Panera Bread offers a variety of nutritious menu options for health-conscious diners seeking quick and tasty meals. Known for its fresh ingredients and artisanal breads, the chain provides choices suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner across its 2,000+ U.S. locations.
The healthiest items at Panera include salads, soups, and sandwiches made with whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables. Customers can easily customize their orders to align with specific dietary needs, such as vegan, vegetarian, low-sodium, or high-protein requirements.
To make informed choices, diners can consult Panera’s nutrition information, which is readily available online and in-store. Smart swaps, like opting for an apple or tomato-basil cucumber salad instead of bread as a side, can further enhance the nutritional value of meals. By selecting mindfully from Panera’s diverse menu, patrons can enjoy flavorful food while supporting their health goals.
Understanding Panera Bread’s Menu
Panera Bread offers a diverse menu with options for various dietary needs. The chain provides detailed nutrition information and ingredient lists to help customers make informed choices.
Menu Composition and Nutrition Labeling
Panera’s menu features soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods. Each item includes calorie counts displayed on menu boards and online. Detailed nutrition facts cover calories, fat, protein, carbohydrates, sodium, and allergens.
The chain uses a “clean” ingredient policy, avoiding artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, and colors. This commitment extends to their entire menu, including breads, soups, and dressings.
Panera provides customization options for many menu items. Customers can modify ingredients to align with dietary preferences or restrictions.
Healthy Menu Options Overview
Panera offers several nutritious choices across its menu categories. The “You Pick Two” option allows customers to combine smaller portions of soups, salads, or sandwiches for a balanced meal.
Salads like the Greek Salad and Fuji Apple Chicken Salad provide protein and vegetables. Low-calorie soups include the Ten Vegetable Soup and Low-Fat Chicken Noodle Soup.
For sandwiches, the Turkey Breast on Whole Grain and Mediterranean Veggie are lighter options. Breakfast items like Steel Cut Oatmeal with Almonds and Quinoa offer fiber and protein.
Panera also has a hidden menu with high-protein, low-carb options not listed on regular menus. These include the Power Breakfast Egg Bowl and Power Chicken Hummus Bowl.
Breakfast Choices for a Healthy Start
Panera Bread offers a variety of nutritious breakfast options to kickstart your day. From low-calorie selections to protein-packed meals and fiber-rich choices, there’s something for every health-conscious diner.
Low-Calorie Breakfast Selections
The Egg White Sandwich on a Bagel Flat stands out as a light yet satisfying option. This sandwich provides a protein boost without excess calories. For those watching their intake, the Steel Cut Oatmeal is another excellent choice. It’s customizable with various toppings like fresh fruit or nuts.
Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries Parfait offers a refreshing and nutritious start to the day. This parfait combines creamy yogurt with antioxidant-rich berries and crunchy granola for a balanced meal.
High Protein Breakfast Options
Panera’s breakfast menu features several high-protein choices to fuel your morning. The Avocado, Egg White & Spinach Sandwich delivers a hearty dose of protein and healthy fats. It’s served on a sprouted grain bagel flat for added nutrition.
For a more substantial meal, consider the Mediterranean Egg White Sandwich. Packed with egg whites, feta, spinach, and tomato confit, it provides ample protein to keep you full until lunch.
Whole Grain and Fiber-Rich Breakfasts
Whole grains are a cornerstone of many Panera breakfast items. The Steel Cut Oatmeal with Almonds, Quinoa & Honey is a fiber powerhouse. This warm bowl combines wholesome ingredients for a hearty and nutritious start.
The Strawberry Granola Parfait offers a delightful mix of whole grains and fruit. Made with Greek yogurt and honey-maple granola, it provides a good balance of fiber and protein.
For those who prefer savory options, the Whole Grain Breakfast Power Sandwich features whole grain bread, egg whites, and cheese. It’s a satisfying choice that incorporates fiber-rich ingredients.
Salads: Balancing Nutrition and Flavor
Panera Bread offers a variety of salads that combine nutritious ingredients with flavorful combinations. These options provide a balance of essential nutrients, proteins, and fresh vegetables to support a healthy diet.
Leafy Greens and Fresh Vegetables
Panera’s salads start with a base of mixed greens, including spinach and romaine lettuce. These leafy greens are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The Green Goddess Cobb Salad features a colorful array of fresh vegetables, including tomatoes and avocado.
The Fuji Apple Chicken Salad incorporates crisp apple chips, adding a sweet crunch and extra nutrients. Panera also offers a Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich, which can be deconstructed into a salad for those seeking a vegetarian option.
Fresh vegetables not only boost the nutritional value but also enhance the taste and texture of the salads.
Protein-Boosted Salads
Protein is a crucial component of a healthy meal, and Panera’s salads deliver on this front. The Green Goddess Chicken Cobb Salad includes antibiotic-free chicken, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs, providing a substantial protein boost.
The Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad offers a Tex-Mex twist with chicken and black bean and corn salsa. For those preferring plant-based proteins, options like the Mediterranean Veggie can be customized to include hummus or extra vegetables.
These protein additions help create satisfying meals that can keep diners full for longer periods, supporting weight management and muscle health.
Dressings and Added Sugars
While salad dressings can enhance flavor, they can also add unwanted calories and sugars. Panera offers lighter dressing options, such as the Green Goddess dressing, which complements the salad without overwhelming it.
The Fuji Apple Chicken Salad’s dressing contains some added sugars, so diners watching their sugar intake may want to request it on the side. Panera allows customers to customize their salads, including dressing choices and portions.
It’s important to be mindful of added toppings like croutons or extra cheese, which can increase calorie content. Opting for vinaigrettes or asking for dressings on the side can help control calorie intake while still enjoying a flavorful salad.
Health-Conscious Sandwich Options
Panera Bread offers a variety of sandwiches that cater to health-conscious diners. These options balance flavor with nutritional value, providing tasty choices for those watching their calorie intake or seeking specific dietary benefits.
Whole Grain and Multigrain Selections
Whole grain and multigrain breads form the foundation of many healthy sandwich choices at Panera. These breads are rich in fiber and essential nutrients. The Tomato Basil Bread, for instance, adds a flavorful twist to sandwiches while providing whole grains.
Popular choices include the Turkey Sandwich on Whole Grain, which combines lean protein with the benefits of whole grains. This option offers a balanced meal with fewer calories than some other menu items.
Multigrain options also feature in Panera’s healthier sandwich lineup. These breads incorporate various grain types, enhancing nutritional value and texture.
Vegetable-Filled and Low-Fat Options
The Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich stands out as a vegetable-packed option. It features a colorful array of veggies, including crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. This sandwich is lower in calories and fat compared to meat-based alternatives.
For those seeking high-quality protein without excess fat, Panera offers several choices. The Tuna Salad Sandwich can be a good option when prepared with light mayo. It provides omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein.
Panera also offers customization options. Diners can request extra vegetables or remove high-calorie toppings to create a personalized, healthier sandwich.
Half Sandwich Pairings
Half sandwich options at Panera allow for portion control and dietary variety. Pairing a half sandwich with a cup of low-fat soup or a side salad creates a balanced meal.
A popular combination is a Half Turkey Sandwich with a cup of Turkey Chili. This pairing provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables while keeping calorie count in check.
For a lighter option, customers can choose a half Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich paired with a garden side salad. This creates a meal rich in vegetables and fiber.
Half sandwiches also allow diners to enjoy Panera’s signature breads in moderation, satisfying cravings without overindulging.
Soups for the Soul and Body
Panera Bread offers a variety of nutritious and satisfying soups that can nourish both body and spirit. These options cater to different dietary needs and preferences while providing warmth and comfort.
Broth-Based and Low-Calorie Soups
The Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic choice for those seeking a light yet fulfilling meal. It contains tender chicken, egg noodles, and vegetables in a savory broth.
This soup provides protein and essential nutrients while keeping calories in check. It’s an excellent option for individuals watching their calorie intake or recovering from illness.
Panera’s Ten Vegetable Soup is another healthful selection. This veggie-packed soup offers a variety of nutrients and fiber from its colorful blend of vegetables.
It’s low in calories and fat, making it suitable for those following a plant-based or calorie-controlled diet. The soup’s diverse ingredients contribute to its satisfying nature.
Bean, Grain, and Veggie Soups
Panera’s Black Bean Soup is a fiber-rich option that supports digestive health and provides plant-based protein. It’s seasoned with cumin and other spices for a flavorful experience.
This vegan-friendly soup is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a smart choice for those seeking a hearty yet nutritious meal.
The Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup offers a creamy texture without using dairy. It combines butternut squash and pumpkin with vegetable stock, apple juice, and warm spices.
This soup provides vitamin A and fiber. It’s a comforting option for those seeking a slightly sweet and savory flavor profile in their meal.
Warm Bowls and Flatbread Pizzas
Panera offers nutritious warm bowls and lighter flatbread pizzas as healthy alternatives. These options provide balanced meals with whole grains, lean proteins, and vegetables.
Balanced Warm Bowl Options
Panera’s warm bowls combine wholesome ingredients for satisfying meals. The Baja Bowl features cilantro-lime brown rice and quinoa, black bean and corn salsa, and avocado. It provides fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
The Mediterranean Bowl includes cilantro-lime brown rice and quinoa, arugula, grape tomatoes, and kalamata olives. This option is rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy olive oil.
For a protein boost, the Chicken Bowl adds grilled chicken to brown rice, spinach, grape tomatoes, and a Greek yogurt sauce. It’s a good source of lean protein and complex carbohydrates.
Healthier Flatbread Pizza Picks
Panera’s flatbread pizzas offer lighter alternatives to traditional pizza. The Margherita Flatbread features tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil on a crispy crust. It’s lower in calories than many pizza options.
The Cheese Flatbread is a simple choice with fontina, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Choosing this option allows for portion control.
For added nutrients, the Chipotle Chicken & Bacon Flatbread includes grilled chicken, smoked bacon, and vegetables. It provides protein and flavor without excessive calories.
To make flatbreads healthier, consider sharing or pairing with a side salad for added vegetables and fiber.
Smart Snacking and Sides
Panera Bread offers a variety of nutritious snacks and sides to complement meals or satisfy hunger between main courses. These options provide balanced nutrition without excessive calories or unhealthy fats.
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Sides
The Seasonal Fruit Cup is a refreshing choice, featuring a mix of ripe, colorful fruits that change with the seasons. This low-calorie option provides essential vitamins and fiber. The Side Salad offers a crisp blend of greens and vegetables, perfect for adding extra nutrients to any meal. Customers can customize their salads with various dressings, though choosing lighter options like balsamic vinaigrette helps keep the calorie count low.
For those seeking a balance of fruit and vegetables, Panera’s Greek Salad paired with a small fruit cup creates a well-rounded side combination. This pairing offers a mix of antioxidants, healthy fats from olives, and fiber-rich produce.
Low-Fat, Protein-Rich Complements
Panera’s menu includes several protein-packed options that are low in saturated fat. The Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor while offering probiotics and calcium. It’s an excellent source of protein without the high saturated fat content found in some dairy products.
For a savory option, the Black Bean Soup is rich in plant-based protein and fiber. It’s a filling choice that’s relatively low in calories and fat. Portion sizes for these items are generally moderate, making them suitable for snacking or as sides to main dishes.
Beverages also play a role in smart snacking. Unsweetened iced tea or coffee can provide a calorie-free accompaniment to any snack or meal. For those wanting something more substantial, a small smoothie made with whole fruits can offer additional nutrients and fiber.
Beverages: Making Healthier Choices
Panera Bread offers a variety of beverage options to complement their menu. Choosing wisely can significantly impact your overall meal’s nutritional value.
Low-Calorie and Unsweetened Options
Panera provides several low-calorie and unsweetened drink choices. Water is always the healthiest option, available free of charge. Unsweetened iced tea is another excellent choice, containing zero calories and offering a refreshing taste.
For those seeking a bit more flavor, Panera’s sparkling waters come in various fruit essences. These drinks provide a bubbly alternative without added sugar or calories.
Horizon Organic Milk is available for $3.99, offering a nutritious option rich in calcium and protein. For a lower-calorie alternative, consider skim milk or almond milk, which Panera often provides as substitutes.
Herbal Teas and Coffee
Panera’s selection of herbal teas and coffee can be part of a healthy beverage choice when consumed without added sweeteners. Black coffee is naturally calorie-free and rich in antioxidants.
Herbal teas, such as chamomile or peppermint, are excellent caffeine-free options. These teas can be enjoyed hot or iced, providing hydration and potential health benefits without added calories.
For those who prefer espresso drinks, opt for a plain latte with skim milk or a sugar-free syrup to reduce calorie intake. The Madagascar Vanilla Latte ($4.49 to $5.49) can be customized to be a healthier choice by requesting fewer pumps of syrup or using a sugar-free alternative.
Bakery Delights with a Health Twist
Panera Bread offers a range of bakery items that balance indulgence with nutritional value. Their menu features whole grain options and lighter versions of classic pastries to satisfy cravings while supporting health-conscious choices.
Whole Grain and Artisan Breads
Panera’s bread selection includes nutrient-rich whole grain loaves and artisan varieties. The Whole Grain Loaf provides fiber and complex carbohydrates, making it a smart choice for sandwiches or as a side.
Sourdough Bread, a Panera staple, offers a tangy flavor and potential digestive benefits due to its fermentation process. It’s lower on the glycemic index compared to many white breads.
For those watching calorie intake, the Multigrain Bagel Flat presents a slimmer alternative to traditional bagels. It delivers whole grain goodness with fewer calories.
Healthier Pastry Alternatives
Panera caters to sweet tooths with some thoughtful twists on bakery classics. The Cinnamon Crunch Bagel, while not the lowest-calorie option, can be enjoyed in moderation as a treat.
For a protein boost, Panera offers several high-protein options in their bakery lineup. These items help balance blood sugar and promote satiety.
Bagel Flats serve as a smart base for breakfast sandwiches, providing the bagel experience with reduced carbohydrates and calories. They come in various flavors to suit different preferences.
Portion control is key. Panera’s bakery items can be part of a balanced diet when consumed mindfully and paired with nutrient-dense options from other menu categories.
Making Balanced Choices at Panera
Panera Bread offers a variety of options for health-conscious diners. Selecting nutritious meals requires understanding menu items and making informed decisions.
Strategies for Weight Loss and Maintenance
Choose lower-calorie soups like Ten Vegetable Soup or Turkey Chili. Opt for half-portions of sandwiches paired with a side salad. Select whole grain bread options for added fiber.
Customize salads by asking for dressing on the side and limiting high-calorie toppings. Greek Salad with Chicken provides a protein-rich option with fewer calories.
Avoid cream-based soups and menu items with excessive cheese or creamy sauces. Skip the bread side and choose fruit or vegetables instead.
For breakfast, consider Steel Cut Oatmeal with fresh fruit or an Avocado, Egg White & Spinach Breakfast Sandwich.
Understanding Dietary Guidelines and Restrictions
Panera caters to various dietary needs. Gluten-free options include many salads and soups. The menu clearly marks gluten-conscious items.
For low-sodium diets, choose fresh salads and ask for dressings on the side. Avoid soups, which tend to be higher in sodium.
Vegetarian and vegan diners have several choices, including the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich and many salads. The menu identifies plant-based options.
Those following high-protein diets can select Chicken Sandwiches, Turkey Sandwiches, or add chicken to salads. Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries offers a protein-rich breakfast or snack option.