The Calorie Breakdown: Soup vs. Bread
When you order a Panera broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl, you're consuming the calories from two distinct components: the soup itself and the sourdough bread bowl. The calorie counts are significant for both parts, and understanding their individual contributions is key to a complete nutritional picture.
- The Soup: A standard bowl of Panera's broccoli cheddar soup contains approximately 360 calories.
- The Bread Bowl: The classic sourdough bread bowl that holds the soup adds a considerable amount of calories on its own, at about 660 calories.
By adding these figures together, it's clear that the combination creates a high-calorie meal. The bread bowl, while a delicious vessel, is the primary source of the total caloric load, contributing nearly double the calories of the soup it holds.
Full Nutritional Details of the Bread Bowl Combo
Beyond just calories, the Panera broccoli cheddar soup bread bowl offers a rich profile of macronutrients. According to CalorieKing, here's a detailed look at what's in a single serving:
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 149g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 2000mg
This breakdown highlights the meal's high carbohydrate content, driven largely by the sourdough bread. The sodium level is also very high, representing a significant portion of the recommended daily intake for most people.
Comparison Table: Bread Bowl vs. Regular Bowl
For those looking to enjoy the delicious taste of Panera's broccoli cheddar soup with fewer calories, a great alternative is to order it in a regular bowl. Here is a direct comparison of the nutritional values based on publicly available data:
| Nutritional Value | Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl | Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Bowl Only) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 900 | 360 |
| Total Fat | 18g | 21g |
| Carbohydrates | 149g | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8g | 6g |
| Protein | 35g | 14g |
| Sodium | 2000mg | 1330mg |
As the table clearly shows, choosing the soup in a regular bowl drastically reduces the calories and carbohydrates, while still providing a good amount of flavor and fiber. Interestingly, the total fat is slightly higher in the regular bowl, but this is balanced by the massive reduction in carbs and sodium from omitting the bread bowl.
Tips for a Lighter Panera Meal
If you love the flavor of Panera but want to stick to a lower-calorie diet, here are a few simple strategies you can employ:
- Order the soup in a cup or regular bowl: This is the most effective way to cut the majority of the calories from the bread bowl itself. A cup of soup provides even fewer calories than a bowl.
- Use the "You Pick Two" option: Many Panera locations offer this combo meal, allowing you to pair a smaller portion of the soup with a salad or half-sandwich, controlling your overall intake.
- Choose a different soup: Panera's menu offers other soups that have a lower calorie count. For example, the Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is often a lighter option.
- Share the meal: The bread bowl combo can be large enough to share with a friend or family member, allowing both of you to enjoy the treat without consuming all the calories yourself.
- Consider a homemade copycat version: Preparing the soup at home gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to use low-fat milk or half-and-half, less cheese, and control the sodium. A homemade bread bowl recipe also allows for ingredient control.
The Ingredients Behind the Nutrition
The classic Panera broccoli cheddar soup is made with a rich blend of ingredients that contribute to its creamy texture and comforting taste. The soup contains chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, chicken stock, heavy cream, and a blend of cheddar cheese. The sourdough bread bowl is a simple recipe of flour, yeast, water, and salt, but its large size and density are what make it so calorically dense. For those with dietary restrictions or allergies, it's always wise to check the official Panera website for the most up-to-date allergen information before ordering.
Conclusion
The Panera broccoli cheddar soup in a bread bowl is an undeniably delicious and comforting meal, but it's also a high-calorie one. With 900 total calories, the bulk of which comes from the sourdough bread vessel, it's a significant indulgence. For those conscious of their calorie or carbohydrate intake, opting for the soup in a regular bowl or a cup provides a much lighter alternative. By understanding the nutritional breakdown, you can continue to enjoy this Panera favorite in a way that aligns with your dietary goals. For the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional information, always consult Panera's official resources directly. You can find detailed menu and nutritional guides on their website. Panera Bread Nutrition Information
