Understanding the Nutrition: How many calories are in a Panera macaroon?

October 21, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Panera's official nutrition guide, a standard Coconut Macaroon contains 180 calories, while the Chocolate Coconut Macaroon has 190 calories. This information is crucial for anyone monitoring their daily intake and wondering exactly how many calories are in a Panera macaroon.

Quick Summary

This article details the specific calorie counts and full nutritional breakdown of Panera's coconut and chocolate coconut macaroons. It compares these bakery items to other desserts, discusses dietary implications, and provides insight into the ingredients.

Key Points

Calorie Count: A standard Panera Coconut Macaroon has 180 calories, while the chocolate version has 190 calories.
High in Sugar and Fat: Both macaroon varieties contain significant amounts of sugar (18-19g) and saturated fat (8g), making them an indulgent treat.
Primary Ingredients: Macaroons are made from coconut, sugar, and egg whites, with the chocolate version adding a chocolate flavored confectionery.
Allergen Warning: Panera uses shared equipment, so there is a risk of cross-contamination with allergens like tree nuts, soy, and wheat.
Better Alternative: Homemade macaroons, made with unsweetened coconut, natural sweeteners like honey, and healthier fats like coconut oil, can be a significantly lighter option.
Enjoy in Moderation: Due to the high sugar and fat content, Panera macaroons should be considered an occasional treat within a balanced diet rather than a daily snack.

Panera's Macaroon: A Nutritional Overview

When considering Panera's macaroons, it's helpful to understand their nutritional content. The calorie count varies slightly by flavor. The standard Coconut Macaroon contains 180 calories, while the Chocolate Coconut Macaroon contains 190 calories. Examining the macronutrient breakdown provides further insight into their dietary impact.

The Macronutrient Breakdown

Panera's macaroons are notable for their sugar and fat content. The Coconut Macaroon has 9 grams of fat (8 grams saturated) and 24 grams of carbohydrates, with 19 grams of total sugars. The Chocolate Coconut Macaroon is similar, containing 10 grams of fat (8 grams saturated), 23 grams of carbohydrates, and 18 grams of total sugars. These figures indicate that a significant portion of the calories comes from sugar and saturated fat.

What Goes into a Panera Macaroon?

Key ingredients contributing to the texture and sweetness of Panera macaroons include coconut, sugar, invert sugar, and egg whites. Modified cornstarch, natural flavor (including almond extract), sea salt, and leavening are also part of the recipe. The chocolate version includes a dark chocolate flavored confectionery. Panera also advises that its bakery items are produced on shared equipment and may contain common allergens like tree nuts, milk, soy, and wheat. You can find the full ingredient list in the referenced web document.

Panera's Macaroon vs. Other Bakery Treats

Comparing the macaroon to other Panera bakery items can help in making informed dietary choices. While macaroons are calorie-dense for their size, other items may have even higher calorie counts.


Bakery Item	Serving Size	Calories	Saturated Fat	Total Sugars	Key Takeaway
Panera Coconut Macaroon	1 macaroon	180 Cal	8g	19g	Moderately high in sugar and saturated fat for its size.
Panera Chocolate Coconut Macaroon	1 macaroon	190 Cal	8g	18g	Slightly higher in calories than the standard version due to chocolate.
Panera Chocolate Chip Muffie	1 muffie	340 Cal	4.5g	22g	Higher calorie count but potentially lower saturated fat than the macaroon, depending on the item.
Panera Sourdough Bread Bowl	1 bowl	670 Cal	0g	Not specified	Very high in calories and carbs, primarily from the bread.

Making Healthier Macaroon Choices

For those seeking a lighter alternative to Panera's macaroons, homemade versions offer greater control over ingredients. Many healthy recipes utilize unsweetened shredded coconut, almond flour, natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and healthier fats such as melted coconut oil. Using ingredients like unsweetened coconut and ripe bananas with unsweetened chocolate can result in a tasty treat with fewer calories. This approach allows for reducing processed sugars and saturated fats.

Navigating Dietary Decisions with Panera Macaroons

Ultimately, enjoying a Panera macaroon is a matter of moderation and fitting it into your overall dietary pattern. It's a treat rather than a staple and should be consumed occasionally as part of a balanced diet rich in whole foods, protein, and fiber. If you are monitoring sugar or saturated fat intake, it's essential to account for the macaroon's nutritional information. Occasional treats are fine, but frequent consumption of high-sugar, high-fat snacks can impact health over time. Always refer to Panera's official website for the most up-to-date nutritional information, as recipes can change.

Conclusion

In summary, a standard Panera Coconut Macaroon contains 180 calories, and the Chocolate Coconut Macaroon has 190 calories. Their notable sugar and saturated fat content mean they are best enjoyed as an occasional treat. For a healthier option, consider making macaroons at home with more wholesome ingredients. Being aware of the nutritional details allows for more conscious dietary choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard Panera Coconut Macaroon contains 180 calories, according to the company's official nutrition information.

The Panera Chocolate Coconut Macaroon has a slightly higher calorie count of 190 per cookie due to the added chocolate coating.

While delicious, Panera macaroons are not considered a healthy snack. They are high in both sugar (18-19g) and saturated fat (8g), and are best enjoyed as an occasional treat in moderation.

Both the standard Coconut Macaroon and the Chocolate Coconut Macaroon contain 8 grams of saturated fat.

No, Panera's macaroons are explicitly listed as containing tree nuts. They also caution that due to shared equipment, they cannot guarantee any item is free of allergens like peanuts.

The main ingredients include coconut, sugar, egg whites, invert sugar, and natural flavors. The chocolate version also contains a dark chocolate flavored confectionery.

Yes, homemade macaroons can be a much healthier alternative. Recipes often use unsweetened coconut, natural sweeteners like honey, and can be adjusted to reduce sugar and saturated fat content significantly.