Are Olive Garden Soups Fresh Or Frozen? - Tasting Table

"According to a TikTok from a former employee, the soups are made in large batches in the prep kitchen and then get divided into smaller, gallon-sized plastic bags that are easier to work with during the service. The soup is chilled and then reheated from the bags throughout the day as orders come in. That's also when the final touches are put on the soup, such as adding the delicate leafy greens and the pasta."

"One former Olive Garden cook did share on Reddit, however, that the only frozen ingredient used in the soups is the meat. Now, using frozen ingredients is not uncommon for the restaurant industry, but the notion of eating something that's fresh goes a long way with the customers. As for the soup that's leftover at the end of the day, Olive Garden does freeze that - but instead of being served to guests the next day, it reportedly gets donated to the food bank."

Olive Garden prepares all menu soups from scratch each morning in large batches, which are divided into gallon-sized plastic bags for service. The soups are chilled, reheated throughout the day, and finished with delicate leafy greens and pasta when plated. The only frozen component commonly used in the soups is the meat. Leftover soup at the end of the day is frozen and reportedly donated to food banks rather than served the next day. Four signature soups are offered, typically priced around $10 with two breadsticks; soups are included with entrées and come with unlimited refills.

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