If you had asked me about Panera nutrition truth when I first wrote this article in 2012, I would have advised you to avoid it like the plague. Panera's calorie, carb, and sodium counts were ridiculously large. On the other side, Panera has come a long way. Panera has revised its menu in the last five years, and as of this writing, it now offers a range of balanced menu choices (February 2017). Today, Panera is one of the few chain restaurants where I can eat happily.
Panera Bread Menu Nutrition - Even so, many of the things on their menu will get you into a lot of trouble. Panera's bread bowls and sandwiches, for example, are high in calories, processed grains, fat, and salt. Some of these contain over 1,000 calories and a day's worth of sodium, making them unsuitable for those monitoring their weight or suffering from high blood pressure or other health issues. First, let's look at some of the Panera's menu items that you should stop (new updated January, 2021).
If you're looking for Panera Bread Catering Menu, you've come to the right place.
The Panera nutrition information for the unhealthiest items on the menu are listed below. I suggest avoiding the majority of their whole sandwiches, soups, and mac and cheese in general.
Panera Mac & Cheese Nutrition
Panera Mac & Cheese Bread Bowl
Steak & White Cheddar Panini on Hoagie Roll
Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Bread Bowl Nutrition
New England Clam Chowder Bread Bowl
Baked Potato Soup Bread Bowl
Bistro French Onion Soup Bread Bowl
Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Bread Bowl
Despite these culinary disasters, Panera has revised its menu in recent years to include healthier options. Apples or baked chips are also nutritious side dish choices (which you can still order instead of another slice of bread since their sandwiches are still high in carbs). Whole grain bread and organic yoghurt are also available (which you should also opt for). However, their menu includes some very unhealthy foods high in calories, unhealthy carbohydrates, fat, and sodium, so choose wisely.
The "You Choose 2" half sandwich and salad/soup mix are two of their healthier choices. On many Panera dishes, choosing whole grain bread and skipping the cheese and sauces will save you a lot of calories. Here are my top recommendations.
Avocado, Egg White & Spinach Breakfast Power Sandwich
Turkey Sausage, Egg White & Spinach Breakfast Power Sandwich
Mediterranean Egg White on Ciabatta
Half Napa Almond Chicken Salad on Sesame Semolina
Whole Mediterranean Veggie on Tomato Basil
Half Tuna Salad Sandwich on Black Pepper Focaccia
Half Turkey Breast on Whole Grain
Turkey Chili
Low Fat Chicken Noodle Soup
Low Fat Vegetarian Black Bean Soup
Low-Fat Vegetarian Garden Vegetable Soup with Pesto
Seasonal Greens Salad
Roasted Beet, Quinoa & Citrus Salad
You'll get a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fat if you stick to the "You Choose Two" combos and choose a half sandwich and soup or salad from the list above. However, many of Panera Bread's menu items' nutrition facts may be improved. Avoid the Panera Mac and Cheese, as well as their high-calorie bread plates, entire sandwiches, and (sorry, friends) the Panera Mac and Cheese.