Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup Calories: Exact Count Revealed

One cup (8 fl oz) of Panera Bread's Cheddar Broccoli Soup contains 220 calories, while a full bowl (16 fl oz) has 440 calories according to the company's official nutrition facts.

When tracking your daily nutrition intake, knowing the exact calorie count of popular menu items like Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup is essential for making informed dietary choices. This creamy comfort food favorite has been a staple on Panera's menu for years, appealing to customers seeking a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and somewhat wholesome.

Nutritional Profile of Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup

Understanding the complete nutritional breakdown helps put the calorie count in context. The soup's composition reveals why it lands at 220 calories per cup serving:

Nutrient	Per Cup (8 fl oz)	Per Bowl (16 fl oz)
Calories	220	440
Total Fat	14g	28g
Saturated Fat	8g	16g
Cholesterol	40mg	80mg
Sodium	1090mg	2180mg
Total Carbohydrates	17g	34g
Dietary Fiber	3g	6g
Sugars	4g	8g
Protein	8g	16g

What Contributes to the Calorie Count?

The primary calorie contributors in Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup come from its rich dairy components and starchy thickeners. The soup contains:

• Sharp cheddar cheese (providing fat and protein)
• Heavy cream (adding significant fat content)
• Wheat flour (used as a thickener, contributing carbohydrates)
• Broccoli florets (the main vegetable component)
• Onion, garlic, and seasonings

The combination of dairy fat and carbohydrates creates a satisfying texture but also drives the calorie density. For those monitoring their fat intake, the saturated fat content represents approximately 40% of the daily recommended limit in a single bowl.

Comparing Panera's Soup Options

When evaluating calories in Panera cheddar broccoli soup, it's helpful to compare it with other popular soup choices at the restaurant:

Soup Variety	Calories Per Cup	Calories Per Bowl	Notable Nutritional Features
Cheddar Broccoli	220	440	Higher fat content, good protein
Tomato Basil	110	220	Lower calorie, vegetarian option
Low-Fat Chicken Noodle	100	200	Lower calorie, good protein source
Broccoli Cheddar with Chicken	270	540	Higher protein, additional calories from chicken
French Onion	190	380	Moderate calories, caramelized onion flavor

Dietary Considerations for Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup

For individuals with specific dietary requirements, here's what you should know about this menu item:

Vegetarian status: The standard Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products, though it does include dairy.

Gluten content: This soup contains wheat flour as a thickener, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Panera does not offer a gluten-free version of this particular soup.

Sodium considerations: With 1090mg of sodium per cup (nearly half the recommended daily limit for many adults), this soup may not be ideal for those on sodium-restricted diets. The high sodium content comes from both the cheese and added seasonings.

Strategies for Reducing Calorie Intake

If you enjoy Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup but want to manage your calorie consumption, consider these practical approaches:

• Order a half-order: Many Panera locations will serve a half-cup portion (4 fl oz) upon request, cutting calories to approximately 110
• Pair with a side salad: Order the soup as a side (half portion) alongside a lighter main item like a non-creamy salad
• Modify your order: Ask for "light cheese" though this may affect texture and flavor significantly
• Share with a friend: Split a full bowl to enjoy the experience while consuming fewer calories
• Consider timing: Enjoy this higher-calorie soup as part of a balanced day rather than alongside other high-calorie items

For those interested in recreating a lower-calorie version at home, substituting some of the heavy cream with low-fat milk, using reduced-fat cheese, and increasing the broccoli-to-cheese ratio can significantly reduce the calorie count while maintaining flavor.

Accuracy of Nutritional Information

Nutrition facts for restaurant menu items can occasionally change due to recipe adjustments, seasonal variations, or portion size modifications. The calorie information provided here reflects Panera Bread's most current published nutrition data as verified through their official website and nutrition guides.

When tracking calories in Panera cheddar broccoli soup for dietary planning, always check for the most recent nutrition information directly from Panera's official resources, as restaurants occasionally update their recipes. The company typically provides detailed nutrition information on their website and in-store upon request.

Final Thoughts on Calorie Conscious Dining

Understanding the calorie content of popular menu items like Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup empowers you to make informed choices that align with your nutritional goals. While this soup offers a satisfying combination of creamy texture and familiar flavors, its calorie density means it's best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet rather than a daily staple for those monitoring their calorie intake.

For those following specific dietary plans, comparing calories in Panera cheddar broccoli soup against other menu options helps identify the best choices for your individual needs. Remember that calories alone don't tell the whole story—consider the complete nutritional profile, including protein content, fiber, and micronutrients when evaluating food choices.

How many calories are in a bowl of Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup?

A full bowl (16 fluid ounces) of Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup contains 440 calories according to the company's official nutrition information.

Is Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup vegetarian?

Yes, the standard Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup is vegetarian as it contains no meat products, though it does include dairy ingredients like cheddar cheese and heavy cream.

How does the calorie count of Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup compare to other soups?

At 220 calories per cup, Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup has more calories than lighter options like Tomato Basil (110 calories per cup) or Low-Fat Chicken Noodle (100 calories per cup), but fewer calories than the Broccoli Cheddar with Chicken version (270 calories per cup).

Does Panera offer a lower-calorie version of their Cheddar Broccoli Soup?

Panera does not currently offer a specifically labeled "low-calorie" version of their Cheddar Broccoli Soup. However, you can request a half-order (4 fl oz) which would contain approximately 110 calories, or pair a small portion with a side salad for a more balanced meal.

What makes Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup high in calories?

The primary calorie contributors in Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup are the dairy components (sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream) which provide significant fat content, along with wheat flour used as a thickener which adds carbohydrates. The combination creates a rich, creamy texture but also increases the calorie density compared to broth-based soups.