Campbell's Chunky Steak and Potato Soup – Backpacking Pantry Can for Hikers, No Refrigeration Needed
Campbell's Chunky Steak and Potato Soup – Backpacking Pantry Can for Hikers, No Refrigeration Needed
Couldn't load pickup availability
Why you'll love it
- Delivers 13g of protein in a single can, unusually high for canned soup
- Trusted Campbell's brand name with strong grocery recognition (#2,106 in category)
- Real chunks of seasoned beef steak and visible vegetables make it feel like a real meal rather than thin broth
- Microwavable in minutes fits seamlessly into work breaks or rushed evenings
- Recyclable can appeals to eco-minded shoppers
- Pantry-stable format means no refrigeration needed, ideal for offices, dorms, and camping coolers
- Generous amount of meat and veggies in the can
- Great flavor and thick yummy sauce
- Satisfying light meal option for weight loss
- Mushrooms and gravy make it the best canned soup
- Tastes great served over rice
- Better price on Amazon compared to local stores
- Avoids the need to drive to store and carry heavy bags
- Kills hunger effectively
Perfect for
- Quick microwavable lunch at the office
- Hearty campfire meal on a camping or hiking trip
- Easy heat-and-eat weeknight dinner when time is short
- Pantry backup meal for unexpected hungry days
- Filling standalone lunch paired with bread or crackers
- Thickening the soup and adding carrots and peas to serve over rice
- Customizing seasoning by adding personal spices to reduce saltiness
- Eating directly from the can without heating during outdoor activities
Product Information
Campbell's Chunky Soup: One (1) 18.8 oz can of Campbell’s Chunky Sirloin Steak With Hearty Vegetables Soup Big Flavors: Vegetable soup with bold-flavored pieces of seasoned beef steak, potatoes, carrots, corn and diced tomatoes in beef broth 13 grams of Protein: Hearty soup that has vegetables and 13 grams of protein in each can Pantry Staple: Enjoy this steak and vegetable soup at home or at work as part of a delicious, filling lunch, or take on outdoor adventures to eat by the campfire Microwavable Soup: This easy to microwave potato soup is simple to prepare, just heat and serve Recyclable Soup Can: Soup can is recyclable for easy disposal
Product Dimensions : 3.1 x 3.1 x 4.7 inches; 1.18 Pounds Item model number : 200000013809 UPC : 051000138095 Manufacturer : CAMPBELL SOUP COMPANY Units : 18.8 Fluid Ounces Best Sellers Rank: #2,106 in Grocery & Gourmet Food
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this can sturdy enough to pack on a multi-day hiking trip without bursting?
The 18.8 oz recyclable steel can is sealed for long shelf life and handles the jostling of a backpack or day pack. Many hikers wrap it in a sock or stuff sack for extra cushion, and the flat top packs neatly into a bear canister or dry bag.
Can I eat it straight from the can on the trail without heating it?
Yes. The soup is fully cooked and shelf stable, so it is safe to eat cold straight from the can, which is exactly what many campers, fishermen, and hunters do when they do not want to stop and build a fire. The seasoned beef steak and vegetables are fully edible at room temperature.
Does it need to be refrigerated during a road trip in a hot car?
No. As a shelf stable pantry can, it stays safe at typical trunk and cabin temperatures for the full printed shelf life. Once opened, you should finish it within a few hours or transfer to a cooler, but unopened cans handle summer road trips without refrigeration.
Will the 13 grams of protein actually keep me full on a long hike?
For most adult hikers, 13g of protein combined with potatoes, carrots, and beef steak pieces makes this a genuinely filling single can meal on the trail. Pair it with a bag of crackers, tortillas, or bread if you want extra calories for a long day of hiking.
Can I recycle the can at a campsite or backcountry site?
In developed campgrounds with recycling bins, the steel can is widely recyclable. In true backcountry settings, pack it out and recycle at home, since most wilderness areas do not offer on-site recycling.
Is this a good meal to bring on a fishing trip where I cannot leave my rod?
It is one of the better options for a fishing day. You can open the can, eat from it without cooking, and shut the lid back on. There is no stove, no pot to wash, and the seasoned beef and vegetables beat a plain sandwich when you have been out for hours.
How many cans should I pack per person per day on a camping trip?
One 18.8 oz can is a filling single serving for most adults, especially when paired with a side like bread, crackers, or rice. For a full day of heavy hiking, plan on two cans per person or one can plus a calorie-dense side.
Does the can fit in a standard 12V portable camping stove or pot for heating?
An 18.8 oz can is narrow enough to sit inside most small camping pots. Many campers set the unopened can directly into simmering water for a few minutes to warm it through, or just microwave it at the campground if a microwave is available.
Is this better than MREs for casual car camping?
For car camping, this Campbell's Chunky can is a much more affordable and easier option than a full MRE. You get a recognizable, tasty beef and vegetable meal in a recyclable can, without the weight, cost, or specialized packaging of a military ration.
What is the lightest way to carry it into a backcountry campsite?
The 18.8 oz can weighs roughly a pound, so it is not ultralight. For shorter approaches and car camping it is fine. If weight matters, decant the contents into a zip top bag before the trip and recycle or repurpose the can at home.
Can I cook this over a campfire in the original can?
It is not recommended to heat any steel can directly in campfire coals, as the coating and seams are not designed for direct flame. The safer move is to pour the soup into a pot over the fire, or warm the unopened can in a pot of hot water off the coals.
Will the can leak or swell in high altitude or extreme heat?
Commercial canning is pressure tested, so normal altitude and heat swings are not a concern. Avoid leaving a sealed can on a black roof of a car in direct summer sun for many hours, since any sealed container can build up pressure in extreme heat.
Is this safe to feed to my dog at the campsite if I run out of dog food?
Canned soup meant for humans is high in sodium and often contains onion or garlic derivatives, so it is not a good regular meal for dogs. In a true emergency a small lick is unlikely to harm a healthy dog, but plan on bringing proper dog food for the trip.
Does it have a strong smell that might attract wildlife at the campsite?
Like most beef based foods, it does have a savory aroma once opened. Keep opened cans in a sealed bag inside your car or bear canister, never in your tent, and follow normal food storage rules for the area you are camping in.
How long is the can good for if I keep it as a long-term emergency pantry item?
Campbell's Chunky canned soups are typically dated several years out from production. Stored in a cool, dry place, the can is a reliable item to rotate through a home emergency kit or vehicle bug out bag.
Is the 18.8 oz can too heavy to bring on a backpacking trip?
At roughly a pound, it is heavier than freeze dried meals per calorie, so ultralight backpackers will likely skip it. For car camping, basecamp setups, short overnight trips, and emergency food it is a perfectly reasonable choice.
How do I heat Campbell's Chunky Steak With Hearty Vegetables Soup?
The most common method is to pour the soup into a microwave safe bowl, cover loosely, and microwave on high for about 2 to 3 minutes, stir, then heat for 1 more minute. On the stove, pour the soup into a saucepan and heat over medium, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes until hot. Do not microwave the sealed metal can.
Do I need to add water to the can before heating?
No. The soup is already prepared at the right consistency in the can. You can add a splash of water or broth if you prefer a thinner soup, but it is ready to heat and eat as is.
How long does an unopened can last in the pantry?
Campbell's Chunky canned soups are dated for a long shelf life, typically several years from the production date printed on the can. Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and they will stay safe and good quality through the printed date.
Is this can safe to put in the microwave?
No. The 18.8 oz can is recyclable steel, which is not microwave safe. Always transfer the soup to a microwave safe bowl before heating, and recycle the empty can after you rinse it.
Does it work with a pop top lid or do I need a can opener?
Many production runs of this Campbell's Chunky 18.8 oz can include a pull tab style lid, while others use a standard lid that requires a can opener. Check the top of the can you receive. If it has a pull tab, no tools are needed.
What is actually in the box when I order it?
Each order is one 18.8 oz recyclable steel can of Campbell's Chunky Steak With Hearty Vegetables Soup. Multi pack listings include the corresponding number of cans. You will need a microwave safe bowl and a spoon for heating and eating, and a can opener if your can does not have a pull tab lid.
Is the can BPA free and safe for food?
Campbell's steel cans are produced to current FDA food contact standards for lined steel cans. The interior of the can has a food grade lining designed to keep the soup safe and tasting right through the printed shelf life.
How should I store leftovers after opening the can?
Transfer any unused soup to a sealed container and refrigerate within two hours of opening. Use refrigerated leftovers within 3 to 4 days. Do not leave opened canned soup at room temperature for extended periods.
How is Campbell's Chunky different from Campbell's regular condensed soup?
Campbell's Chunky soups are ready to eat and loaded with visible chunks of meat, vegetables, and potatoes in a thicker broth, while Campbell's Condensed soups are concentrated and require added water or milk. Chunky is closer to a full meal in a can, which is why the 18.8 oz can is a common pantry pick.
