Panera Bread is a great choice if you enjoy fresh and delicious food without spending too much. Many people think eating at Panera has to be expensive. However, that is not true. The Panera Bread menu offers many great options priced under $10. You just need to know where to look and what to pick.
This blog will walk you through the best budget-friendly meals at Panera. We will talk about soups, sandwiches, salads, and more. We will also share prices, calories, and tips so you can eat well and feel good about your money. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite on a weekday or planning a relaxed weekend lunch, Panera has something for everyone.
What Is Panera Bread?
Panera Bread is a fast-casual restaurant chain that focuses on fresh, clean food. They bake their own bread every single day and use real ingredients. You will find soups, sandwiches, salads, mac and cheese, flatbreads, and more. They also have a great bakery section with pastries, bagels, and muffins.
Panera is known for being a healthier choice compared to most fast food places. They removed artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives from their food a few years ago. This makes their food feel cleaner and more natural. Right now, there are over 2,000 Panera locations across the United States, making it easy to find one near you.
Panera Bread Full Menu with Prices and Calories
Here is a full look at Panera Bread With Prices across all major menu categories. This table gives you a solid idea of what to expect when you walk in or place an order online.
| Menu Item | Category | Price (Approx.) | Calories |
| Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Cup) | Soup | $5.49 | 290 cal |
| Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Bread Bowl) | Soup | $9.49 | 790 cal |
| French Onion Soup (Cup) | Soup | $5.49 | 220 cal |
| Creamy Tomato Soup (Cup) | Soup | $5.29 | 160 cal |
| Turkey Chili (Cup) | Soup | $5.49 | 170 cal |
| Chicken Noodle Soup (Cup) | Soup | $5.29 | 100 cal |
| Fuji Apple Salad (Full) | Salad | $10.99 | 570 cal |
| Caesar Salad (Full) | Salad | $9.99 | 350 cal |
| Green Goddess Cobb Salad (Full) | Salad | $11.99 | 540 cal |
| Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (Full) | Salad | $10.49 | 340 cal |
| Greek Salad (Full) | Salad | $9.49 | 390 cal |
| Turkey Sandwich (Full) | Sandwich | $9.99 | 530 cal |
| Smokehouse BBQ Chicken (Full) | Sandwich | $10.49 | 720 cal |
| Toasted Frontega Chicken (Full) | Sandwich | $10.29 | 860 cal |
| Roasted Turkey & Avocado BLT | Sandwich | $10.49 | 600 cal |
| Tuna Salad Sandwich (Full) | Sandwich | $8.99 | 530 cal |
| Classic Mac & Cheese | Mac & Cheese | $7.99 | 930 cal |
| Mac & Cheese (Kids) | Mac & Cheese | $5.49 | 470 cal |
| Pepperoni Flatbread Pizza | Flatbread | $8.99 | 680 cal |
| Margherita Flatbread Pizza | Flatbread | $8.49 | 590 cal |
| Chipotle Chicken Flatbread | Flatbread | $9.29 | 640 cal |
| Cinnamon Crunch Bagel | Bakery | $2.09 | 430 cal |
| Plain Bagel with Cream Cheese | Bakery | $3.99 | 460 cal |
| Chocolate Chip Cookie | Bakery | $2.49 | 440 cal |
| Bear Claw Pastry | Bakery | $3.29 | 490 cal |
| Banana Nut Muffin | Bakery | $3.49 | 470 cal |
| Lemonade (Regular) | Drinks | $3.19 | 180 cal |
| Green Tea | Drinks | $2.79 | 0 cal |
| Charged Lemonade | Drinks | $4.29 | 390 cal |
| Coffee (Regular) | Drinks | $2.59 | 5 cal |
| Mango Smoothie | Drinks | $5.79 | 270 cal |
| Kids Meal | Kids | $6.49 | varies |
Note: Prices may vary slightly by location. Always check your local Panera for the most current pricing.
The Best Panera Meals Under $10
You do not need to spend a lot to eat well at Panera. Here are some of the top picks that taste great and cost less than $10.
1. Broccoli Cheddar Soup – A Classic Comfort Meal
This is one of the most popular items on the Panera Bread lunch menu. A cup of Broccoli Cheddar Soup costs around $5.49 and has 290 calories. It is thick, creamy, and full of real broccoli and cheddar cheese. Pair it with a baguette, and you have a filling meal for under $8.
The bread bowl version is also a great value. You get the soup inside a fresh sourdough bread bowl for about $9.49. That is a hearty meal that will keep you full for hours.
2. Tuna Salad Sandwich – Simple and Satisfying
The Tuna Salad Sandwich is one of the most affordable sandwiches you can get at Panera. It costs around $8.99 and has 530 calories. It is made with real tuna, creamy dressing, and served on your choice of bread. It is a simple meal that tastes fresh and clean without putting a dent in your wallet.
3. Classic Mac and Cheese – Comfort in a Bowl
Mac and cheese at Panera is not your average boxed kind. It is made with a blend of real cheeses and served warm. A regular serving costs about $7.99. It has 930 calories, so it is quite filling. This is a great choice if you want something warm and comforting without spending a lot of money.
4. Margherita Flatbread Pizza – Quick and Tasty
If you want something different, the Margherita Flatbread Pizza costs around $8.49 and has 590 calories. It is topped with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. It is light but satisfying, and it comes out nice and crispy from the oven.
5. Bagel with Cream Cheese – Best Budget Breakfast Option
A bagel with cream cheese from Panera is one of the best low-cost options during morning meal hours. It costs about $3.99 and gives you around 460 calories. You can choose from a variety of bagels, including plain, cinnamon crunch, or everything bagel. It is a great way to start the day without spending much at all.
Read More: Dunkin Donut Breakfast Menu and Prices
The Panera Bread You Pick Two Menu – Best Value Deal
If you want variety and great value, the Panera Bread You Pick Two menu is the perfect option. This deal lets you pick any two items from a list of soups, salads, and sandwiches. You get half portions of each, which is still plenty of food for most people. The price usually comes out to about $9 to $12, depending on what you choose.
Here are some great You Pick Two combinations that stay close to $10:
| Combination | Item 1 | Item 2 | Est. Price | Est. Calories |
| Classic Comfort | Half Broccoli Cheddar Soup | Half Turkey Sandwich | ~$9.99 | ~410 cal |
| Light and Fresh | Half Caesar Salad | Half Creamy Tomato Soup | ~$9.49 | ~310 cal |
| Hearty Pick | Half Mac & Cheese | Half French Onion Soup | ~$10.29 | ~580 cal |
| Healthy Duo | Half Greek Salad | Half Turkey Chili | ~$9.79 | ~350 cal |
| Warm and Cozy | Half Chicken Noodle Soup | Half Tuna Sandwich | ~$9.69 | ~480 cal |
The You Pick Two option is great because you get to try different things without committing to just one full meal. It is also a smart way to control your calories and keep costs down at the same time.
Panera Lunch Menu with Prices – What to Order from 11 am to 4 pm
Lunch is the most popular time to visit Panera. The Panera lunch menu with prices below shows what is available during regular lunch meal hours, which typically run from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at most locations.
| Item | Price | Calories | Best For |
| Broccoli Cheddar Soup (Bowl) | $7.99 | 470 cal | Warm comfort food |
| Turkey Sandwich (Full) | $9.99 | 530 cal | Classic deli lunch |
| Caesar Salad (Full) | $9.99 | 350 cal | Light and healthy |
| Classic Mac & Cheese | $7.99 | 930 cal | Filling comfort meal |
| Chipotle Chicken Flatbread | $9.29 | 640 cal | Quick and flavorful |
| You Pick Two (varies) | $9.49–$12.49 | varies | Best value combo |
| Margherita Flatbread | $8.49 | 590 cal | Vegetarian option |
| Tuna Salad Sandwich | $8.99 | 530 cal | Budget-friendly pick |
| Fuji Apple Salad (Half) | $7.49 | 290 cal | Sweet and fresh |
| Tomato Bisque Soup (Bowl) | $7.49 | 310 cal | Light lunch option |
Most of these items fall at or under $10, especially if you stick to soups, half salads, or the more affordable sandwich choices. If you visit during weekday lunch hours, you may also find limited-time deals or pairings that save you even more.
Panera Breakfast Menu
Panera also has a strong breakfast lineup. The breakfast menu is served from opening time until 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM at most locations. Here is what you can get for under $10 at breakfast:
| Breakfast Item | Price | Calories |
| Avocado, Egg & Cheese Sandwich | $6.99 | 520 cal |
| Bacon, Egg & Cheese on Bagel | $7.49 | 590 cal |
| Spinach & Bacon Egg Soufflé | $5.49 | 480 cal |
| Steel Cut Oatmeal with Toppings | $5.29 | 290 cal |
| Plain Bagel with Cream Cheese | $3.99 | 460 cal |
| Cinnamon Crunch Bagel | $2.09 | 430 cal |
| Banana Nut Muffin | $3.49 | 470 cal |
| Greek Yogurt Parfait | $4.99 | 240 cal |
Healthiest Choices at Panera
Panera makes it easy to eat healthy without giving up flavor. Here are some of the best lighter choices on the Panera Bread menu:
| Healthy Item | Calories | Protein | Price |
| Green Goddess Cobb Salad (Half) | 270 cal | 18g | $7.49 |
| Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (Half) | 170 cal | 13g | $6.99 |
| Creamy Tomato Soup (Cup) | 160 cal | 6g | $5.29 |
| Turkey Chili (Cup) | 170 cal | 12g | $5.49 |
| Steel Cut Oatmeal | 290 cal | 9g | $5.29 |
| Lentil Quinoa Bowl with Egg | 500 cal | 22g | $9.99 |
| Greek Salad (Full) | 390 cal | 11g | $9.49 |
| Turkey Sandwich (Half) | 265 cal | 19g | ~$6.49 |
If you are watching your calories, the best strategy at Panera is to go for soups, half salads, or half sandwiches. These give you great nutrition without overdoing it on calories or spending too much money.
Check Also: Latest Panera Bread Catering Menu and Prices
Smart Tips to Save Money at Panera
- Sign up for MyPanera rewards. You earn points every time you order and get free food over time with no extra cost.
- Order a You Pick Two deal. You get two items for a lower combined price than buying them separately at full price.
- Get a cup instead of a bowl for soups. The cup size is filling enough for most people and costs a couple of dollars less.
- Stick to water or green tea. Skipping specialty drinks is one of the easiest ways to cut your total bill down.
- Check the Panera app for deals. They often run exclusive app-only discounts or free item offers you will not find elsewhere.
- Visit during breakfast hours. Breakfast items tend to be less expensive than lunch or dinner menu items overall.
Panera Bread Hours – When Can You Visit?
Most Panera locations are open 7 days a week. However, hours can vary by location. Below are the typical operating hours you can expect at most Panera restaurants:
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
| Monday | 6:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 6:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 6:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 6:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:00 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 7:00 AM | 9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 7:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
Always check with your local Panera to confirm exact hours. Holiday hours may be different. You can find updated hours and location details on the Panera website or at Modern Food Catering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panera Bread
Does Panera give senior discounts?
Yes, some Panera locations offer a senior discount of around 10% for customers aged 60 and above. This discount is not available at every location, so it is best to ask your local Panera directly before ordering to confirm if it applies to you.
What is the healthiest sandwich to get at Panera?
The Turkey Sandwich on Whole Grain bread is one of the healthiest choices. It is lower in fat and calories compared to most other sandwiches on the Panera Bread menu. With around 530 calories and solid protein content, it gives you a clean and balanced meal.
What is the best thing to order from Panera?
The Broccoli Cheddar Soup, paired with a warm baguette, is one of the most loved items at Panera. It is warm, creamy, affordable, and very satisfying. The You Pick Two deal is another fan favorite because it gives you great variety and value in a single order.
Is Panera Bread good for people on a budget?
Yes, Panera has many solid options for budget-conscious eaters. Soups, bagels, and the You Pick Two deal are all very affordable choices. Signing up for the free MyPanera loyalty program also helps you earn rewards and get free items over time at no extra cost.
What time does Panera stop serving breakfast?
Most Panera locations stop serving breakfast at 10:30 AM or 11:00 AM. After that, they switch over to the full lunch and dinner menu. If you want breakfast items like bagels, egg sandwiches, or oatmeal, make sure you visit before that cutoff time.
Final Thoughts
Panera Bread is one of the most reliable places to get a good, fresh meal without spending a fortune. Whether you are stopping in for a quick breakfast bagel, a warm bowl of soup at lunch, or a filling flatbread in the evening, there are tons of options under $10 that taste genuinely amazing.
The key is knowing what to order. Stick to soups, half portions, and the You Pick Two deal to get the most food for your money. Use the MyPanera rewards app to save even more over time. And always check your local Panera for the latest prices and meal hours before heading out.
