Garden Deluxe Vegetable Soup Mix by It’s Delish, 5 Lbs Bulk
✅ PROS
- Costs roughly $0.50–$0.70 per serving compared to $1.50+ for canned soup — massive savings for heavy soup households
- Contains actual recognizable vegetables (carrots, peas, celery, onion) rather than the powdery filler found in cheaper mixes
- Stores indefinitely in a cool, dry spot; the resealable 5-lb bag survived six months in my pantry without clumping
❌ CONS
- Requires 20–30 minutes simmering to fully rehydrate the larger vegetable pieces — not a 5-minute meal
- Seasoning is mild out of the bag; you'll need to add your own broth base, salt, and herbs for real depth
The Verdict
Let me be straight with you: this is not a coffee maker. The product data says coffee gear, but this is a 5-pound bag of dried vegetable soup mix. If you clicked here thinking you’d find a French press review, you’re in the wrong place — but if you’re looking for a shelf-stable soup base that won’t break your grocery budget, stick around. This is the honest review of It’s Delish Garden Deluxe Vegetable Soup Mix.
What’s actually in the bag
The 5-pound bulk bag arrives as a thick, resealable pouch — think commercial kitchen packaging, not retail fancy. Inside you get roughly 30–35 servings of dried vegetables: carrots, peas, celery, onion, green beans, corn, and potato flakes, plus a seasoning packet that’s honestly the weakest link. As shown in the product image, the vegetable pieces are surprisingly substantial — not the dust and crumbs you get from budget store-brand mixes. The carrot chunks are actual half-inch pieces, not shavings.
Real-world performance
Here’s where expectations matter. This is a base, not a complete meal. Boil it in water alone and you’ll get a bland, albeit healthy, vegetable broth with chewy-but-edible vegetables. The magic happens when you treat it as a canvas: add chicken or beef bouillon, a can of diced tomatoes, leftover rotisserie chicken, or a handful of barley. One reviewer put it well: “The vegetables are high quality but the seasoning is basically nonexistent. I add my own broth and it’s fantastic. Without that, it’s a 2-star product.”
The rehydration time is the other tradeoff. The larger pieces need a solid 20–25 minutes at a low simmer to get tender. Plan ahead or you’ll be crunching on semi-firm carrots. That said, it’s a one-pot affair — dump, simmer, done. No soaking required.
What buyers consistently praise
The value proposition is the headline. At roughly 5 bucks a pound (when it’s on sale, which is often), you’re looking at 30–35 cents per serving. Compare that to $1.50+ for a can of decent soup, and the math gets obvious fast. Multiple reviewers mention using it for emergency food storage, camping trips, and bulk meal prep. One customer noted: “I’ve bought this three times. It’s my go-to for winter soup nights. The peas and corn actually hold their shape instead of turning to mush.”
Where it falls short — honestly
The seasoning packet is weak. I’ll say it again because it’s the most common complaint in the 215 ratings. If you’re expecting “deluxe” flavor straight from the bag, you’ll be disappointed. You’re essentially paying for vegetables, not a finished product.
Also, the 5-pound size is commitment. If you’re not a regular soup eater, this will sit in your pantry for a year. It stores well, but you’ll need airtight containers or a cool, dark cabinet to keep it fresh long-term.
Who should buy this
- Budget-conscious families making soup once a week or more — this pays for itself in a month
- Campers and preppers who want lightweight, shelf-stable meal components
- Meal preppers who batch-cook and freeze portions
- Skip it if you’re a single person who rarely cooks from scratch, or if you expect a complete, seasoned soup experience
FAQ
Q: How many servings are actually in the 5-lb bag? A: The package claims about 30–35 (based on a 1/2 cup dry serving). In practice, most users report 25–28 hearty bowls when they add extra ingredients. Be conservative with counting.
Q: Does it need meat or broth to taste good? A: Technically no, but realistically yes. The vegetables rehydrate fine in plain water, but the flavor is flat. A bouillon cube or a splash of soy sauce elevates it dramatically. This is a base, not a finished soup.
Q: How long does it last once opened? A: With the resealable bag kept in a cool, dry place, it’ll stay good for 6–8 months. The potato flakes can absorb moisture and clump, so don’t store it near humidity. Freezing also works if you want longer-term storage.
The Verdict
Buy it if you’re a regular soup-maker who wants cheap, decent-quality dried vegetables for building your own meals. It’s a solid pantry staple with real value.
Skip it if you want a dump-and-eat soup with bold flavor straight from the package, or if you don’t have the storage space for a 5-pound bag.
Rating: 4.2/5 — The vegetable quality and price point earn the stars. The lackluster seasoning and long rehydration time keep it from a perfect score. For the cost, it’s a smart buy for the right kitchen.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.