Calorie Breakdown by Serving Size
The calorie content of Panera's Mexican Corn Chowder depends on the size you order. The in-cafe menu offers both a cup and a bowl, each with a different nutritional profile.
- Cup: A single cup of Mexican Street Corn Chowder from Panera contains 190 calories. This smaller size is a good option for a light meal or pairing with another menu item, like a salad.
- Bowl: The standard bowl size has 310 calories. This portion provides a more filling meal, with a significantly higher calorie count than the cup, along with increased fat and sodium.
- Panera at Home Version: The refrigerated Panera at Home Mexican Style Street Corn Chowder also has a different calorie count. A single 1-cup (245g) serving contains 170 calories. This slight variation is important for those tracking their intake, as the in-cafe recipe and portioning differ from the packaged products.
Full Nutrition Facts: Beyond the Calories
While calories are a key metric, it's also important to consider the full nutritional breakdown of the chowder, especially for those monitoring sodium, fat, and carbs. Here are the nutrition facts for a standard in-cafe bowl:
- Total Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
- Sodium: 1360 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Dietary Fiber: 6 g
- Total Sugars: 7 g
- Protein: 9 g
This data shows that the creamy texture and flavor of the chowder come with a relatively high fat and sodium content. The 1360 mg of sodium in a bowl is a significant portion of the daily recommended intake.
How Mexican Corn Chowder Compares to Other Panera Soups
To put the calorie count in perspective, here is a comparison table of the standard bowl size for popular Panera soups. This comparison helps illustrate where the Mexican Corn Chowder falls on the menu's nutritional spectrum.
| Soup (Bowl Size) | Approximate Calories | Key Nutrients (Bowl) |
|---|---|---|
| Mexican Street Corn Chowder | 310 calories | 19g fat, 1360mg sodium, 9g protein |
| Broccoli Cheddar Soup | 360 calories | High in fat, calcium; also high in sodium |
| Homestyle Chicken Noodle | ~790 calories (in bread bowl) | Lower fat and sodium than creamy soups, higher carb in bread bowl |
| Vegetarian Creamy Tomato (Cup) | 250 calories | High fat for a cup size; less sodium than chowder |
| Ten Vegetable Soup | Varies by size | Significantly lower in calories and fat |
This comparison shows that while the Mexican Corn Chowder is not the highest-calorie soup on the menu, its creamy base contributes to a higher calorie and fat count than many vegetable-based or broth-based options.
Tips for a Lighter Soup Experience
If you enjoy the flavor of the Mexican Corn Chowder but want to reduce its caloric impact, here are a few strategies:
- Opt for a Cup: Choosing the cup over the bowl is the most direct way to save calories and reduce fat and sodium intake without sacrificing flavor.
- Skip the Bread Side: The traditional baguette served with Panera soups adds significant calories. By forgoing it, you can keep your meal lighter.
- Pair with a Lighter Side: Instead of a bread side, pair your soup with a side salad with a low-calorie dressing to balance your meal.
- Make a Healthier Copycat at Home: Replicating the recipe at home allows you to control the ingredients. You can reduce calories by:
- Using lower-fat milk or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Swapping a portion of the cream for pureed cooked potatoes to maintain a thick consistency.
- Using low-sodium chicken broth.
Conclusion
In summary, the calorie count for Panera's Mexican Corn Chowder is 190 for a cup and 310 for a bowl. The refrigerated take-home version has a slightly different nutritional breakdown. While the soup offers a creamy and flavorful experience, its richness contributes to higher fat and sodium levels compared to broth-based alternatives. By being mindful of serving size and pairing choices, you can enjoy this seasonal favorite while managing your dietary goals.
