EatZi’s
Order
Refrigerated bowl of chicken noodle soup
Available Every Day
Yes
Cost (pre-tax)
$5.99
Taste
This refrigerated-case option requires a microwave zap before eating. Although looks-wise, it was underwhelming at best, we were won over by the flavor. The earthy broth had a heavy hint of rosemary, which gave it a comforting, homemade, almost medicinal quality. The large chunks of chicken tasted fresh and moist. If there was any complaint, it was that the noodles were too thin.
Verdict
If we were feeling sick, this version would be our go-to bowl.
Cindi’s New York Deli
Order
Bowl of chicken noodle soup
Available Every Day
Yes
Cost (pre-tax)
$4.95
Taste
Right off the bat, this bowl looked inviting. The high concentration of twisted noodles gave the soup some heft and weren’t soggy, unlike some others. Some taste testers felt the chicken was on the dry side and that the broth was heavy on the salt, but others said this is what they think of when they think of chicken noodle soup. We appreciated the four packs of crackers they included with our order, as well.
Verdict
A hearty bowl that would make a satisfying meal on a cold day.
ZoËs Kitchen
Order
Bowl of chicken and orzo soup
Available Every Day
Yes
Cost (pre-tax)
$4.39
Taste
Made with orzo pasta for a Mediterranean spin on the classic recipe, this soup had a pleasant citrusy kick. The dish’s pasta-to-chicken ratio hit the mark, making for a balanced sampling with each bite. Just the right amount of carrot cubes floated throughout. The broth was light—both in color and density. Sadly, however, the soup was overpowered by salt. We were left reaching for the water glass after a few spoonfuls.
Verdict
A zippy (if salty) Mediterranean spin on a classic.
Panera Bread
Order
Bowl of low-fat natural chicken noodle soup
Available Every Day
Yes
Cost (pre-tax)
$4.99
Taste
Its front-and-center claim of being low-fat resulted in a few eye-rolls (is chicken noodle soup ever high in fat?), but worse was the flavor. Our testers, who were trying the bowls blind, were certain this was out of a can. It was strangely salty and sweet at the same time, with dry, overly processed chunks of chicken. Breaking from convention, this version featured a generous portion of flat noodles.
Verdict
The flavors of canned soup without the convenience.
Central Market
Order
Bowl of self-serve chicken noodle soup
Available Every Day
Yes
Price (pre-tax)
$5.00
Taste
After fighting off the soup-seeking masses at the self-serve station on a cold, wet day, we were sorely disappointed with the fruits of our labor. The color was an unsettling neon yellow, with oil coagulating at the surface. Upon tasting, we were turned off by the sugary-sweet flavor. The noodles were too soft, the chicken was practically non-existent, and the sides of our bowl were left looking radioactive.
Verdict
Sweet and greasy. Yuck!
