The bean and bacon soup by Campbells is a long time favorite of many. Now you can nix the can and make it from scratch!.
Three stalks of celery, diced, three carrots, and six crumbled strips of fried bacon. Half a teaspoon of dried thyme. Two cloves of garlic, minced. Four ounces of tomato paste. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes. Four cups of water. Two cups of ham stock. Three drops of liquid smoke. Add more if you want. Salt and pepper to taste.
Soak the beans in water overnight. Drain well. Put the bacon, carrots, celery, onion, thyme, garlic, tomato paste, crushed red pepper, water, and stock in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The beans should be soaked first. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Simmer for 3 hours or until the beans are tender. Remove 1-2 cups of the soup and place in blender. Open the feed tube in the lid of the blender to let steam release. Puree until smooth then return to the pot. Stir in the wine vinegar and liquid smoke. Mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
For best flavor, use homemade stock and fresh herbs. If you prefer a chunkier texture, do not puree the soup. The onion, carrots, and celery can taste better if they are cooked in bacon fat before being added to the soup. Adjust the amount of liquid smoke as desired. Add a bay leaf while the beans simmer. Make sure to remove it before serving. You can add a splash of cream or milk near the end of the cooking time to make it creamier. Serve this soup with crusty bread or croutons. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Remember to check the seasoning at the end as the flavors will change as the soup cooks. Liquid smoke is quite potent, so start with a small amount and add more as needed. Try adding other vegetables like potatoes or turnips for variety. This soup is a great way to use up leftover ham from holidays or other meals.
As a nostalgic food blogger who grew up enjoying cozy bowls of Campbell’s Bean with Bacon condensed soup, I was distressed to hear rumors that this classic comfort food may be going away forever. This hearty tomato-based bean soup with smoky bacon flavor has been warming bellies for generations. But has Campbell’s really discontinued it?
As a kid, I have fond memories of sipping this soup on sick days home from school. The savory bacon and white bean combo was the perfect soothing snack. I’d crumble up saltines and stir them in for some extra crunch. As an adult, it still takes me back to those cozy childhood meals whenever I pop open a can.
So I had to get to the bottom of whether this beloved canned soup was being kicked off store shelves, Let’s investigate the rumors and get the facts,
A Little History
Campbell’s Condensed Bean with Bacon soup first debuted way back in 1969 It quickly became a pantry staple thanks to the satisfying protein-packed bean and bacon pairing Campbell’s has marketed it as a versatile base to use in recipes like dips, casseroles, and other dishes.
Over 50 years later, this canned soup variety remains a favorite for its hearty flavor. It provides a quick dose of comfort food with minimal effort. For those craving a little smoky, salty protein but wanting to avoid the extra steps of cooking dried beans, Bean with Bacon hits the spot.
Where Did the Discontinuation Rumors Originate?
In 2008, concerns about Bean with Bacon being discontinued exploded on the internet when a few shoppers noticed empty spots on store shelves where the familiar red-and-white labeled cans usually sat.
On shopping and recipe forums, fans started buzzing about whether it had been discontinued. They traded fond memories of serving the soup with crackers or biscuits for a fast weeknight dinner. Speculation grew about why it was missing from stores and whether Campbell’s had quietly canceled the variety.
Is This Bacon Bean Soup Actually Going Away?
After some digging, it appears the discontinuation rumors are unsubstantiated. Campbell’s never made any formal announcement about stopping production of their Bean with Bacon soup.
The gaps on store shelves back in 2008 seem to have been isolated inventory issues rather than a universal phasing out. Some grocery store locations simply ran out of stock of a slower selling item and took longer to restock.
Luckily, widespread panic about this classic soup being gone forever appears premature.
Where to Still Find It
While it’s not the hottest seller in Campbell’s condensed soup lineup, Bean with Bacon remains in production and is still available, if sometimes tricky to spot. Here are some tips for locating cans:
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Check the condensed soup aisle in major grocery chains. It’s often on the top shelves rather than eye level.
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Search online rather than just scanning in-store. Many retailers like Walmart and Amazon carry it.
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Try smaller regional grocery stores or independent markets. Slow-selling items often last longer in smaller shops.
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Use the “Where to Buy” feature on the Campbell’s website to find local sellers.
Why Fans Love This Old School Soup
So what is it about this simple combo that sparked such an outcry at the thought of its discontinuation? There are likely a few factors that explain the passion:
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Nostalgia – For older generations, this soup stirs up fond memories of childhood or becoming a young parent. Finding it in stores provides a hit of comfort.
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Convenience – With protein, veggies, and flavor all in one can, it’s an easy meal starter with no prep required. Open and serve.
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Crave-worthy flavor – The bacon, beans, tomato, and savory seasonings create an irresistible balance that you can’t achieve with regular canned beans or tomato soup.
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Versatility – From casseroles to dips and more, Bean with Bacon works as an ingredient too. The possibilities are endless.
For those devoted fans, it seems this soup is sticking around for now. But to be safe, I recommend stocking up on a few extra cans!
Tips for Enjoying Bean with Bacon Soup
If you’ve never tried Campbell’s standby Bean with Bacon soup, it’s worth seeking out a can to see what the fuss is about. Here are my tips for enjoying it:
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Stir in some shredded cheddar or crumbled bacon for extra richness.
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Use it as the base for bean dip by blending with sour cream and spices.
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For a heartier soup, add cooked pasta, chicken, or extra vegetables.
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Pair it with crusty bread, biscuits, or cornbread for soaking up the sauce.
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Garnish with green onion, cheese, or croutons for some crunch.
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Try using it in recipes like enchiladas, baked potatoes, or casseroles.
Don’t Panic – It’s Still Out There
After investigating, it seems reports of Bean with Bacon’s demise were greatly exaggerated. While it may require some searching, this classic cupboard staple is still being produced. You just need to be a savvy shopper to get your hands on it.
Can I use canned navy beans instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned navy beans. Drain and rinse them, and reduce the cooking time since they are already soft.
Is it necessary to soak the beans overnight?
Soaking the beans overnight helps in reducing cooking time and makes them easier to digest. On the other hand, if you’re in a hurry, you can boil the beans for a few minutes and then let them soak for an hour.
Copycat Campbell’s Bean and Bacon Soup
What is Campbell’s condensed bean with bacon soup?
Campbell’s® Condensed Bean with Bacon Soup is a full-flavored blend of white beans, bacon and carrots in a savory tomato puree. Hearty and versatile, it’s great to have on hand to use as an inventive ingredient in recipes.
When did Campbell’s stop making black bean soup?
Campbell’s allegedly discontinued its Black Bean Condensed Soup sometime between 2000 and 2010, though the exact time frame is unknown. While customers note that the smoother texture is likely due to the cooking agents added to the tin to speed up the prep time, they also acknowledge that it doesn’t taste the same anymore.
Does Campbell’s Black Bean Condensed Soup still taste good?
Campbell’s condensed soups have changed a bit over the years, and the consistency has become less solid over time. The Black Bean Condensed Soup is no exception. Some fans of the former products voice distaste that the soups no longer look, feel, or taste like they once did.
Does Campbell’s still sell condensed soup?
The Campbell’s Soup Company has been selling cans of condensed soup since the turn of the twentieth century. Over the years, plenty of products have come and gone, but the condensed soups, which remain their flagship product line, is still holding fast to soups that haven’t been in vogue for decades (if they ever were to begin with).
Why did Campbell’s stop making soup?
Its version was unique thanks to the jacked-up heat conferred by adding jalapenos and red pepper flakes. The soup, which warmed people’s nasal passages and tummies, was a staple of the Campbell’s collection until 2010 when it got discontinued, presumably because the idea of eating offal has become less popular in the U.S.
Does Campbell have a soup shortage?
The soup shortage began impacting stores in late summer 2022. In September, Campbell posted a notice on its website acknowledging supply issues for some products. The company stated they were “experiencing temporary supply constraints” on certain soups due to increased consumer demand and labor shortages.