How much protein is in Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup?

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Panera's official nutrition information, a standard bowl of their Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains 13 grams of protein. This may vary significantly depending on the serving size and whether it's ordered in a bread bowl, so understanding the complete nutritional picture is essential for mindful eating.

Quick Summary

The protein content of Panera's broccoli cheddar soup varies by serving size, with a cup providing less and a full bread bowl offering a much higher amount due to the added bread. While the soup itself has a modest protein level, adding protein-rich sides or choosing a larger serving can increase the total intake. The specific protein content is officially available through Panera's website. Nutritional information is key for understanding the soup's overall dietary impact.

Key Points

Standard Protein Content: A cup of Panera Bread's broccoli cheddar soup contains 13g of protein, while a standard bowl has 14g.
Bread Bowl Protein: Choosing the soup in a sourdough bread bowl increases the total protein significantly to 35g, with most of the extra protein coming from the bread itself.
Retail Soup Difference: The pre-packaged 'Panera at Home' version of the broccoli cheddar soup sold in grocery stores has a different nutritional profile, containing 9g of protein per cup.
Protein Source: The protein in the soup comes primarily from the dairy products like cheese, which provide a complete protein source, and from the wheat in the bread bowl.
How to Boost Protein: For a higher protein meal, consider adding side options like chicken breast or incorporating ingredients like blended cottage cheese or beans into a homemade version.
Overall Nutrition: While it offers some protein, the soup is also noted for its high saturated fat and sodium content, particularly in the bread bowl option.

Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup: A Detailed Protein Breakdown

For many, Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is the ultimate comfort food. The creamy, cheesy, and hearty classic is a favorite, but for those tracking their macronutrients, the exact protein count is a critical detail. The protein content, however, is not a single, fixed number and depends entirely on the size of your order.

Official Panera Protein Values by Serving Size

Panera Bread publishes its nutritional information, making it easy to see the exact protein content for each of its soup serving options. It is important to note that these values represent different portion sizes and ingredients.

Cup of Broccoli Cheddar Soup: A standard cup contains 13 grams of protein. This is the smallest portion available and is a good option for a lighter meal or as part of a 'You Pick Two' combination. Note that some older nutritional reports might show slightly different figures, so it is always best to check the current data.
Bowl of Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Opting for the larger bowl size increases the protein intake to 14 grams. While the difference is not dramatic compared to the cup, it is still a consideration. Some third-party trackers may also list similar values.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup in a Bread Bowl: This option provides the highest protein count, but the additional protein comes from the sourdough bread bowl, not the soup itself. A bowl of soup served inside the sourdough bread bowl contains a total of 35 grams of protein. The sourdough bread bowl alone contributes a significant 23 to 27 grams of protein, depending on the exact bread formulation.
Panera at Home Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Retail): For those buying the pre-packaged soup from a grocery store, a single cup (8oz) serving has a different nutritional profile. It typically contains 9 grams of protein. This is important for at-home consumers who are used to the restaurant's portion sizes and protein counts.

Nutritional comparison of Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup offerings


Serving Size	Protein (g)	Calories	Sodium (mg)	Source
Cup (in-cafe)	13	360	1520	Panera Website
Bowl (in-cafe)	14	360	1330	Panera Website
Bread Bowl (in-cafe)	35	910	2170	Panera Website
At Home (Retail, 1 cup)	9	240	990	Panera at Home

Note: Nutritional information is based on data found through searches and official Panera sources. It is subject to change based on ingredient sourcing and product updates.

Is the protein in Panera's soup high quality?

The protein in Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup primarily comes from two sources: the cheese and, in the case of the bread bowl, the bread.

Dairy Protein: The cheese provides a high-quality, complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. However, it also contributes to the soup's high saturated fat and calorie content.
Wheat Protein: The bread bowl adds substantial plant-based protein from the wheat flour. While not a complete protein on its own, when combined with the cheese, it contributes significantly to the meal's total protein content.

How to increase the protein content

If the base protein level is too low for your dietary needs, there are several ways to boost it without drastically changing the flavor.

For homemade soup:

Add a scoop of plain, unflavored protein powder that is suitable for hot liquids.
Blend cottage cheese or Greek yogurt into the soup for a creamy, high-protein boost.
Stir in a handful of cooked lentils or white beans to add both protein and fiber.
Top the soup with toasted nuts, seeds, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.

For Panera's soup:

Order it with a side of turkey or chicken breast. Shredding and mixing this into the soup can significantly increase protein.
Pair the soup with a high-protein side, such as a salad with chicken or a turkey sandwich.
Add a side of nuts or seeds to sprinkle on top for added protein and texture.

Conclusion

For those wondering how much protein is in Panera Bread broccoli cheddar soup, the answer depends on the specific item ordered. A standard cup offers 13 grams, while the bowl provides 14 grams. The most significant protein intake comes from the bread bowl version, which includes protein from the sourdough bread, totaling 35 grams. By understanding these nutritional differences, customers can make informed choices based on their protein goals. For a true high-protein meal, pairing the soup with other protein-rich items or preparing a modified homemade version is a better strategy than relying on the soup alone.

For more detailed nutritional information, consult the official Panera Bread website via their menu page. It is the most accurate source for current menu items and their associated nutrition facts.

Authoritative Link: Panera Bread Menu Nutrition Information

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard cup of Panera's broccoli cheddar soup contains 13 grams of protein, according to the company's official nutritional information.

Yes, ordering a bowl increases the protein slightly. A bowl of Panera's broccoli cheddar soup contains 14 grams of protein, one more gram than the cup.

When served in a sourdough bread bowl, the total protein for the meal is 35 grams. This is because the bread bowl itself adds a significant amount of protein.

The protein comes primarily from the dairy ingredients, such as cheese. In the bread bowl version, a large portion of the protein also comes from the wheat in the sourdough bread.

The soup itself, in cup or bowl size, provides a moderate amount of protein. However, when served in a bread bowl, the total protein content is much higher and could be considered a high-protein meal, though it also comes with high calorie and saturated fat levels.

You can boost the protein in a homemade version by blending in cottage cheese or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein, or by adding cooked lentils or white beans.

No, the protein content varies based on the product. The pre-packaged version sold in grocery stores under the 'Panera at Home' brand has 9 grams of protein per cup, different from the in-cafe menu item.