When evaluating nutritional information for restaurant menu items, accuracy and context matter. Panera Bread publishes detailed nutrition data for all menu items, allowing customers to make informed dietary choices. The calorie count for their signature Broccoli Cheddar Soup remains consistent across most locations, though slight variations may occur due to preparation methods.
Nutritional Profile of Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Understanding the complete nutritional picture helps contextualize the calorie information. The soup's composition explains where those calories originate and how they fit into balanced eating patterns.
| Nutrient | Full Serving (16.3 oz) | Half Serving (8.2 oz) | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 380 | 190 | 19% |
| Total Fat | 24g | 12g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 7g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 60mg | 30mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 1450mg | 725mg | 63% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 29g | 14g | 11% |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g | 2g | 14% |
| Sugars | 5g | 2g | - |
| Protein | 14g | 7g | 28% |
*Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual needs may vary.
Understanding the Calorie Composition
The calorie breakdown reveals why Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup sits at 380 calories per full serving. The primary contributors include:
- Cheese content - The soup contains white cheddar cheese, which provides substantial fat content
- Cream base - The dairy-rich preparation method adds significant calories
- Natural starches - Potatoes and flour used as thickeners contribute carbohydrates
- Broccoli content - While vegetables add fiber and nutrients, they represent a smaller portion of the total calories
Unlike many restaurant soups that rely heavily on cream, Panera's version uses a cheese-forward approach that delivers protein but also increases saturated fat content. The 14g of saturated fat represents 70% of the recommended daily limit, making this soup a richer option best enjoyed occasionally as part of balanced eating.
Seasonal Recipe Variations
Panera occasionally introduces seasonal variations of their Broccoli Cheddar Soup, which may affect calorie counts:
- Classic year-round version - 380 calories (the standard offering)
- Lighter seasonal options - Some limited-time versions may reduce calories to approximately 280 per serving through recipe modifications
- Specialty holiday versions - Occasionally feature additional ingredients that may increase calories slightly
When checking calories in Panera broccoli cheddar soup, always verify whether you're looking at the standard or seasonal recipe. The company clearly labels seasonal items on their menu and nutrition website.
Dietary Considerations
For those monitoring specific dietary needs, Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup presents both benefits and considerations:
Gluten considerations: The soup contains wheat flour as a thickener, making it unsuitable for gluten-free diets. Panera does not offer a gluten-free version of this particular soup.
Vegetarian status: The standard recipe is vegetarian-friendly, containing no meat products though it does include dairy.
Protein content: With 14g of protein per full serving, it provides moderate protein that can help with satiety, though not as much as meat-based soups.
Sodium awareness: The 1,450mg of sodium represents 63% of the recommended daily limit, which exceeds what many health organizations suggest for a single meal. Those monitoring sodium intake should consider this when planning their daily nutrition.
Comparing Restaurant Soup Options
When evaluating calories broccoli cheddar soup Panera against competitors, notable differences emerge:
| Restaurant | Serving Size | Calories | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panera Bread | 16.3 oz | 380 | Cheese-forward, contains potatoes |
| Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen | 16 oz | 420 | Higher fat content, cream-based |
| The Cheesecake Factory | 22 oz | 590 | Larger portion, significantly higher calories |
| California Pizza Kitchen | 16 oz | 350 | Slightly lower calories, different cheese blend |
Panera's offering falls in the mid-range for calorie content among popular restaurant broccoli cheddar soups. Their focus on white cheddar rather than heavy cream differentiates their nutritional profile from many competitors.
Customization Options for Calorie Management
Panera allows certain modifications that can affect the calorie count of their Broccoli Cheddar Soup:
- Ordering a half portion - Reduces calories to 190 while still providing the signature flavor
- Adding protein - Grilled chicken (140 calories) increases total calories but adds satiety
- Serving style - Having it in a bread bowl adds approximately 180 calories from the sourdough bowl
- Side substitutions - Pairing with a side salad instead of sandwich reduces overall meal calories
For those specifically tracking calories in Panera broccoli cheddar soup with bread bowl, the total reaches approximately 560 calories for the standard combination.
Transparency in Nutrition Information
Panera Bread maintains transparency about their nutrition facts through multiple channels:
- Detailed nutrition calculator on their official website
- In-restaurant menu boards with calorie counts (as required by FDA regulations)
- Mobile app integration showing nutritional information
- Customer service availability for specific ingredient questions
This level of transparency helps customers make informed decisions about items like their broccoli cheddar soup, especially when comparing calories broccoli cheddar soup Panera to homemade versions or competitors' offerings.
Making Informed Choices
Understanding the complete nutritional picture of Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup allows for smarter dietary decisions. While the 380-calorie count for a full serving might seem substantial, context matters:
- As a standalone meal, it provides moderate protein and fiber
- Compared to many restaurant entrees, it's a reasonable calorie option
- The vegetable content offers valuable nutrients despite the higher fat content
- Occasional enjoyment fits within balanced eating patterns for most people
Those specifically monitoring calorie intake can easily adjust by ordering the half portion (190 calories) or pairing the soup with lower-calorie sides. The key is understanding exactly what you're consuming, which Panera's published nutrition facts facilitate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in Panera's broccoli cheddar soup without the bread bowl?
A full serving (16.3 oz) of Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains 380 calories without the bread bowl. The half portion (8.2 oz) has 190 calories. These values represent the soup alone, without any additional sides or modifications.
Is Panera's broccoli cheddar soup considered high in calories compared to other menu items?
At 380 calories for a full serving, Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup falls in the mid-range compared to other menu items. Many sandwiches range from 400-700 calories, while salads can range from 200-500+ calories depending on dressing and additions. The soup provides moderate protein and fiber, making it a reasonable option when considering nutritional value per calorie.
Does Panera offer a lower calorie version of their broccoli cheddar soup?
Panera does not offer a permanently designated "light" version of their Broccoli Cheddar Soup. However, they occasionally introduce seasonal variations that may have slightly different nutrition profiles. The most reliable way to reduce calories is to order the half portion (190 calories) instead of the full serving. Some customers also request extra broccoli to increase volume with minimal additional calories.
How accurate are the published calorie counts for Panera's broccoli cheddar soup?
Panera's published calorie counts for their Broccoli Cheddar Soup are laboratory-tested and verified. The company follows FDA guidelines for nutrition labeling accuracy, with values typically within 20 calories of the published amount. Minor variations can occur due to natural differences in ingredient preparation, but the 380-calorie count for a full serving is consistently reliable for nutritional tracking purposes.
What makes up the majority of the calories in Panera's broccoli cheddar soup?
The majority of calories in Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup come from fat (24g per full serving), primarily from the white cheddar cheese and dairy components. Carbohydrates contribute 29g per serving, with protein providing 14g. The cheese-forward recipe rather than cream-based approach differentiates Panera's nutritional profile from many restaurant competitors' broccoli cheddar soups.
浙公网安备
33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4