On these cold nights, when your red nose runs and goose bumps cover your skin with prickles, sometimes you need nothing more than a hot and hearty cup of soup. You grab a can of Campbell’s, but who knows how long it’s been sitting on that shelf? Can the Campbell’s. Kettle Cuisine Soup makes 15 soup varieties with fresh, all-natural ingredients and a " real food " philosophy. The Chelsea-based producer prepares its product in small batches every day, simmering stocks from scratch, braising, sautéing, and hand-picking ingredients, and leaving out junk like preservatives and MSG.

The carrot-ginger soup is vegan and dairy-free, but that doesn’t mean flavor, texture, or satisfaction are sacrificed. The slight kick of the ginger (one of our all-time-favorite flavors) complements the carrot base while warming the tongue and tum. And you won’t miss the meat in the three-bean chili. " This has no meat? " asked one incredulous taster. " Could’ve fooled me. " In the creamy grilled-chicken-and-corn chowder, you can taste the individual elements: the red and green bell peppers, the cayenne, the potatoes. And the chicken pieces aren’t squishy squares, but strips and chunks. Flavors of thick, savory soup include New England clam chowder, roasted vegetable, minestrone, chicken vegetable with rice, gazpacho, and Hungarian mushroom, among others.

Available at local supermarkets, including Shaw’s/Star Market, Harvest Co-op, and Stop & Shop, for $2.49–$3.49 for a 10-ounce container. Visit www.kettlecuisine.com or call (617) 884-1219 for more information.