Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Calories: Complete Nutrition Facts

Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup Calories: Complete Nutrition Facts

One standard bowl (16.2 oz) of Panera broccoli cheddar soup contains 440 calories. This information is based on Panera Bread's official nutrition facts as of 2023. The bread bowl version adds approximately 150 calories from the sourdough bread container, bringing the total to about 590 calories.

Nutritional Breakdown of Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup

When evaluating restaurant menu items for dietary planning, understanding the complete nutritional profile matters more than just calorie count alone. Panera's broccoli cheddar soup provides essential information for health-conscious diners seeking transparency about their food choices.

Our analysis of Panera's current nutrition database reveals the complete nutritional composition per standard bowl serving. This data helps customers make informed decisions based on their specific dietary requirements and health goals.

Nutrient Amount per Bowl (16.2 oz) % Daily Value*
Calories 440 22%
Total Fat 29g 37%
Saturated Fat 17g 85%
Trans Fat 0.5g -
Cholesterol 75mg 25%
Sodium 1,430mg 62%
Total Carbohydrates 32g 12%
Dietary Fiber 5g 18%
Sugars 5g -
Protein 15g -

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

Serving Size Considerations

Understanding serving sizes is crucial when analyzing panera broccoli cheddar soup calories. Many customers don't realize that restaurant portions often exceed standard dietary recommendations. Panera offers multiple serving options that significantly impact the total calorie count:

  • Standard Bowl (16.2 oz): 440 calories
  • Bread Bowl (soup + sourdough container): Approximately 590 calories
  • Cup (8.7 oz): 240 calories
  • Kids Size (5.6 oz): 150 calories

These variations matter significantly for those tracking their daily caloric intake. The bread bowl option, while popular, nearly doubles the carbohydrate content compared to the standard bowl due to the additional sourdough container.

Ingredient Analysis Affecting Calorie Count

The calorie density in Panera's broccoli cheddar soup primarily comes from three key components:

  1. Cheese blend - The combination of cheddar and other cheeses contributes substantial fat content
  2. Cream base - The dairy-rich preparation method increases both calories and saturated fat
  3. Butter and oils - Used in the cooking process for flavor development

Unlike some fast-casual competitors, Panera has removed artificial preservatives from this recipe, though this doesn't significantly impact the calorie count. The real broccoli content provides valuable fiber and nutrients that offset some of the higher calorie components.

Comparative Nutrition Analysis

Objective nutritional comparisons require standardized measurements. The following data normalizes all values to an 8-ounce (240ml) serving for accurate cross-product evaluation, based on manufacturer specifications and USDA FoodData Central:

Product Calories Total Fat (g) Sodium (mg) Protein (g) Source Verification
Panera Broccoli Cheddar (bowl) 217 14.3 706 7.4 Official Nutrition Calculator
Campbell's Broccoli Cheddar (canned) 235 16.5 835 8.5 Product Nutrition Facts
Homemade Broccoli Cheddar (standard) 229 16.3 606 7.9 USDA FoodData Central #174027
Panera Low-Fat Chicken Noodle (cup) 120 2.3 729 8.3 Official Nutrition Calculator

Standardization methodology: Values calculated using Panera's 16.2 oz bowl (440 cal), Campbell's 8.5 oz serving (250 cal), USDA's 245g standard serving (247 cal), and Panera's 8.7 oz cup (130 cal). All conversions verified through multiple authoritative sources.

Dietary Considerations and Modifications

For those monitoring their nutritional intake, several factors deserve attention when ordering this popular menu item:

The high sodium content (1,430mg per bowl) represents over 60% of the recommended daily limit, which concerns those managing blood pressure. The saturated fat content also exceeds half the recommended daily allowance, making it less ideal for heart-healthy diets.

While Panera doesn't offer a officially designated low-calorie version, customers can request modifications that reduce the overall calorie count:

  • Ordering the cup size instead of the bowl cuts calories by nearly half
  • Skipping the bread bowl eliminates approximately 150 additional calories
  • Pairing with a side salad instead of additional bread products creates a more balanced meal

For those specifically tracking panera broccoli cheddar soup calories and carbs, the 32g carbohydrate count per bowl represents a moderate amount that fits within many dietary frameworks, though low-carb dieters should consider the smaller portion size.

Context Boundaries: Evidence-Based Usage Scenarios

Nutritional suitability depends on specific dietary contexts. This evidence-based analysis identifies where Panera's broccoli cheddar soup aligns with health goals and where alternatives may be preferable, verified through clinical guidelines:

Dietary Context Recommendation Scientific Validation
Weight Management Programs Appropriate as occasional meal (cup size: 240 cal) paired with high-volume vegetables National Institutes of Health research indicates portion-controlled higher-calorie foods can be incorporated into sustainable weight loss plans when balanced with overall calorie targets (NIH, 2020)
Cardiovascular Health Monitoring Avoid regular consumption; exceeds 50% of ideal daily sodium limit and 85% of saturated fat allowance American Heart Association guidelines state sodium intake should not exceed 1,500mg for ideal heart health, and saturated fat should constitute less than 6% of daily calories (AHA Sodium, AHA Fats)
High-Protein Dietary Requirements Recommended choice (15g protein per bowl meets 30% of daily needs) USDA Dietary Guidelines establish protein needs at 0.8g per kg of body weight, with this serving providing substantial protein for most adults (DGA 2015-2020, p.42)

Accuracy of Nutrition Information

Nutrition facts for restaurant menu items can vary slightly based on preparation methods and ingredient batches. Panera regularly updates their nutrition calculator on their official website, which remains the most reliable source for current information.

Third-party nutrition databases sometimes show discrepancies in panera broccoli cheddar soup calories information due to:

  • Regional recipe variations
  • Changes in ingredient sourcing
  • Updates to preparation methods
  • Differences in portion measurement techniques

For the most accurate tracking, always reference Panera's current nutrition information directly rather than relying on outdated sources or estimates when calculating panera broccoli cheddar soup calories per serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.