Overview
Famous canned soup maker Campbell Soup Company has discontinued many flavours. Consumer preferences, production issues, and company strategy often drive these adjustments. This article examines Campbell’s soup’s beloved but discontinued flavours, as well as the company’s recent moves and market dynamics.
Discontinued Soup Flavors
Mock Turtle Soup
- Last Sold: 1960
- Ingredients: Originally included cow’s head, feet, herbs, and a tomato base.
- Historical Context: Once considered a luxury item, this soup lost popularity, largely due to changing tastes and production complexities.
Scotch Broth Soup
- Last Sold: 2023
- Ingredients: Comprised mutton or lamb, with vegetables like celery and carrots, and raisins.
- Consumer Reaction: Despite its discontinuation, fans expressed strong attachment, prompting Campbell’s to share the recipe online.
Oyster Stew
- Last Sold: September 2012
- Ingredients: Featured a creamy base blended with oysters and lemon juice.
- Context: Although recalled in 2012 due to oyster source concerns, the discontinuation was abrupt with no official reason provided.
Green Pea Soup
- Last Sold: 2019
- Ingredients: Included split peas, water, salt, flour, sugar, onion, and celery extract.
- Replacement: Campbell’s recommended Habitant French Canadian Pea Soup, which diverges by incorporating lard.
Pepper Pot Soup
- Last Sold: 2010
- Ingredients: Contained potatoes, carrots, onions, red pepper flakes, jalapeño peppers, and tripe.
- Historical Context: Known for its cultural significance in Philadelphia, but ultimately phased out due to declining popularity.
Chunky Philly-Style Cheesesteak Soup
- Last Sold: 2020
- Ingredients: Featured cheesesteak elements with potatoes, launched for Super Bowl XLVIII.
- Historical Context: Despite gaining initial popularity, it was removed to make room for newer products during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ox Tail Soup
- Last Sold: 2011
- Ingredients: Consisted of ox tails, broth, carrots, potatoes, barley, and tomatoes.
- Historical Context: Once an economical dish, later considered a delicacy.
Hot Dog Bean Soup
- Last Sold: Discontinuation date unknown
- Ingredients: Included tender beans and frankfurter slices.
- Context: Notably captured in Andy Warhol’s art; quietly removed from shelves without fanfare.
Campbell’s K-Cup Soups
- Last Sold: 2016
- Historical Context: Developed in collaboration with Keurig, intended for quick preparation. The product faced criticism for being too small and environmentally unfriendly.
Company Context
Recent Announcements
- Date: May 28, 2024
- Investment: $230 million aimed at supply chain enhancement and manufacturing optimization.
- Objective: To transform the supply chain into a strategic asset.
Plant Closures/Changes
- Tualatin, Oregon Plant
- Inefficiencies prompt July 2026 closure.
- Starting August 2024, 120 of 330 employees are affected.
- Soup production to move and plant-based beverages co-manufactured.
- Jeffersonville, Indiana Plant
- Late July 2024 tortilla chips speciality.
- Moves Kettle Potato Chips production to Charlotte and Hanover, affecting 85 of 230 workers.
Employee Impact and Support
- Total Employees Affected: 415
- Support Offered: Separation benefits and job placement assistance.
New Investments for Growth
- Maxton, North Carolina: $150 million for new aseptic soup production, creating 100 new roles.
- Hanover, Pennsylvania: $72 million to expand potato chip kettles, generating 72 new roles.
- Franklin, Wisconsin: $8 million to boost tortilla chip capacity, adding 40 new roles.
- Richmond, Utah: Expansion of Goldfish cracker production, adding 80 new roles.
Brand Portfolio
Campbell’s, Cape Cod, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Milano, Michael Angelo’s, noosa, Pace, Pacific Foods, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Rao’s, Snyder’s of Hanover, Swanson, V8, and others
Forward-Looking Statements
Supply chain issues, inflation, product acceptance, and market competition are highlighted.
FAQ
Campbell’s discontinues soup flavors—why?
Campbell’s discontinues flavours owing to dwindling demand, production issues, or product strategy changes.
Campbell’s reason for dropping Scotch Broth?
The recipe for Scotch Broth was provided online for dedicated fans when Campbell discontinued it to focus on new and popular products.
How can I recreate my favourite discontinued Campbell’s soup at home?
Campbell’s posts discontinued soup recipes on their website and social media to assist fans replicate them.
Will Campbell’s revive defunct flavours?
Campbell’s has not declared plans to reintroduce defunct flavours, but consumer demand can influence product selections.
Alternatives to discontinued Green Pea Soup?
Campbell’s recommends their Habitant French Canadian Pea Soup, which isn’t vegetarian and contains lard.
What made Campbell’s K-Cup Soups special?
Campbell’s K-Cup Soups were discontinued due to limited portion sizes and environmental concerns.
