If you’re a fan of Panera Bread, you may have tried their famous broccoli cheddar soup. This creamy and cheesy soup is a popular choice for many customers, but have you ever wondered about its nutritional value? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients and nutritional content of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup.
First, let’s start with an overview of the nutritional value of this soup. According to Panera Bread’s website, a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup contains 370 calories, 22 grams of fat, 17 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of protein. It also provides a good source of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. However, it’s important to note that the nutritional content may vary depending on the size and serving you choose.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the specific nutrients in Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup. The soup is high in fat, with 22 grams per serving, which may not be ideal for those watching their fat intake. However, it does provide a good amount of protein, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. The soup also contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates, which can provide energy for your body. Additionally, the soup is high in sodium, with 1,190 milligrams per serving, which may not be suitable for those on a low-sodium diet.
Key Takeaways
- Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup contains 370 calories, 22 grams of fat, 17 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of protein.
- The soup is high in sodium, with 1,190 milligrams per serving.
- While the soup provides a good source of vitamins and minerals, it may not be suitable for those watching their fat or sodium intake.
Nutritional Overview of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a popular menu item that is often enjoyed as a comforting and satisfying meal. However, if you are conscious about your diet and nutritional intake, you may be wondering about the nutritional value of this soup. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information for Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup:
Calories
The calorie count of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup varies depending on the size you choose. The cup size contains 230 calories, the bowl size contains 360 calories, and the bread bowl size contains 900 calories. Therefore, if you are trying to watch your calorie intake, it is recommended that you choose the cup size.
Fat
Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a rich and creamy soup that contains a significant amount of fat. The cup size contains 13 grams of fat, the bowl size contains 21 grams of fat, and the bread bowl size contains 59 grams of fat. If you are trying to limit your fat intake, it is recommended that you choose the cup size and pair it with a low-fat side dish.
Protein
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a good source of protein. The cup size contains 9 grams of protein, the bowl size contains 14 grams of protein, and the bread bowl size contains 25 grams of protein. Protein is an essential nutrient that helps build and repair tissues in the body, so it is important to include it in your diet.
Carbohydrates
Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates. The cup size contains 20 grams of carbohydrates, the bowl size contains 32 grams of carbohydrates, and the bread bowl size contains 121 grams of carbohydrates. If you are following a low-carb diet, it is recommended that you choose the cup size and pair it with a low-carb side dish.
Vitamins and Minerals
Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. These nutrients are important for maintaining a healthy immune system, strong bones, and overall health.
In conclusion, Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a tasty and satisfying meal option, but it is important to be mindful of the nutritional value. If you are trying to watch your calorie, fat, or carbohydrate intake, it is recommended that you choose the cup size and pair it with a low-fat or low-carb side dish.
Caloric Content
If you are watching your calorie intake, you may be curious about the caloric content of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup. The number of calories in the soup can vary depending on the size and type of serving you choose.
According to FastFoodNutrition.org, a cup of broccoli cheddar soup contains 230 calories, while a bowl contains 370 calories. If you opt for a bread bowl, the calorie count jumps to 900 calories.
It’s important to note that the nutritional information provided by Panera Bread may differ slightly from the information provided by other sources. However, according to Panera Bread’s website, a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup contains 370 calories.
If you are looking to reduce your caloric intake, you may want to consider ordering a half portion of soup or pairing the soup with a lower calorie option, such as a salad or a piece of fruit.
Overall, while Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup can be a tasty and satisfying option, it’s important to be aware of the caloric content and to make informed choices based on your dietary needs and goals.
Protein Content
If you’re looking for a soup that’s high in protein, Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is a decent option. According to FastFoodNutrition.org, a cup of broccoli cheddar soup contains 9 grams of protein, while a bowl contains 17 grams of protein. This is a decent amount of protein for a soup, especially considering that most soups are not high in protein.
However, it’s worth noting that the protein content of the soup can vary depending on the size and ingredients. For example, if you add chicken to your soup, you’ll increase the protein content. On the other hand, if you opt for a bread bowl, you’ll also increase the calorie and carbohydrate content, but not the protein content.
If you’re trying to increase your protein intake, you may want to consider pairing the soup with a protein-rich side dish, such as a salad with grilled chicken or a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread. This will help you meet your protein needs while also providing a balanced meal.
Overall, while Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is not the highest protein food out there, it can be a decent source of protein if you’re looking for a warm and comforting soup option.
Carbohydrate Content
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates. One cup of broccoli cheddar soup contains 20 grams of carbohydrates, while a bowl contains 31 grams of carbohydrates. If you opt for a bread bowl, keep in mind that it contains a whopping 120 grams of carbohydrates.
Most of the carbohydrates in the soup come from the milk, cheese, and broccoli. While milk and cheese contain lactose, a type of sugar, broccoli is a good source of fiber. The soup also contains a small amount of added sugar, which contributes to the carbohydrate content.
If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, you may want to opt for a cup of soup instead of a bowl or bread bowl. Additionally, you can pair the soup with a lower-carbohydrate option, such as a salad or a half sandwich, to balance out your meal.
Overall, Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is a tasty option, but be mindful of the carbohydrate content if you’re following a low-carbohydrate diet.
Fat Content
Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is known for its rich and creamy texture, which is partly due to its high fat content. According to FastFoodNutrition.org, the Bread Bowl Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains the most calories, with a total of 900 calories. Of those calories, 53 grams come from fat, which is 68% of the recommended daily value.
The Cup Broccoli Cheddar Soup, on the other hand, has the fewest calories, with only 230 calories per serving. It also has the lowest fat content, with 12 grams of fat, or 18% of the recommended daily value.
It’s important to note that the fat in Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup comes from a variety of sources, including cheese, cream, and butter. While these ingredients contribute to the soup’s rich flavor, they also add significant amounts of saturated fat. In fact, the Bread Bowl Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains 37 grams of saturated fat, which is 185% of the recommended daily value.
If you’re looking to reduce your fat intake, you may want to consider choosing a smaller size or opting for a different soup altogether. Panera offers a variety of soups that are lower in fat, such as their Low-Fat Chicken Noodle Soup, which contains only 6 grams of fat per serving.
Overall, while Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a delicious and satisfying option, it’s important to be mindful of its high fat content and choose your serving size accordingly.
Vitamins and Minerals
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is a good source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for your body’s functions. Here are some of the nutrients you can find in a bowl of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup:
- Vitamin A: This nutrient is important for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune system. A bowl of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup contains 40% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A.
- Vitamin C: This nutrient is an antioxidant that helps protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. It also plays a role in collagen production, which is important for healthy skin and joints. A bowl of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup contains 60% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C.
- Calcium: This mineral is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth. A bowl of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup contains 30% of the daily recommended intake of calcium.
- Iron: This mineral is important for carrying oxygen throughout your body and maintaining healthy red blood cells. A bowl of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup contains 10% of the daily recommended intake of iron.
- Potassium: This mineral is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure and fluid balance in your body. A bowl of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup contains 10% of the daily recommended intake of potassium.
In addition to these nutrients, a bowl of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup also contains other vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, vitamin K, and magnesium. However, it is important to note that the nutritional value of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup may vary depending on the size and ingredients of the bowl.
Overall, Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup can be a nutritious addition to your diet, providing you with a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.
Sodium Content
If you are watching your sodium intake, you might want to be cautious about consuming Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup. According to Panera Bread’s website, their broccoli cheddar soup contains 1,050 milligrams of sodium per serving. This is 45% of the recommended daily intake of sodium for an adult.
While this might seem like a lot, it’s important to note that many restaurant dishes and packaged foods are high in sodium. Additionally, sodium is an essential nutrient that plays a role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. However, consuming too much sodium can increase your risk of high blood pressure and other health issues.
If you are concerned about the sodium content of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup, you might consider some of their other soup options. For example, their low-sodium options include their turkey chili and their vegetarian lentil quinoa broth bowl, which both contain 480 milligrams of sodium per serving.
Overall, while Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup may not be the best option if you are watching your sodium intake, there are other options available on their menu that are lower in sodium. As always, it’s important to make informed choices about the foods you consume and to be mindful of your overall dietary habits.
Dietary Fiber
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is a good source of dietary fiber. According to MyFoodDiary, a cup of this soup contains 4g of dietary fiber, which is about 14% of the recommended daily value.
Dietary fiber is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health. It helps to regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation, and reduce the risk of colon cancer. In addition, fiber can also help to lower cholesterol levels, control blood sugar levels, and promote satiety, which can aid in weight management.
It is recommended that adults consume between 25-30g of fiber per day. However, many people fall short of this recommendation. Including fiber-rich foods like Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup in your diet can help you meet your daily fiber needs.
In addition to broccoli, which is naturally high in fiber, this soup also contains milk and cheddar cheese. While these ingredients do not contribute a significant amount of fiber, they do provide other important nutrients like calcium and protein.
Overall, Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is a tasty and nutritious option that can help you meet your daily fiber needs and promote digestive health.
Ingredients Impact on Nutrition
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is made with a variety of ingredients that can impact its nutritional value. Here are some of the key ingredients and their impact on the soup’s nutrition:
Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and potassium. Broccoli is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. In Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup, the broccoli provides a good source of fiber and nutrients.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, but it is also high in fat and calories. In Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup, the cheddar cheese provides a creamy texture and a rich flavor, but it also adds calories and saturated fat. If you are watching your calorie intake or trying to limit your saturated fat intake, you may want to choose a smaller portion size or consider a different soup option.
Milk and Cream
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is made with a combination of milk and cream, which adds to its creamy texture and rich flavor. However, milk and cream are also high in calories and fat. If you are watching your calorie intake or trying to limit your fat intake, you may want to choose a smaller portion size or consider a different soup option.
Carrots, Corn Starch, and Onions
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup also contains carrots, corn starch, and onions, which are used as thickening agents and to add flavor. Carrots are a good source of vitamin A and fiber, while onions are a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Corn starch is a common thickening agent used in soups and other foods. These ingredients do add some nutrition to the soup, but their impact on the overall nutrition of the soup is minimal.
Sodium
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is relatively high in sodium, with 890 mg of sodium in a 12 oz serving. If you are watching your sodium intake, you may want to choose a smaller portion size or consider a different soup option.
Overall, Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup can be a tasty and satisfying option, but it is important to be mindful of its nutritional content. If you are concerned about the calorie, fat, or sodium content of the soup, you may want to choose a smaller portion size or consider a different soup option.
How to Balance Your Diet with Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is a popular menu item that can be enjoyed as a part of a balanced diet. While it may not be the healthiest option on the menu, it can still be a nutritious and satisfying meal when consumed in moderation.
Here are some tips on how to balance your diet with Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup:
1. Pair it with a salad
One way to balance out the nutritional value of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is to pair it with a salad. Choose a salad that is high in fiber and nutrients, such as the Caesar salad or the Greek salad. This will help to increase your intake of vegetables and provide a more well-rounded meal.
2. Watch your portion size
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is high in calories, fat, and sodium, so it’s important to watch your portion size. Stick to a cup or bowl, and avoid adding any additional toppings or bread on the side. This will help to keep your overall calorie and sodium intake in check.
3. Opt for whole grain bread
If you do decide to add bread to your meal, opt for a whole grain option. This will provide more fiber and nutrients than white bread, and help to balance out the nutritional value of the soup.
4. Balance it out with other meals
If you’re a frequent Panera customer, it’s important to balance out the nutritional value of the broccoli cheddar soup with other meals throughout the day. Choose lean proteins, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables to ensure that you’re getting a well-rounded diet.
Overall, Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup can be a nutritious and satisfying meal when consumed in moderation and balanced out with other healthy choices throughout the day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup can be a nutritious and satisfying meal option when consumed in moderation. The soup is made with wholesome ingredients such as broccoli, milk, and cheddar cheese, which provide essential nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamin D. However, the soup can also be high in calories, fat, and sodium, depending on the serving size and preparation method.
If you are watching your calorie intake, it is recommended to choose a smaller serving size such as a cup or a small bowl. According to FastFoodNutrition.org, Panera’s cup of broccoli cheddar soup contains 230 calories, 13 grams of fat, and 9 grams of protein, while the bread bowl contains 900 calories, 49 grams of fat, and 35 grams of protein. Opting for a smaller size can help you stay within your daily calorie limit and reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats.
Moreover, if you are concerned about sodium intake, it is important to note that Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup can be high in sodium. According to Panera Bread’s website, a bowl of broccoli cheddar soup contains 1,090 milligrams of sodium, which is about 47% of your daily recommended intake. To reduce your sodium intake, you can try making the soup at home using low-sodium broth and cheese.
Overall, Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup can be a delicious and nutritious meal option when consumed in moderation and with attention to serving size and preparation method. By making small adjustments to your order or cooking method, you can enjoy the soup while still maintaining a balanced and healthy diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nutritional information for Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup?
According to FastFoodNutrition.org, the nutritional value of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup varies depending on the size you choose. The cup size contains 230 calories, while the bread bowl size contains 900 calories. The soup also contains 18 grams of fat, 16 grams of protein, and 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What are the ingredients in Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup?
The main ingredients in Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup are chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, and a smooth cheese sauce. Other ingredients include milk, butter, flour, and spices. For a detailed list of ingredients, visit the Panera Bread website.
Is Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup vegetarian?
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is not vegetarian. It contains chicken broth as one of its ingredients. However, they offer a vegetarian option called the “Vegetarian Creamy Tomato Soup.”
How many carbs are in Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup?
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup contains 13 grams of carbohydrates per serving. However, this may vary depending on the size of the soup you order.
What is the price of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup?
The price of Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup varies depending on the size and location. According to the Panera Bread website, the soup costs $8.69 for a bowl with a side.
Is Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup healthy?
Panera’s broccoli cheddar soup is not the healthiest option on their menu. It contains a high amount of calories and fat. However, it does provide a good source of protein and some essential vitamins. It is best to consume in moderation as part of a balanced diet.