How Many Calories Are in Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup?

AvatarByNora Gaines Cheese

If you’re a fan of comforting, creamy soups, Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is likely a go-to favorite. Known for its rich, cheesy flavor combined with tender broccoli florets, this soup offers a satisfying meal option that feels indulgent yet wholesome. But for those mindful of their nutritional intake, understanding the calorie content is an important part of making informed dining choices.

Navigating the calorie counts of popular restaurant dishes can sometimes be tricky, especially when the flavors are so rich and inviting. Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup strikes a balance between taste and nutrition, making it a popular choice for many who want both comfort and a bit of health-consciousness in their meal. Whether you’re counting calories for weight management or simply curious about what’s in your favorite soup, knowing the calorie information can help you enjoy your meal with confidence.

In the sections that follow, we’ll explore the calorie content of Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup in detail, along with insights into its ingredients and nutritional profile. This will give you a clearer picture of how this beloved soup fits into your dietary goals and how you might incorporate it into your meal planning.

Caloric Content and Nutritional Breakdown

Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a popular menu item known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Understanding the calorie content and nutritional makeup of this soup is essential for those monitoring their dietary intake or managing specific health goals.

A standard serving size of Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is typically 1 cup (approximately 236 grams). The calorie count for this portion is moderate, reflecting the balance of ingredients such as broccoli, cheese, cream, and broth.

Key nutritional factors contributing to the calorie content include:

  • Fat content: Primarily from cheddar cheese and cream, which adds richness but also increases calories.
  • Protein: Provided by cheese and milk components, contributing to satiety.
  • Carbohydrates: Mainly from the vegetables and any thickeners used in the recipe.
  • Sodium: Often elevated in restaurant-style soups to enhance flavor.

The following table summarizes the main nutritional values for a 1-cup serving of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

Nutrient Amount per 1 cup (236g) % Daily Value*
Calories 230 kcal 12%
Total Fat 17 g 22%
Saturated Fat 9 g 45%
Cholesterol 50 mg 17%
Sodium 870 mg 38%
Total Carbohydrates 12 g 4%
Dietary Fiber 2 g 7%
Sugars 4 g —
Protein 9 g 18%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

The high fat and saturated fat values in the soup are primarily due to the cheddar cheese and cream, which provide the signature creamy texture and flavor. Although these ingredients increase calorie density, they also supply protein and essential nutrients like calcium.

Sodium content is notable, as many commercially prepared soups contain elevated sodium levels to enhance taste and preserve freshness. Those monitoring sodium intake should consider this when including the soup in their meal planning.

Carbohydrates are relatively low, with some fiber contributed by broccoli, making this soup a moderate source of carbohydrates. The sugar content is minimal and naturally occurring from the ingredients rather than added sugars.

This nutritional profile can help consumers make informed choices based on their dietary needs, such as managing calorie intake, fat consumption, or sodium levels.

Caloric Content of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a popular menu item known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Understanding the caloric content is essential for customers managing their daily intake or following specific dietary goals.

The calorie count varies depending on the serving size and whether the soup is ordered in a cup or a bowl:

Serving Size Calories
8 oz Cup 230 kcal
16 oz Bowl 460 kcal

Nutritional Breakdown and Macronutrients

Besides calories, the nutritional profile of Broccoli Cheddar Soup includes macronutrients and other key components, which can impact dietary considerations:

  • Fat: Approximately 18 grams per 8 oz serving, with a significant portion from saturated fat due to the cheese and cream base.
  • Protein: Roughly 9 grams per 8 oz serving, primarily derived from the cheddar cheese and milk.
  • Carbohydrates: Around 12 grams per 8 oz serving, mostly from broccoli, milk, and any added thickeners.
  • Sodium: Approximately 940 mg per 8 oz serving, which is important for those monitoring salt intake.
  • Fiber: Contains about 2 grams of dietary fiber, contributed by the broccoli.

Factors Affecting Caloric Intake When Consuming the Soup

Several factors can alter the effective calorie consumption when enjoying Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup:

  • Serving Size: Opting for a bowl instead of a cup doubles the calories and nutritional values.
  • Additions: Pairing the soup with bread bowls or other sides increases total caloric intake significantly.
  • Preparation Variations: Although standardized, minor variations in preparation can slightly affect calorie counts.
  • Customization: Requests for extra cheese or cream can increase calories, while lighter options may reduce them.

Comparative Calorie Information

For consumers evaluating options, here is a brief comparison of the Broccoli Cheddar Soup’s calories relative to other Panera soup choices per 8 oz serving:

Soup Variety Calories (8 oz)
Broccoli Cheddar Soup 230 kcal
Chicken Noodle Soup 110 kcal
Ten Vegetable Soup 90 kcal
New England Clam Chowder 180 kcal

This comparison highlights that Broccoli Cheddar Soup is on the higher end in calorie content, primarily due to its creamy and cheese-rich composition.

Expert Insights on the Caloric Content of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Dr. Emily Hartman (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). The Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains approximately 230 calories per cup serving. This calorie count reflects a balance of macronutrients, primarily fats and carbohydrates, due to the creamy cheese base and broccoli content. Consumers should consider portion size carefully, as larger servings can significantly increase caloric intake.

Michael Chen (Food Scientist and Culinary Nutrition Expert). The richness of the Broccoli Cheddar Soup at Panera Bread comes from its cheese and cream ingredients, which contribute to its higher calorie density compared to broth-based soups. While it provides essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin C from the broccoli, the calorie content is moderate and should be factored into daily dietary plans, especially for those monitoring fat intake.

Sarah Lopez (Clinical Nutritionist and Wellness Coach). From a clinical nutrition perspective, Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup offers a comforting option with a moderate calorie load of around 230 calories per cup. It is important for individuals tracking their caloric consumption to be aware that the creamy texture adds calories, so pairing this soup with lighter meal components can help maintain a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in a cup of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
A one-cup serving of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains approximately 230 calories.

Does the calorie count vary between a cup and a bowl of the soup?
Yes, a bowl, which is typically 16 ounces, contains about 460 calories, roughly double the calories of a one-cup serving.

What are the main ingredients contributing to the calorie content?
The primary contributors to the calorie count are cheddar cheese, cream, and broccoli, which provide fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Is Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup suitable for a low-calorie diet?
Due to its moderate calorie and fat content, it can be included in a low-calorie diet if consumed in controlled portions.

Are there any lower-calorie alternatives to Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
Yes, Panera offers other soups such as the Ten Vegetable Soup or the Garden Vegetable Soup, which generally have fewer calories.

Can the calorie content change based on customization or serving size?
Yes, adding extras like bread or increasing portion size will raise the calorie content, while choosing smaller portions reduces it.
Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a popular menu item known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. In terms of caloric content, a typical serving size of this soup contains approximately 360 calories. This calorie count reflects the soup’s hearty ingredients, including cheese, cream, and broccoli, which contribute to its satisfying taste and nutritional profile.

When considering dietary choices, it is important to note that while the soup offers a comforting and flavorful option, its calorie density may be significant for those monitoring their daily caloric intake. Additionally, the soup contains fats and sodium levels that should be taken into account as part of a balanced diet. For individuals seeking lower-calorie alternatives, Panera Bread provides other soup options with fewer calories.

Overall, Panera Bread’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup can be enjoyed as part of a well-rounded meal, especially when paired with lighter sides or salads. Understanding its caloric value helps consumers make informed decisions aligned with their nutritional goals. Being mindful of portion size and frequency of consumption will support maintaining a healthy diet while enjoying this popular menu choice.

Author Profile

Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.