January is National Soup Month, a time to celebrate the warmth, comfort, and versatility of soup. As winter chills settle in, there’s no better way to embrace the season than with a steaming bowl of your favorite soup. From hearty stews to creamy bisques, soup has been a staple of human cuisine for thousands of years, offering nourishment and joy across cultures.
Quick Facts
- When is it? The entire month of January.
- Tagged as: Food & Drink.
- What’s the hashtag? #NationalSoupMonth.
- When was it founded? 1984.
- Who founded it? Campbell’s Soup Company.
History of National Soup Month
Soup has ancient origins, with evidence of its consumption dating back to 20,000 B.C. Early soups were likely made using heated rocks in watertight baskets or animal hides. The word soup comes from the French soupe, meaning broth or soup, and is linked to the creation of restaurants in 16th-century France, where concentrated soups were sold as restorative meals. Campbell’s Soup Company revolutionized modern soup with the invention of condensed soup in 1897 and later established National Soup Month in 1984 to celebrate this beloved dish.
Timeline
- 20,000 B.C.: Evidence of soup-making emerges with early boiling techniques.
- 16th Century: The term “restaurant” originates from French soup vendors.
- 1897: Dr. John T. Dorrance invents condensed soup for Campbell’s.
- 1984: Campbell’s declares January as National Soup Month.
Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 1–31 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | January 1–31 | Thursday |
| 2027 | January 1–31 | Friday |
| 2028 | January 1–31 | Saturday |
| 2029 | January 1–31 | Monday |
| 2030 | January 1–31 | Tuesday |
Observed
National Soup Month is observed throughout January, making it a perfect time to enjoy warm bowls of soup at home, host soup parties, or volunteer at local soup kitchens.
Fun Facts About Soup
- The earliest known soup was made with hippopotamus around 6000 B.C.
- Americans consume over 10 billion bowls of soup annually.
- Chicken noodle soup is the most popular variety in the U.S.
- Soup can be hot or cold, thick or clear, and sweet or savory.
- Condensed soup was a game-changer for affordability and convenience.
Quiz
- What year was condensed soup invented?
- What is the most popular type of soup in the U.S.?
- What does the word “soup” originate from?
(Answers: 1. 1897; 2. Chicken noodle; 3. French word “soupe”)
FAQs
Q: Why is January chosen for National Soup Month?
A: January’s cold weather makes it ideal for enjoying warm, comforting soups.
Q: Can I celebrate without cooking?
A: Absolutely! Many restaurants offer special soups during this month.
Q: How can I give back during National Soup Month?
A: Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or donate canned soups to food banks.
Related
- National Homemade Soup Day (February 4)
- Soup Swap Day (Third Saturday in January)
- World Food Day
- Comfort Food Celebrations