Panera Just Released a New Summer Menu—Here’s What a Dietitian Thinks

Summer is Here, and So Are the Takeout Options

While summer is a season of homemade fruit salads and grilled favorites, we understand that sometimes it’s so hot, you don’t want to even think about preparing a meal. That’s when takeout becomes your friend, and there are plenty of options across our favorite chains that you can feel good about.

Panera’s New Menu Items: A Dietitian’s Perspective

Speaking of which, Panera Bread has an array of healthier choices that our editors love to order, from their fresh salads to their creamy soups. And the franchise just announced the release of six new menu items that we are already excited to try.

Panera’s New Avocado Toast

First up, avocado toasts are taking the stage on Panera’s menu for the first time with two new varieties: Classic Avo and Garden Avo. The classic avocado spread on sourdough toast is garnished simply with everything bagel seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper, whereas the garden version is topped with sliced tomatoes and garlic aioli.

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Nutritional Breakdown: Classic Avo

* Calories: 200
* Carbohydrates: 26 g
* Dietary Fiber: 4 g
* Total Sugars: 1 g
* Protein: 5 g
* Total Fat: 9 g
* Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
* Sodium: 250 mg

Nutritional Breakdown: Garden Avo

* Calories: 320
* Carbohydrates: 26 g
* Dietary Fiber: 4 g
* Total Sugars: 1 g
* Protein: 6 g
* Total Fat: 21 g
* Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
* Sodium: 320 mg

We asked EatingWell’s nutrition editor and dietitian Jessica Ball, M.S. RD, for her insights. “These avocado toasts can be great choices for a quick breakfast in a pinch. They’re low in sodium and saturated fat compared to many other fast-food breakfast options,” Ball shares, noting that the toasts align with our heart-healthy recipe parameters. “That said, if I were ordering one of these toasts, I would add another source of protein like their Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries Parfait to give it some more staying power.”

Panera’s New Spicy Sandwiches

For lunch, Panera is offering two new sandwiches: the Spicy Fiesta Chicken Sandwich and Kickin’ Grilled Cheese. Both are spice-forward with the chicken sandwich and grilled cheese highlighting creamy salsa verde among their ingredients.

Nutritional Breakdown: Spicy Fiesta Chicken Sandwich

* Calories: 840
* Carbohydrates: 88 g
* Dietary Fiber: 5 g
* Total Sugars: 6 g
* Protein: 51 g
* Total Fat: 32 g
* Saturated Fat: 14 g
* Sodium: 1,900 mg

Nutritional Breakdown: Kickin’ Grilled Cheese

* Calories: 840
* Carbohydrates: 70 g
* Dietary Fiber: 3 g
* Total Sugars: 11 g
* Protein: 31 g
* Total Fat: 49 g
* Saturated Fat: 25 g
* Sodium: 1,920 mg

Ball advises, “This sandwich sounds delicious and can be part of a healthy eating pattern in moderation. But it’s very high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories, so it’s not the best choice for a daily lunch. To help it fit better into your typical day, you could consider ordering just half of the sandwich. It would still make a satisfying lunch, packing almost 3 grams of fiber and 26 grams of protein.”

The Bottom Line

While these new menu options at Panera sound delicious, it’s best to make some modifications if you’re looking to add them to your breakfast or lunch routine. But for an occasional meal, these dishes can be enjoyed in moderation, especially for a hot summer day when you don’t feel like cooking. For more nutrient-packed versions, try recipes like our Salsa-Topped Avocado Toast or Air-Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Panera’s new summer menu offers a variety of options that can be enjoyed in moderation. While some of the dishes may be high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories, they can still be part of a healthy eating pattern if you’re mindful of your portion sizes and make some modifications. Remember to always check the nutrition labels and consider adding some protein or fiber-rich foods to your meals to keep you full and satisfied.

FAQs

Q: What are the new menu items at Panera?
A: Panera has released six new menu items, including two new avocado toast varieties, a spicy fiesta chicken sandwich, and a kickin’ grilled cheese.

Q: Are these menu items healthy?
A: While some of the dishes may be high in sodium, saturated fat, and calories, they can still be part of a healthy eating pattern if you’re mindful of your portion sizes and make some modifications.

Q: What can I do to make these menu items healthier?
A: Consider ordering half of the sandwich or salad, adding some protein or fiber-rich foods to your meal, and choosing whole grain bread or crackers.

Q: Are there any vegetarian or vegan options on the menu?
A: Yes, Panera offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, including their new avocado toast and salads.