sandwiches and fresh salads to warm bowls, soups, and comfort-food favorites.
Whether you need a quick lunch between errands or want an easy dinner, you can build your meal around what you like and how hungry you are. Panera also offers combination meals, so you don’t always have to choose between a sandwich, soup, or salad.
In this guide, we’ll look at popular Panera lunch and dinner options, estimated prices, calories, portion choices, and simple tips for ordering.
Note
Panera prices, menu items, portion sizes, and availability can vary by location. The prices shown below are general estimates rather than guaranteed prices at every Panera café.
Panera Lunch & Dinner Menu at a Glance
Panera’s lunch and dinner selection is broad enough that you can choose a light meal or something more filling.
Popular categories include:
- Sandwiches and toasted sandwiches
- Salads
- Soups
- Warm bowls
- Mac & Cheese
- Flatbreads and other seasonal items
- Bakery and side options
One useful thing about Panera is that you can mix different types of food. For example, a cup of soup with a half sandwich can work well for a lighter lunch, while a full sandwich or warm bowl may be better when you’re looking for a more substantial meal.
Panera Sandwiches & Toasted Lunch Options
Sandwiches are one of the easiest choices when you want a convenient lunch. Panera has offered a variety of chicken, turkey, vegetarian, and specialty sandwiches, with different breads, sauces, cheeses, and toppings.
Here are examples of popular Panera sandwich choices:
| Sandwich | Main Ingredients | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt | Chicken, avocado, cheese, vegetables and chipotle-style sauce | Around 700–800 cal |
| Frontega Chicken Sandwich | Smoked chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes, onions and chipotle-style sauce | Around 700+ cal |
| Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich | Hummus, feta, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes and greens | Around 500+ cal |
| Bacon Turkey Bravo | Turkey, bacon, smoked cheese, lettuce, tomato and sauce | Around 800+ cal |
These calorie figures should be treated as general guide numbers. Bread choice, portion size, ingredients, and recipe changes can affect the final nutrition information.
Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
If you don’t want meat, the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich is a popular option to consider. It combines hummus, vegetables, feta, and greens for a sandwich with plenty of texture and flavor.
It’s also a good example of why checking the complete nutrition information matters. The bread, cheese, spreads, and other ingredients all contribute to the final calorie count.
Panera Salads for Lunch or Dinner
If you prefer vegetables and fresh ingredients, a Panera salad can be an easy choice.
Chicken salads can provide a more filling meal because they combine vegetables with a source of protein. You can also pay attention to the dressing because dressings and toppings can add extra calories.
Some commonly known Panera salad choices include:
| Salad | Main Ingredients | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken | Chicken, avocado, egg, bacon, tomatoes and dressing | Around 500 cal |
| Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken | Chicken, greens, cheese, pecans and apple toppings | Around 500–600 cal |
| Caesar Salad with Chicken | Chicken, romaine, Parmesan and croutons | Around 450–500 cal |
| Greek Salad | Romaine, tomatoes, feta, onions, olives and dressing | Around 400 cal |
Exact calories can change depending on the current recipe, serving size, and dressing.
A Simple Salad Ordering Tip
If you’re trying to keep your meal lighter, pay attention to the dressing and toppings rather than looking only at the vegetables.
You can also pair a smaller salad with soup or another half portion if you prefer variety
Panera Soups for Lunch & Dinner
Soup is another popular choice at Panera, especially when you want something warm and comforting.
Popular varieties have included Broccoli Cheddar, Creamy Tomato, Chicken Noodle, and vegetable-based soups, while seasonal selections can change during the year.
A cup of soup is particularly useful when you’re pairing it with a sandwich or salad. A bowl gives you a larger serving when soup is the main part of your meal.
For a closer look at soup choices, prices, calories, and availability, see our Panera Soups Menu guide.
Cup or Bowl?
Choose a cup if:
- You’re ordering another main item
- You want a smaller portion
- You’re using a You Pick 2 combination
Choose a bowl if:
- Soup is your main meal
- You have a bigger appetite
- You want more of the soup rather than another menu item
Panera Warm Bowls
Warm bowls can be a good choice when you want something more substantial than a salad but don’t necessarily want a traditional sandwich.
Panera has offered warm grain-based bowls featuring combinations of rice, grains, vegetables, sauces, and proteins.
Popular examples have included:
Baja Warm Bowl with Chicken
This style of bowl combines grains with chicken, beans, corn, avocado, and flavorful toppings.
It’s a filling option because you get several components in one meal rather than just one main ingredient.
Mediterranean Bowl with Chicken
A Mediterranean-style bowl can combine chicken, grains, hummus, vegetables, feta, and other Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
These bowls can be a convenient option when you want protein, grains, and vegetables in one meal.
Panera Mac & Cheese
For a more indulgent lunch or dinner, Panera’s Mac & Cheese is a longtime comfort-food favorite.
The dish features pasta with a creamy cheese sauce and can be quite filling on its own.
Because it is a richer option, the calorie count can be considerably higher than some soups or salads. If you’re watching your calorie intake, consider the portion size and what else you’re ordering with it.
What About Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese?
Panera has also offered variations that combine its signature Broccoli Cheddar flavor with macaroni and cheese.
Availability of specialty versions can change, so check your local menu before planning your order around one particular item.
Panera You Pick 2: A Flexible Lunch Choice
One of the most useful ways to order at Panera is the You Pick 2 combination.
Instead of ordering two full-size meals, you can combine eligible half portions. Depending on the current menu, combinations can include:
- Half sandwich + cup of soup
- Half sandwich + half salad
- Cup of soup + half salad
This is helpful if you want to try two different foods without ordering a full serving of both.
Why Is You Pick 2 Popular?
The main advantage is variety.
For example, you might want a sandwich but also feel like having soup. Rather than choosing one, a combination meal can give you both in smaller portions.
It can also make portion control easier because you aren’t automatically ordering two full-size entrées
Panera Lunch & Dinner Menu Prices
Panera prices are not identical everywhere. Your local café may charge more or less depending on location, menu changes, taxes, and ordering method.
As a general guide, you may see:
| Menu Category | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Cup of Soup | About $6–$8 |
| Bowl of Soup | About $8–$10 |
| Sandwich | About $10–$14 |
| Salad | About $9–$14 |
| Warm Bowl | About $11–$15 |
| Mac & Cheese | About $8–$11 |
| You Pick 2 | Varies by combination |
These numbers are intended as a general guide rather than a fixed Panera price list.
Tip: Online ordering can sometimes show different prices or available choices than what you see at another location, so check your selected café before placing your order
Panera Lunch & Dinner Menu Calories
Calories can vary a lot across the Panera menu.
A simple vegetable-based item may have considerably fewer calories than a sandwich loaded with cheese, sauces, and bacon. Similarly, a soup can be relatively light by itself but become a much larger meal when paired with bread, chips, a dessert, and a sweet drink.
If you’re counting calories, consider the entire order.
For example:
Lighter approach:
- Cup of soup
- Half salad or half sandwich
- Apple or another lighter side
More filling approach:
- Full sandwich
- Bowl of soup
- Bread or chips
Neither approach is automatically better. It depends on your appetite and what you’re looking for from the meal.
For more detailed information, visit our Panera Nutrition & Calories guide.
What Time Does Panera Start Serving Lunch?
Panera commonly transitions from its breakfast menu to its later-day menu around 10:30 AM, but hours and menu availability can vary by café.
If you’re planning an early lunch, it’s a good idea to check your local Panera’s menu first.
For opening times, closing times, and location-specific information, see our Panera Hours guide.
Can You Order Lunch Items During Dinner?
Yes. Panera’s lunch and dinner menu is generally available throughout the later part of the day, although individual items can sell out or have limited availability.
If you have a particular sandwich, salad, or soup in mind, checking the current menu before visiting can save you a trip.
Healthier Panera Lunch Choices
There is no single “healthiest” Panera meal for everyone. Your needs and portion size matter.
However, if you’re looking for a lighter meal, you can start with options such as:
- Vegetable-based soup
- Salad with a protein source
- Half sandwich with soup
- Half salad with a lighter dressing
- Fruit or apple instead of a heavier side
The easiest way to make a meal lighter is often to pay attention to portion size and extras.
Creamy sauces, cheese, bacon, dressings, chips, and sweet drinks can add a lot to an otherwise moderate meal.
Best Panera Lunch & Dinner Menu for Different Appetites
Best for a Quick Lunch
A You Pick 2 combination of soup and half sandwich is a practical choice when you want something satisfying without ordering a full-size meal.
Best for a Fresh Meal
A chicken salad can be a good option if you prefer greens, vegetables, and protein.
Best for a Hearty Meal
A warm bowl or full sandwich may work better when you’re especially hungry.
Best Comfort Food
Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Mac & Cheese, or another creamy option can hit the spot when you’re looking for something rich and comforting.
Tips for Getting Better Value at Panera
1. Compare Combination Options
Before ordering a full sandwich and another side separately, check whether an eligible combination gives you better value and more variety.
2. Don’t Ignore Portion Size
A full-size entrée isn’t always necessary. Half portions can be enough when you’re also ordering soup, salad, or another side.
3. Check the Current Menu
Panera changes menu items from time to time. Seasonal or limited-time items may not be available year-round.
4. Look at Nutrition Before Ordering
If calories or specific nutrients matter to you, check the current nutrition information rather than relying on an old menu or third-party list.
5. Pick Your Extras Carefully
Your side and drink can make a noticeable difference to the total calories and price of your meal.
FaQs
What time does Panera start serving lunch?
Many Panera locations transition from breakfast to the lunch menu around 10:30 AM. Exact timing can vary by location, so checking your local café is recommended.
What is the most popular lunch item at Panera?
Panera has several well-known lunch choices, including sandwiches, soups, salads, and combination meals. Popularity can vary by location and current menu.
What is the healthiest lunch at Panera?
A lighter soup, salad, or half-portion combination can be a good starting point if you’re trying to manage calories. The healthiest choice depends on your dietary needs and the ingredients in the complete meal.
Does Panera have dinner?
Yes. Panera serves its later-day menu into the evening at many locations. The exact closing time and available items can vary by café.
Can I get soup and a sandwich at Panera?
Yes. A soup and sandwich combination is one of the most common ways to build a Panera meal. The You Pick 2 option may allow you to choose a cup of soup with a half sandwich.
Does Panera have salads for dinner?
Yes. Salads can generally be ordered as part of the later-day menu, although individual items may vary by location.
Are Panera lunch prices the same everywhere?
No. Prices can vary based on location and other factors. Online ordering may also show different prices from another Panera café.
Does Panera offer healthy dinner options?
Yes. You can build a lighter dinner with choices such as salad, vegetable-based soup, or smaller portions. Paying attention to dressings, sauces, sides, and drinks can also help control the overall meal.
Final Thoughts
The Panera lunch and dinner menu gives you plenty of flexibility. You can keep things simple with a soup or salad, choose a classic sandwich, or go for something more filling like a warm bowl or Mac & Cheese.
If you’re trying to get the best value, the You Pick 2 combination is worth considering. If nutrition is your priority, look beyond the main item and consider the portion size, dressing, sides, and drink as well.
Panera’s menu can change, and prices and availability are not always the same at every location. So before ordering, check your local café for the most current menu, prices, and nutrition information.
For a broader look at everything Panera offers, visit our Panera Menu guide.