Understanding the nutritional profile of restaurant menu items helps make informed dietary choices. Panera Bread's broccoli cheddar soup remains one of their most popular menu items, and many health-conscious customers seek accurate calorie information before ordering. This detailed breakdown provides not just calorie counts but also explains the nutritional composition and how this soup fits into various dietary plans.
Nutritional Breakdown of Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
When analyzing calories in broccoli cheddar soup from Panera, it's essential to consider the complete nutritional picture. The calorie count differs significantly between serving sizes, which affects how you might incorporate this menu item into your daily eating pattern.
| Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cup (8 fl oz) | 230 | 14g | 19g | 9g |
| Bowl (16 fl oz) | 390 | 23g | 31g | 15g |
Where Do the Calories Come From?
The calorie composition in calories in Panera broccoli cheddar soup bowl primarily comes from three sources: fat, carbohydrates, and protein. Approximately 55% of calories derive from fat (mainly from cheese and dairy ingredients), 33% from carbohydrates (including natural sugars from broccoli and added thickeners), and 12% from protein.
This nutritional distribution explains why the soup feels rich and satisfying. The cheddar cheese, milk, and cream components contribute significantly to the fat content, while the broccoli provides fiber and some natural carbohydrates. Understanding broccoli cheddar soup calories Panera per serving helps contextualize how this menu item fits within daily nutritional goals.
Dietary Considerations
For those monitoring their daily intake, a bowl of Panera's broccoli cheddar soup represents about 20% of a standard 2,000-calorie daily diet. The soup contains 135mg of cholesterol and 1,090mg of sodium per bowl, which represents 48% of the recommended daily sodium limit.
Individuals following specific dietary patterns should note that this soup contains dairy and gluten (from the roux thickener). Panera does not offer a dairy-free or gluten-free version of their classic broccoli cheddar soup, though they do have alternative soup options for various dietary needs.
How Panera's Soup Compares to Similar Menu Items
When evaluating calories in Panera broccoli cheddar soup versus other options, consider these comparisons:
- Broccoli cheddar soup (bowl): 390 calories
- Classic tomato soup (bowl): 270 calories
- Low-fat black bean soup (bowl): 190 calories
- French onion soup (bowl): 480 calories
The broccoli cheddar option sits in the mid-to-upper range for calorie density among Panera's soup selections. Those specifically seeking low calorie broccoli cheddar soup at Panera should note that Panera doesn't currently offer a reduced-calorie version of this particular soup.
Practical Tips for Ordering
If you're watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy Panera's broccoli cheddar soup, consider these strategies:
- Order the cup size (230 calories) instead of the bowl
- Pair with a side salad instead of bread or a sandwich
- Ask for the soup to be served on the side if ordering a sandwich
- Share a bowl with someone to split the calorie count
Understanding the exact calories in broccoli cheddar soup from Panera per ounce (approximately 24 calories per fluid ounce) helps make more precise dietary calculations when ordering.
Nutritional Context for Daily Eating Patterns
For most adults, a single bowl of Panera's broccoli cheddar soup represents a substantial portion of daily recommended values. The 390 calories in a full bowl equals about:
- 19.5% of a 2,000-calorie daily diet
- 15.6% of a 2,500-calorie daily diet
- 26% of a 1,500-calorie weight loss plan
The high sodium content (1,090mg per bowl) warrants particular attention, as it exceeds half of the American Heart Association's recommended daily sodium limit of 2,300mg. Those with hypertension or cardiovascular concerns should factor this into their meal planning when considering nutritional information for Panera broccoli cheddar soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a Panera broccoli cheddar soup kids size?
Panera does not offer a specific "kids size" for their broccoli cheddar soup. The smallest serving available is the cup size (8 fl oz) which contains 230 calories. Some parents order the cup size for children, which represents approximately 11-15% of a typical child's daily calorie needs depending on age.
Does Panera offer a low calorie version of broccoli cheddar soup?
No, Panera Bread does not currently offer a reduced-calorie or "light" version of their classic broccoli cheddar soup. Their standard recipe has remained consistent with 230 calories per cup and 390 calories per bowl. For lower calorie soup options, Panera offers black bean soup (190 calories per bowl) and seasonal lighter alternatives.
How does the calorie count change if I order Panera broccoli cheddar soup with extra cheese?
Panera does not officially offer an "extra cheese" option for their broccoli cheddar soup, as the cheese content is part of the standardized recipe. Adding additional cheese at the restaurant would increase the calorie count by approximately 50-70 calories per ounce of cheddar cheese added. This would also increase the fat and sodium content proportionally.
Are the calories in Panera broccoli cheddar soup primarily from fat or carbohydrates?
In Panera's broccoli cheddar soup, approximately 55% of the calories come from fat (mainly from cheese and dairy ingredients), 33% from carbohydrates, and 12% from protein. This distribution explains why the soup feels rich and satisfying, but also why it's higher in calories compared to broth-based soup options.
How many Weight Watchers points is Panera broccoli cheddar soup?
Based on current Weight Watchers Freestyle/Blue program calculations, a cup (8 fl oz) of Panera broccoli cheddar soup equals approximately 9 points, while a full bowl (16 fl oz) equals about 15 points. These values may vary slightly depending on specific plan calculations and any modifications to the standard recipe.
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