Discover the Ultimate Panera Soup: Insights from a Food Editor, Nutritionist, and Cookbook Author

When it comes to Panera soups, opinions are divided. You’ll find fans of creamy Broccoli Cheddar and those who swear by Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice. These two are definitely crowd favorites, but Panera offers a delicious array of soups that deserve attention too.

Whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly day or want something nutritious, there’s a lot to explore on the menu. I teamed up with nutrition expert Marjorie Nolan Cohn to help guide you through the best soups available.

Here’s how we evaluated the soups: we looked at taste, texture, and nutritional value. Taste is personal, but we focused on flavor depth and whether the ingredients harmonized well together. For texture, we considered if the soup had a good mix of bite-sized ingredients. On the nutrition side, we followed guidelines like choosing lower-sodium options and avoiding trans fats.

7. Rustic Baked Potato Soup

This soup features chunks of potato, crumbled bacon, and Monterey Jack cheese. It’s creamy and indulgent but lacks variety compared to other options. It also has high sodium and cholesterol levels, making it less ideal from a health perspective.

6. Creamy Tomato Soup

Perfect for dipping with grilled cheese, this soup is thick and flavorful. However, it contains trans fats and a significant amount of sodium, so it might not be the healthiest choice out there. The taste is rich, making it a comforting option.

5. Broccoli Cheddar Soup

This soup is a staple, and its creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it hard to resist. However, it too has a high sodium content and trans fats, which gives it a lower ranking in terms of healthiness.

4. Hearty Fireside Chili

Chili’s flavorful blend of beef and beans earns this one a few points for nutrition. It’s filling and has a satisfying texture, though it still contains a fair amount of sodium.

3. Chicken Noodle Soup

A classic option, Panera’s chicken noodle soup feels homemade with its thick noodles and hearty pieces of chicken. It’s lighter due to its broth base and offers a good source of protein, making it a solid choice for many.

2. Autumn Squash Soup

This seasonal favorite brings fall flavors with its smooth texture and hints of sweetness, topped with crunchy pepitas. Though it has moderate sodium levels, the spices used add great flavor without additional salt, making it a well-rounded choice.

1. Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice

This soup tops the list for its wonderful balance of chicken, rice, and veggies. While it contains trans fats and sodium, it excels in flavor and texture, making it a satisfying meal option.