We Tried 14 Canned Clam Chowders & This Was The Best

[@MashedFood]

Which brand of clam chowder is your favorite?

[@porkbelly0713]

I really would rather have the Manhatten version rather than all that cream, but both are good. Anybody know, does Panera do this ? If so I would like to try theirs

[@Waffles84]

Campbell New England Clam Chowder but in the big red can not homestyle but the other one like the chunky sirloin burger comes in. Very tasty and thick consistency. Very flavorful and not runny. Hearty chowder.

[@charlesgreathouse7376]

Tony's.

[@phil2u48]

Snow’s condensed (but thinned with clam juice). We can’t get Tony’s or Bah Hahbuh down South. Edit: Snow’s She Crab soup is also good.

[@charlesgreathouse7376]

@@phil2u48 Publix in Florida has it.

[@josephbailey1995]

I’ve had Tony’s Clam Chowder many times at the Cedar Key Fl restaurant, and without a doubt it’s the best I’ve ever had by a lot!

[@phil2u48]

We like Snow’s condensed, but thin it with clam juice, sometimes adding extra canned clam pieces, and add butter, pepper and a little Port or Sherry.

[@elizamccroskey1708]

Snow’s used to be my go to, but I think another corporation bought it and I wouldn’t buy it again.

[@TiaCatR]

Manhattan clam chowder shouldn't be included here. It's not in the same category. It's for the lactose intolerant and that's about it.

[@Mamalion730]

I'm lactose intolerant. I eat my New England Clam Chowder after I take a take a lactose pill.

[@gertgaughran1545]

Jim

[@Birdbike719]

I'm not lactose intolerant and I love Manhattan style. In fact I prefer it.

[@uprebel5150]

@@Birdbike719Same here.

[@dianemoye6844]

Manhattan clam chowder is not just for the lactose intolerant, some of us eat both just so we have a variety 😮

[@jeffnally9344]

Tony's is the best you will ever taste. I have eaten clam chowder all over the country and Tony's is by far the best. They are not allowed to compete anymore and their recipe is in the hall of fame in Rhode Island.

[@evienelson7202]

I use Campbells clam chowder, but add a can of Snows minced clams and find it very, very good.

[@f4phantom2500]

4:16 that Pirates clip was quite apt and contextually hilarious. Well played, mashed, well played.

[@jeremymarsh1377]

I like Clams and upside-down Tacos myself just as long as they don't smell like tuna.

[@kirkmiller4913]

Ok. We got it.

[@jasonhurd4379]

Oh you're so clever 🙄

[@ericmarin6454]

😂

[@paulking962]

Are we still talking about clamchowdar. I don't care for bearded clams. 🙃😉

[@Studio-C]

I LOVE Bar Harbor Chowder and Bisques, Yeas lots of clam bits and a no flavorless potato chunks. Its the BEST!

[@jamesholmen9725]

When available, Howard Johnson’s was by far the very best!!!!!!!

[@FlyingTigersKMT]

I've tried tons and nothing beats Campbell's New England clam chowder.

[@kenhill3230]

absolutely

[@mawmawvee]

I ordered a couple of cans of this chowder and all I was able to taste was the can! I just wait for winter here and get my own clams to make NE clam chowder according to Cook's Illustrated. Very good and remember not to over-cook the clams. I use little neck clams and put them into the chowder whole. So good!

[@chickey333]

Must be nice nice but I wouldn't waste the clams on chowder. I'd make me a stack of dynamite Maine clam cakes. Boy do I miss those.

[@ellendolber2765]

What brand are you talking about?

[@marthathorne6219]

The only canned New England clam chowder I've ever tried are Campbell's and Progresso and they are both great to me.

[@chickey333]

Me too.

[@phil2u48]

Both have too much salt for my taste.

[@chickey333]

@@phil2u48 You are right about that though. Why is it that some things that come in cans are way overdone on the salt?

[@jasonhurd4379]

Thanks for the info. When you said Bar Harbor Clam Chowder is better than most restaurants can make, you better believe my ears perked up. Just ordered a case from Amazon. Thanks again!

[@clayr9833]

I buy Bar Harbor New England style but be sure to read the label. I purchased 8 cans on sale unaware it was a "ready to eat" version and not the condensed version that I prefer. I've never seen that on the shelf.

[@chaddentandt9868]

I like Campbell's chunky clan chowder, However , Red Lobsters' is really good.

[@iamBodaciousness]

I like Campbell's too.

[@Lancet711]

I like Chunky too. Just add a little black pepper. I worked at Red Lobster when I was a kid and loved their CC. It’s not the same now.

[@iamBodaciousness]

@@Lancet711 Yes! I might over do it but I love black pepper & agree RL is not the same.

[@chaddentandt9868]

@@Lancet711 Freshly ground black Pepper hits the spot.

[@LifeHacks-ut4pc]

Red lobster in Texas is terrible

[@charliedavis8894]

Other than my homemade when I go clamming, the best chowder I ever had was in Michigan. Crossed the bridge from Detroit, headed west to the UP and within a half hour or so, stopped at a tiny restaurant on the lakeside. I ordered a cup, my kids finished that off, then 2 bowls for each of us, then 10 bowls to go so everyone with me and that we were visiting had seconds. I would have bought the whole 5 gallons and the pot it was in if they'd have let me. Almost 30 years later I can still taste it!

[@faithnelson6069]

maybe you can find that recipe.

[@chickey333]

Do you remember the name of the town or the restaurant? I go through there a lot.

[@charliedavis8894]

@@chickey333 I wish I could. It was just a little mom & pop place. Like I said, maybe a half hour, give or take, from turning left at the bridge, big dirt parking lot in front maybe 6 car lengths deep, seated maybe 20-30 at most. A tiny counter with stools (6?) and 1 row of 70s McDonald's style hard plastic orange booths for 4. White building with other businesses near but not connected. It's probably gone now but if anyone still has that recipe they could make an internet fortune off it! Fresh clams cooked perfectly, not rubbery, fresh milk & cream, right amount of potatoes and flavoring, served with a big slab of hot homemade bread & butter. If it's still there I hope you find it and that the chowder is as good as it was then! We were on our way to Marquette (I think that's the name, we were only there once.) Edit to add, we turned left off the highway to get to it, it seemed to be the only food place around. There might have been a gas station close to it.

[@chickey333]

@@charliedavis8894 Thank you... that could be a few places from Brevort to Naubinway along US-2 in the upper peninsula. Does any of that sound familiar? There isn't a whole lot of things along that stretch but I'll be looking for it. That's God's Country to those that live there.

[@charliedavis8894]

@@chickey333 I wish I could remember the town names but I was too busy looking at the scenery. It was my first and only time in Michigan. I kind of remember the area as kind of an industrial section but that's all I've got, sorry.

[@lmay1466]

While not in a can, the container clam chowder sold by Amazon Fresh is the best I've had of store-bought in 50 years. After that, I'd go for Snows.

[@mrkojak-ci1zm]

Buy a can of snow's chopped clams and add it

[@Bobrogers99]

I start with Progresso clam chowder and add a can of minced clams, a bit of chopped bacon, a bit of chopped onion, and any leftover seafood I have in the fridge or freezer.

[@jaymcgann6637]

I agree on Bar Harbor clam chowder. It's nearly as good as the best seafood restaurants or homemade. It's pricey but making clam chowder at home is even more expensive. This soup is the real deal. You can get it online.

[@eddiemperor]

Out of the list, Panera's season clam chowder is one of the best i have ever had!! Perfect butter and pepper and plenty of potatoes and clams balanced w the right salt, the cream is not too creamy as it is a s Soup, you can drink it off the cup!

[@phdtobe]

My favorite is Campbell’s Chunky Old Bay Chowder, followed by Progresso’s Rich & Hearty Clam Chowder.

[@tyrionlannister1628]

So happy seeing Tony’s rated so high on the list!

[@tobiwalker7145]

I found Bar Harbor easily on Amazon and have six cans on the way, so hoping you're right about it being THAT good!

[@JPee-x4you]

Bar Harbors # 1 in my book. Harder to find and not cheap.

[@candacesmith75]

By ancient definition, "chowders" are dairy-based. So it is really Manhattan Clam Soup. Just ask any Yankee.

[@Anonymous-pz6th]

It’s not Manhattan clam chowder if its colored white. There are a lot of clam chowders that are white so that doesn’t make it Manhattan clam chowder which is red colored.

[@tracywilliams2023]

@@Anonymous-pz6th b

[@Anonymous-pz6th]

@@tracywilliams2023 What hell does b mean

[@aldencole1099]

I am a New Englander. Born and brought up in SE MA and now live along the Maine coast. I am only going to comment only on the condensed varieties of New England Style Clam Chowder. I agree with Mashed that Cole's New England Clam Chowder is by far the worst. I purchased two cans for my pantry. After trying one can the second one went right into the trash. Absolutly horrible. My current favorite is Snow's Traditional Recipe Clam Chowder New England Style made with fresh {quahog) clams. These are the clams used from Boston/Cape Cod through Rhode Island into Connecticut to make this dish. Heating instructions suggest using whole milk. I agree and may add a combo of whole and evaporated milk or cream to make it richer. Note Snow's tip on the label butter is definitly mandatory. I will often add thawed and cut up pieces of shrimp and/or scallops with additional liquid. Now it's a seafood chowder. Heat to serving temp in a double boiler. A dollop of very dry sherry brings out another flavor profile, but don't over do it. The use of dehydrated ingredients is a bit disappointing but seems to work OK. The thickness is not over the top nor too thin. I have tried the Bar Harbor brand but can't remember much about it. BTW, that's a mahogany clam in one of the photos. I'll be continuing my research.

[@nukeengineer5214]

Alden nice review and the tips. I ordered Snows based on your review. Please point me to a good home made clan chowder recipe. Thanks

[@aldencole1099]

@@nukeengineer5214 Thanks for the comments and question. There's a proper recipe in "The Provincetown Seafood Cookbook" by Howard Mitchum. Available at Amazon. Check out the reviews there. Much more than a cookbook

[@nukeengineer5214]

@@aldencole1099 Thanks Adam for the book recommendation, ordered it..

[@scottym3]

I mostly get Progresso or Campbells Chunky. I've tried Bar Harbor a few years back, not sure exactly which one but will be on the lookout this weekend to try again. Regardless of which one, I always buy a few extra cans of clams and throw in a half a can for each can of soup I prepare.

[@Diana-df5pz]

I love Campbell's Manhatten Clam Chowder, I always find it at Walmart

[@timothyszarek5597]

I grew up eating the condensed snow's clam chowder. Still my favorite canned. It's fun going to Maine or the New England area and trying different restaurants' clam chowder. Fav - more buttery style cream base with big chunks of taters and clams. Erica's Seafood in Harpswell ME...try their crabster roll too!

[@mikewrasman5103]

Never heard of Stonewall, Snow's or Black Pearl!

[@kenhill3230]

I sometimes wonder who makes this stuff up. Campbell's condensed clam chowder is the closest taste from a can that have ever tasted. I do add cream, butter and extra clams, but the flavor profile is spot on to what I have had in Boston many times.That tomato soup stuff is good for what it is, however it is not clam chowder, and Chunky soups all taste like chemical.

[@LiathBahjatNorCal]

I've tried so many restaurants and canned clam chowder, and Boudin got to be the best. Luckily I really close to the Boudin so I get to drive tothem and enjoy the bread bowl clam chowder there.

[@dragonpaws]

I watched this excited to see the results, when you got to the end I realized I've been using bar harbor products for years (available at my local grocery store)

[@mikewrasman5103]

Campbell's clam chowder is excellent!

[@mikewrasman5103]

So is Progresso clam chowder!

[@blueblazer201]

I agree with both your comments Mike. I 'doctor' Campbell's condense clam chowder to MY taste. Progresso's chowder is fine but stay away from their Split Green Pea with Ham soup (unless you like to eat green chalk pellets disguised as green peas).

[@phatplateslyrical9045]

If that's all one can afford I guess it'll do.

[@joanl5600]

Thanks! We have Bar Harbor at Publix, and its on my shopping list!!

[@cjthedj9994]

So does Campbell's Old bay supplant any clam chowders from your previous video?

[@brat46]

Having Bar Harbor clam chowder right at the seaport, is the best. The canned version I tried, was the worst thing I have ever eaten. I actually threw away the 2 unopened cans (at almost $4 a can). Campbell's I would have to say is one of the better ones as long as you doctor it up with cream and butter. Homemade is still the best.

[@bessycorrales6405]

Bought a couple of cans of Bar Harbor over the holidays and it was the worst. I hate wasting food, so I threw a bunch of seasoning and vegetables into it to make it edible. Shocked that it’s #1. Shocked!

[@mescko]

6:22 one of the best 'You-gotta-be-kidding' reactions ever.

[@russjohnson5443]

Progresso NE is my favorite, also their Manhattan Clam Chowder is just as filling and tasty, BUT the Manhattan style PERMANENTLY STAINS CLEAR PLASTIC MICROWAVEABLE CONTAINERS!!

[@f4phantom2500]

7:50 I actually just had a bowl of progresso rich & hearty NE clam chowder a few minutes ago, and it did notably seem to have more clam meat than the Campbell's chunky I had a week or two ago and the Kroger store brand I had last night, but it wasn't like ridiculously more. I did enjoy it more though - the other two I felt like they were really pushing the potatoes, but I didn't get that feeling with the Progresso, although it did still have a generous amount of potatoes

[@thomasscott80]

Progesso is my go to since it's so readily available

[@yeahhoo86]

I'm not surprised Snow's New England Clam Chowdah is above average, I make own New England Clam Chowdah and I use Snow's Canned Clams. Watching this video, I just may make clam Chowdah this Friday.

[@fred8174]

Sorry, as much as I’d like to agree, but Bar Harbor I tried was bland, at best. I had to add clams to help it along. I’m still looking for the best.

[@bender7565]

'Tomatoes make things red', thanks for the info.

[@adipsous]

I'm 55 and I have never tried the Manhattan version of clam chowder (though I've always loved NE clam chowder). It's about time. I'm going to go buy that Campbell's and see what's up.

[@dylanlevy2107]

If your thinking it will be the same it's not at all it's like minestrone soup with clams ahahahahah

[@marshaclark4901]

Thank you!

[@xetaprime]

A lot I haven't tried here but I found Great Value New England clam chowder to be better than Progresso! Very few potatoes! Where did you get your can? And though I haven't tried Bar Harbor ready to eat clam chowder yet I didn't like their condensed at all. Great Value for the local win!

[@phil2u48]

We have “down East” style clam chowder in NC. It is made with fish stock and no cream or tomatoes.

[@Garth2011]

Yes...everything in Campbell's soup that is supposed to be in them is not. Cream of chicken...maybe 5 tiny chicken cubes. Cream of mushroom...zero mushrooms. Chicken noodle...lucky to find any chicken parts at all. We end up adding to the soup what's supposed to be in there. They may as well put on the label "chicken flavored chicken noodle soup".

[@Bay0Wulf]

“Manhattan Clam Chowder” couldn’t have existed when “chowder” was created. Chowder is an Anglicized version of the word “Choudre” (French for kettle). A choudré was a communal kettle kept in villages before there was refrigeration where excess dairy and fish were put into and kept permanently simmering. The addition of tomatoes introduced acidity which would spoil the entire contents of the choudré and create food poisoning. Tomatoes in the choudré (chowder) was therefore made illegal … and actually remains illegal in many areas.

[@kipjamw]

Does anyone else remember? Growing up in the 60's Snows used to make a frozen canned version that was considerably above their shelf canned in price. As a child I found it to not be the better chowder that you expected it to be, even in those days of better quality ingredients.

[@sendittojeff]

We like Campbell’s Chunky Clan Chowder with an added can of clams and Cornbread it’s a Cheap, delicious Harty meal.

[@gravitystorm61158]

Bar Harbor also sells cans of whole cherrystone clams. And their clam juice is much better than the others.

[@charlenewhite4379]

Great Value is actually our family favorite. It's much better tasting than chunky

[@xetaprime]

I completely agree!

[@gregcoste5332]

I can attest that Ivar's clam chowder (from its restaurants) is different/better (including the attached clam bars) than the stand alone fish stands and the Ivar's soup version (sold at Costco). Not sure why this is, but I would associate the restaurants version to its large turin that never seems to end, like a soup/yeast that evolves overtime!

[@rahnlawson9463]

I love Snows Clam Chowder

[@jclements7361]

I am sittling here in sort of shock, I was under the impression that Campbells stopped making their chunky style Manhattan clam chowder years ago, it was my favorite but then disappeared. I will now have to check for it again.

[@mattsanchez4893]

I’ve never seen it and I shop chunky soups every week

[@Diana-df5pz]

It's my favorite and I always find it at Walmart

[@mattsanchez4893]

@@Diana-df5pz thanks for the info :)

[@brendaowens2466]

Where in Los Angeles. Can I find Bar Harbor Clam CHOWDER OR LOBSTER BISQUE?

[@Mark_Nadams]

Snow's is NOT the same as it was when I was a child. It changed in the 80's when they sold off the franchise. It started out rich, creamy, & slightly yellow. Now it is bleach white, thin, and flavorless.

[@mikewrasman5103]

I LOVE clam chowder!

[@ronbrock6153]

I only buy Campbells soups for cooking with. The only canned soups I buy to eat as a meal are Progresso.

[@namvet1968]

Progresso Split Pea with Ham is pretty good for canned.

[@sweetladyjane6462]

The Bar Harbor Clam chowders were rated with a 1 star. That usually means it is horrible!

[@faithnelson6069]

i've only tried it once. it was so bad i thought it had gone off.

[@tolfan4438]

I forgot about snows but ya they make a. Very good product

[@tateg.7530]

Wow, I've heard Mashed have less than favorable things to say, but I think this is the first time ever they have outright shit all over a brand or product! Good job :)

[@andreacollier7445]

Skippers clam chowder is the best!

[@buickinvicta288]

I love Bar Harbor soups and have several in my pantry.

[@josephkim007]

tbh, i never tried the canned version but the plastic packaged ones taste fantastic. ^^

[@brianmoody2549]

Progresso is the best clam chowder ,2….Manhattan clam chowder 3….. camp bell’s soup chuck’s clam chowder.

[@dylanlevy2107]

The market side clam chowder from Walmart in a plastic tub is really good it's like 4$. I can't stand canned clam chowder but that plastic tub taste almost as good as BJ's restaurant

[@MargaritaMaldonado-gm7kx]

That's the one I get everytime I want soup ,it's that clam chowder in the plastic tub😁! I think it has alot of clams!

[@mysterywriter888]

I have to eat gluten free and so far, the Progresso clam chowder is the only gf one I have found. Does anyone know of any others that are gluten free??

[@robertrice1498]

Personally myself I make my own clam chowder which is really really good, but as far as canned New England clam chowder I love bar harbor clam chowder I can get it at sprouts markets, I am not sure at this point where else I can get this bar harbor clam chowder

[@buickinvicta288]

It's 4.69 at my supermarket. Ocean State job lots has itfor 2.59

[@garyjakubcin9143]

To me most soups out of a can are terrible. I did find a clam chowder “Tony’s”in Florida and this soup is fantastic. If you live in Florida, you can find it in Publix. And of course, you can get it on Amazon. If your ever in the Crystal Spring’s area nor Mount Dora Fl enjoy a fresh made bowl at their restuarants

[@goodoldbubba6620]

First, Manhattan clam soup is NOT chowder! Second, make your own homemade chowder. Instapots and the like make it ridiculously easy to do.

[@walterguerard1512]

i almost always add a can of minced clams to any branded can i obtain

[@m.r.jarrell3725]

I truly prefer Rhode Island/Hatteras style clear chowders. When I make my own NE style scratch is best. Progresso's NE clam chowder is OK, but has far too many potatoes. And Bar Harbor is good, as well, just a bit pricey for many folks.

[@elizamccroskey1708]

I 100% agree that Bar Harbor is far above the rest.

[@f4phantom2500]

6:45 black pepper? Scary spicy? C'mon now - you mean delicious 😋

[@chunglow7646]

the Roller Coaster scenic taste TREAT. . . .OR Not. Doncha be Fretting tho. Enjoy it Bigly.

[@patriciayohn6136]

Homemade soups are always the best. Snow 's is awful which is weird because when I make homemade I use Snow's clams.

[@pierre6625]

Thank you well done.

[@roberthart9886]

I buy fresh clams and add the juice and clams to non canned but premade chowders

[@mortemicrorreactor8851]

Hello there!!!

[@mattsanchez4893]

I’ve tried the Bar Harbor and was not impressed and it’s very expensive; Campbell’s chunky CC is my favorite

[@f4phantom2500]

1:45 I expected her to say "sharp pieces of clamshell" but sharp pieces of PLASTIC?! I've never heard of Ivar's (lived in Texas my whole life), but damn now I know to avoid that chowder

[@stwhit000]

Captain Curt’s….. siesta Key FL. Nothing compares

[@Teardehawkee]

Having trouble finding Chunky's Manhattan clam chowder in NYC.

[@mikewrasman5103]

I like Great Value clam chowder. Wrong again, lady!

[@reneemoreno8030]

Jake's Clam Chowder hands down.

[@beege4491]

We love both versions of the Progresso New England style clam chowder, both the hearty and the light.

[@chickey333]

Bottom line... eat the one you like but don't be afraid to experiment.

[@brucetanner3407]

Legal Seafood clam chowder can be found at BJ’s Wholesale club. Very good

[@peterkwolek2265]

For Campbells gotta get the Chunky version

[@aslinndhan]

The canned clam chowder I've tried is they use smoked clams. I understand why, because it's a more reliable way to preserve the clams but it is off putting.

[@gelb1363]

Ivar's - Everyone I know up here in Washington state, home of Ivar's, pronounces it Iver's. Always have. Ivar's, for those who prefer phonetics.

[@yugoyankoff-vh7in]

Clams are great Sheep’s Head bait and that’s about it !

[@patrickchilds9620]

Totally agree on Ivar's ...even the Costco one is horrid.

[@avycarr5201]

I miss so much sweet Tomatoes restaurant, 😢clam chowder

[@Vic_Coco]

I would love to see a Campbells video