How Many Calories Are in a Panera Almond Pastry?

January 11, 2026 •

3 min read

According to Panera's official nutrition guide, a single Panera almond pastry contains 480 calories. This rich, flaky treat is known for its indulgent layers and sweet almond filling, but it's important to understand the full nutritional picture to make informed dietary choices.

Quick Summary

A Panera almond pastry provides 480 calories, with its high-calorie density coming from a rich blend of fats and carbohydrates. It features 28g of total fat, 50g of carbohydrates, and 9g of protein per serving, making it a substantial and decadent indulgence.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A single Panera almond pastry contains 480 calories.
High in Fat: With 28g of fat per serving, it's a calorie-dense and indulgent treat.
Rich in Carbs: The pastry contains 50g of carbohydrates, largely from its flour, sugar, and fillings.
Mindful Consumption: Strategies like sharing the pastry or pairing it with a low-calorie drink can help manage your intake.
Comparative Treat: Other Panera bakery items like the Cherry Pastry (340 cal) or Chocolate Croissant (410 cal) offer lower-calorie alternatives.

A Full Nutritional Breakdown

Beyond the headline calorie count, a complete nutritional profile helps contextualize the Panera almond pastry's place in your diet. The macronutrient breakdown reveals where the energy is coming from, with a high fat content contributing significantly to the total calories. Understanding these details can help you decide how and when to enjoy this treat.

Macronutrient Profile

Calories: 480 calories
Fat: 28g total fat, which is 36% of the Daily Value (DV).
- Saturated Fat: 13g, which is 65% of the DV.
- Trans Fat: 1g.
Carbohydrates: 50g total carbohydrates, including 21g of total sugars.
Protein: 9g.
Sodium: 300mg, which is 13% of the DV.
Fiber: 3g, which is 11% of the DV.
Cholesterol: 75mg, which is 25% of the DV.

What Makes the Almond Pastry Calorie-Dense?

The Panera almond pastry's richness stems from its core ingredients. The flaky dough is made with a high-fat content, likely from butter, which is crucial for achieving its delicate, layered texture. The pastry is filled with a sweet almond paste, known as frangipane, which adds a significant amount of sugar and fat. Finally, the crunchy almond slices and sugar glaze on top further increase the sugar and fat content, rounding out the indulgent flavor and texture profile.

Panera Pastry Comparison Table

To put the almond pastry's calorie count into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular bakery items available at Panera. Note that these values are based on standard servings and may vary slightly by location or recipe adjustments over time.


Panera Bakery Item	Calories	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Protein (g)
Almond Pastry	480	28	50	9
Chocolate Croissant	410	23	46	9
Pecan Braid	450	25	50	9
Cherry Pastry	340	14	48	6
Orange Scone	550	21	77	8

How to Enjoy the Almond Pastry Mindfully

Enjoying a decadent treat like the Panera almond pastry doesn't mean you have to abandon your health goals. A mindful approach to consumption can help you strike a balance. Consider these tips:

Share it: Splitting the pastry with a friend or family member is an easy way to halve the calorie intake and still enjoy the delicious taste.
Pair it wisely: If you opt for the pastry, balance your meal by choosing a lighter, lower-calorie drink. Pair it with an unsweetened coffee or tea instead of a sugary beverage to reduce overall calories.
Consider timing: If you're planning on a sweet treat, you can adjust your other meals of the day to account for the additional calories. Enjoy it as a planned indulgence, rather than an impulsive decision.
Check the app: Panera's app and kiosks allow you to see nutrition information in real-time as you customize your order, which can help with decision-making.

Healthier Bakery Alternatives at Panera

If you're looking for a sweet treat with a lower calorie count, Panera offers other options that might fit your needs. For example, a plain bagel without a heavy cream cheese spread is a much lighter choice. Even some breakfast items like the Avocado, Egg White & Spinach sandwich, when ordered without the bagel, offer a higher-protein, lower-carb alternative. The key is to check the nutrition facts for each item and make a choice that aligns with your dietary preferences and goals.

Conclusion

The Panera almond pastry is a delicious and indulgent choice that packs 480 calories, along with significant amounts of fat and carbohydrates. By understanding its nutritional profile and comparing it to other items on the menu, you can make an informed decision about how it fits into your overall diet. Whether you choose to enjoy it in moderation, share it, or opt for a lighter alternative, being mindful of its content is the first step towards balanced eating. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to Panera's official nutrition resources.

Learn more about Panera's menu and nutrition on their website Panera Bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the almond pastry has 480 calories, a Panera almond croissant is listed with 550 calories, making the almond pastry slightly less calorie-dense.

Burning off 480 calories varies by activity and body weight, but roughly an hour of jogging or bicycling could help offset the calories from one almond pastry.

With 9g of protein, the almond pastry contributes to your daily protein intake, but it is not considered a primary protein source due to its high fat and carbohydrate content.

Yes, Panera offers healthier alternatives. For example, a plain bagel or Sprouted Grain Bagel Flat without a heavy spread is a much lower-calorie choice than the pastries.

The primary sources of calories are the butter-rich pastry dough and the sweet frangipane almond filling, which contribute high amounts of fat and sugar.

The almond pastry is on the higher end of Panera's bakery items, though the Orange Scone is even higher at 550 calories. It is significantly more calorie-dense than the Cherry Pastry at 340 calories.

No, the almond pastry is a pre-made item and cannot be modified. However, you can opt for a lighter side like an apple or fruit cup to balance your meal if you have the pastry as your main item.