Panera Tomato Soup Calories: Exact Count & Nutrition Facts

One cup (8.3 oz) of Panera Bread's classic tomato soup contains 170 calories, while the full bowl (15.2 oz) serving has 310 calories. This popular menu item also provides 9g of carbohydrates, 2g of fiber, and 4g of protein per cup serving.

If you're tracking your daily nutrition intake, knowing the exact calorie count for Panera's tomato soup is essential for making informed dining choices. Whether you're managing your weight, following a specific diet plan, or simply curious about what you're consuming, this guide provides the most current and accurate nutritional information directly from Panera Bread's official sources.

Complete Nutritional Profile of Panera Tomato Soup

Understanding the full nutritional breakdown helps you make better decisions about how this menu item fits into your overall dietary goals. Here's the detailed information for both standard serving sizes:

Nutrient	Per Cup (8.3 oz)	Per Bowl (15.2 oz)
Calories	170	310
Total Fat	8g (10% DV)	15g (19% DV)
Saturated Fat	1.5g (8% DV)	2.5g (13% DV)
Trans Fat	0g	0g
Cholesterol	0mg	0mg
Sodium	790mg (34% DV)	1440mg (63% DV)
Total Carbohydrates	22g (8% DV)	40g (14% DV)
Dietary Fiber	2g (7% DV)	4g (14% DV)
Sugars	10g	18g
Protein	4g	7g

Data sourced from Panera Bread's official nutrition explorer (updated 2023).

How Panera Tomato Soup Fits Into Your Daily Nutrition Goals

When evaluating whether Panera's tomato soup aligns with your dietary needs, consider these key factors:

• Calorie context: The cup-sized serving represents approximately 8-10% of a standard 2,000-calorie daily diet, making it a reasonable option for a light lunch or starter
• Sodium consideration: With 790mg per cup, this soup contains over 30% of the American Heart Association's recommended daily sodium limit (2,300mg), which is important for those monitoring blood pressure
• Carbohydrate profile: The 22g of carbs per cup comes primarily from natural tomato sugars and vegetables, not added refined sugars
• Protein content: At 4g per cup, it provides modest protein that can be enhanced with additions like grilled chicken

Customization Options and Their Calorie Impact

Many customers don't realize they can modify Panera's tomato soup to better fit their nutritional goals. Here's how common customizations affect the calorie count:

• Add grilled chicken: +110 calories per 3oz serving (total 280 calories for cup with chicken)
• Side of artisan flatbread: +160 calories (total 330 calories for soup and bread)
• Light version request: Panera doesn't offer a light version of their classic tomato soup, but you can ask for reduced sodium preparation when available
• Pair with salad: The Fuji apple salad with chicken adds 360 calories, creating a more balanced 530-calorie meal

Comparing Panera Tomato Soup to Other Restaurant Options

How does Panera's offering stack up against similar menu items at other popular restaurants? This comparison helps put the tomato soup panera calories into perspective:

• Chick-fil-A Garden Herb Chicken Soup: 110 calories per cup (lower calorie but contains dairy)
• Chipotle Tomato Salsa: 45 calories per cup (significantly lower but not a traditional soup)
• Starbucks Tomato Basil Soup: 180 calories per cup (nearly identical to Panera's offering)
• Homemade tomato soup: Approximately 150 calories per cup when made with fresh ingredients and minimal oil

According to USDA FoodData Central, commercially prepared tomato soups average between 150-200 calories per 8oz serving, placing Panera's version right in the middle of the standard range for this category of restaurant soups.

Dietary Considerations for Different Health Goals

Depending on your specific dietary needs, Panera's tomato soup may require different considerations:

• Weight management: The cup-sized portion makes an excellent 170-calorie lunch option when paired with a side salad
• Low-sodium diets: The high sodium content (790mg per cup) may be problematic for those on strict sodium restrictions
• Vegetarian/vegan diets: Panera's classic tomato soup is vegetarian but contains dairy (milk and cream), making it unsuitable for strict vegans
• Diabetes management: With 22g of carbohydrates per cup, those monitoring blood sugar should account for this in their meal planning

Maximizing Nutritional Value When Ordering

To get the most nutritional benefit from your Panera tomato soup order, consider these practical tips:

• Choose the cup size rather than the bowl to keep calories in check at 170 versus 310
• Ask for extra vegetables on the side to increase fiber content without significant calorie addition
• Pair with a protein source like grilled chicken to create a more balanced meal that keeps you satisfied longer
• Avoid adding the artisan flatbread if you're watching calorie intake, as it adds 160 calories
• Drink water alongside your meal to help with portion control and hydration

Understanding Panera's Recipe Evolution

Over the past decade, Panera has made several recipe adjustments to their tomato soup in response to customer feedback and nutritional trends. In 2016, they removed artificial preservatives and flavors as part of their "No No List" initiative. More recently, they've worked to reduce sodium content across their menu items, though the tomato soup still maintains a relatively high sodium level compared to homemade versions.

According to Panera's transparency reports, their tomato soup now contains simple ingredients like tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, and herbs, with cream added for richness. This cleaner ingredient profile represents a positive shift from earlier versions that contained more processed ingredients.

Practical Takeaways for Health-Conscious Diners

When incorporating Panera's tomato soup into your regular dining routine, keep these key points in mind:

• The cup-sized serving (170 calories) works well as part of a balanced meal
• Be mindful of the high sodium content, especially if ordering the full bowl portion
• Customize with protein to increase satiety and nutritional balance
• Consider it an occasional treat rather than a daily staple if you're watching sodium intake
• Check Panera's website for the most current nutrition information before visiting, as recipes may change

For those following specific dietary plans, consulting with a registered dietitian can help determine how restaurant items like Panera's tomato soup fit into your personalized nutrition strategy. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that restaurant meals should generally account for no more than one-third of your daily calorie needs to maintain a balanced diet.

How many calories are in Panera tomato soup cup versus bowl?

A cup (8.3 oz) of Panera tomato soup contains 170 calories, while the full bowl (15.2 oz) serving has 310 calories.

Is Panera tomato soup suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, Panera's classic tomato soup is vegetarian as it contains no meat products. However, it does contain dairy ingredients (milk and cream), so it's not suitable for vegans.

Does Panera tomato soup have a lot of sodium?

Yes, Panera tomato soup has relatively high sodium content with 790mg per cup (8.3 oz) serving, which is about 34% of the recommended daily limit of 2,300mg. The full bowl contains 1,440mg (63% of daily limit).

Can I reduce the calories in Panera tomato soup?

You can keep calories in check by ordering the cup size (170 calories) instead of the bowl, skipping the bread, and avoiding high-calorie additions. Adding grilled chicken increases protein but adds 110 calories per 3oz serving.

How does Panera tomato soup compare to other restaurant soups nutritionally?

Panera's tomato soup (170 calories per cup) falls within the standard range for restaurant tomato soups. It has similar calories to Starbucks' tomato basil soup (180 per cup) but more than Chick-fil-A's garden herb chicken soup (110 per cup).