Why Sending Soup Is The New Love Language (And The Kind Of Emotional Support Everyone Actually Needs)

Gifting food as a token of affection isn’t a new concept. Nothing says, “Thank you for hosting,” like a good bottle of wine or olive oil. Presenting your sweetheart with candy is an idea that’s as old as time. Traditional as it is, people are still choosing to show how they care through the gift of food. In fact, a 2023 survey reveals that most say, “I love you” with meals. Indeed, more than half of the individuals surveyed said they’d gifted food to someone as an act of caring and support.

This probably doesn’t shock you, especially if you’ve received cookies from a neighbor or a fruit basket from a friend. However, giving sweet treats, produce, or savory fare can be tricky in today’s climate of food sensitivities and allergies. About 6.2% of adults in the United States may be allergic to at least one type of food. Though that’s not a huge percentage, it’s enough to give pause.

However, it doesn’t mean that sending a food-filled care package to a special someone who deserves a loving gift is off the table. It just means that you may want to opt for a relatively universal food gift that’s most likely to work for any recipient.

In other words, when you want to send love, send soup.

The Practicality And Warmth Of Soup

What makes soup a go-to choice as a “love language” gift is its deceptive simplicity, as well as its low-allergen ingredients. Most cultures are known for at least one kind of soup that reflects national tastes and readily available foods. And with the exception of more complex soups, plenty of homemade-style soup varieties can be created to appeal to all palates and dietary needs.

Take chicken noodle soup, which is arguably one of the most well-recognized across America. It tends to be seen as a cozy comfort food, partly for its reputation as a healing meal, and that includes emotional as well as physical healing. Whether you’re fighting off the symptoms of a cold or you’re dealing with difficulties, chicken noodle soup is a suitable choice.

Even though chicken noodle soup has a homespun feel, it can make a surprisingly upscale splash. This is certainly the case for the flagship chicken noodle soup offered by Spoonful of Comfort. Among the brand’s curated care packages, its chicken noodle soup stands out as a winner among senders and receivers. According to one review by a popular food publication, they declared the soup a hands-down “star of the show” among the other nibbles in a standard Spoonful of Comfort boxed gift.

Beyond flavor, though, is the suitability of the soup for most eaters. This particular chicken noodle soup is filled with low-allergen ingredients (e.g., chicken and herbs). Their soup range is noticeable, though. For example, for those unable to eat gluten, chicken and wild rice soup offers an equally delicious choice and many of the same ingredients.

The point is simple: If you’re not quite certain what to send to someone, pick a soup and you’ll pretty much cover all the bases. At the same time, you’ll foster a memorable, touching experience.

More Than A Mere Pick-Me-Up Gift

Exchanging soup as a form of love sends a very strong message that you’re invested in the other person’s happiness and health. Remember that soup has a generations-long history of being associated with coziness and psychological safety. By sharing soup, you’re sharing a little of yourself.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t send other items along with the soup. Certainly, you might want to send a series of soup-adjacent gifts to a relative, coworker, or bestie. You can find tons of stores that sell all types of soup bowls to use for the soup you gift. Or, you could have personalized cloth napkins made for the occasion.

Essentially, you can use soup as the foundational piece in a broader love “care kit”. Though soup is the centerpiece, the other elements help you customize the experience. Again, this fuels a deep sense of connection and shows that you’ve put thought into your gift in multiple ways.

Often, when people are going through tough times, they feel very isolated. By showering a loved one with soup and other treasures, you’re building a connective bridge. Every sip of soup conveys the message that you’re there for support — even if you can’t be there in a literal sense.

As a side note, the act of eating soup may also impact mood, which is yet another reason to consider sending soup as a gift. A study from Japan found that after two weeks of eating soup every afternoon, adults reported less stress. Therefore, your thoughtfulness could assist in making an overwhelming situation feel less frustrating. In essence, you’re enabling another person to improve their resilience.

Uplifting Spirits With A Culinary Staple

Soup remains a staple food across the world that’s well-liked (and well-tolerated) by kids and adults alike. Yet, its old-fashioned simplicity is no reason to discount its importance as a modern love language tool.

The next time you’re looking for a cheery gift that’s sure to elicit a smile, go back to basics. Soup never goes out of style. And it never fails to convey your heartfelt compassion and genuine concern for someone special in your life.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.

BDG Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.