Last Updated on January 31, 2026 by Susanna Zuyeva
I’ve been a food blogger and product tester for over eight years. I love trying new foods and sharing my honest reviews.
For this guide, I bought and tested three popular canned clam chowders. I heated them up the same way. I tasted them side by side. I even counted the clam pieces in each can.
I also checked the nutrition labels. I looked at the ingredients. I wanted to see which one gave me the most bang for my buck.
My goal was simple. Find the best canned clam chowder you can buy on Amazon right now.
Our Top Picks
After testing all three products, here’s what I found:
Best Overall: Snow’s Condensed New England Clam Chowder – The most authentic New England flavor with generous clam chunks.
Best for Protein: Campbell’s Chunky Healthy Request – Packs 10g of protein per can and has a creamy, satisfying texture.
Best Alternative: Progresso Chicken Corn Chowder – Not a clam chowder, but a delicious option if you want something different.
Let me break down each one for you.
1. Snow’s Condensed New England Clam Chowder – Best Overall
This is my top pick. Snow’s has been making clam chowder for decades. They know what they’re doing.
Product Features
- 15 oz cans
- Pack of 12
- Condensed formula (you add milk)
- 4g protein per serving
- MSC certified sustainable clams
- Traditional New England recipe
What I Like
The clam flavor really shines through. You can taste the ocean in every spoonful.
The potato chunks are hearty. They hold their shape well. They don’t turn to mush when you heat the soup.
I also love that it’s condensed. You control how thick or thin you want it. Add more or less milk based on your preference.
The price is great too. At around $33 for 12 cans, that’s less than $3 per can. Each can makes about 2-3 servings.
Why It’s Better
Snow’s tastes more authentic than the other two. It doesn’t have that “canned soup” flavor.
The clam pieces are bigger. I counted an average of 12-15 decent-sized clam chunks per can. That’s more than Campbell’s.
It also has fewer additives. The ingredient list is shorter. That means cleaner, fresher taste.
How It Performed
I made this soup three different ways. First, I followed the can directions exactly. I added one can of whole milk.
The result was creamy and rich. Not too thick. Not too thin. Just right.
Next, I used 2% milk instead. It was still good but not as creamy. I prefer whole milk for this one.
Finally, I tried adding extra butter and fresh cracked pepper. This took it to the next level. It tasted almost homemade.
The soup reheats well too. I stored leftovers in the fridge for two days. It tasted just as good the second time.
How I Clean It
Cleanup is easy. Since you’re mixing this in a pot, you just need to wash one pot and one spoon.
The soup doesn’t stick to the pot if you stir it while heating. Use medium-low heat. Don’t rush it.
A quick rinse and some dish soap is all you need. No scrubbing required.
Testing Results
Taste: 9/10 – Authentic New England flavor
Texture: 8/10 – Good chunks, slightly thin if you add too much milk
Clam Amount: 9/10 – Generous clam pieces
Value: 9/10 – Great price for quality
Overall: 8.75/10
This is my go-to when I want real clam chowder. It’s the closest to restaurant quality I’ve found in a can.
2. Campbell’s Chunky Healthy Request New England Clam Chowder
Campbell’s is a household name. Their Chunky line is known for being filling and hearty.
Product Features
- 18.8 oz cans
- Pack of 4
- Ready to eat (not condensed)
- 10g protein per can
- Lower sodium “Healthy Request” version
- Chunks of clams, potatoes, and celery
What I Like
This soup is ready to go. No mixing required. Just heat and eat.
The protein content is impressive. 10g per can is more than the others. That makes it more filling.
The lower sodium version tastes good. It’s not bland like some “healthy” options. You can taste the seasoning.
I also like the bigger can size. At 18.8 oz, it’s a full meal for one person. Or a good lunch for two.
Why It’s Better
If you want convenience, this wins. No measuring milk. No mixing. Open, heat, done.
The “Chunky” name isn’t a lie. This soup has lots of vegetables. The potato pieces are big. The celery adds nice crunch.
For people watching their sodium, this is the best choice. It has about 30% less sodium than regular canned soups.
How It Performed
I tested this soup straight from the can. I heated it in the microwave for 2 minutes. Stirred it. Then heated for another minute.
The result was hot and steamy. The vegetables were soft but not mushy. The broth was creamy.
I also tried heating it on the stove. This method gave better results. The soup heated more evenly. The flavors blended better.
One thing I noticed: the clam pieces are smaller than Snow’s. They’re more like clam bits than chunks. Still tasty though.
The soup is quite thick. Some people might like this. I thought it was a bit too thick. I added a splash of milk to thin it out.
How I Clean It
Super easy cleanup. If you heat it in the microwave, you just wash one bowl and one spoon.
If you use the stove, one small pot to wash. The soup doesn’t stick much. It comes off easily with warm water and soap.
I recommend letting the pot soak for a minute if anything does stick. Then it wipes right off.
Testing Results
Taste: 7/10 – Good but not as authentic as Snow’s
Texture: 8/10 – Very chunky and thick
Clam Amount: 6/10 – Smaller pieces, fewer overall
Value: 7/10 – More expensive per ounce
Convenience: 10/10 – Can’t beat ready-to-eat
Overall: 7.6/10
This is perfect for busy weeknights. When you need food fast, this delivers. It’s not the most authentic, but it’s filling and tasty.
3. Progresso Rich & Hearty Chicken Corn Chowder
Wait, this isn’t clam chowder! You’re right. But hear me out.
Product Features
- 18.5 oz cans
- Pack of 3
- Gluten-free
- Flavored with bacon
- 7g protein per serving
- No artificial flavors
- Chicken, corn, potatoes, celery, and onion
What I Like
Sometimes you want chowder but not clams. This is that option.
The bacon flavor is subtle but nice. It adds a smoky note without being overpowering.
The corn is sweet and fresh-tasting. Not like canned corn. More like frozen corn.
I love that it’s gluten-free. Many people need this option. It’s great that Progresso offers it.
The chicken pieces are real. Not that fake processed chicken you find in some canned soups.
Why It’s Better
If you’re not a huge clam fan, this is your answer. You still get that creamy chowder experience. Just with chicken instead.
The flavor profile is more mild. Kids tend to like this better than clam chowder. It’s less “fishy” tasting.
The bacon adds something special. It makes the soup feel more gourmet. Like something you’d get at a diner.
How It Performed
I heated this soup on the stove over medium heat. I stirred it occasionally. It took about 5 minutes to get hot.
The smell while heating was amazing. The bacon aroma filled my kitchen. It made me even hungrier.
The taste was excellent. Creamy. Slightly sweet from the corn. Savory from the bacon. Really well-balanced.
The chicken pieces were tender. Not rubbery like some canned chicken. They had good texture.
The potatoes were perfect. Soft enough to eat easily. Firm enough to hold their shape.
I tried this soup three days in a row. Once for lunch. Twice for dinner. It didn’t get boring.
How I Clean It
Same as the Campbell’s. Very easy cleanup.
The soup is a bit thicker than the others. It can leave a light residue on the pot. Nothing serious though.
Warm soapy water takes care of it. Or just put it in the dishwasher. Either way works fine.
Testing Results
Taste: 8/10 – Delicious and well-seasoned
Texture: 9/10 – Perfect balance of creamy and chunky
Chicken Amount: 8/10 – Good amount of real chicken
Value: 8/10 – Fair price for quality
Versatility: 9/10 – Great for people who don’t like seafood
Overall: 8.4/10
This isn’t clam chowder. But it’s a fantastic chowder option. If you’re cooking for mixed tastes, keep both this and a clam chowder on hand.
How I Tested These Products
Let me walk you through my testing process. I wanted to be fair and thorough.
Step 1: Buying
I ordered all three products from Amazon. I used my own money. No freebies. No sponsored products.
I waited for them all to arrive. Then I started testing on the same day. This kept things consistent.
Step 2: First Taste Test
I made each soup according to package directions. I didn’t add anything extra. Just followed the recipe.
I tasted each one plain. I made notes on flavor, texture, and appearance.
I gave each soup a score from 1-10 on different factors.
Step 3: Second Taste Test
The next day, I did it again. But this time, I tried to improve each soup.
For Snow’s, I added butter and pepper. For Campbell’s, I added a bit of milk. For Progresso, I added some extra cracked pepper.
I wanted to see which soup had the most potential. Which one could be elevated easily.
Step 4: Counting Ingredients
I know this sounds weird. But I actually counted the pieces in each soup.
I counted clam chunks in the clam chowders. I counted chicken pieces in the Progresso.
I also counted potato chunks. This gave me hard data on what you’re actually getting.
Step 5: Value Analysis
I looked at the price per ounce. I also considered how many servings you get.
Snow’s is condensed. So you get more servings per can when you add milk.
Campbell’s and Progresso are ready-to-eat. What you see is what you get.
I calculated the real cost per serving for each option.
Step 6: Reheating Test
I stored leftovers in the fridge. Then I reheated them two days later.
Some soups separate or get weird when reheated. I wanted to see how these held up.
I reheated both in the microwave and on the stove. I compared the results.
Step 7: Family Feedback
I didn’t just rely on my own taste. I had my family try each soup.
My spouse preferred the Snow’s. My kids liked the Progresso best. My mom chose Campbell’s.
This showed me that different people want different things from their chowder.
What Makes a Good Canned Clam Chowder?
After all this testing, I learned what matters most.
Real Clam Flavor
The soup should taste like clams. Not just cream and potatoes with a hint of seafood.
Look for soups that list clams high in the ingredient list. The closer to the top, the better.
Good Chunk Size
Nobody wants clam dust. You need actual pieces you can bite into.
The potatoes should be visible chunks too. Not just thickener for the broth.
Creamy But Not Gloopy
A good chowder is creamy. But it shouldn’t be paste-thick.
It should pour smoothly. It should coat your spoon. But not stick to it.
Quality Ingredients
Check the ingredient list. Fewer ingredients usually means better quality.
Avoid soups with lots of additives. Skip ones with artificial flavors.
Reasonable Sodium
Most canned soups are high in sodium. That’s just how it is.
But some are worse than others. Look for options around 800-900mg per serving or less.
Good Value
Price matters. But value matters more.
A cheaper soup that tastes bad is no bargain. A pricier soup that’s amazing might be worth it.
Consider cost per serving, not just cost per can.
How to Make Canned Clam Chowder Taste Better
Even the best canned soup can be improved. Here are my tricks:
Add Fresh Ingredients
Dice up some fresh celery. Add it while heating. It adds crunch and freshness.
You can also add fresh onion. Or fresh garlic. These wake up the flavors.
Use Better Dairy
For condensed soups, use half-and-half instead of milk. It makes the soup richer.
Or use whole milk with a pat of butter. This adds creaminess without being too heavy.
Season It Up
Add fresh cracked black pepper. It’s a game-changer.
A pinch of Old Bay seasoning works great too. Just a little bit enhances the seafood flavor.
Some people like a dash of hot sauce. This adds depth without making it spicy.
Add Bacon
Cook some bacon until crispy. Crumble it on top of your soup.
This works especially well with the Snow’s. The bacon adds a smoky element that’s delicious.
Include Oyster Crackers
These little crackers are traditional with clam chowder. They add texture.
You can buy them at most grocery stores. Or just use regular saltines.
Finish with Herbs
Fresh parsley is the classic choice. Chop it fine and sprinkle on top.
Fresh thyme works too. Or fresh dill. Just a little bit brightens the whole bowl.
Nutritional Comparison
Let’s break down the nutrition facts. This helps you make an informed choice.
Snow’s Condensed
Per serving (prepared with whole milk):
- Calories: Around 150
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: Varies based on milk added
- Fat: Moderate
The condensed format means you control the final nutrition. Use skim milk to reduce calories and fat.
Campbell’s Chunky Healthy Request
Per can:
- Calories: Around 200
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: Lower than regular version
- Fat: Moderate
This option gives you the most protein. Good for keeping you full longer.
Progresso Chicken Corn Chowder
Per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 7g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: Moderate
This one is gluten-free. Important for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Which Is Healthiest?
It depends on your needs.
For low sodium: Campbell’s Healthy Request wins.
For high protein: Campbell’s again with 10g.
For gluten-free: Progresso is your only option.
For controlling your nutrition: Snow’s lets you adjust based on what milk you use.
Storage and Shelf Life
All three products are shelf-stable. That means you can store them in your pantry.
Unopened Cans
These soups last for years unopened. Check the “best by” date on the can.
Store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas that get very hot or very cold.
Don’t store cans where they might get dented. Dented cans can be unsafe.
Opened Cans
Once you open a can, things change. You need to refrigerate any leftovers.
Transfer leftover soup to a covered container. Don’t leave it in the can.
Use refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days. After that, throw them out.
Freezing
Can you freeze these soups? Technically yes. But I don’t recommend it.
Cream-based soups can separate when frozen and thawed. The texture gets weird.
If you do freeze them, whisk them well when reheating. This helps bring them back together.
Best Uses for Each Soup
Each soup shines in different situations. Here’s when to use each one:
Snow’s – Best for:
- Dinner parties (you can make it fancy)
- When you want authentic New England flavor
- Stretching your dollar (condensed = more servings)
- Customizing thickness to your preference
- Impressing guests who know their chowder
Campbell’s – Best for:
- Quick lunches at work
- After a workout (high protein)
- Watching your sodium intake
- When you want zero prep
- Feeding just yourself (single-serve can)
Progresso – Best for:
- Family dinners with kids
- People who don’t like seafood
- Gluten-free households
- Adding to your soup rotation
- When you want something different
Where to Buy
All three soups are available on Amazon. That’s the easiest option.
You can also find them at most grocery stores. But Amazon often has better prices. Especially when buying multi-packs.
Amazon Benefits
Free shipping with Prime. That saves you money and a trip to the store.
Subscribe and Save option. Get an extra discount and never run out.
Reviews from other buyers. See what thousands of people think before you buy.
Easy returns. If you don’t like it, send it back.
In-Store Options
Walmart, Target, and most supermarkets carry these brands. Check the soup aisle.
Sometimes local stores have sales. You might get a deal.
But in my experience, Amazon usually beats store prices on multi-packs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make canned clam chowder taste like restaurant quality?
Yes, but it takes some work. Start with a quality soup like Snow’s. Add fresh ingredients like celery, onion, and bacon. Use real butter and fresh herbs. Heat it gently and serve it hot. These small touches make a big difference.
2. Is canned clam chowder healthy?
It depends on your definition of healthy. Most canned soups are high in sodium. But they also provide protein and vegetables. Choose the Healthy Request version if you’re watching sodium. Add fresh veggies to boost nutrition.
3. How long does canned clam chowder last after opening?
Three to four days in the refrigerator. Transfer it to a sealed container. Don’t leave it in the can. Always reheat until steaming hot before eating leftovers.
4. Can I eat canned clam chowder cold?
You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The fat in the soup solidifies when cold. It doesn’t taste good. Plus, heating kills any bacteria that might have grown. Always heat your soup.
5. What’s the difference between condensed and ready-to-eat clam chowder?
Condensed means you add liquid, usually milk. This makes more servings per can. Ready-to-eat is already mixed. Just heat and serve. Condensed gives you more control over thickness and richness.
6. Can I add fresh clams to canned clam chowder?
Absolutely! This is a great way to upgrade canned soup. Steam fresh clams separately. Add them to the heated soup. This gives you more clam flavor and better texture.
7. Why does my clam chowder separate when reheating?
This happens because cream-based soups can break when heated too quickly. Reheat on low heat. Stir constantly. Add a splash of milk if needed. This helps bring it back together.
Final Verdict
After testing all three products, here’s my final ranking:
1st Place: Snow’s Condensed New England Clam Chowder
This is the real deal. It tastes the most authentic. The clam flavor shines through. The chunks are generous. The price is right. If you want true New England clam chowder, this is it.
2nd Place: Progresso Chicken Corn Chowder
I know, I know. It’s not clam chowder. But it’s so good that it earned second place. The flavor is fantastic. The texture is perfect. It’s a great alternative for people who don’t love clams.
3rd Place: Campbell’s Chunky Healthy Request
This is a solid option. It’s convenient. It’s filling. The protein content is great. But it doesn’t match Snow’s for authentic flavor. It’s best for quick meals when you need something fast.
My Recommendation
Buy all three and keep them in your pantry. I’m serious.
Keep Snow’s for when you want the real thing. Save Campbell’s for busy weeknights. Stock Progresso for variety.
Each one serves a purpose. Each one has its moment to shine.
If I had to pick just one? I’d go with Snow’s. It’s the most versatile. It tastes the best. And the value is hard to beat.
But honestly, having options is never a bad thing. Soup is comfort food. And comfort means different things on different days.
Start with a pack of Snow’s. View Price on Amazon
Try it out. See what you think. Then experiment with the others.
You can’t go wrong with any of these choices. They’re all good soups. Some are just better than others.
Now go make yourself a hot bowl of chowder. You deserve it.