When customers line up at Panera locations nationwide, one of the most consistently popular menu items is their broccoli cheddar soup. This creamy, comforting dish has developed a loyal following since its introduction, prompting countless searches for panera broccoli cheddar soup ingredients and preparation details. Understanding what goes into this beloved menu item helps consumers make informed choices based on dietary needs and personal preferences.
Complete Ingredient Analysis
Panera's commitment to "clean" ingredients means they've removed artificial preservatives and flavors from their recipes over time. However, their broccoli cheddar soup still contains several components that affect dietary considerations. The complete ingredient list includes:
| Primary Ingredients | Dietary Notes | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | Vegetable source | Main vegetable component |
| Cheddar cheese | Dairy, vegetarian (cheese) | Flavor base and creaminess |
| Onions, carrots, celery | Vegetable mirepoix | Aromatic foundation |
| Modified food starch | Contains wheat | Thickening agent (makes it non-gluten-free) |
| Chicken stock | Animal product | Base liquid (makes it non-vegetarian) |
| Cream | Dairy | Creaminess and texture |
Nutritional Profile Per Standard Serving
For those tracking dietary intake, understanding the panera broccoli soup nutrition facts is essential. A standard 10.5-ounce serving (the small size) contains:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 230 | 12% |
| Total Fat | 16g | 21% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 45mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 900mg | 39% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 16g | 6% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 11% |
| Sugars | 4g | n/a |
| Protein | 8g | n/a |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual values may vary.
Dietary Considerations Explained
Many customers specifically search to determine is panera broccoli soup gluten free or whether it fits vegetarian diets. The answer to both questions is no, and here's why:
Gluten Content
The soup contains modified food starch derived from wheat, which makes it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Panera's official allergen guide confirms this ingredient prevents them from labeling the soup as gluten-free. Customers seeking panera broccoli soup gluten free alternatives might consider their modern classics tomato soup, which is certified gluten-free.
Vegetarian Status
Despite containing no visible meat pieces, Panera's broccoli cheddar soup uses chicken stock as its base liquid. This makes the soup non-vegetarian. Many customers searching for panera broccoli soup vegetarian options are disappointed to learn this detail after ordering. For vegetarians, Panera offers several other soup options made with vegetable broth.
How Panera Prepares Their Broccoli Soup
While Panera doesn't disclose their exact preparation methods, industry knowledge and ingredient analysis reveal how they achieve their distinctive flavor profile. The soup begins with a mirepoix of onions, carrots, and celery sautéed in butter. Broccoli florets are added along with the chicken stock and simmered until tender.
The creamy texture comes from a combination of cheddar cheese and cream, with modified food starch providing additional thickness. Panera emphasizes using real cheese rather than cheese sauce or powder, contributing to the rich, authentic cheddar flavor that customers recognize as panera broccoli cheese soup distinctive taste.
Recreating the Flavor at Home
For those searching for a panera broccoli soup recipe copycat, understanding the key flavor components is essential. While exact replication is challenging without proprietary ingredients, home cooks can approximate the taste by:
- Using a combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses
- Incorporating chicken stock for authentic flavor (vegetarian substitutes will alter the taste significantly)
- Adding a small amount of wheat-based thickener if gluten isn't a concern
- Including the classic mirepoix of onions, carrots, and celery
- Maintaining the proper broccoli-to-liquid ratio for ideal texture
Many food enthusiasts searching for how to make panera broccoli soup at home find that the biggest challenge is achieving the perfect cheese emulsion without separation—a technique that likely involves Panera's commercial kitchen equipment and processes.
Seasonal Availability and Menu Changes
Panera's broccoli cheddar soup has been a permanent menu item for years, unlike some seasonal offerings. However, the company occasionally makes minor formulation adjustments as part of their commitment to cleaner ingredients. Customers wondering is panera broccoli soup still on the menu can generally expect it to be available year-round at most locations, though regional variations sometimes occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Panera broccoli soup gluten-free?
No, Panera's broccoli cheddar soup is not gluten-free. It contains modified food starch derived from wheat, which prevents it from being labeled gluten-free. Customers with gluten sensitivities should choose alternative soup options.
Why isn't Panera broccoli soup vegetarian?
Panera's broccoli cheddar soup uses chicken stock as its base liquid, which makes it non-vegetarian. Despite containing no visible meat pieces, the chicken stock ingredient means it's unsuitable for vegetarian diets.
How many calories are in Panera broccoli soup?
A standard 10.5-ounce serving (small size) of Panera broccoli cheddar soup contains approximately 230 calories. The same serving has 16g of fat, 16g of carbohydrates, and 8g of protein.
Does Panera broccoli soup contain dairy?
Yes, Panera's broccoli cheddar soup contains multiple dairy ingredients including cheddar cheese and cream. It is not suitable for those with dairy allergies or who follow a dairy-free diet.
Can I get Panera broccoli soup nutrition facts online?
Yes, Panera provides complete nutrition information for all menu items on their official website. You can find detailed nutrition facts for their broccoli cheddar soup including calories, fat content, carbohydrates, and protein information.
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