Soup-scriptions at The Soup Aisle have exploded in popularity over the past few weeks, turning one-time orders into weekly rituals for homes across Exeter, Kensington, Brentwood, Stratham, Newfields, and Amesbury. What started as a simple way to lock in gourmet meals at a discount has become our fastest-growing offer. Reliable comfort food delivered to your door is exactly what busy locals crave.
From First-Timers to Devoted Soup-scribers
The real thrill hit when our very first regulars made the leap to soup-scriptions. These weren’t just any customers; they were the ones who’d been ordering since our early delivery days. Most of the time people find us and either go right for the soup-scription, or stick to ordering on a week-by-week basis. Either is fine!
No two soup-scribers are alike. Some crave spice, others stick to classics. That’s the beauty! Our Soup-scriptions flex to fit real lives — without a “typical” customer in sight.
As a small microsoupery, flexibility is our edge. Soup-scribers get first dibs on limited batches, priority on sold-out sides, and easy pauses or tweaks.
Why Soup-scriptions Are Sticking Around
Soup-scribers tell us it’s about ditching the hassle: weekly drops that feel like a treat, not a chore.
If you’re interested, check out our soup-scriptions page. Join our growing crew of weekly Soup-scribers!
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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!
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!
As late June brings record warmth to Exeter, we see each rising degree as an opportunity to deliver delicious food and thoughtful service—no matter the weather.
The Summer Heat Challenge
The relentless heat of late June brings unique operational challenges. Temperature control becomes more critical than ever as we watch our refrigeration systems work harder. But rest assured: we are vigilant as ever when it comes to food safety.
Green Goddess Gazpacho: A Summer Revelation
This delightful trend has become the star of our summer lineup. This stunning cucumber and avocado based soup creates a gorgeous show stopper with a wonderfully vibrant color — and we used amazing produce from Chickadee Hill Farm in Rowley, MA.
Made with fresh ingredients (obviously), lemon, and just a hint of jalapeño for that perfect summer kick. This soup embodies everything we believe about seasonal cooking: celebrating the moment while honoring the craft. We’ve been refining our variations throughout the month to capture that elusive balance between refreshing and satisfying. We see why this one is so popular.
Elevating Customer Service in Every Season
Our customer service is about creating moments of connection. Our recent website upgrade represents more than just technological advancement; it’s our commitment to making your experience with us as smooth as possible. We noticed that a lot of our customers were struggling with our platform because we had started out so small! Our new checkout process has reduced order times significantly, and our enhanced order reminder system ensures you never miss a pickup or delivery window. These improvements might seem small, but they reflect our belief that excellence lives in the details.
Digital ordering systems have become essential in today’s food service landscape, and streamlined payment options don’t just improve efficiency—they free up your time to focus on what matters most.
Community Connection and the Exeter Community Fridge
Our donations to the Exeter Community Fridge has been an extremely rewarding aspect of our community involvement. Community fridges have emerged as powerful tools for addressing food insecurity, operating on the simple principle of “Take what you need, give what you can.” Over the past months, we’ve been able to donate substantial amounts of food, contributing to feeding our neighbors with dignity and accessibility.
However, as we navigate this period of growth and transition, we’re temporarily pausing our Exeter Community Fridge donations. This isn’t a step back from our community commitment—it’s a strategic pause that allows us to upgrade our systems and processes so we can return with even greater capacity to serve our neighbors. Community fridges rely on consistent, quality donations. We will continue to donate during this time because we want to ensure we can deliver on that reliability.
Expanding Our Delivery Services
The food delivery landscape is continuously evolving. This is reflected in an increased demand for our expanded delivery service. We’ve optimized our delivery logistics to handle the summer heat challenges, ensuring that our soups arrive at the proper temperature and maintain their quality throughout transport. This is about extending our kitchen’s standards to your table, wherever that might be.
Seasonal Favorites and Beloved Returns
While innovation drives us forward, we understand the comfort of familiar favorites. This month, we’ve been repeating some of our most beloved soup offerings alongside new creations like our Green Goddess Gazpacho. Summer soup service requires a different kind of precision than winter offerings. Our seasonal ingredients must be at peak freshness, and our service timing must account for the customer’s comfort.
Looking Forward Through the Heat
As we move through these scorching June days, we’re reminded that exceptional service means rising to meet whatever challenges present themselves. The heat may be rising, but it has only strengthened our resolve to serve our community.
The summer heat is relentless, and so is our dedication to excellence. In every soup we prove that great service knows no season. The heat may be on, but The Soup Aisle continues to serve with a cool confidence.
As the days lengthen and Exeter’s streets bask in golden sunlight, The Soup Aisle is proving that soup is a year-round affair—not just a winter comfort. Even during the warmer months soup is a canvas for creativity and a celebration of local abundance.
Soup Beyond the Seasons
Traditionally, soup has been the antidote to cold weather: a steaming bowl cradled between chilly hands, a balm against the bluster outside. But The Soup Aisle is reimagining this narrative. Summer soups—chilled, vibrant, and brimming with the local farms’ best produce—are an invitation to slow down and savor the moment. They’re a reminder that comfort isn’t confined to hearth and home. We need comfort and health-packed soups even when it’s hot out. Especially when it’s hot out! Don’t believe us? You haven’t tried our Gazpacho yet. It’s got the crunch of a cucumber, the tang of a tomato — many variations to try including Gazpacho with avocado-corn relish and Watermelon Cucumber Gazpacho.
For some New Englanders, chilled soups are a revelation. These are the quintessential soups for picnics, for porch swings, for un-air-conditioned offices, lazy afternoons, and small gatherings. It’s the cure for a summer cold. It’s soup that hydrates as much as it nourishes. We’re also making chilled Vichyssoise this week which is exciting! It’s our twist on a French classic. Our soups are seasonal and change weekly. Enjoy them while you can!
The Art of the Picnic
Summer dining is about movement and connection. The Soup Aisle’s curated picnic offerings—think mango slaw, citrus couscous, and artisan bakes—are designed to make every meal an event. These are dishes that travel well, taste even better in the open air, and invite sharing. They’re a testament to the idea that food is best enjoyed in good company, whether that’s on a blanket at Swasey Parkway or at a kitchen table with friends.
The addition of signature biscuits, popovers, and cornbread underscores The Soup Aisle’s commitment to craft and comfort. These are part of the experience and a way to make every meal special.
Community at the Core
Our story is as much about people as it is about food. Every ingredient is chosen with care because we want to share our commitment of sustainability – through our food. When you taste a bowl of gazpacho or a bite of cornbread, you’re tasting the Seacoast’s local spirit.
This hyper-local approach is more than a trend; it’s a way of life. Many thanks to people who do it better than us, and props to those who are just getting started. It’s about supporting neighbors, reducing food miles, and celebrating the unique character of the region. For Exeter, this is a value that resonates deeply.
While summer is a time for chilled soups and al fresco dining, The Soup Aisle is already dreaming of autumn’s return—of smoked squash bisques and cider-infused chowders. But for now, the focus is on the present: on making the most of summer’s bounty, on creating moments of connection, and on proving that soup is as versatile as the seasons themselves.
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! 😁
If you’re searching for soup in Exeter, Kensington, Brentwood, The Soup Aisle stands out as the top choice for fresh, local soup delivery.
A True Exeter Original
The Soup Aisle was created to fill the gap left when beloved soup spots in Exeter closed their doors. We bring back the connection of a local soup shop to the heart of Exeter. Our mission is to craft a menu of artisan soups and picnic favorites that make every meal special and accessible year-round.
Locally Sourced, Always Fresh
Great soup starts with great ingredients. The Soup Aisle ensures every bowl is packed with the freshest flavors New Hampshire has to offer. Our menu isn’t just local – it’s seasonal. Each week, we write our menus to match what’s actually growing right now in New Hampshire. When potatoes, tomatoes, and cucumbers are at their peak in June, you’ll see chilled Vichyssoise and Gazpacho on our menu. When the weather turns, we’ll switch it up with classics like Butternut Squash Apple and French Onion, and other favorites that fit the season. This hyper-seasonal approach means you’re always getting soup made with the best ingredients, at their freshest.
Convenience Meets Craft
Busy schedule? We make it easy to enjoy a homemade meal. With streamlined online ordering, flexible delivery slots, and weekly rotating menus, you can have gourmet soup (or slaw, a cookie, biscuits, and whatever other surprise seasonal goodies we’re currently making) delivered right to your door in Exeter, Kensington, Brentwood! Orders are made fresh and delivered refrigerated, and we post our menus ahead of time so our customers can plan ahead!
A Menu for Every Taste
From hearty Smoked Pork Pozole and Broccoli Cheddar Potato to vegan, vegetarian, and dairy-free options, The Soup Aisle crafts soups to satisfy every craving and dietary need. Seasonal specials and artisan breads round out the menu, ensuring there’s always something new and delicious to try. We do office catering and we also take requests!
Community-Focused Service
The Soup Aisle is committed to building community – with a friendly local team that cares about every order. When you order from us, you’re supporting your neighbors and helping keep Exeter’s food scene vibrant. We even offer a way to donate soup to the Exeter Community Fridge — million thanks to those who are able to help feed the people in need.
We are your neighborhood microsoupery, serving up comfort, creativity, and community in every bowl. Order today and discover why The Soup Aisle is Exeter’s favorite choice for fresh, local soup.
This week at The Soup Aisle, we’re offering one of our signature soups, Chicken & Stars – a beloved classic reimagined. The delicate star-shaped pasta swimming in rich golden broth is beloved by soup enthusiasts of all ages. What transforms a simple soup into a signature offering worthy of celebration? The answer lies in our meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality. Our Chicken & Stars begins with carefully selected ingredients – tender, premium chicken, hand-cut vegetables, and those delightful little pasta stars that bring a touch of whimsy to each spoonful.
The foundation of any exceptional chicken soup is its broth, and ours simmers slowly to develop remarkable depth of flavor. Our vegetables are diced for consistent cooking and visual appeal –carrots, celery, and sweet onions that add complexity and a delicate flavor balance.
The Star of the Show
The pasta stars themselves deserve special mention. These delightful morsels are added at exactly the right moment in the cooking process to achieve perfect al dente texture. What makes star-shaped pasta so beloved? Perhaps it’s the touch of joy they bring to the bowl, or how they recall childhood comforts while still satisfying sophisticated palates. Whatever the reason, there’s something profoundly comforting about star-shaped pasta swimming in a nutritious and satiating soup. For many people, this soup evokes cherished memories – perhaps of meals enjoyed during childhood winters.
A Soup for All Seasons
While many associate chicken soup with cold weather comfort, our Chicken & Stars soup transcends seasonal boundaries. Its bright, clean flavors make light enough to enjoy even as temperatures rise. We also make a vegetarian version using plant-based chick’n which we are excited to be offering sometime next month!
This week, we invite you to experience a signature offer that embodies our commitment to excellence in every bowl we serve – Chicken & Stars soup from The Soup Aisle.
Tomorrow marks a milestone we’ve been planning for over a year—our official launch! We are totally ready to bring comfort and creativity to our community through our year-round menu featuring gourmet soups and picnic items. The journey from idea to reality has been nothing short of incredible. It’s a little surreal and we’ve been reflecting on how far we’ve come.
Crafting Comfort for the Community
Every Saturday, we’ll unveil a new menu filled with seasonal surprises. Customers can place their orders by Monday for delivery on Wednesday. Each batch is made fresh and delivered refrigerated so you can enjoy it at your convenience. Choose your time slot, and we’ll handle the rest!
At The Soup Aisle, our mission has always been simple: to create artisanal soups that bring joy to the people of our local community. From pop-ups to office catering to weekly deliveries, we’re here to make soup accessible and exciting year-round.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the warm welcome from Exeter, and even Amesbury, MA, where our kitchen is located. It’s clear there’s a market for high-quality, handcrafted soups, just as we hoped. With spring in the air, we’re thrilled to officially open our doors (virtually) to you.
A Souper Adventure Awaits– Just Like We Promised!
The Soup Aisle is about community, connection, and comfort. We invite you to follow along on Instagram, become a member of our growing family, and join us in stirring up some new memories this season.
Here’s to unexpected beginnings and embracing the delicious possibilities ahead. Thank you for being part of this journey with us—we can’t wait to serve you!
With gratitude (and plenty of soup), Erin & Patrick 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!
The Soup Aisle believes turmeric has become our quiet collaborator. As ancient as it is beautiful, it weaves warmth and depth into many of our broths. Whether you’ve spotted its hue in our Golden Potato Kale soup, or detected its complexity in our curry-laced creations. Its subtle complexity is why turmeric is the unsung hero we’re delighted to celebrate.
The Flavor Alchemist
Turmeric has earthy undertones that act as a bridge between bold and delicate flavors. That’s what makes it such a versatile addition to both rustic and refined dishes.
Curry-Based Soups: Turmeric harmonizes with ginger, soy sauce, and brown sugar to create a delicious foundation. It’s flavor is amplified by the coconut milk in the broth.
In Veggie Broth: A pinch of turmeric transforms our broths into golden elixirs, adding a subtle warmth that complements roasted vegetables and herbs without overpowering them.
We like to use fresh turmeric for its bright, zesty punch and dried ground turmeric for its mellow, earthy depth—often combining both for a balance of flavor and color. We have a similar philosophy for other herbs and spices as well.
Cooking with Turmeric: A Bonus for the Body
While we’re not here to preach wellness, we’d be remiss not to nod to turmeric’s centuries-old reputation. Modern research echoes what traditional practices have long suggested:
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Curcumin, turmeric’s active compound, has been linked to reducing inflammation—a boon for achy joints after a long day.
Mood-Boosting Potential: Studies suggest curcumin may support serotonin and dopamine production, those “feel-good” brain chemicals. (We like to think the flavor of our soups do that, but it’s nice to have science on our side.)
Pro tip: A dash of black pepper enhances curcumin absorption by a million percent! Not really, but it’s a lot. We add a grind or two for flavor; consider it a happy accident.
Also…
Start Small: Turmeric’s color stains and its flavor intensifies over time. Begin with ½ teaspoon per pot and adjust to taste.
Pair Wisely: It loves citrus (lemon or lime brighten its earthiness), creamy bases (coconut milk, yogurt), and spices like cumin and coriander.
Why It Matters to Us
Turmeric isn’t a mere trend for The Soup Aisle. We’re proud to stir a little of that golden magic into every pot.
As we simmer our way into 2025, The Soup Aisle is bubbling with excitement. We’re stirring the pot behind the scenes and can’t help but share updates with our favorite community.
It’s true, we’re about to launch as a virtual soup store startup. We’re expecting to find a kitchen before Spring happens! (While also planning for The Soup Aisle to become a walkable store right in downtown. Say what??) Then we’re going to be cleaning up and preparing that new kitchen space to cook in it!
Community at Our Core
Exeter, you’re at the heart of our adventure. We’ve been busy crafting a community model designed to reward our loyal patrons, and we think we’ve prepared something unique. On top of that, we’re creating menus that will keep you excited year round, including those summer days. We’ve got some cool ideas we can’t wait to ladle out.
While we’re keeping the big surprises under lid, expect a rotating variety of soups that dance with the seasons. From light spring offerings all the way to the heartier winter warmers.
Your enthusiasm fuels our passion. Remember, good things come to those who wait, and great soup comes to those who simmer. We can’t wait to serve you soon!
Stay warm and souper, The Soup Aisle Team
Trivia:
The word “soup” comes from the Latin word “suppa,” meaning bread soaked in broth. So technically, soup didn’t exist before the invention of bread, because there was no bread to dunk it in. Let that soak in. 😂🥣
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 😋
As we’re preparing for our launch in 2025, we wanted to give you a peek behind the curtain. Our soup startup has been a whirlwind of excitement and challenges.
A Taste of Local Support
One of the most heartening aspects of this journey has been the incredible support we’ve received from our local community. We had the pleasure of speaking with the Exeter Economic Development Director, who was genuinely thrilled about our business venture. His enthusiasm for The Soup Aisle has been both motivating and reassuring. His support extends beyond his words of encouragement. He’s actively helping us navigate the local business landscape, including helping us find a suitable kitchen to operate from while we start our virtual business. This local backing is invaluable for a new business, and we’re incredibly grateful for the warm welcome we’ve received.
Simmering Plans and Preparations
While we await the green light from the Department of Health, we are far from idle. Our team is busy with soup preparations:
Merch: Who says soup can’t be stylish? Who doesn’t want a souped-up soup cup? Erin created a design that will allow our Soup Aisle enthusiasts to eat their soup in style. 😁🍲
Packaging: Although we’re keeping it simple, we’re finalizing our packaging. We want our soups to not only taste great but look great too.
Recipe Book and Pre-sale Menu: We’re putting the finishing touches on our recipe book, which will showcase our signature soups. We’re also crafting a pre-sale menu that will give you a preview of what’s to come.
As we work tirelessly behind the scenes, our excitement continues to build for the upcoming Soup Season launch in 2025. We’re committed to bringing you the most flavorful and nourishing soups to warm your hearts during the chilly winter months.
The Recipe for Success
Starting a soup business isn’t just about perfecting recipes (although that’s a delicious part of it!). It’s about building relationships, understanding local regulations, and creating a brand that resonates with our community. We’ve learned that patience is a virtue when dealing with permit applications. One of the most arduous aspects of this journey has been the amount of planning that goes into each decision.
A Broth of Challenges and Triumphs
Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. We’ve faced our fair share of challenges. For starters, Erin got bronchitis and pneumonia when we were originally trying to launch. We were delayed due to “entirely too much coughing,” but she is better now. Each hurdle has taught us lessons about perseverance and flexibility. And we’re more excited now than ever to bring The Soup Aisle to life. We can’t wait to share our passion for soup with all of you.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach our launch date.
We are preparing for our first holiday season as business owners. With ladles in hand, we are ready to bring comfort to our community. Erin even designed our first merch!
Soup Through the Ages
The holiday season has always been synonymous with tradition. Cherished recipes passed down through generations. But here we are, Erin and Patrick, without a traditional holiday soup to our names. Sometimes, we’ll make Tomato and grilled cheese, or we’ll make Butternut Squash Apple (which made it to the menu). Last year we made a red + green curry. We’re not bound by expectations, but we’re eager to create something memorable. And we’re halfway wondering which ‘new tradition’ will stick.
This got us thinking: What makes a holiday dish truly special? Is it the ingredients, the timing, or the memories it creates? We believe it’s a combination of all three, with a dash of innovation thrown in for good measure. Also, conjuring the image of what ingredients could consist of a holiday soup is somewhat humorous to me. There have been some epic holiday fails in my opinion. For example; fruitcakes, jello salads, and turducken. Those are a few foods that people decided to pass down through tradition. For reasons I can only assume are genuine.
Historically, holiday soups have played significant roles in cultures around the world. French Oyster Stew, in France, is a holiday staple. In Poland, barszcz (beet soup), or borscht, is a Christmas Eve staple. (Love it – Top 15 favorite soups.) And Shurabet el Eid is an Arab “Holiday Soup.” It has tiny meatballs and rice in a flavorful broth and the flavor is compared to Chicken Noodle Soup.
Crafting Our Own Soup Story
At The Soup Aisle, we’re not just making soup; we’re crafting experiences. We strive to create soups that capture the essence of Exeter’s winters – like fish chowder! Perhaps our holiday tradition will be keeping our customers guessing.
We’re also thinking beyond just what goes into the pot. The act of sharing soup can be as important as the soup itself. We’re exploring ideas like “Soup it Forward.” Where customers would be able to buy an extra bowl for someone in need for half the cost. One of the many reasons we’re passionate about our company is our organizing to help the community.
We Don’t Have Generations of Recipes Behind Us…
But we have passion, creativity, and a community that’s eager to try something new.
This holiday season, consider starting a new tradition. Maybe it’ll be a weekly soup night! Remember that traditions don’t have to be old to be meaningful.
We invite you to join us! Follow us on Instagram! Become a member! Let’s stir up some new holiday magic this year together!
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 Soup Aisle 