Is Panera Chicken Soup High in Sodium?: A Deep Dive into Nutrition

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Panera's nutritional data, a bowl of their Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup can contain over 1,700 mg of sodium, far exceeding the American Heart Association's ideal daily limit. So, is Panera chicken soup high in sodium? The clear answer is yes, with many chicken-based soups carrying significant salt levels that health-conscious consumers should monitor.

Quick Summary

Panera's chicken soups, including Homestyle Chicken Noodle and Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice, are significantly high in sodium, often exceeding daily recommendations for a single meal. Informed choices and smaller portions can help mitigate this for a healthier diet.

Key Points

High Sodium Content: Panera's chicken soups, in both bowl and bread bowl sizes, are very high in sodium, often surpassing daily recommended limits.
Bread Bowls Worsen It: Opting for a bread bowl significantly increases the sodium content, sometimes pushing the total above the maximum daily limit.
Retail Versions Are Also High: The packaged, at-home versions of Panera's chicken soup also contain high levels of sodium, though the specific figures vary.
Lower-Sodium Alternatives Exist: Healthier options at Panera include smaller portions or choices like certain vegetarian soups, such as the Vegetarian Creamy Tomato Soup or the Low-Fat Vegetarian Garden Vegetable Soup.
Portion Control is Key: Choosing a cup instead of a bowl is a simple and effective strategy for reducing the sodium in your meal.
Check the Nutrition Facts: Always review the nutritional information on Panera's menu or website before ordering, as sodium content varies greatly by item and serving size.

The Verdict: Just How High is the Sodium?

For many, a warm bowl of chicken soup from Panera feels like a wholesome and comforting choice. However, a closer look at the nutritional information reveals a significant sodium load. The recommended daily sodium intake for most adults is no more than 2,300 mg, with an ideal limit of 1,500 mg, especially for heart health. Panera's chicken soups often contain a substantial portion, if not more, of this allowance in a single serving.

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup

Panera’s classic Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup is a case in point. According to their nutritional guide, a standard bowl contains 1,730 mg of sodium. This single meal item, beloved for its chunky chicken and thick egg noodles, contains well over the American Heart Association's recommended 1,500 mg daily limit. When served in one of Panera's signature bread bowls, the sodium count skyrockets to 2,310 mg, nearly hitting the general daily limit of 2,300 mg before you've even had a bite of anything else.

Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Another popular option, the Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup, also packs a high sodium punch. A bowl of this creamy, satisfying soup contains around 1,390 mg of sodium. For those with heart health concerns, this can easily push them past their daily targets. The same soup served in a bread bowl can contain as much as 2,100 mg of sodium, making it a very high-sodium meal.

What About Retail vs. In-Cafe Soups?

It is important to note that the sodium content can differ between in-cafe orders and the refrigerated retail products found in grocery stores. While the exact figures vary by product and serving size, the packaged versions are also generally high in sodium. For instance, a 16-ounce container of Panera at Home Chicken Noodle Soup contains 1,360 mg of sodium, still representing a significant amount for a single serving. This highlights that the high sodium content is a systemic issue with the product formulation, regardless of where it's purchased.

Panera's Soups: A High-Sodium Comparison


Soup Type	Serving Size	Sodium (mg)	Daily Limit % (based on 2300 mg)	Heart Health Limit % (based on 1500 mg)
Homestyle Chicken Noodle	Bowl	1730	75%	115%
Homestyle Chicken Noodle	Bread Bowl	2310	100%	154%
Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice	Bowl	~1390	60%	93%
Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice	Bread Bowl	2100	91%	140%
Ten Vegetable Soup	Cup	1090	47%	73%
Vegetarian Creamy Tomato	Cup	510	22%	34%

Navigating the Panera Menu with Sodium in Mind

While Panera’s chicken soups are high in sodium, making healthier choices is still possible. The key is to be aware of the nutritional information and to opt for portion control. Making smart swaps and asking for modifications can significantly lower your sodium intake without completely foregoing your meal.

Here are some practical strategies for a lower-sodium Panera experience:

Choose a cup instead of a bowl: This simple swap drastically reduces your sodium intake. A cup of soup contains less than half the sodium of a bowl.
Avoid the bread bowl: The bread bowl itself adds a massive amount of sodium before any soup is even added. For example, a Sourdough Bread Bowl can contain up to 1,340 mg of sodium on its own.
Consider lower-sodium alternatives: Options like the Low-Fat Vegetarian Garden Vegetable Soup with Pesto (560 mg for a cup) or the Vegetarian Creamy Tomato Soup (510 mg for a cup) are better choices. The Ten Vegetable Soup, at 1090 mg for a cup, is still high, but generally lower than the chicken options.
Pair with low-sodium sides: Instead of a full-size sandwich or another high-sodium item, consider pairing a soup cup with a simple side like a fruit cup or unsalted chips.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Is Panera chicken soup high in sodium? Yes, unequivocally. Both the Homestyle Chicken Noodle and Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice soups, particularly in bowl or bread bowl sizes, contain extremely high levels of sodium that can negatively impact those watching their salt intake. However, by being informed and opting for smaller portions or lower-sodium menu items, diners can still enjoy Panera while staying within healthier nutritional guidelines. Cooking at home also provides full control over ingredients and seasoning, giving you the best control over your sodium consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

The general recommended daily sodium intake is no more than 2,300 mg, while the American Heart Association suggests an ideal limit of 1,500 mg, especially for individuals with heart-related health concerns.

High sodium intake can increase blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Many restaurants, including Panera, provide sodium warnings on their menus.

The Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup contains a particularly high amount of sodium in a bowl, reaching 1,730 mg. When served in a bread bowl, the sodium count is even higher.

Yes, a bread bowl adds a significant amount of sodium. For instance, a Sourdough Bread Bowl alone can add 1,340 mg of sodium before any soup is even added.

While the specific amounts differ, the packaged, retail versions of Panera's soups are also high in sodium. For example, a 16-ounce container of the retail chicken noodle soup contains 1,360 mg of sodium.

Panera does not offer explicitly low-sodium chicken soups. Your best strategy is to opt for a smaller portion (a cup instead of a bowl) or choose another menu item with a lower sodium count, like a simple salad.

To reduce sodium at Panera, choose a cup of soup over a bowl, avoid bread bowls, consider vegetarian soup options, and pair your meal with low-sodium sides like a fruit cup. You can also ask for dressings and sauces on the side.

Yes, some chicken-based salads can have lower sodium counts, especially when ordered as a half portion and with dressing on the side. The Strawberry Poppyseed & Chicken Salad, for example, is a much better choice.