Picture this: you're walking into Panera Bread, and you're instantly hit with the warm, comforting smell of freshly baked bread. Your stomach grumbles in anticipation of the mouthwatering soups on the menu. From brothy chicken noodles to cheesy broccoli-cheddar, Panera's soups have won the hearts of many. They're so beloved that they've even made their way onto grocery store shelves in microwaveable form. But here's the burning question: just how healthy are these soups?
We've done some digging and consulted with registered dietitians to rank Panera's soups in order from healthiest to least healthy. Get ready to be surprised!
Coming in as the healthiest Panera soup is the Turkey Chili. Not only is it a flavorful and satisfying choice for a chilly evening, but it's also surprisingly healthy. With just 200 calories per bowl and a mere 7 grams of fat, this soup packs a punch with 9 grams of fiber and 14 grams of protein. It's a favorite among mindful eaters and those watching their sodium intake, with only 460 milligrams of sodium.
Next up, we have the Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. This classic combination is a perfect choice for a light yet fulfilling meal. Although it has 180 calories and 10 grams of fat, it makes up for it with 4 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. The only downside is the high sodium content at 920 milligrams per bowl.
For those looking for a low-calorie option, the Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is a solid choice. With a mere 60 calories per bowl, this soup offers real vegetables like carrots and celery. However, it lacks fiber and is high in sodium at 860 milligrams.
If you're in the mood for a vegetarian option, the Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup might be calling your name. Packed with warm and autumnal flavors, this soup has 210 calories and 11 grams of fat. It also provides 3 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. While it's higher in calories and saturated fat, it's a better option in terms of sodium compared to other soups.
Now, let's talk about the Bistro French Onion Soup, which falls towards the bottom of our list. While it boasts 190 calories and 7 grams of fat, its downfall lies in its sodium content. With a whopping 1,290 milligrams of sodium per bowl, it's not recommended for those watching their salt intake.
Moving on to the Creamy Tomato Soup, which is undeniably a classic and perfect with a grilled cheese sandwich. Unfortunately, it doesn't offer the greatest nutrition. With 240 calories and 15 grams of fat (including 8 grams of saturated fat), this soup falls short in terms of fiber and protein.
And finally, we arrive at the unhealthiest soup on the Panera menu: the Broccoli Cheddar Soup. While broccoli is generally a healthy choice, this soup takes a turn for the worse. With 240 calories and 16 grams of fat (11 grams of which are saturated fat), it also packs a punch with sodium, coming in at 1,060 milligrams. High sodium intake is linked to health issues such as high blood pressure and kidney disease.
So there you have it, the scoop on Panera's soups. While some options are healthier than others, it's all about finding the balance that works for you. Whether you're craving a comforting bowl of Turkey Chili or treating yourself to the indulgence of Broccoli Cheddar, be mindful of the nutritional content and enjoy in moderation. After all, everything is better when savored.
