How Many Calories are in One Piece of Panera Bread?

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Panera's official nutrition data, a 2 oz side portion of their French Baguette contains 180 calories. The number of calories in one piece of Panera bread is not a single, fixed number and depends entirely on the specific bread type and serving size.

Quick Summary

The calories in a single piece of Panera bread vary significantly depending on the type and size. The exact calorie count ranges from 80 calories for a smaller slice to over 180 for larger portions like a baguette side.

Key Points

Variety is Key: The calorie count depends entirely on the type of Panera bread, with different varieties having different nutritional profiles.
Portion Size Matters: Calorie information is tied to specific serving sizes (e.g., 2 oz in-cafe vs. 1 slice at-home), not a single "piece".
Sourdough Differences: Calories for sourdough vary, with the in-cafe Country Rustic at 130 calories (2 oz) and grocery sourdough at 120 calories per slice.
Baguette and Focaccia Stats: A French Baguette side is 180 calories (in-cafe), while Black Pepper Focaccia is 140 calories per 2 oz serving.
Grocery Options: Retail sliced breads generally have lower calories per slice, with Country White at 80 and Whole Grain Multi-Grain at 100 calories per slice.
Check Official Sources: The most accurate nutrition data comes from Panera's official website or product packaging for at-home items.

The Calorie Count Varies Significantly

When asking how many calories are in one piece of Panera bread, the answer is never simple. Unlike a pre-packaged snack with a fixed serving size, Panera offers a variety of breads, and the portion size can differ. For example, a single slice from a pre-packaged grocery store loaf will have a different calorie count than a 2-ounce portion served in a bakery-cafe. Understanding these distinctions is key to accurately tracking your calorie intake.

Several factors influence the final nutritional value, including the ingredients (e.g., added cheese, nuts, or seeds) and the portion size. Panera provides official nutrition information for their menu items and their retail products, which helps demystify the numbers. The in-bakery servings are often standardized by weight (e.g., a 2 oz portion), while at-home sliced bread is measured by the slice.

Panera Bread Calories by Type

Sourdough and Rustic Breads

Panera's sourdough is a popular choice, known for its signature tangy flavor. However, the calories differ between the various sourdough products. The in-cafe Country Rustic Sourdough bread, often served as a side, contains 130 calories per 2 oz serving. In contrast, the Sourdough Loaf sold in grocery stores has 120 calories per slice (44g), which is a different measurement entirely. The famous sourdough bread bowl, a much larger portion designed to hold soup, is a significant calorie commitment at 670 calories.

Baguettes and Focaccia

The baguette is another classic Panera bread offering. A standard side portion of the French Baguette in the bakery-cafe contains 180 calories. For those purchasing the Panera at Home French Baguette, the serving size and calorie count might differ slightly, listed at 140 calories per 2 oz serving. Whole Grain Baguettes are a popular alternative, with a slightly lower count of 140 calories per 2 oz. Black Pepper Focaccia, a savory option, is 140 calories per 2 oz.

Sliced Grocery Breads

Panera also sells a variety of sliced breads in grocery stores, which are often used for sandwiches at home. These usually have more consistent serving sizes per slice, though the weight can vary. For example, the Country White Sliced Bread has 80 calories per 1-slice serving (32g), while the Whole Grain Multi-Grain Sliced Bread has 100 calories per 1-slice serving (38g).

Comparing Panera's Popular Breads

To help illustrate the differences, here is a comparison table of several popular Panera bread types, based on available nutrition data.


Bread Type	Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Sodium
Country Rustic Sourdough	2 oz (in-cafe)	130	5g	240mg
French Baguette	2 oz (in-cafe)	180	7g	450mg
Country White Sliced	1 slice (32g) (at-home)	80	3g	140mg
Whole Grain Multi-Grain Sliced	1 slice (38g) (at-home)	100	5g	180mg
Black Pepper Focaccia	2 oz	140	5g	370mg
Sourdough Loaf (Grocery)	1 slice (44g)	120	4g	180mg

Navigating Your Panera Bread Choices

Making informed choices at Panera involves more than just counting calories. The type of bread you choose can affect your intake of fiber, sodium, and protein.

Tips for Healthier Bread Consumption

Consider the whole grain options. Breads like the Whole Grain Multi-Grain or Whole Grain Baguette provide more fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. This can help with overall calorie management.
Be mindful of portion size. While the side portion of a baguette might have 180 calories, a full-sized sandwich made with that bread will naturally have more. Opting for a smaller portion can be a simple way to reduce calories.
Analyze the full meal. The bread is often just one component of a meal. A slice of bread with a salad is very different nutritionally from a bread bowl filled with a creamy soup. Always consider the context of your entire order.
Pair wisely. The best way to enjoy bread is often by pairing it with nutritious toppings, such as a smear of avocado or a lean protein, rather than high-calorie options like rich spreads.
Consult the official guide. For the most up-to-date and precise information, you can always refer to Panera's official online nutrition guide. Panera Bread Nutrition Guide

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how many calories are in one piece of Panera bread. The calorie count is highly dependent on the bread type and serving size, which can vary between in-bakery and at-home products. By checking Panera's official nutrition information and understanding the portion sizes, you can make more informed decisions. Choosing whole-grain options, being mindful of your serving size, and considering the full meal context are all strategies that help manage your caloric intake while still enjoying your favorite Panera bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard 2 oz side portion of Panera's Country Rustic Sourdough served in-cafe contains 130 calories. The at-home sliced sourdough is 120 calories per slice.

A single side portion of Panera's French Baguette, which is a 2 oz serving, has 180 calories when purchased in the bakery-cafe.

Generally, yes. Sliced breads sold in grocery stores are portioned differently. For example, a slice of Country White Sliced Bread is 80 calories, and a slice of Whole Grain Multi-Grain Sliced Bread is 100 calories.

The sourdough bread bowl, a much larger item, contains 670 calories on its own, not including the soup.

For the most accurate information, you should consult Panera's official website or the nutrition guide available in their cafes. For retail products, the nutritional information is on the packaging.

Whole-grain options like the Whole Grain Multi-Grain Sliced Bread typically offer more dietary fiber compared to their white bread counterparts, which can be beneficial for digestion and satiety.

Yes, any additions like butter, cream cheese, or other spreads will increase the total calorie count. For example, a 1.5 oz container of Plain Cream Cheese Spread is an additional 140 calories.

The variation is due to differing definitions of 'one piece.' Sources may be referring to a standard 2 oz portion from the cafe, a smaller slice from a grocery loaf, or an estimation based on a non-standardized portion, which is why it's important to be specific.