The End of the Panera Breadstick
For many years, Panera offered a variety of bread options alongside its sandwiches and soups, including the popular Asiago breadstick and a lower-carb Italian herb version. However, Panera underwent its largest menu transformation ever in April 2024, focusing on a more streamlined selection of core items. This change, combined with a gradual shift away from in-cafe fresh dough production that completed in 2025, meant many beloved items were cut from the menu.
Consequently, it is no longer possible to order a specific Panera breadstick in-cafe. The company now uses a 'par-baked' model, where dough is partially baked by third-party facilities before being shipped to cafes for final baking. This procedural change, along with the menu revamp, led to the disappearance of several bakery favorites.
Historical and Comparable Panera Bread Calories
While the classic breadstick is gone, we can look at historical data and current comparable items to estimate its nutritional profile. For context, older reports indicated an Asiago breadstick could contain around 180-230 calories, depending on the exact item and portion size. A different, lower-carb Italian herb version was noted to have 119 calories. These figures provide a baseline for what to expect from such a dense, bread-based snack. Today, the closest analogues are the French Baguette and the dinner roll.
Here is a comparison of past breadsticks and current, similar Panera options:
| Bread Item | Calories (approx.) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historical Asiago Breadstick | 180–230 | 36–46 | 7–9 | 450–570 | Figure varies based on menu item and portion |
| French Baguette | 180 | 36 | 7 | 450 | Per 2oz serving, based on older data |
| Soft Dinner Roll | 190 | 32 | 6 | 310 | Per roll |
| Italian Herb Breadstick (old low-carb) | 119 | 13 | 9 | 227 | Per 1 3/16oz serving |
It's important to note that the nutritional content of all Panera products, especially those on older menus, is subject to change. The company's official website is the most reliable source for current menu item information. For example, a serving of the French Baguette currently has 180 calories per 2oz serving, based on older nutritional guides. This serves as a good benchmark for what you can expect from a plain bread portion.
Are the calories from a Panera breadstick 'empty calories'?
For many consumers, the nutritional value of a breadstick can be described as providing 'empty calories,' meaning it offers energy primarily from carbohydrates with little in the way of essential vitamins, minerals, or fiber. While not inherently harmful, consuming too many empty calories can lead to weight gain and leave less room in your diet for nutrient-dense foods. The Asiago version, in particular, was also high in sodium.
For a balanced diet, it's beneficial to pair bread or a breadstick with other nutritious items, such as a salad or a vegetable-heavy soup. Portion control is also key. A single breadstick can be a tasty complement to a meal, but multiple servings quickly add up in calories, sodium, and carbohydrates.
A New Era and the Future of Panera's Bakery
Panera's menu transformation in 2024, which led to the breadstick's removal, was designed to streamline operations and refocus on core offerings. The company is shifting its production model, transitioning away from in-house fresh dough making in favor of a par-baked approach.
While the original breadsticks may be gone forever, the company continues to innovate its menu, occasionally introducing new variations or limited-time offerings. For example, in early 2025, Panera introduced new Asiago Bagel Stacks, leveraging the popular Asiago flavor in a new sandwich format. This demonstrates Panera's strategy of evolving its menu while tapping into customer nostalgia for classic flavors. To check for the most current menu and nutritional information, always consult the official Panera Bread website. The company also provides allergy and nutritional information via a PDF guide on its website.
Conclusion
The once-popular Panera breadstick, particularly the Asiago variety, has been discontinued as part of a company-wide menu and operational overhaul. While a precise modern calorie count isn't possible, historical data suggests a single Asiago breadstick contained approximately 180–230 calories, with a comparably high sodium content. For those missing the iconic baked good, Panera's current menu offers alternatives like the French Baguette, but with different textures and nutritional profiles. The company's strategic shift toward a par-baked model and a more focused menu means customers will need to look to other options to satisfy their craving for a classic Panera breadstick.
