Panera Chicken Noodle Soup: Facts, Nutrition & Availability

Panera Chicken Noodle Soup: Facts, Nutrition & Availability
Panera Bread's classic chicken noodle soup is a year-round menu staple made with white meat chicken, egg noodles, carrots, celery, and onions in a savory broth. A standard bowl (16.4 oz) contains 180 calories, 7g protein, and 810mg sodium. The soup is not gluten-free due to the egg noodles but is available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery at all Panera locations across the United States.

When searching for chicken noodle soup at Panera, customers typically want to know what makes this menu item stand out among fast-casual dining options. As one of Panera's most popular comfort food offerings, the classic chicken noodle soup has maintained consistent quality and availability since becoming a permanent fixture on their menu.

What Makes Panera's Chicken Noodle Soup Unique

Unlike many restaurant chains that offer seasonal soup rotations, Panera serves their chicken noodle soup year-round, making it a reliable option regardless of when you visit. The soup features tender white meat chicken pieces rather than shredded or processed chicken, giving it a premium quality that distinguishes it from many competitors' versions.

The broth forms the foundation of Panera's recipe, crafted to deliver that comforting, familiar chicken noodle soup experience while avoiding excessive saltiness that plagues many canned alternatives. The vegetables—carrots, celery, and onions—are cut to a consistent size that ensures even cooking and distribution throughout each serving.

Nutritional Profile of Panera Chicken Noodle Soup

For health-conscious diners evaluating nutrition facts for Panera chicken noodle soup, the nutritional information provides important context. While comfort food by nature, Panera's version offers a relatively balanced profile compared to similar restaurant offerings.

Nutrient Per Bowl (16.4 oz) % Daily Value*
Calories 180 9%
Total Fat 4.5g 6%
Saturated Fat 1.5g 8%
Cholesterol 35mg 12%
Sodium 810mg 35%
Total Carbohydrates 21g 8%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Sugars 2g n/a
Protein 7g n/a

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Ingredients Breakdown

The complete ingredient list for Panera chicken noodle soup ingredients includes: chicken broth, cooked white meat chicken, egg noodles (wheat flour, egg, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), carrots, celery, onions, canola oil, modified corn starch, salt, garlic, black pepper, and parsley.

Notably, the soup contains egg noodles rather than traditional pasta, which contributes to its distinctive texture but means it's not gluten-free chicken noodle soup at Panera. For customers with gluten sensitivities, this is an important consideration when ordering.

Availability and Ordering Options

Unlike some restaurant chains that rotate their soup selections seasonally, Panera serves their classic chicken noodle soup year-round at all locations. Customers can order it as a standalone item or as part of a half sandwich and soup combination.

For those wondering does Panera have chicken noodle soup year round, the answer is consistently yes. The soup is available for dine-in, takeout, delivery through third-party services, and via Panera's own delivery program where available.

Customer Reception and Popularity

Among Panera's extensive soup menu, the classic chicken noodle consistently ranks among the top five most popular options according to internal sales data. Customers frequently cite its comforting, home-style quality as the primary reason for choosing it over other menu items.

When evaluating is Panera chicken noodle soup healthy, nutritionists note that while it's not a low-sodium option (containing 35% of the daily recommended sodium limit), it offers a reasonable balance of protein and vegetables without excessive fat content. The absence of artificial preservatives or flavors also contributes to its perceived healthfulness compared to many canned alternatives.

How It Compares to Homemade Versions

Many customers search for Panera chicken noodle soup recipe recreation to replicate the taste at home. While exact replication is challenging without Panera's commercial ingredients and preparation methods, home cooks can approximate the flavor profile by using quality chicken broth, fresh vegetables, and adding a touch of canola oil for richness.

The primary differences between Panera's version and most homemade recipes include the specific vegetable cut sizes, the use of egg noodles instead of traditional pasta, and the precise seasoning blend that gives it that distinctive Panera flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Panera chicken noodle soup contain dairy?

No, Panera's classic chicken noodle soup does not contain any dairy ingredients. The primary components are chicken broth, white meat chicken, egg noodles, and vegetables.

How many calories are in Panera chicken noodle soup?

A standard bowl (16.4 ounces) of Panera chicken noodle soup contains 180 calories. The bread bowl option adds approximately 140 calories for a total of 320 calories.

Is Panera's chicken noodle soup gluten-free?

No, Panera's classic chicken noodle soup is not gluten-free because it contains egg noodles made with wheat flour. Customers seeking gluten-free options should consider Panera's black bean soup or modern Greek salad with chicken instead.

What makes Panera's chicken noodle soup different from other restaurant versions?

Panera's version stands out for using white meat chicken pieces rather than shredded chicken, consistent vegetable cuts, and a balanced broth that avoids excessive saltiness. Unlike many competitors, they serve this soup year-round rather than seasonally.

Can I order Panera chicken noodle soup for delivery?

Yes, Panera chicken noodle soup is available for delivery through the Panera website or mobile app where delivery service is offered, as well as through third-party delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub at most locations.

Lisa Chang

Lisa Chang

A well-traveled food writer who has spent the last eight years documenting authentic spice usage in regional cuisines worldwide. Lisa's unique approach combines culinary with hands-on cooking experience, revealing how spices reflect cultural identity across different societies. Lisa excels at helping home cooks understand the cultural context of spices while providing practical techniques for authentic flavor recreation.