Panera Bread Lunch Menu: Prices, Calories, and Special offers

Panera bread lunch menu is a practical U.S. guide to ordering with confidence. In short: it lists soups, salads, hot and cold sandwiches, mac & cheese, bakery items, and beverages with current prices and calories.

This page helps you plan a fast-casual meal. You’ll find clear category breakdowns, You Pick Two combos, Value Duets, family meals, and seasonal dishes.

Expect location variation: menu prices can differ by store, and the guide reflects listed items and averages. Each section will show price, calories, and quick tips to build a satisfying meal without guesswork.

Dietary clarity is included. The guide highlights vegetarian picks, customization notes, and common allergens so you can pick safely and eat happily.

Lunch at Panera Bread Today: What’s on the Menu and What to Expect

Expect a straightforward midday lineup: soups, salads, sandwiches, and grain-forward bowls made fresh to order. The selection aims to cover hearty comfort and lighter, build-your-own meals so you can pick what fits your day.

What counts as a midday meal

Core items include warm soups, crisp salads or greens with grains, hot and cold sandwiches, and filling bowls. These options form the main choices for a satisfying mid-afternoon meal.

Freshly prepared and seasonal

Ingredients are prepared daily and many items rotate with the seasons. That means the exact soups and special sandwiches you see can change from spring to winter.

• The menu groups items so you can choose comfort (soups, mac) or lighter builds (salads, cold sandwiches).
• Bakery-café staples underpin many choices—signature breads and pastries are foundation pieces for sandwiches and sides.
• Most sandwiches include a free side choice like chips, baguette, or fruit in-store.
• Customization is common: orders are made to request, letting you swap ingredients or change bread types.

Quick takeaway:You’ll find clear choices and fresh ingredients across the menu, with easy swaps and seasonal surprises to keep your midday meals interesting.

panera bread lunch menu: Updated Prices and Calories

Use the price-and-calorie snapshot below to balance cost and satisfaction for your next meal.

This quick guide shows how to read menu prices and calorie ranges by category so you can compare items at a glance.

How to read prices and calorie ranges

Many items list a single price, but soups often show cup versus bowl, bread-bowl upgrades, and group sizes. Check the listed size before comparing prices.

Calories vary by style: sandwiches and mac & cheese skew higher, salads land mid-range, and soups swing widely depending on creamy or broth bases.

What may vary by location in the United States

Disclaimer: menu prices and availability can differ by café, city, and delivery or pickup method. Always confirm at your local location for exact pricing and portions.

Quick picks for popular items

Frequent go-tos include Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Chipotle Chicken Avo Melt, Bacon Turkey Bravo, and Caesar Salad with Chicken. Use these as baseline choices when comparing price-to-calorie value.

Note: Dietary tags are best-fit guidance. Ingredient swaps and cross-contact risks should be confirmed at the café when allergies are a concern.

Signature Soups for Lunch (Including Broccoli Cheddar Soup)

Warm, savory soups make for a reliable midday pick when you want comfort and speed. These signature options pair easily with half-sandwiches, salads, or a simple side.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup: price and calories (cup/bowl)

Broccoli Cheddar Soup: $8.49 | 360 calories for a cup. A bread bowl upgrade is $9.08 and jumps to about 890 calories. Choose cup or bowl depending on how filling you want your meal.

Top soup favorites and flavors

• Creamy Tomato — $8.49 | 370 cal
• Homestyle Chicken Noodle — $8.49 | 180 cal
• Black Bean — $8.49 | 140 cal
• Bistro French Onion — $8.49 | 290 cal

Hearty choices

Hearty Fireside Chili ($8.49 | 410 cal) and Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice ($8.49 | 280 cal) are meal-like options. They fill you up and work well as the main course.

Bread bowl option: price and calories impact

The bread bowl upgrade raises price and calories noticeably. Treat it as an indulgent upgrade rather than a simple side.

Dietary note: creamy and cheddar soup varieties contain dairy. Black bean and chili suit different preferences—always confirm ingredients if you have allergies.

Quick pairing logic: lighter soups go well with a half sandwich; hearty soups pair nicely with a salad for balance.

Mac & Cheese at Lunch: Classic and Bacon Mac

When comfort is the goal, mac & cheese anchors a midday plate with creamy heft. This item is a go-to when you want a warm, filling meal fast.

Mac & Cheese: price and calories

Classic Mac & Cheese: $10.59 | 960 calories. It’s a rich, cheese-forward option that fills you up quickly. Consider it the main item when you want indulgence.

Bacon Mac & Cheese: price and calories

Bacon Mac & Cheese: $11.79 | 1050 calories. The added bacon increases protein and fat, making it the higher-calorie pick among mac options.

Best pairings and portion strategy

Pair mac with a lighter salad or a broth-forward soup to balance the plate and avoid heaviness. Use mac as your primary meal, or choose it as part of a You Pick Two for variety.

• Dietary note: Dairy-forward and likely contains gluten; check allergen info at the café.
• Bread-based add-ons remain a classic pairing—think a small roll or baguette for extra comfort.

Hot Sandwiches for a Hearty Lunch

Hot, toasted options deliver a hearty midday choice when you want warm flavors and bold fillings.

Chipotle Chicken Avo Melt — $11.99 | 930 cal. Smoky chipotle heat pairs with creamy avocado for a balanced, spicy-smooth bite. It’s a top pick when you want bold flavor without going overboard.

Toasted Frontega Chicken — $11.79 | 800 cal. Slightly lighter than the richest melts, this toasted sandwich keeps smoky-sweet notes and grilled chicken front and center.

Big, bold builds: Ciabatta Cheesesteak — $13.39 | 1050 cal; French Ciabatta Dipper — $12.49 | 1120 cal. Both are best for high-hunger meals and deliver hearty textures.

Quick comparators: Toasted Italiano — $12.99 | 1280 cal; Spicy Fiesta Chicken — $11.99 | 840 cal; Smokehouse BBQ Chicken — $10.19 | 740 cal. These range from zesty to BBQ-sweet.

Grilled Cheese — $7.99 | 810 cal. A classic comfort sandwich that pairs perfectly with a warm soup for a café-style combo.

Dietary tip: Many hot sandwiches include dairy and gluten. Ask about specific sauces and bread swaps if you have allergies or dietary needs.

Cold Sandwiches for a Lighter Lunch

For a cooler, lighter meal, cold sandwiches deliver bright flavors with easy pairings. They pair well with a cup of soup or a small side to keep the plate balanced.

Bacon Turkey Bravo — $11.99 | 840 cal

Classic deli-style build: hearty sliced turkey and bacon for when you want a fuller cold sandwich that still feels fresh.

Turkey & Cheddar — $10.29 | 790 cal

A straightforward, customizable option. Swap breads or remove cheese to lower calories or suit dietary needs.

Grilled Chicken & Avo BLT — $12.99 | 900 cal

Protein-forward choice: grilled chicken with creamy avocado adds richness while keeping the sandwich chilled and satisfying.

Mediterranean Veggie — $7.99 | 490 cal

A meatless option that still fills you up. Veggies, hummus, and savory cheeses make it a flavorful, lighter pick.

Tuna Salad Sandwich — $10.39 | 550 cal

Lean protein and tangy dressing. Note common allergens: fish and often egg; bread contains gluten unless swapped.

Customization note: swapping breads and sides shifts calories and textures. Choose lighter bread, a fruit side, or a soup cup to control intake while enjoying varied options from the current menu.

Salads and Greens with Grains for Midday Meals

Fresh greens with grains make for a tidy, energy-friendly midday choice you can rely on. These salads pair crisp produce with protein and whole grains so you leave the table satisfied without heaviness.

Green Goddess Chicken Cobb & Fuji Apple Chicken Salad

Green Goddess Chicken Cobb — $13.59 | 510 cal. Rich dressing and bacon elevate the flavor; remove cheese or dressing to cut richness.

Fuji Apple Chicken Salad — $11.99 | 560 cal. Sweet apple and crunchy toppings boost texture and calories; choose light dressing for fewer calories.

Asian Sesame Chicken & Southwest Chicken Ranch

Asian Sesame Chicken — $11.99 | 450 cal. Savory-sesame notes make this a flavor-forward option that stays relatively light.

Southwest Chicken Ranch — $12.99 | 680 cal. Spicy ranch and bold toppings raise the calorie count; great if you want a hearty salad meal.

Caesar Options

Caesar Salad with Chicken — $11.99 | 550 cal. Adding chicken boosts protein and satiety.

Caesar Salad — $8.99 | 420 cal. Simpler and lighter; swap dressing to reduce fat.

Mediterranean & Balsamic Greens with Grains

Mediterranean Greens with Grains — $9.99 | 540 cal; Mediterranean Chicken — $12.99 | 680 cal.

Balsamic Greens with Grains — $9.99 | 470 cal; Balsamic Chicken — $12.99 | 600 cal. Grains add filling carbs that make salads feel like full meals.

Dietary guidance: Many salads can be modified—remove cheese, swap dressings, or omit nuts. Watch for allergens like dairy and nuts in certain builds.

Pairing tip: A salad can stand alone or pair with a cup of soup or half sandwich for more heft. Choose dressings and toppings to match your calorie and ingredient goals.

You Pick Two Lunch Combos: Build the Meal You Want

You Pick Two turns indecision into a tasty advantage by letting you mix two smaller items into one satisfying plate. You get variety without ordering a full entrée. Prices and portions vary by location and ordering channel, but the format keeps choices simple.

Popular pairings

• Soup + Salad — cozy and fresh for a balanced meal.
• Sandwich + Soup — classic café comfort that fills you up.
• Salad + Salad — lighter, produce-forward option for steady energy.

Typical price points

You Pick Two combinations (approximate):

Balanced combo guidance

Pair a rich, creamy item with a lighter one to control calories and stay satisfied. For example, team a creamy soup with a green salad.

If you prefer steady energy, pick two moderate items rather than one heavy choice. You Pick Two can start around $8.99 in some locations, but expect variation by café or delivery channel.

Dietary tip: Mix lighter components to build vegetarian-friendly or lower-calorie meals. The format makes it easy to swap and sample options without over-ordering.

Value Duets: Budget-Friendly Lunch Menu Prices

Value Duets pair two smaller items for big flavor without breaking the bank. These combos are a practical choice if you want variety and portion control.

Note: bundle pricing can vary by location and may not equal the simple sum of individual prices. Use the item totals below to estimate costs and calories.

Grilled Cheese + Creamy Tomato Soup

Grilled Cheese — $7.99 | 810 cal. Creamy Tomato Soup — $8.49 | 370 cal. This duo is a comfort classic: melty sandwich with warm, creamy soup built on signature bread for a cozy pairing.

Mediterranean Veggie + Creamy Tomato Soup

Mediterranean Veggie — $7.99 | 490 cal. Creamy Tomato Soup — $8.49 | 370 cal. A meatless-friendly option that still feels hearty and savory, great if you want plant-forward choices.

Turkey & Cheddar + Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice

Turkey & Cheddar — $10.29 | 790 cal. Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice — $8.49 | 280 cal. This is a protein-forward pick with a cozy soup base for extra satiety.

Dietary flags: dairy is common across these duos, and gluten is likely present in breads and some soup thickeners. Ask staff about substitutions if you need gluten-free or dairy-free options.

Family Feast Value Meals and Group Lunch Options

When you need to feed a family or a team, bundled family feasts cut decision time and serve familiar favorites.

Family Feast and Premium Family Feast are value-focused group bundles meant to simplify ordering. Exact pricing and contents vary by café, so confirm details in the ordering flow before you finalize.

Group servings at a glance

Group soups and mac make sense for office meetings, team gatherings, classroom events, and casual get-togethers. They let people self-serve and mix favorites without individual ordering hassle.

Workplace ordering tip: choose one creamy soup, one brothier soup, and a vegetarian-leaning option to cover broad tastes. Flag dairy-heavy items (mac and Broccoli Cheddar) and gluten when you pair with bread or rolls.

For larger orders you can also use panera bread catering in the ordering flow to confirm exact contents and any allergen notes. Family-style bundles keep feeding multiple people predictable and budget-friendly.

Sides That Complete Your Lunch (Chips, Baguette, Fruit)

Smart sides can make a simple order feel like a full, balanced meal. They let you add crunch, freshness, or extra comfort to match appetite and timing.

Common add-ons and quick facts

• French baguette — a loaf option can turn soup or salad into a heartier meal. Loaf pricing varies; a whole baguette often lists around $3.99 (serves multiple people) while single portions differ by café. (bread)
• Chips — a crisp, low-effort crunch option; prices commonly near $1.59 depending on location.
• Apple or Banana — fruit sides are portable and light; many cafés list these near $1.59 each.
• Fruit Cup — $4.19 | 60 cal. The lightest add-on if you want fewer calories and more freshness.

Protein-and-fruit add-on

Greek Yogurt with Berries Parfait — $5.89 | 250 cal. This parfait adds protein and fruit and works well as a late breakfast or early lunch bridge.

Dietary note: parfaits contain dairy; fruit is usually vegan-friendly; chips and bread vary by ingredients and processing. Prices and portions can change by location, so confirm when ordering to match your meal goals.

Bakery Treats to Add to Lunch

Bakery add-ons are small, flavorful extras that stretch a meal into something memorable. Pick one as dessert, an afternoon snack, or to share with a friend.

Cookies and brownies: popular picks and calorie highlights

Chocolate Chipper Cookie — $3.19 | 390 cal. Brownie — $3.99 | 550 cal. These sweets are easy to split if you want a taste without overdoing it.

Pastries and sweets

Cinnamon Roll — $4.39 | 520 cal. Chocolate Croissant — $4.39 | 410 cal. Cherry Pastry — $4.39 | 340 cal. Choose by flavor and calorie target to plan your treat.

Bagels and spreads

Bagels are typically $1.99 with variable calories. They work beyond breakfast — add one to make a heartier plate, or save it for later.

Honey walnut cream cheese is a popular spread (about 140 cal; price varies). It adds sweetness and texture but raises dairy and nut exposure.

• Position bakery items as a treat or shared dessert.
• Watch allergens: wheat/gluten, eggs, dairy, and nuts are common.
• Ask the café for full allergen charts when needed.

Beverages for Lunch: Teas, Lemonades, Coffee, and More

Drinks set the tone for your midday meal, from bright iced teas to café-style espresso. Choose a crisp option to pair with salads or a warm pick-me-up if you want a cozy finish.

Fan favorites: Passion Papaya Iced Green Tea is a light, fruity pour that pairs well with sandwiches and salads. The bottled Bottled Passion Fruit Papaya Green Tea is 3.79 | 130 cal, while the fresh Passion Papaya Iced Green Tea is 3.39.

Teas & Lemonades

Try Blueberry Lavender Lemonade or Citrus Punch for sweet-tart flavors. Agave Lemonade is a milder, less sweet choice. These drinks can add notable calories depending on sweetening, so pick accordingly.

Espresso bar overview

The espresso lineup is straightforward. Caffe Latte — 4.59. Cappuccino — 4.79. Americano — 3.69. Espresso shot — 2.49. These are easy add-ons if you want a warm, caffeinated finish.

Smoothies and frozen drinks

Smoothies are snackable add-ons: Tropical Green — 6.49 | 200 cal; Strawberry Banana — 6.49 | 250 cal; Mango — 6.49 | 300 cal; Strawberry — 6.49 | 260 cal. Frozen Signature Hot Chocolate — 4.39 offers a sweeter, colder treat.

Quick tips:

• Pick tea or lemonade for a refreshing, lower-cost pairing.
• Choose an espresso drink if you want warmth and longer satiety.
• Drinks are available for pickup and delivery, so you can add them to your order with convenience.

Dietary Preferences and Ingredient Customization at Panera

Simple swaps and clear preferences let you build meals that fit your day and goals.

Vegetarian-friendly choices

Mediterranean Veggie is a go-to vegetarian option. Pair it with a cup of soup or a small salad to make a full, satisfying meal without meat.

Want more protein? Add avocado or a grilled egg for richness. Remove cheese or pick dairy-free dressing to lower calories.

How to modify ingredients, breads, and sides

• Remove cheese or creamy sauces to cut dairy and fat.
• Swap breads to change calories and allergens — this is often the biggest hidden shift.
• Choose fruit or a fruit cup instead of chips for fewer calories and more fiber.
• Pick vinaigrettes or lighter dressings to reduce calories from sauces.

Allergen callouts: dairy is common in creamy soups and mac; nuts can appear in salads and bakery items; gluten is present in most breads and baked goods. The cafés are not a dedicated allergen-free kitchen, so always ask staff for current ingredient lists.

Use the digital order fields to save your preferences. That lets you repeat customizations—swapped bread, dressing choices, or additions like avocado—so future visits match your dietary needs quickly.

How to Order Panera Bread Lunch: Online, Pickup, Delivery, and Dine-In

Whether you want to dine in or have food delivered, the ordering options fit most schedules. You can grab a café-style experience, pick an order for quick pickup, or get food sent to home or office.

Order online or with the app: Use the official website or the Panera Bread app to customize items, save favorites, and view prices and calories before you pay. Saved orders speed repeat visits and reduce errors.

Delivery options

Delivery is available directly from the brand where supported, and third-party partners operate in many markets. Fees and delivery times vary by location and service.

Gift cards and support

Gift cards are handy for group orders or office meals. If an order has issues, use the support links on the website or app for quick resolution.

• Pick dine-in for the full café experience.
• Choose pickup for speed and contactless collection.
• Select delivery for convenience at work or home.

Best practice: confirm menu availability and pricing for your exact location in the app before finalizing an order, especially for seasonal items.

Panera Bread Hours and Holiday Closures in the United States

Start by checking today’s hours so you don’t arrive before kitchens switch from breakfast to later offerings. Hours can differ by neighborhood and café, so the most reliable info is your local listing online or the store phone.

Typical weekly hours: many cafés run extended daytime service on weekdays, opening early for breakfast and staying open through mid-evening. Weekend times sometimes shift — some locations open later or close earlier depending on market demand.

Useful timing notes

• Breakfast ends at 10:30 AM at most cafés; that affects when full lunch items become available.
• Weekday service often covers a long daytime span, making midday ordering flexible.
• Weekend schedules vary more, so double-check if you need an early or late meal on a Saturday or Sunday.

Holiday closures to plan for

Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day are widely observed closures across the U.S., though some cafés may vary. Confirm with your local store if you have a same-day need.

Planning tip: on busy days or short breaks, order ahead for pickup to save time and lock in your preferred items. Doing so improves your ordering experience and reduces wait time at the counter.

Find a Panera Bread Location Near You

Need to find the nearest location quickly? Use the official store locator on the website to search by city, ZIP code, or current GPS. The tool shows addresses, phone numbers, hours, and a direct ordering link for each café.

Using the official store locator

Start here: enter your city or ZIP to view nearby cafés and driving directions. The locator also displays whether pickup or delivery is available at that spot.

What to check per café: menu availability, pricing, and opening hours

Before you order, confirm three local details that often vary by site.

• Exact menu items available that day — seasonal soups and specials can differ by location.
• Local prices — prices can change between cafés and by ordering channel (in-store vs. delivery).
• Opening hours — some stores shift times on weekends or holidays; verify today’s schedule.

Customer service number for help with orders

If an order has billing issues, missing items, or delivery problems, contact customer service. Keep your order number handy when you call or use the help form on the website for faster resolution.

Conclusion

End your search with a practical checklist that turns menu choices into a confident, tasty meal.

This short guide helps you compare categories by price, calories, and flavors so you can pick soups, salads, or sandwiches that fit your appetite.

Start with a main, then add sides, bakery treats, and beverages to balance calories and taste. Remember: bread choices and add-ons change a meal fast, so check calories and ingredients when you order.

The site also highlights morning offerings, so if you order early check panera breakfast times and the breakfast menu before lunch service begins.

Action step: verify your local café’s menu for current items and pricing, then order online for pickup or delivery to save time and try new options with confidence.