Clams are rich in proteins, vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals. They have low-fat content and are delicious. So, these superfoods are an excellent addition to your diet.
You can prepare clams in different ways. However, clam chowder is one of the best ways to enjoy the unique flavors of this star ingredient.
Clam chowder is a rich, luscious and creamy soup containing clams and vegetables. The ingredients include milk, cream, celery, onions, and tomatoes. The flavor and texture will vary according to the recipe.
Although very tasty, preparing clam chowder is not easy. There are several detailed steps and it involves a certain level of expertise.
Fortunately, certain brands deliver excellent canned clam chowder that is as good as what you can find in a restaurant. Since each brand follows different recipes, the outcome is different.
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Best Canned Clam Chowder Brands – a Detailed Look at Our Top Choices
Here is our list of the best canned clam chowder brands available. Try them out and don’t forget to tell us which one is your favorite.
1. Campbell’s Condensed Manhattan Clam Chowder
This clam chowder is a seafood lover’s dream come true—creamy and comforting!
Features:
- 60 calories per ½ cup serving
- Condensed soup
Pros
- Spiced to perfection
- Tomato base complements the salty clam flavors
- Made from farm-grown ingredients
- Succulent, fresh clams
- Low fat and zero cholesterol
Cons
- Not gluten-free
- Contains MSG
Campbell’s condensed Manhattan Clam Chowder is very popular since it is deliciously creamy and satisfying. The rich tomato base is tangy with just the right amount of spice. The clams are succulent, tender, and very fresh.
The clam broth in this product has a distinct saltiness that we associate with authentic seafood. It also contains potatoes, celery, carrots, and vegetables that enhance the creamy texture and makes it divine.
Campbell’s Clam chowder is made from farm-fresh ingredients and is free from GMOs. The packaging is BPA-free and can be recycled. Each can will yield two standard servings. To prepare it, empty a can and mix it with one can of water. Then heat it thoroughly with occasional stirring.
The result is a wholesome chowder that the entire family will love. Think of it as the perfect comfort food!
Unfortunately, this product isn’t suitable for people with gluten sensitivity. It also contains MSG as an ingredient.
2. The Black Pearl New England Condensed Clam Chowder
Classic clam chowder is the perfect replication of what you get at a good seafood restaurant!
Features:
- 80 calories per serving
- Serving size is ½ cup
- Condensed soup
Pros
- Gourmet taste
- Low-fat product
- Homemade taste
- Deep flavors
Cons
- The packaging is prone to dents
- Expensive
- Contains fewer clams than other brands
Bring the beautiful flavors of the oceans to your dining table with Black Pearl Clam Chowder!
Most packaged foods fail to deliver the original goodness of a fresh bowl of soup. However, this brand is different as Black Pearl clam chowder tastes just perfect when prepared properly.
This New England has the perfect mix of clams and broth. The texture is enhanced with the beautiful sprinkling of vegetables like potatoes and celery. It is a highly satisfying treat and is a must-have in the winter months.
Produced by the Black Pearl group, this soup is just as good as the world-famous clam chowder that is served at their restaurants. So, if you haven’t had the chance to visit their restaurant, you can still enjoy their signature dish.
Since Black Pearl clam chowder is a condensed soup, you should dilute it and heat it before serving. Add a can of water to the contents and cook for a few minutes. Stir occasionally. The result is aromatic clam chowder that will win the approval of everyone.
The only drawback is that although it is expensive, each can contain fewer clams than what you would find in other brands.
3. Bumble Bee Snow’s New England Clam Chowder
Although there are fewer clams than the brand previously served, the taste is authentic and delicious!
Features:
- Condensed soup
- About 3 servings per can
- 80 calories per serving
Pros
- Creamy and delicious
- Rich flavors and the right amount of spice
- Yields more servings per can than other brands
- Low sodium and fat content
Cons
- Fewer clams per can
- Expensive
The original Snow’s New England Clam Chowder was iconic with its rich, buttery clams and luscious texture. You wouldn’t even want to try another clam chowder after having it, for it was that good!
Unfortunately, the product seems to have changed after Bumble Bee bought the company. And we are honestly not too thrilled about the changes.
The original Snow’s clam chowder was thick and had plenty of vegetables. However, the new recipe is considerably watered down. You can compare it with milky soup. Although it will work when you are in a pinch, it would be better if the cans contained more clams and potatoes.
Nevertheless, this condensed soup version is better than the ready-to-serve variety. The clams taste fresh and it is thicker. It is also flavored right with a good amount of seasoning. The taste would be better if it contained more clams and cream was added to it. It could also do with more butter.
Finally, the price doesn’t justify the quality. If the company would bring back the original Snow’s recipe, it would be one of the best clam chowders in the market.
4. Progresso Traditional New England Clam Chowder
This ready-to-eat clam chowder is the best budget choice with fewer calories and enough clams!
Features:
- 2 servings per container
- 180 calories per serving
- No artificial color or flavors
Pros
- Plenty of succulent clams
- Very flavorful
- No artificial ingredients
- Fewer calories per can
- Free from MSG
- Gluten-free
Cons
- High sodium content
Progresso Traditional New England clam chowder is a delicious ready-to-serve meal. Unlike most condensed clam chowder soups, it doesn’t need extra water or detailed cooking. You can instantly warm it on the stove or in a microwave and enjoy it.
The recipe has the perfect balance of flavors. It is hearty and wholesome with just the right amount of spice. The generous quantity of clams makes it worth the price. Additionally, this is one of the few gluten-free clam chowders. So, it is a good option for people with wheat sensitivity.
Since there are no artificial flavors, colors, or added MSG, Progresso clam chowder is healthy. The soup also contains carrots, celery, and potatoes. It has a rich, creamy texture. The chowder is aromatic and flavorful, making it the perfect comfort food.
5. Tony’s Cedar Key Clam Chowder
Enjoy the perfect bowl of clam chowder with a generous quantity of flavor-packed clams with Tony’s Clam chowder!
Features:
- Condensed soup
- 80 calories per serving
- One can contain 12 servings
- New England-style clam chowder
Pros
- Prize-winning recipe
- Packed with flavor
- A generous quantity of clams
- Easy to prepare
- Smooth and creamy texture
Cons
- Must be prepared with cream, not water
- Shouldn’t be boiled
Tony’s Clam Chowder is a prize-winning recipe that lives up to expectations. When prepared as per the instructions, it is deliciously creamy. The flavors are delicately balanced. The texture is just perfect, and it satisfies one’s hunger. This is just as good or even better than homemade clam chowder.
There are plenty of clams to go around and they taste fresh. Each can will yield 12 servings, enough to feed a group of eight or more. This makes a perfect appetizer for when you are entertaining guests.
The only drawback of this product is that it must be prepared with cream. The recipe calls for two cups of heavy cream per can of soup. You will also have to be careful while heating it as it shouldn’t boil.
Nevertheless, the chowder you get at the end justifies all this effort. It is one of the best ready-to-eat, wholesome soups that are irresistibly delicious.
To wrap it up…
There are very few people who do not like clam chowder. This hearty, wholesome soup recipe is the perfect comfort food and its flavors are divinely satisfying.
However, preparing clam chowder from scratch is a tedious and time-consuming task. Why go through all that trouble when store-bought clam chowder tastes just as good? Some brands are even better than homemade or restaurant-style clam chowder.
This list suggests those clam chowder brands that are the best. The condensed versions will require diluting with milk or water and cooking. Meanwhile, the ready-to-serve versions can be directly heated and served.
The flavor, texture, and color of each of the products on our list vary. But despite the differences, the main ingredient is the clam. The taste and quality of clam chowder directly depend on how good the clams are. Since all these products use fresh and good quality clams, you will not be disappointed. All our taste buds are different. So, we may end up liking different brands. But we recommend that you start with this list to find your favorite.
