Panera Just Released New Summer Menu Items, Including High-Protein Sandwiches—Here’s What a Dietitian Thinks
Panera Just Released New Summer Menu Items, Including High-Protein Sandwiches—Here’s What a Dietitian Thinks
Summer Menu Items from Panera
As the summer season approaches, many of us crave lighter, fresher meals that are easy to prepare and enjoy. While homemade fruit salads and grilled favorites are always a great option, sometimes we need a break from cooking and opt for takeout. That’s where Panera Bread comes in, offering a range of healthier choices that our editors love to order. The franchise has recently released six new menu items, including avocado toasts and spicy sandwiches, that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Panera’s New Avocado Toast
For the first time, Panera is introducing avocado toasts to their menu, with two new varieties: Classic Avo and Garden Avo. The Classic Avo features a simple spread of avocado on sourdough toast, garnished with everything bagel seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper. The Garden Avo adds sliced tomatoes and garlic aioli to the mix. Here are the nutritional breakdowns for each option:
- Classic Avo: 200 calories, 26g carbohydrates, 4g dietary fiber, 1g total sugars, 5g protein, 9g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 250mg sodium
- Garden Avo: 320 calories, 26g carbohydrates, 4g dietary fiber, 1g total sugars, 6g protein, 21g total fat, 3.5g saturated fat, 320mg sodium
According to EatingWell‘s nutrition editor and dietitian, Jessica Ball, these avocado toasts can be great choices for a quick breakfast in a pinch. She notes that they are low in sodium and saturated fat compared to many other fast-food breakfast options. However, she advises adding another source of protein, such as Panera’s Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries Parfait, to give it more staying power.
Panera’s New Spicy Sandwiches
For lunch, Panera is offering two new sandwiches: the Spicy Fiesta Chicken Sandwich and the Kickin’ Grilled Cheese. Both sandwiches feature creamy salsa verde among their ingredients. Here are the nutritional breakdowns for each option:
- Spicy Fiesta Chicken Sandwich: 840 calories, 88g carbohydrates, 5g dietary fiber, 6g total sugars, 51g protein, 32g total fat, 14g saturated fat, 1,900mg sodium
- Kickin’ Grilled Cheese: 840 calories, 70g carbohydrates, 3g dietary fiber, 11g total sugars, 31g protein, 49g total fat, 25g saturated fat, 1,920mg sodium
According to Jessica Ball, these sandwiches can be part of a healthy eating pattern in moderation. However, she advises considering ordering just half of the sandwich to help it fit better into your typical day. The sandwiches pack almost 3 grams of fiber and 26 grams of protein.
The Bottom Line
While Panera’s new summer menu items sound delicious, it’s essential to make some modifications if you’re looking to add them to your breakfast or lunch routine. However, 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
Panera’s new summer menu items offer a range of healthier options that can be part of a balanced diet. While some modifications may be necessary, these dishes can be enjoyed in moderation as a special treat. By making informed choices, you can indulge in the flavors of the season without compromising your health goals.
FAQs
Q: What are the new avocado toast options at Panera?
A: Panera is introducing two new avocado toast options: Classic Avo and Garden Avo.
Q: What are the nutritional breakdowns for each avocado toast option?
A: Please refer to the tables above for the nutritional breakdowns for each option.
Q: Can I make these avocado toasts healthier?
A: Yes, you can add another source of protein, such as Panera’s Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries Parfait, to give it more staying power.
Q: What are the new spicy sandwich options at Panera?
A: Panera is offering two new sandwiches: the Spicy Fiesta Chicken Sandwich and the Kickin’ Grilled Cheese.
Q: What are the nutritional breakdowns for each spicy sandwich option?
A: Please refer to the tables above for the nutritional breakdowns for each option.
Q: Can I make these spicy sandwiches healthier?
A: Yes, you can consider ordering just half of the sandwich to help it fit better into your typical day.
