The Soup Aisle Commitment: Why We Show Up

At The Soup Aisle, we’re not a massive operation with corporate infrastructure – we are literally two people trying to feed our community well.

Just a small business running on genuine care, determination, and honesty.

We’re Here to Help You

First and foremost, if you’re ever confused about how our soup system works, please reach out to us. Seriously. Whether you’re new to our subscription model, unsure about customizations, have questions about ingredients, or just want to chat about soup—we want to hear from you. Our system might not be complicated, but our offer is unique.

We are a meal startup company that uses local ingredients and focuses on community first, and we’re committed to making sure you feel confident and supported in how you’re getting your soup! We’ve built The Soup Aisle with real people in mind. That means we think about the person with dietary restrictions who needs to know exactly what’s in every batch.

We think about people on tight budgets who need affordable, nourishing food.

We think about the customer with mobility challenges who needs flexible delivery options.

We think about caretakers managing someone else’s dietary needs alongside their own.

We think about folks who don’t want to think about choices and just want something simple, healthy, and fresh. (And if it just so happens to be a gourmet soup then bonus!! 🤣)

If any of these describe you—or if something else describes your situation—we want to know, and we want to help. We have an ever-evolving menu and we take requests! 😋

Behind the Scenes

Real talk: running The Soup Aisle means experiencing the beautiful chaos of a small business trying to do right by people. Yesterday, I found myself with no cell service in Kensington while messages were flooding in from customers about an order system glitch I couldn’t even see, much less respond to. There I am: Driving with a cooler full of orders and no way to text. The anxiety of that situation—knowing people were waiting for answers and I literally couldn’t reach them—that’s the stuff that keeps us going. Because the moment I had service again, fixing it became the priority. That’s just what you do when you actually care about the people you’re serving.

Fixing these issues are on the top of our list.

Customers aren’t looking for perfection from a two-person operation. They’re looking for honesty, effort, and the assurance that we care enough to make it right.

We’ve gotten better at our systems, and we’re still working on it. We’ve tightened our processes, and still we try harder. We’ve learned what to look for before problems happen, but mostly, we’ve learned that our customers appreciate knowing the person packing their soup is the same person who drives an extra 45 miles to fix a mistake. That matters.

Good service isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about genuinely listening to the response. It’s about remembering that the person ordering soup might be ordering it because they’re managing a health condition, recovering from something, caring for someone else, or simply trying to eat better, or think about more important things then stirring a pot for an hour. (That’s our job!!!) Our job is to make your life easier.

We Don’t Do This Alone

We want to give a special shout-out to Erin’s dad, who helps us with deliveries. Having family support this business isn’t just out of convenience. (Patrick needed help.)

The person that delivers your soup from us will always understand the value of what we do.

Let’s Connect

If you’re part of The Soup Aisle community, thank you. Thank you for trusting us with your meals, for being patient with our growing pains, for reaching out when something isn’t right, and for understanding that behind every bowl of soup is a real person committed to your satisfaction. You matter to us more than you know.

The Soup Aisle isn’t just ladling out soup — we’re trying to serve our community ridiculously good food at an honest price.

Opinions Are Like Spoons – Everyone’s Got ‘Em

Featured

The Great Soup Divide: Stirring The Pot

The air crisps up and suddenly everyone’s got an opinion about soup. It’s that time again—soup season—and while most people can agree on one thing (it’s the best season), the great soup debates are officially bubbling over.

Ask someone you know, “is cereal a soup?“

Half the room tilts their heads, the other half pretends not to be personally offended. One person mutters something about “milk-based soup” 🤣 – another refuses to make eye contact and starts humming. Suddenly, your quiet dinner has turned into a philosophy seminar. Coworkers turn against each other. Welcome to the great soup divide—where ladles are drawn and wars are waged. (Well, not really but you never know!)

The Cereal Question That Started It All

Here’s where things get interesting — because structurally speaking cereal checks every box. Solid ingredients suspended in liquid, eaten from a bowl with a spoon. I thought that was soup 101.

So why does a cold bowl of milk and grains suddenly become controversial?

Rice and milk soups exist in Puerto Rico. Many cream of barley soups originated from Persia. Italian rice and milk soup dating back to the 1800’s. All grain plus milk, all genuinely recognized as soup across their respective culinary traditions. If those count, cereal’s structurally identical makeup becomes harder to dismiss on merit alone. (Plus, a lot of work went into making those delicious fortified grains!)

The counterargument usually comes down to this: cooking matters. Most soups require heat, and the kind of flavor-building that happens when ingredients meld together. Cereal skips that ceremony entirely—you just pour and eat. So maybe that’s the real divide?

Some people draw the line at intent. Others at temperature. A few stubborn folks still insist soup must be hot, warm at minimum, which—let’s be honest—is just gatekeeping. We accept gazpacho and vichyssoise as cold soups without question – and gazpacho doesn’t take any heat whatsoever to make.

Simmer Down or Soup Up

At The Soup Aisle, we believe people’s soup-pinions say a lot about them. Some of us are thick‑and‑hearty loyalists—the kind who believe a soup should stand on its own, no sides required. Others lean toward minimalist broths or puréed soups. Then there are the free spirits who treat every bowl like a chance to experiment, tossing in a dash of things until it feels just right. That’s not our style.

I guess that’s what makes soup beautiful: there’s no right way to love it. Soup is the great equalizer. Some people love it for making Pantry Raid Soup. Or call it what you will – wherever you’re from, people know those soups by unique names.

Fridge Forage Soup

Freezer Soup

Leftover Soup

Clean-Slate Soup

Kitchen Sink Soup 🤮

Surprise Soup 🤢

Scraps Soup 😬

A nice, warm bowl of soup softens sharp opinions and reminds us that good food is meant to be shared. (Preferably with someone who doesn’t judge you too much!)

Where Do You Land?

The cereal debate is just the tip of the bowl. The real question is about how we define the things we love – and whether those definitions even matter. Is a soup defined by what’s in it, or how it’s made? Or why you made it?

(Luckily, this is a soup blog and we’re not about to philosophize whether a hotdog is a sandwich.)

Whether you’re debating the philosophical nature of cereal, or just need something warm to carry you through the cold, we have so many comforting choices for you.

It’s Soup Season, and We’re Coming in Hot

Feel that? The air’s getting crisper, the nights are longer, and there’s this undeniable buzz in the air—that’s right, soup season is officially HERE. And let us tell you, The Soup Aisle isn’t just keeping pace; we’re revving up, ready to serve up all the warmth, comfort, and flavor you need to power through the cold months ahead.

Big Changes, Bigger Flavors

Starting now, we’re delivering fresh every Monday, so your week can start off cozy and stress-free. Your fresh soups arrive at the start of your week, giving you a boost of warmth right when you need it most.

And Amesbury, we’re officially in your neighborhood too! That means your favorite soups, your new weekly ritual, all just a quick doorstep away. Every Sunday, we send out your delivery times—so you know exactly when your order is coming.

Real Talk: Soup Saves The Day

Gone are the days of stressing about dinner plans. Our new Frozen Soup option makes it easier than ever to stock your freezer with your favorites—warm, delicious, homemade soup, whenever you need it. No mess – just spoon and enjoy.

How often do you open your fridge and it’s basically a culinary crime scene? “Ugh, all I have is cheese and bread.” But good thing you stocked up on that Frozen Tomato Basil Parmesan from The Soup Aisle. Three minutes later, and boom—warm, gourmet comfort that turns a last-minute meal into feast mode.

Or that one night when you’re running late and all you’ve got is a couple rolls from dinner a couple nights ago. Well, our Turkey Lasagna or Curry Squash Noodle pairs perfectly with that crusty bread, turning your pantry staple into a cozy, soul-soothing feast with zero effort.

We’re your local, online hub for soups, sides, and baked goods—all made with love and ready to bring some joy to your table.

Reward Yourself, Because You Deserve It

Introducing Aisle Miles — our new rewards program that’s designed for true soup lovers. Earn 25 miles for every order you place, and trade in those miles for sweet perks: discounts, free delivery, and other deals TBA. We believe in rewarding loyalty — because you’re part of our Soup Fam!

Cozy Up, Chill Out, and Dress the Part

We’re announcing our brand-new Soup Aisle Hooded Sweatshirt. Designed for cozy nights in, chilly mornings, winter walks…this hoodie is your new best friend. Whether you’re lounging at home or heading to the grocery store, this hoodie keeps you stylishly snug. And guess what? If you’re a Soup-scriber, you get a special discount on the hoodie — just message us to learn more! It ships directly to you, so you can start embracing those chilly vibes immediately.

The Perfect Holiday Gift

Our new Soup Gift Card makes it effortless to gift warmth and wellness. Send someone gourmet, handmade soup with zero hassle. No cooking, no prep — just pure comfort in a bowl, delivered from our kitchen to their doorstep.

Hold Onto Your Spoons

November’s menu is MASSIVE. We’re dropping flavors that’ll knock your socks off and keep you coming back for more. This is big flavor territory. Soul-satisfying soups to make your cold days warmer and your nights even cozier.

Nothing beats the feeling of coming home to a bowl of nourishing, flavorful soup, with the lights low and the world outside fading away. In the chaos of life, there’s always time for warmth, comfort, and a good bowl of soup.

Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, winter festivities, or just staying in on a chilly night, wrap yourself in a hoodie embrace this season with The Soup Aisle.

Stay warm. Stay cozy.

-The Soup Aisle

Ready for the Unexpected? Behind The Scenes at The Soup Aisle

We’re thrilled to share that something fresh and exciting is coming soon to The Soup Aisle. While we’re still in the process of finalizing all the details, we want to give our valued community a sneak peek at what lies ahead.

One of the first changes you’ll notice is a shift in our weekly schedule. If you’ve enjoyed Soup Wednesday, get ready for a subtle but meaningful adjustment—Soup Monday is on its way. Moving to Monday will make it easier for many of you to plan your week, especially since it’s a quieter day for most, allowing you to start your week with something comforting and delicious.

And this change is just the beginning. This fall, we’re preparing a casual dinner and immersive cooking experience unlike anything we’ve offered before. Imagine joining a small group in a beautiful, professional kitchen nestled inside an iconic, renovated mill in Amesbury—a space full of character and charm that’s the perfect backdrop for learning and creativity.

During these sessions, we’ll dive into kitchen essentials with guided instruction, exploring seasonal recipes crafted by the owners of The Soup Aisle. Each participant will leave equipped not only with new skills but also generous takeaways like recipe cards and expert tips that make recreating the magic at home easy. Questions and curiosity will be warmly welcomed, creating an enriching environment built around food and connection.

We’re keeping many aspects of our Fall Series a delightful mystery for now, but we promise it will be an experience filled with warmth, flavor, and discovery. It’s designed to bring you closer to the heart of what makes The Soup Aisle special and to inspire your own culinary adventures.

Stay tuned for all the details soon! In the meantime, get ready to embrace a fresh rhythm to your week and a new way to explore the flavors and stories behind the soups you love.

Here’s to new experiences, cozy kitchens, and delicious moments ahead.

Savoring the Season: Behind the Scenes at The Soup Aisle

Every week at The Soup Aisle, our menu is a celebration of New England’s summer bounty, thoughtfully crafted for your table. As July unfolds, we’re spotlighting flavors that pair sunshine and comfort, convenience and creativity—just check out this week’s menu: Mediterranean Orzo Salad, Lemon Blueberry Muffins, Chilled Cucumber with Sesame Tofu, and Lemony Fish & Orzo soup.

Stress-Free Order, Community Connection

Weekly delivery to Exeter, Kensington, Brentwood, and Stratham means you can enjoy artisan soups and sides without the fuss. Or, take advantage of free pickup in Amesbury at 14 Cedar Street—our way to keep it neighborly and accessible.

Easy online ordering: Select your menu items and reserve a spot for delivery or pickup—no phone tag, no guesswork.
Menu transparency: We post our weekly lineup and ingredient labels in advance so you can plan your meals and savor the anticipation.
Real flexibility: Whether you’re grabbing favorites for the week or assembling a picnic, our rotating menu ensures there’s always something new and something familiar.

Food That Travels Well—And Tastes Even Better

At The Soup Aisle, we know that great food should fit your lifestyle—whether you’re craving a quick dinner fix or packing for a picnic at Swasey Parkway. All our offerings are designed to travel well and taste just as good under a summer sky as they do at your kitchen table.

Seasonality, Local Sources, and Specials

Our menu is built on what’s freshest right now. When cucumbers are at their peak, you’ll spot them in gazpachos and salads. Blueberries in muffins and cakes, local fish in our soups. It’s a weekly celebration of Seacoast farms and food artisans.

Thanks for Making Us Part of Your Summer Table

Every order from The Soup Aisle supports a local business grounded in craft and community. Your feedback, favorite moments, and recipe requests inspire us and keep our menu lively. Feel free to reach out with suggestions or just to say hello—our kitchen is always open to conversation!

Ready to savor this week’s offerings or curious about what’s coming next? Order now!

Artisan Soups. Picnic Faves. Baked Goods.

The Great Ingredient Mystery: Why Every Great Recipe Has a Story

The Thrill of the Secret Ingredient

You’re out to dinner and the salad is so unexpectedly good you find yourself interrogating every bite. What is that in the dressing? Is it citrus, or something more mysterious? You consider flagging down the chef, but you know the answer will be evasive at best. There’s a universal thrill in chasing down the “secret ingredient.” It’s the culinary equivalent of a treasure hunt—equal parts curiosity, nostalgia, and the delight of discovery.

We’ve had plenty of these moments in our own kitchen. For example, the best traditional Italian dressing I ever tasted had sugar and mustard—two things I never would have guessed. My spaghetti sauce always gets a splash of balsamic vinegar and a quarter teaspoon of cocoa powder. The secret to my tomato soup? Extra carrot. Sure, there’s the usual garlic, onion, butter, basil, and the best tomatoes I can find, but it’s that subtle sweetness from the carrot that makes people pause and ask, “What did you do to this?”

These discoveries keep cooking endlessly fascinating. Sometimes they come from a happy accident, sometimes from a tip whispered by a friend, and sometimes from pure, stubborn experimentation. Every cook has their own stash of tricks—maybe a pinch of cinnamon in chili, or a splash of pickle juice in potato salad. These are the details that make a dish memorable, the kind of thing you remember long after the meal is over.

Recipes That Travel by Word of Mouth

The most unforgettable recipes rarely come from a book. They’re shared at potlucks, scribbled on the back of envelopes, or texted in a flurry before a dinner party. They’re tweaked, misremembered, and improved with every retelling. They spark debates at family gatherings and become legends in their own right.

Your Table, Your Story

That’s why we light up when someone brings us a family recipe, a legendary casserole, or a “you’ll never guess what’s in this” story. Like my mom’s Napa Valley Chilled Cucumber soup. She loved it so much she grabbed the recipe – and we can’t wait to share it with you all.

Planning a cookout for a crowd? Need a dish that’s pure comfort, or a showstopper for your next gathering? Bring us your favorite recipes, your secret ingredients, your kitchen victories and glorious flops. We love bringing these stories to life for you and your guests.

Food is more than a list of ingredients—it’s a conversation, a connection, and sometimes, a delicious little mystery. The best meals are the ones that bring us together and keep us guessing.

Share Your Secret Ingredient

So, what’s your secret? What have you discovered that makes your food unforgettable? Share it with us, and let’s see what happens when your story meets our kitchen. The next legendary dish could start with your recipe—and a little bit of mystery.

Tag a friend who’s always on the hunt for the secret ingredient or send us your own kitchen mystery!

A Thoughtful Approach at The Soup Aisle

Mother’s Day just passed, and this week at The Soup Aisle – Exeter, NH, we’re celebrating with two soups that honor the spirit of comfort and tradition: Chicken & Dumplings and Borscht. Purchase here if you’d like! These are the kinds of soups that reminded us of home, family, and the simple joys of gathering around the table.

A Balanced Menu

Each week, our menu is guided by a principle we call “Hearty Comfort/Healthy Classic.” It’s our way of offering something for everyone: a robust, comforting soup alongside a vibrant, plant-based option. Whether you’re craving something nostalgic or seeking out a lighter, wholesome bowl, you’ll always find a balance at The Soup Aisle. Right now we offer two per week, but we’re gearing up for soup season (e.g. the fall).

Chicken & Dumplings!

This Week’s Hearty Comfort, Chicken & Dumplings, is a true classic. We make ours with a rich, savory base of tender chicken, carrots, and celery, finished with soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up every bit of flavor. Dumplings are a universal comfort food-found in kitchens around the world, always bringing people together.

Borscht!

For our Healthy Classic, we’re serving Borscht-a soup as beautiful as it is nourishing. Packed with beets, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, fresh dill, and cannellini beans, it’s a celebration of color and flavor. We keep it hearty and satisfying, and offer a dairy-free option for those who need it. It’s a soup that’s perfectly suited to today’s diverse tastes.

Always Thoughtful, Always Local

At The Soup Aisle, we believe in doing things the right way – sourcing thoughtfully, cooking with care, and staying connected to our local roots. We’re committed to authenticity and quality without losing sight of what makes soup special: its ability to bring people together. Classics we’ve recently made like Sopa de Zaragoza are made with local poducts from the Brookvale Mercantile and that includes grass-fed beef. Our menu reflects the seasons, our ingredients are chosen with intention, and our recipes are inspired by rich culinary flavors that make soup the beloved artform that it is.

A Little Soup Aisle Fun Fact

Did you know that dumplings have been around for thousands of years? Legend has it they were first created by a Chinese medicine practitioner who stuffed herbs into dough to help people stay warm during harsh winters. Every bowl of Chicken & Dumplings is a little taste of that dumpling wisdom-delivered straight to your spoon.

Thank you for letting us fill your bowls (and your hearts) each week. Here’s to comfort, creativity, and the humble dumpling – may it always rise to the occasion! 😁

-The Soup Aisle Team

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from The Soup Aisle! 🍀

Today is a day for celebration, and we couldn’t think of a better time to share some exciting news with you: The Soup Aisle is officially accepting orders starting the week of April 1st!

No Foolin’ – We’re Really Opening!

Our small-batch soups are crafted using the finest local ingredients. Whether you’re craving a hearty comfort soup with fish or meat, or something dairy-free or vegetarian, we’ve got something special for everyone.

This April, we’re feeling extra lucky to announce the opening of our virtual doors! Mark your calendars and spread the word – get ready to enjoy our soups in Exeter and Kensington!

Visit thesoupaisle.com for updates, menus, and how to order. Gotta go – extremely busy!

Erin & Patrick
The Soup Aisle

The Soup Aisle’s Holiday Highlights & 2024 Wrap-up

As we bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, The Soup Aisle team has been savoring the holiday season with family and friends. With cookie baking days and crafting our first Bûche de Noël, we tried to embrace the spirit of the season. (Who knows? We might just add Yule Logs to our holiday menu next year!)

A Community Dream Takes Shape

Amidst the festivities, we’ve been steadily laying the groundwork for our upcoming launch. Life’s beautiful moments have caused a few delays, but they’ve only strengthened our resolve. Our dream of bringing a specialty soup market to downtown Exeter is closer than ever, thanks to the unwavering support of our community.

The Soup Aisle is more than just a soup store. It’s a community-focused food experience tailored for Exeter’s busy families and professionals. We say it often because we mean it. We’re here to fill a significant gap and rekindle the warmth that only a perfect soup can give. And we can barely wait!

Simmering with Gratitude

Our angel investors’ support has been invaluable. They believe in our mission to:

Curate unique, locally-sourced soup varieties
Develop a sustainable, eco-friendly business model
Introduce innovative food options to downtown Exeter

Their faith allows us to focus on crafting exceptional soups that resonate with our community. We are currently exploring top-notch soup equipment to bring our creations to life!

Looking Ahead

We’re in the final stages of securing permits before settling into our kitchen. This meticulous process ensures that we will deliver the quality and safety our community deserves. While it feels like the longest stage, we’re grateful for everyone’s patience and enthusiasm.

To our supporters and the Exeter community—your belief in The Soup Aisle fuels our passion. We’re deeply grateful for your encouragement as we embark on this journey together.

As we’ve been busy making the holidays merry and bright, we look forward to sharing more soup news in the new year. Our next update will come after we’ve rung in 2025, so until then, we wish you a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Get your spoons ready—2025 is going to be souper!

P.S. The holiday soup we made this year was Fish Chowder 😋

The Unexpected Rise of The Soup Aisle

The Accidental Soup-preneurs

Who would have thought that a simple bowl of soup would lead to a full-fledged business venture? Certainly not us, Erin and Patrick, the unlikely duo behind The Soup Aisle. As we sit here, planning our menu, we can’t help but chuckle about it a little bit.

We weren’t always soup aficionados. For most of our lives, soup was just something you ate when you had a cold. But somewhere between adulting and realizing that vegetables are good for you, we stumbled onto a Dutch Oven full of possibilities.

A Soup Epiphany

It hit us like a ladle to the face – soup isn’t just food, it’s an experience. An experience that we suddenly realized was worth taking a closer look at. We found ourselves discussing broth consistency over breakfast.

One day, we thought: “Does the world need more soup?” The answer, we decided after approximately 2.5 seconds of deliberation, was a resounding yes. And thus, The Soup Aisle was born – a virtual soup store for the discerning soup, and soup accoutrements, enthusiast.

The Existential Soup Crisis

Sometimes, we find ourselves staring at the ceiling, pondering: “Do we really love soup this much?” It’s a valid concern. But then we remember – we’re soup people now. And we’re okay with that. The world needs more soup. And we’ve realized something profound: It’s not just a business opportunity; it’s our chance to ladle out a little happiness. We never thought we’d be here, getting excited over a perfectly seasoned broth and high fiving over our new 40 qt stock pot. But here we are, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. The Soup Aisle isn’t just a business about soup; it’s our passion project and our culinary canvas.

Here’s to unexpected journeys. Here’s to finding passion in the most unlikely places. Here’s to embracing the ridiculous. Because life’s too short for boring food.

Join us on this souper adventure. Who knows? You might just find yourself becoming a soup convert too. And if not, well, “No soup for you!”

The Art of Crafting the Perfect Vegetarian Chili

Hearty Vegetarian Chili

This recipe shows the power of plant-based cooking. It proves that meatless dishes can be just as satisfying and delicious as their traditional counterparts.

The Symphony of Ingredients

Our chili begins with a colorful array of vegetables and plant-based protein:

Gardein plant-based grounds
Yellow onions
Carrots
Garlic
Red pepper
Tomatoes
Zucchini

The Cooking Process: A Labor of Love

Building the Base: We start by heating vegetable oil in a large pot. Slowly sweat the onions, carrots, and garlic. This gradual cooking process releases their natural sweetness and creates a flavorful base for our chili.
Spice Infusion: We add oregano, chili powder, and cumin directly to the pot. This allows the spices to bloom in the oil, intensifying their flavors and aromas.
Liquid Gold: Strained tomatoes and vegetable stock are added next. They create a rich, flavorful broth. This broth will simmer and reduce to perfection.
Veggie Medley: We then add the red pepper, tomatoes, and zucchini, and a pinch of salt.

The Art of Slow Cooking

Patience is key in developing the deep, complex flavors of our chili. We bring the mixture to a slow simmer very gradually, allowing it to cook undisturbed for about 45 minutes. This slow cooking process melds the flavors together beautifully.

After the first simmer, we skim any impurities from the surface, ensuring a clean, pure flavor. The chili then simmers for another 30 minutes, with one more skimming session to perfect the consistency.

Perfecting the Texture

If needed, we use a special technique to achieve the ideal thickness:

We strain the liquid from the solids.
The vegetable mixture is set aside to cool.
The liquid is then reduced separately to intensify flavors and thicken.
Once cooled, we recombine the reduced liquid with the vegetable mixture.

This method allows us to control the consistency precisely, resulting in a chili that’s neither too thin nor too thick – just perfect.

The vegetables reach tender perfection as the flavors meld into a harmonious blend. Our vegetarian chili is ready to serve. Each bowl is a testament to the care and attention we put into our recipes at The Soup Aisle.

We invite you to try this delicious, plant-based chili that’s not just a meal, but an experience. It’s comfort food reimagined – hearty, flavorful, and completely meat-free. Perfect for those chilly winter evenings or any time you’re craving a bowl of pure comfort.

Stay tuned for more exciting recipes and updates from The Soup Aisle. We’re always cooking up something special for our valued customers!