Panera Bread's Broccoli Cheddar Soup. Just the name conjures up images of creamy, cheesy goodness on a chilly day. But how healthy is this comforting classic? Let's unravel the nutritional facts and explore everything you need to know about this popular soup. This isn't just about calories; we'll dig into the ingredients, serving sizes, and potential dietary considerations.
What are the nutrition facts for Panera Bread's Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
The exact nutritional information for Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup can vary slightly depending on the serving size and preparation methods. However, you can generally expect a single serving (approximately one cup) to contain around:
- Calories: Around 250-300 calories.
- Fat: Between 10-15 grams of fat, with a significant portion being saturated fat.
- Sodium: A substantial amount of sodium, often exceeding 600-800mg per serving. This is a common concern with many processed soups.
- Carbohydrates: Around 25-35 grams of carbohydrates, including some fiber.
- Protein: Around 8-10 grams of protein.
It's crucial to always check the most up-to-date nutritional information on Panera Bread's website or in-store materials. Nutritional values can change with recipe adjustments.
How many calories are in a cup of Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
As mentioned above, a cup of Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup typically contains between 250-300 calories. However, this can vary based on portion size and preparation methods. A larger bowl could easily contain double the calories.
What are the ingredients in Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup?
While Panera's exact recipe is proprietary, you can generally expect to find ingredients like:
- Broccoli: This provides the green veggie base and nutritional value.
- Cheddar Cheese: This contributes significantly to the creamy texture, flavor, and fat content.
- Milk or Cream: This adds creaminess and richness.
- Broth (likely chicken or vegetable): Provides the soup's liquid base.
- Flour (or a thickening agent): Helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Seasonings: Herbs, spices, and possibly other flavor enhancers.
Keep in mind that some ingredients might vary depending on location or seasonal availability. Checking the ingredient list available in-store is always recommended if you have specific dietary restrictions or allergies.
Is Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup healthy?
Whether Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is "healthy" is subjective and depends on individual dietary needs and goals. It provides some nutritional benefits, such as vitamins and minerals from broccoli and some protein. However, the high sodium and saturated fat content are significant drawbacks for individuals watching their sodium intake or following a low-fat diet. Moderation is key. Occasional enjoyment of this soup as part of a balanced diet is likely acceptable for most people.
Does Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup have gluten?
Panera Bread typically lists ingredients and allergens on their nutritional information. It's crucial to check their website or the in-store materials for the most up-to-date information regarding gluten content. While the soup itself may be gluten-free, cross-contamination in the kitchen is always a possibility.
Is Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup keto-friendly?
Due to the relatively high carbohydrate content from the broccoli and the use of milk or cream, Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is generally not considered keto-friendly. The carbohydrate count is likely to exceed the daily limits for most keto diets.
Remember to always consult your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice. This information is for general knowledge and shouldn't be substituted for professional medical advice.
