Power Up your Soup Game: Tips for adding even more Protein to your soups
Power Provisions soups are already a protein powerhouse, with 17g to 20g per serving in both our cheddar broccoli and chicken vegetable flavors. That’s plenty to keep you fueled, whether you’re tackling a busy day or recovering after a workout. But if you’re someone who needs an extra boost—maybe you're building muscle, staying active, or just looking for an even heartier meal—these soups are the perfect canvas for protein-packed add-ins.
On top of being rich in protein, our soups are also loaded with collagen, a key component of connective tissues like skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Ready to supercharge your bowl? Here’s how to level up your protein game without sacrificing flavor.
Why add more Protein?
While Power Provisions soups deliver a substantial quantity of protein on their own, adding more can help customize your meal to fit your goals. Protein keeps you full, energized, and ready to take on the day. Whether you’re leaning into something meaty, plant-based, or a mix of both, there’s no shortage of ways to make your soup work even harder for you.
Meaty add-Ins for an extra boost
Adding meat to your soup is one of the simplest ways to increase protein. It’s quick, easy, and lets you use what you already have in your fridge or freezer.
- Rotisserie chicken: shredded rotisserie chicken is a perfect match for both cheddar broccoli and chicken vegetable soup. It’s flavorful, convenient, and ready to toss in. Stir it in during the last few minutes of heating for a cozy, protein-packed meal.
- Cooked sausage: slice up fully cooked sausage or chicken sausage and stir it into your soup. The smoky flavor pairs especially well with cheddar broccoli soup.
- Ground turkey or beef: if you’ve got ground meat on hand, cook it up in a pan and add it to your soup. Chicken vegetable soup works especially well with turkey for a lighter option.
- Diced ham: ham is another great option, especially if you’re working with leftovers. It adds a salty, savory kick that enhances the soup’s natural flavors.
Egg-cellent Protein Ideas
Eggs are a fantastic way to add protein to soup. They’re easy to prepare and can completely change the texture and look of your meal.
- Soft-boiled egg: a soft-boiled egg is a classic add-in for soups. Cook your egg until the yolk is jammy, peel it, and gently place it on top of your soup before serving. Slice it open for a rich, creamy addition.
- Poached egg: poaching an egg directly in your soup takes minimal effort and turns it into a protein powerhouse. Just crack the egg into the simmering soup and let it cook for a few minutes until the whites are set.
- Scrambled eggs: for something a little different, whisk a couple of eggs in a bowl, then stir them slowly into your hot soup to create silky ribbons of egg, similar to egg drop soup.
Plant-Based Protein Options
If you’re looking for a meatless option, there are plenty of plant-based ways to increase protein while keeping things hearty and satisfying.
- Lentils: lentils are a fantastic addition to both cheddar broccoli and chicken vegetable soup. They cook quickly, are rich in protein, and add a subtle, nutty flavor. Use pre-cooked lentils to save time.
- Chickpeas: chickpeas (or garbanzo beans) are another easy way to up your protein. Drain and rinse a can, then stir them into your soup for added texture and flavor.
- Tofu: dice firm tofu into cubes and stir it into your soup. Let it warm up in the broth for a few minutes to absorb the flavors. If you prefer something crispy, pan-fry the tofu first.
- Edamame: shelled edamame is high in protein and cooks in just a few minutes. Toss it into your soup for a quick and colorful boost.
Dairy and Cheese for Extra Creaminess
If you love your soup extra creamy, try adding dairy-based proteins. These options are rich, satisfying, and pair perfectly with cheddar broccoli soup.
- Cottage cheese: stir a few spoonfuls of cottage cheese into your soup for a creamy, protein-packed twist. It melts down nicely and blends into the broth.
- Greek yogurt: a dollop of Greek yogurt adds tanginess and extra protein. Stir it in right before serving for a smooth finish.
- Shredded cheese: sprinkle some extra shredded cheese over your soup for even more flavor and protein. Cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyere all work beautifully.
Nuts, Seeds, and Grains
If you want to add some crunch or extra texture to your soup, consider nuts, seeds, or grains that pack a protein punch.
- Quinoa: quinoa is a complete protein, making it a perfect addition to chicken vegetable soup. Cook it ahead of time and stir it in for a filling meal.
- Chia seeds: chia seeds can be sprinkled into your soup for an easy protein boost. They don’t change the flavor but add a little extra thickness over time.
- Crushed almonds or sunflower seeds: sprinkle crushed nuts or seeds on top of your soup for a satisfying crunch and an extra hit of protein.
Combining Add-Ins for Maximum Protein
For an ultra-high-protein meal, mix and match these ideas. Try combining shredded chicken with quinoa, or add chickpeas and a soft-boiled egg. The possibilities are endless, and you can customize your soup to fit your preferences and hunger level.
Quick Tips for Success
- Start small: add your extra protein a little at a time. You can always add more if needed, but overloading your soup might make it too thick or overwhelming.
- Pre-cook when needed: for raw meat or grains like quinoa, cook them fully before adding them to your soup. This keeps prep easy and prevents undercooked ingredients.
- Balance the flavors: make sure your add-ins complement the soup’s flavors. For example, cheddar broccoli soup pairs well with smoky or cheesy add-ins, while chicken vegetable soup shines with fresh, savory options.
Power Provisions soups are already packed with protein, but there’s no harm in taking things up a notch. Whether you prefer a meaty, plant-based, or dairy-based approach, these tips make it easy to customize your soup and keep you fueled all day long. Try one or more of these ideas, and enjoy a soup that works as hard as you do.