Corner Bakery offers several nutritious choices for health-conscious diners. The cafe chain provides a range of salads, soups, and light sandwiches that can fit into a balanced diet. Many Corner Bakery menu items contain under 600 calories and offer good sources of protein and fiber.
Customers looking to make smarter selections can opt for items like the Chopped Salad or Greek Salad, which provide ample vegetables. The cafe also serves oatmeal and yogurt parfaits as lower-calorie breakfast options. By skipping high-calorie toppings and dressings, patrons can further reduce the calorie and fat content of their meals.
While Corner Bakery does feature indulgent baked goods and hearty sandwiches, it’s possible to find lighter fare. Reviewing nutrition information before ordering can help diners make choices aligned with their dietary goals. With some careful selection, Corner Bakery can be part of a healthy eating plan.
Understanding Nutrition at Corner Bakery Cafe
Corner Bakery Cafe provides detailed nutritional information for their menu items. This allows customers to make informed choices about their meals, considering factors like calories, protein, fiber, sodium, and saturated fat content.
Nutritional Info and Guidelines
Corner Bakery Cafe offers comprehensive nutrition facts for their full menu. Customers can access this information to view complete nutritional details for any item, including calories, carbohydrates, and sodium content. The cafe also provides Weight Watchers points for those following that program.
Some menu items are designated as healthier choices. These selections typically have lower calorie, fat, and sodium contents compared to other options. The cafe’s website features a tool to help customers identify these healthier alternatives.
For those with specific dietary needs or preferences, Corner Bakery Cafe offers customization options. Guests can often modify ingredients or portion sizes to better align with their nutritional goals.
Calories, Protein, and Fiber Content in Meals
Corner Bakery Cafe’s menu includes a range of options with varying calorie counts. Breakfast items like the All American Scrambler with bacon range from 190 calories (egg whites) to 350 calories (whole eggs).
Salads and soups can be lower-calorie choices. The “Trio” plate allows customers to combine two salads and a soup, providing flexibility in calorie and nutrient intake.
Protein content varies across menu items. Egg-based breakfasts and salads with meat or cheese tend to be higher in protein. Fiber-rich options include whole grain breads, vegetable-based soups, and salads with leafy greens.
Navigating Sodium and Saturated Fat
Sodium levels in Corner Bakery Cafe dishes can vary significantly. The cafe offers 16 low-sodium options containing less than 300 mg of sodium per serving. However, some items may be high in sodium, with certain dressings containing up to 680-790 mg.
Saturated fat content also differs across menu items. Dishes with cheese, bacon, or creamy dressings tend to be higher in saturated fat. Egg white options and vegetable-based dishes generally have lower saturated fat content.
To reduce sodium and saturated fat intake, customers can:
- Choose egg white options for breakfast
- Select vinaigrette dressings over creamy ones
- Opt for vegetable-based soups and salads
- Request dressings and sauces on the side
Breakfast Choices at Corner Bakery
Corner Bakery offers a variety of breakfast options to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Their menu includes both lighter fare and heartier choices for those seeking a protein-packed start to their day.
Light and Nutritious Breakfast Options
Steel-Cut Oatmeal is a nutritious choice at Corner Bakery. It comes topped with dried currants, cranberries, brown sugar, walnuts, and almonds. This fiber-rich dish provides sustained energy throughout the morning.
The Fresh Berry & Yogurt Parfait is another lighter option. It combines creamy yogurt with fresh berries for a balance of protein and natural sweetness.
For those watching their sodium intake, the oatmeal and yogurt options are recommended. Skipping the “Sweet Crisp” topping can reduce calories, fat, and sugar content significantly.
A fresh fruit cup is available for those seeking a simple, low-calorie breakfast option.
Protein-Rich Breakfasts to Start Your Day
Corner Bakery offers several protein-packed breakfast choices for a hearty start. The All American Scrambler and Farmer’s Scrambler provide substantial portions of eggs and various mix-ins.
Breakfast sandwiches are available for those who prefer their protein between bread. These options combine eggs with cheese and meat on various bread choices.
The Power Breakfast Egg Bowl is a protein-rich option that caters to those looking for a low-carb meal. It features eggs with additional protein sources.
Breakfast potatoes often accompany these heartier dishes, adding a satisfying element to the meal. However, they do increase the calorie and carbohydrate content of the breakfast.
Bakery Selections and Smart Alternatives
Corner Bakery offers a variety of bakery items, from breads to pastries. Making informed choices can help balance taste and nutrition.
Choosing Whole Grains and Fresh Breads
Opt for whole grain breads like Harvest Toast for added fiber and nutrients. These choices provide more sustained energy compared to refined flour options.
Rye bread is another nutritious pick, offering a lower glycemic index. When selecting sandwich breads, look for those with visible grains and seeds.
For spreads, choose natural peanut butter over cream cheese to add healthy fats and protein. Use spreads sparingly to control calorie intake.
Healthier Sweet Treat and Pastry Options
While pastries are tempting, some choices are better than others. Opt for smaller portions or items with fruit or nuts for added nutritional value.
Consider a mini muffin instead of a full-sized one to satisfy cravings with fewer calories. Fruit-based pastries like apple turnovers can be a smarter choice than cream-filled options.
Look for treats made with whole wheat flour or oats. These ingredients add fiber, making pastries more filling. Share larger bakery items with a friend to enjoy the taste without overindulging.
Lunch and Dinner: Balanced Meals
Corner Bakery offers a variety of nutritious options for lunch and dinner. Guests can choose from fresh salads, hearty sandwiches, and satisfying soups and pastas to create a well-balanced meal.
Salads and Vinaigrettes for a Refreshing Meal
The salad selection at Corner Bakery provides a light yet filling option for health-conscious diners. The Chopped Salad is a popular choice, featuring mixed greens, avocado, and grilled chicken. For a classic option, the Caesar Salad can be customized with extra vegetables or lean protein.
Balsamic Vinaigrette is a flavorful, low-calorie dressing option. Guests can request dressings on the side to control portion sizes. Adding grilled chicken or tofu to any salad increases protein content without excessive calories.
Sandwiches and Paninis with Lean Proteins
Corner Bakery’s sandwich menu includes several options with lean proteins. The Uptown Turkey Avocado sandwich features sliced turkey breast and fresh avocado on whole grain bread. For a warm option, the Chicken Pomodori Panini combines grilled chicken with spinach and tomatoes.
Vegetarian-friendly choices are available, such as the Tomato Mozzarella sandwich. Guests can customize their sandwiches by requesting extra vegetables or whole grain bread for added fiber.
Soups and Pastas as Hearty Alternatives
For a comforting meal, Corner Bakery offers a rotating selection of soups. The Chicken Noodle soup is a classic choice with lean protein and vegetables. Vegetarian options like Tomato Basil soup are also available.
Pasta dishes can be part of a balanced meal when portion sizes are considered. The Pesto Cavatappi with chicken provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates. Guests can request extra vegetables to increase the nutrient content of their pasta dishes.
Menu Items to Consider Avoiding
While Corner Bakery offers many tasty options, some menu items are less healthy than others. Being aware of high-calorie meals and items with excessive sodium or fats can help you make better choices.
High-Calorie Meals and Sides
Corner Bakery’s menu includes several high-calorie items that diners may want to limit. The BBLT sandwich packs a hefty calorie punch, often exceeding 800 calories. This bacon-loaded option also tends to be high in saturated fat.
The Loaded Baked Potato soup is another calorie-dense choice. A bowl can contain over 500 calories and significant amounts of fat. Cream-based soups generally have more calories than broth-based alternatives.
Many of the bakery’s desserts are calorie-rich. The Maple Pecan Bar, for example, contains nearly 700 calories. Sharing desserts or opting for fruit can be smarter choices for those watching their calorie intake.
Items with Excessive Sodium or Fats
Sodium and unhealthy fats are concerns in some Corner Bakery menu items. The Bacon Tomato Mac & Cheese can have over 1,500 mg of sodium – more than half the recommended daily limit. It’s also high in saturated fat.
Sandwiches with processed meats like bacon or salami tend to be high in sodium. The Chicken Pomodori Panini, while tasty, can contain over 1,000 mg of sodium.
Some salads, despite seeming healthy, can be high in sodium and fats when topped with cheese, croutons, and creamy dressings. The Chopped Salad, for instance, can have over 1,200 mg of sodium.
To reduce sodium and unhealthy fats, consider:
- Asking for dressings and sauces on the side
- Choosing grilled proteins over fried options
- Opting for whole grain bread instead of white
Special Diets and Allergen Information
Corner Bakery accommodates various dietary needs and provides allergen information to help guests make informed choices. The cafe offers options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, as well as alternatives for those with food allergies.
Options for Vegetarian and Vegan Guests
Corner Bakery’s menu includes several vegetarian-friendly options. Salads like the Mixed Greens and Spinach Sweet Crisp can be customized without meat. The Veggie Grilled Cheese sandwich is a popular choice for vegetarians.
For vegan guests, Corner Bakery offers the Seasonal Fruit Medley as a side dish. The cafe also provides plant-based milk alternatives for coffee and tea beverages upon request.
Soups such as the Tomato Basil are vegetarian-friendly. Vegan guests can enjoy steel-cut oatmeal with fresh berries for breakfast.
Identifying Gluten-Free and Low-Allergen Foods
Corner Bakery provides an interactive allergen menu to help guests identify suitable options. Gluten-free choices include select salads without croutons and some breakfast items like scrambled eggs.
The cafe clearly labels menu items containing common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and soy. Guests can request modifications to many dishes to accommodate their dietary restrictions.
Corner Bakery’s staff is trained to handle allergy concerns and can provide detailed ingredient information upon request. The cafe takes precautions to minimize cross-contamination, but advises guests with severe allergies to exercise caution.