not only is this old-fashioned favorite a snap to make but it’s economical too. Carrots, celery and onion accent the subtle flavor of the split peas, while a ham bone adds a meaty touch to this hearty soup. It’s sure to chase away autumn’s chill. —Laurie Todd, Columbus, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 202 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 267mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 12g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 lean meat.
6/33
Black Bean Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Black bean soup recipes are among my favorite because they're light and it most of the time don't contain meat. For this recipe, you could add lean beef or chicken for a variation. —Angee Owens, Lufkin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 222 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 779mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein.
7/33
Brown Rice Mulligatawny
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My friends tell me this is one of the best soups they’ve ever had. One even said it’s “perfect.” No one guesses that it’s healthy!—Sarah Ott, Blanchardville, Wisconsin.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with 1 tablespoon sour cream: 229 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 689mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
And here’s another one of our favorite mulligatawny soup recipes.
8/33
Shrimp Gazpacho
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a refreshing take on the classic chilled tomato soup. Our twist features shrimp, lime and plenty of avocado. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 112 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 399mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
9/33
Slow-Cooked Manhattan Clam Chowder
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
9 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this simple, delicious soup years ago when my husband and I both worked. It's easy to dump all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning ... and wonderful to come home to the aroma of a hot dinner ready. —Mary Dixon, Northville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 80 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 612mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
10/33
French Lentil and Carrot Soup
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings (2-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
It’s crazy how just a few ingredients can make such a difference. Using finely chopped rotisserie chicken in this recipe makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal, but you can leave the chicken out if you prefer. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 338 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 738mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
11/33
Tomato Tortellini Soup
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
No one will guess that you cheated by using canned tomato soup. This lovely soup tastes homemade all the way! —Sandra Fick, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 245 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
12/33
Instant Pot Corn Chowder
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Enjoy this chowder’s rich, slow-simmered flavor in record time by using an Instant Pot. Corn chowder is a classic staple, with its hearty flavors of creamy sweet corn, bacon crumbles, shredded cheddar cheese and chopped parsley. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 709mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
13/33
Pressure-Cooker Mexican Beef Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves this stew, and I'm happy to make it since it's so simple! Serve the dish with cornbread to make the meal even more filling. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 172 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 lean meat.
14/33
Hazelnut Asparagus Soup
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings (3 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
My heart is happy when bundles of tender local asparagus start to appear at my grocery store in spring. No one would ever guess this restaurant-quality vegetarian soup can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. —Cindy Beberman, Orland Park, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 164 calories, 13g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 623mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
15/33
Chicken Tomatillo Soup
Total Time
4 hours 45 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I had tomatillos to use and wanted to make something more exquisite than salsa verde. I combined two favorite recipes, added my own special touches and made chicken tomatillo soup. Feel free to add cayenne pepper or Tabasco sauce to spice it up. —Katrina Krumm, Apple Valley, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 290 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 722mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 8g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
16/33
Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's my go-to recipe for get-togethers with family and friends. Everyone asks for seconds, and they can't believe they are eating something so healthy and vegetarian! It's also a hearty dish for those with food allergies. —Sharon Verea, Thomasville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without cheese): 138 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 7g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
17/33
Curried Ham & Split Pea Soup
Total Time
7 hours 10 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup is great for stocking in the freezer and the curry gives it a warmer flavor, which goes so nicely with the salty ham. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 288 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 683mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 16g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
18/33
Butternut Squash and Barley Soup
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to use my garden produce in this veggie-packed soup. Serve it with bread or oatmeal dinner rolls and you have a delicious, healthy dinner. —Julie Sloan, Osceola, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 120 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 493mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
19/33
Cream of Asparagus Soup
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We have a large asparagus patch and are able to freeze a lot for the year. My recipe highlights the flavor of the vegetable and is very easy to make. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 154 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat-free milk.
20/33
Beef Vegetable Soup
Total Time
9 hours 20 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This nicely seasoned soup tastes so good. It's convenient, too, since it simmers all day in the slow cooker. —Jean Hutzell, Dubuque, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 217 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 536mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 1 starch.
21/33
Chorizo and Chickpea Soup
Total Time
8 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chorizo sausage adds its own spice to the broth of this soup, creating delicious flavor with no need for more seasonings. And while it's cooking, the whole house smells divine! —Jaclyn McKewan, Lancaster, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 180 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 569mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 high-fat meat.
22/33
Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
14 servings (3-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. —Virginia Montmarquet, Riverside, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 154 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
23/33
Beefy Sweet Potato Soup
Total Time
1 hour 50 min
Servings
4 quarts
From the Recipe Creator:
I hate being cold, but one of the best remedies for that is warm soup. I took my mother’s water-based vegetable soup recipe and worked with it to make the flavors richer. The meat and veggies in this dish are the perfect cure for a cold night and a hungry family. —Lisa Cooper, Leander, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 260 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 792mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
24/33
Spiced Split Pea Soup
Total Time
8 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A hint of curry adds the perfect amount of kick to this family-pleasing soup. Just assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker and go about your day while it cooks. —Sue Mohre, Mount Gilead, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 139 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 347mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 8g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
25/33
Clam Chowder
Total Time
55 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best clam chowder recipe ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren't readily available everywhere, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. —Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 280 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 805mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
26/33
Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato Chocolate Mole Soup
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is perfect for those days when you’re craving something just a little bit different. It’s spicy, flavorful and a delightful excuse to open up a bar of chocolate—if you’re the type of person who needs an excuse! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 203 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 511mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
27/33
Slow-Cooker Thai Butternut Squash Peanut Soup
Total Time
5 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This seemingly exotic dish is simple, vegan, healthy and hearty. The peanut butter blends beautifully with the sweetness of the squash and Thai seasonings. You can also serve this soup without pureeing it first. —Kayla Capper, Ojai, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 181 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 470mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 high-fat meat, 1 fat.
28/33
Slow-Cooker Lasagna Soup
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I modified one of my favorite soup recipes so I can prep it the night before and put it in the slow cooker in the morning. Slow-cooker lasagna soup makes a welcome contribution to work parties. My colleagues love it! —Sharon Gerst, North Liberty, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 266 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
29/33
Dill Chicken Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I could eat soup for every meal of the day, all year long. I particularly like dill and spinach—they add a brightness to this light and healthy soup. —Robin Haas, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 198 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 681mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 0.500 fat.
30/33
Salmon Dill Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best soup I have ever made, according to my husband, who loves salmon so much that he could eat it every day. It's a treat for both of us, so when I get some, I try to make it a very special dish like this one. —Hidemi Walsh, Plainfield, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
2-1/2 cups: 398 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 647mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2-1/2 starch.
31/33
Italian Vegetable Soup
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
8 servings (2 qts.)
From the Recipe Creator:
This Italian zucchini soup recipe was given to me by my neighbor. Nice and simple, it's a good way to use a lot of your zucchini and other garden vegetables. It freezes well and is great to have on hand on a cold winter day. —Clara Mae Chambers, Superior, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 156 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 1046mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
32/33
Market Basket Soup
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
11 servings (2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I use kohlrabi in this soothing veggie soup. The vegetable has a mellow broccoli-cabbage flavor and can be served raw, but this is my favorite way to eat it. —Kellie Foglio, Salem, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 110 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 664mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
33/33
Turkey Sausage and Lentil Soup
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings (3-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe was given to me by my son, Chris, and we have it several times during the winter months. —Kathy Mazur, Sarasota, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 187 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 639mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
