As the temperatures begin to drop, I’ve found myself craving warm stews, cozy soups, and the odd bowl of chili with every meal, and anticipation for our first snow day is at an all time high now that we've had three days of flurrying in the tri-state area. The last thing I want to do on a snow day, though, is make the trek to our school’s cafeteria, which is why I’ve rounded up a list of the best soups, stews, and chilis that are shelf-stable and dorm-friendly.
This list has a cozy meal for everyone, no matter what dietary restrictions you may have. Whether you’re vegan, kosher, gluten-free, or a meat-lover, this Spoon University round-up has plenty of soups, stews, and chilis to keep you satisfied all winter season.
Pacific Foods Plant-Based Soups
Pacific Foods, the sustainable soup and broth brand you likely know and love, recently launched two new product lines: first-to-market Creamy Oat Milk Soups, which include flavors such as Organic Cumin Carrot, Garden Tomato, and Plant-Based Broths, the first liquid broth to use trending ingredient pea protein.
Tasty Bite Chickpea Channa Masala
Tasty Bite's Organic Channa Masala is a great take on the classic Indian recipe that features simmered chickpeas in a delicious blend of onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices.
Not only is it a hearty meal that fits all types of diets, Tasty Bite Channa Masala is also great with naan, your favorite rice, tortilla chips, or in a bowl of chili with cheese — or, if you’re my roommate, straight out of the package with a spoon after a quick minute in the microwave.
Loma Linda Ultimate Vegetarian Chili
This hearty plant-based chili is a warm and cozy way to consume 15 grams of protein per serving, plus it’s gluten-free and non-GMO.
It’s super easy to prepare in the dorm room. Simply heat in the microwave for 60 seconds, and you’ll have a hot weeknight meal that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips.
Campbell's Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup
Campbell’s Spicy Chicken Noodle puts a spicy twist on their nostalgic Classic Chicken Noodle flavor.
With mouth-watering flavors, quality ingredients, and 16 grams of protein per can, Campbell’s soup is the perfect fuel for those missing the spice in their life.
Immi Plant-Based Ramen
immi reinvents the delicious Asian American foods you know and love with added nutrition – starting with the comforting, umami rich, and nostalgic bowl of instant ramen.
With flavors such as Spicy “Beef,” Tom Yum “Shrimp,” and Black Garlic “Chicken,” immi captures that same satisfying ramen feeling with a makeover of better ingredients and crafted flavors for a more nutritious, plant-based, equally delicious bowl.
Trader Joe’s Corn Poblano Chowder
This may be corny, but Trader Joe’s Corn Poblano Chowder is simply soup-er.
With diced, smoky poblano peppers, hearty chunks of potato, sweet corn kernels, diced red pepper, peas, and cilantro throughout, TJ's corn chowder is a hearty, shelf-stable that’s perfect for cold dorm room nights.
Amy's Kitchen Original Organic Lentil Soup
Approved by the original picky eater (Amy, of course), this tasty lentil soup is a rich and satisfying source of plant-based protein.
Amy's Organic Lentil Soup is gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, plus the pop-tab means it’s perfectly feasible for a dorm room dinner.
Nissin Original Cup Noodles
We’d be remiss not to mention the beloved Styrofoam cup packed to the fill line with nostalgia.
The stereotypes are true, and college students really do love their Cup Noodles — especially if they're upgraded.