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Best first order at Panera Bread

Best when you want bowls, salads, or build-your-own orders that stay easier to control. It is a strong fit when you want build-your-own control over portion, protein, rice, beans, and sauces.

Nutrition source checkedNot medical advice
Best first order

Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken - Whole

500 cal·40g protein·28g fat·7g fiber·10g sugar
SmallRich/heavyProtein-forwardSmall bite

Best for: Good when a smaller appetite means the normal order would be too much.

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 1,110mg sodium.

How to order: Order the Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken - Whole from the current Panera menu.

Keep in mind

Menu watchouts

Quick notes for choices that may feel heavier.

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  • Portion creep: Keep the order simple and stop at comfortable instead of finishing by default.

Use this as a quick read, not a hard no.

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10 curated options.

Other good options

Use caution

Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup - Cup

120 cal·10g protein·3.5g fat
TinyGentleNot enough protein

Best for: Good when a smaller appetite means the normal order would be too much.

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 1,150mg sodium.

How to order: Order the Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup - Cup from the current Panera menu.

Higher fiber

Hearty Fireside Chili - Cup

270 cal·13g protein·10g fat·6g fiber
SmallGentleNot enough protein

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 1,150mg sodium.

How to order: Order the Hearty Fireside Chili - Cup from the current Panera menu.

Higher fiber

Mediterranean Veggie on Tomato Basil - Whole

490 cal·18g protein·14g fat·6g fiber·8g sugar
SmallGentleLight protein

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 1,290mg sodium.

How to order: Order the Mediterranean Veggie on Tomato Basil - Whole from the current Panera menu.

Use caution

Toasted Frontega Chicken on Black Pepper Focaccia - Whole

800 cal·45g protein·36g fat
Split-friendlyRich/heavyProtein-forward

Best for: Good when you want a real meal and a built-in backup for later.

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 2,380mg sodium.

How to order: Order the Toasted Frontega Chicken on Black Pepper Focaccia - Whole from the current Panera menu.

Use caution

Broccoli Cheddar - Cup

240 cal·8g protein·16g fat
TinyGentleNot enough protein

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 1,010mg sodium.

How to order: Order the Broccoli Cheddar - Cup from the current Panera menu.

Higher fiber

Greek Salad with Chicken - Whole

540 cal·32g protein·39g fat·6g fiber·8g sugar
SmallRich/heavyProtein-forward

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 1,620mg sodium.

How to order: Order the Greek Salad with Chicken - Whole from the current Panera menu.

Smaller option

Side - Apple

80 cal·0g protein·0g fat·16g sugar
TinyGentleNot enough protein

How to order: Order the Side - Apple from the current Panera menu.

Higher fiber

Chipotle Chicken Avo Melt on Black Pepper Focaccia Round - Whole

930 cal·48g protein·50g fat·7g fiber
Leftover-friendlyRich/heavyProtein-forward

Best for: Good when you want a real meal and a built-in backup for later.

Watch if: Higher sodium can add up quickly; this order has 2,490mg sodium.

How to order: Order the Chipotle Chicken Avo Melt on Black Pepper Focaccia Round - Whole from the current Panera menu.

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