When evaluating menu choices at popular restaurant chains, accurate nutritional information helps make informed dietary decisions. Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup remains one of their most popular menu items, particularly among customers seeking comfort food with some vegetable content. Understanding the complete nutritional profile beyond just calories provides valuable context for those monitoring their daily intake.
Nutritional Breakdown of Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup
While calorie count serves as a primary consideration for many diners, examining the full nutritional composition offers a more comprehensive picture of how this menu item fits into various dietary patterns. The soup's nutritional values per serving size reflect Panera's standard preparation method using their classic recipe.
| Nutrient | Cup (8.5 oz) | Bowl (16 oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 150 | 290 |
| Total Fat | 8g | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg | 50mg |
| Sodium | 800mg | 1560mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 15g | 29g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 6g |
| Sugars | 3g | 6g |
| Protein | 6g | 12g |
Serving Size Considerations at Panera
Understanding the difference between cup and bowl sizes at Panera Bread proves essential when tracking nutritional intake. The cup size (8.5 ounces) represents approximately half the volume of the standard bowl (16 ounces), though the calorie ratio isn't perfectly proportional due to preparation methods. Many customers don't realize that ordering the bowl size essentially doubles their caloric intake compared to the cup portion.
When comparing Panera cheddar broccoli soup calories to other chain restaurant offerings, this soup falls in the moderate range for creamy vegetable-based soups. It contains less fat than many cream-based soups but more carbohydrates than broth-based alternatives. The fiber content from broccoli provides some nutritional advantage over purely starch-based soups.
Daily Nutritional Context
For adults following a standard 2,000-calorie diet, a bowl of Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup represents approximately 14.5% of daily caloric needs. The sodium content warrants particular attention, as a single bowl contains nearly two-thirds of the American Heart Association's recommended daily maximum of 2,300mg.
Diners monitoring specific macronutrients should note that approximately 46% of the calories in Panera broccoli cheddar soup come from fat, 38% from carbohydrates, and 16% from protein. This distribution makes it a relatively balanced option compared to many fast-casual menu items, though the saturated fat content remains notable.
Comparing Panera Soup Options
When evaluating Panera's soup menu from a nutritional perspective, the Cheddar Broccoli Soup sits between their lighter and richer options. It contains fewer calories than the Ten Vegetable Soup with Quinoa (320 calories per bowl) but more than the Low-Fat Black Bean Soup (140 calories per bowl).
Customers specifically seeking lower-calorie Panera soup options might consider ordering the Cheddar Broccoli Soup in a cup rather than a bowl, or pairing a cup of soup with a side salad instead of bread. Understanding Panera bread bowl calories versus soup calories helps make more informed decisions when tempted by the popular bread bowl presentation.
Dietary Considerations
For those following specific dietary patterns, Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup presents both advantages and limitations. The soup contains dairy and is therefore not suitable for vegan diets, though it does qualify as vegetarian. The gluten content remains minimal as the soup uses a roux-based thickener rather than flour-heavy preparation.
Individuals managing carbohydrate intake should note that Panera broccoli cheddar soup carbs per bowl total 29 grams, which may factor into meal planning for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets. The 6 grams of fiber per bowl provide a modest contribution toward the recommended daily fiber intake of 25-38 grams.
Accuracy of Nutritional Information
This nutritional data reflects Panera Bread's official menu information as of September 2024. Restaurant chains occasionally adjust recipes, which can affect calorie counts and other nutritional values. For the most current information, customers can access Panera's complete nutrition guide on their official website or request printed materials at any Panera location.
When comparing Panera cheddar broccoli soup calories across different sources, slight variations may appear due to measurement methods or recipe adjustments. The figures presented here represent the most current verified data from Panera's corporate nutrition documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a bowl of Panera Cheddar Broccoli Soup?
A standard bowl (16 oz) of Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup contains 290 calories according to their 2024 nutrition information.
Is Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup vegetarian?
Yes, Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup is vegetarian as it contains dairy products but no meat ingredients. However, it is not vegan due to the cheese and milk content.
How does Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup compare to other soups on their menu?
Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup (290 calories per bowl) has fewer calories than their Ten Vegetable Soup with Quinoa (320 calories) but more than their Low-Fat Black Bean Soup (140 calories). It contains moderate fat content compared to cream-based soups but more carbohydrates than broth-based options.
Does Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup contain gluten?
Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup contains minimal gluten as it uses a roux-based thickener rather than flour-heavy preparation. However, it's not certified gluten-free, and those with severe gluten sensitivity should consult Panera's allergen guide for complete information.
How much sodium is in Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup?
A bowl (16 oz) of Panera's Cheddar Broccoli Soup contains 1,560mg of sodium, which represents approximately 68% of the American Heart Association's recommended daily maximum of 2,300mg for healthy adults.
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