Know Before Ordering
Panera gets a lot of love for being the fast-casual spot that actually feels a little fancy. But not everything on that menu deserves your hard-earned cash. Some items are absolute winners that keep people coming back for more. Others? Total letdowns that'll have you wondering why you didn't just grab something else. Here are the 10 worst menu items at Panera, and the 10 best you can't miss out on.
1. Toasted Garden Caprese
Classic caprese salads from Italy have long celebrated the simple harmony of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, but Panera's sandwich interpretation has sparked heated Reddit debates about bread-to-filling ratios. This sandwich ranks as the lowest among Panera's offerings.
2. Grilled Cheese
Often arriving soggy with unevenly melted cheese on plain bread, this becomes a one-note disappointment in taste tests that fails to deliver the crispiness expected from a classic grilled cheese. Critics describe it as basic and uninspired, better suited as a side.
3. Tuna Salad
The tuna mixture lacks freshness and excitement. It's often criticized for being overly mayo-heavy without balancing elements that could elevate its profile. Described as bland and forgettable on sourdough with minimal toppings, it fails to stand out in flavor.
4. Chicken Bacon Rancher
Ranch dressing, started in the 1950s by a plumber turned chef, plays a starring role here, though Panera's take has fans joking about it being a "ranch overload" on social media. The thick focaccia bread overpowers the dry chicken and underwhelming ranch.
5. Turkey & Cheddar
Turkey sandwiches like this evoke classic American lunchbox staples, yet Panera enthusiasts on Reddit playfully suggest "doctoring it up" with free condiments for a quick fix. This sandwich is mild and bland without optional add-ons like mustard.
Hybrid Storytellers on Unsplash
6. Tomato Basil BLT
Insufficient bacon and basil lead to a subpar BLT experience, with the tomato basil bread not compensating for weak flavors that fail to deliver on the sandwich's promise. The sandwich is criticized for lacking the promised herbiness and overall punch.
Seriously Low Carb on Unsplash
7. Bistro French Onion Soup
French onion soup dates back to 18th-century Paris markets, where vendors created rich, caramelized versions, but Panera's has been teasingly dubbed "onion water" by disappointed Redditors. The broth is often too sweet, with undercooked onions that lack deep caramelization.
8. Rustic Baked Potato Soup
Its thin, gluey texture from over-blending disappoints consistently, often arriving not hot enough to melt added cheese. Baked potato soups inspired by loaded potatoes are American comfort food favorites, and Panera's version has fans joking that they need extra toppings to "rescue" it.
9. Cream Of Chicken And Wild Rice Soup
Wild rice is native to North America, and a Midwest staple ingredient, but Panera's soup has been playfully called "rice pudding's savory cousin" online by underwhelmed customers. Bland and overly salty creaminess with muted flavors from veggies and meat make it unremarkable.
10. Caesar Salad With Chicken
Caesar salad was introduced in 1924 in Mexico, and Panera's take has inspired humorous "salad hacks" shared on TikTok for better taste and more exciting flavor. Generic romaine and croutons with a lackluster dressing make it forgettable without innovation or creativity.
1. Bacon Turkey Bravo
Named after "bravo" for applause-worthy taste, this sandwich is often called Panera's "signature star" by loyal fans who champion its winning combination. It tops rankings for tangy Bravo sauce and delivers satisfaction with every single bite.
2. Grilled Chicken & Avo BLT
Hearty with creamy avocado and crisp bacon on sourdough, this sandwich offers fresh satisfaction that balances health-conscious ingredients with indulgent flavors perfectly. Avocado's rise in popularity since the 2010s makes this a "trendy twist" on BLTs, as noted in enthusiastic TikTok reviews.
3. Toasted Italiano
Loaded with ham, soppressata, provolone, and pepperoncini for authentic Italian flavors, this sandwich transports taste buds straight to a classic Italian deli. Inspired by Italian subs, it's jokingly called Panera's "vacation in a sandwich" by those who appreciate its genuine European-style approach.
4. Ciabatta Cheesesteak
Talk about a "game-changer.” Rich steak, caramelized onions, and peppers with aioli on ciabatta melt perfectly together, creating layers of savory satisfaction. Highly ranked for its classic twist and balance, it successfully reimagines an iconic sandwich while maintaining authenticity.
5. Chipotle Chicken Avo Melt
Smoky chipotle aioli pairs with avocado and peppers for a creamy, spicy explosion that delivers excitement from the first bite to the last. Chipotle peppers add a Mexican flair, inspiring light-hearted "spice level challenges" among Panera eaters who test their tolerance for heat.
6. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Created in the 1980s, this soup is Panera's bestseller, often called "liquid gold" by fans who make special trips just for this menu item. Decadent cheesy broth with soft veggies offers addictive umami that brings immediate comfort and satisfaction in every spoonful.
7. Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is a global remedy, and the restaurant has been hailed by customers seeking comfort as "a hug in a bowl" online. Best-ranked for comforting depth, it earns its place as a menu standout through careful attention to seasoning and ingredient quality.
Eli Hodapp from Naperville, United States on Wikimedia
8. Creamy Tomato Soup
Herby with subtle spice, creamy yet light, it strikes an ideal balance that makes it perfect for pairing or enjoying solo. Balanced acidity and versatility earn high praise from reviewers who appreciate its ability to complement sandwiches while standing up on its own.
9. Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup
Here, curry and cinnamon provide a unique, cozy profile that distinguishes it from standard squash soups with unexpected but welcome spice combinations. The soup is often paired with bread or enjoyed as a comforting standalone soup, especially popular during cooler months.
10. Turkey Chili
Panera’s Turkey Chili is a savory chili-style soup made with lean turkey, beans (like kidney beans and garbanzo beans), and vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, and edamame, all seasoned with chili spices. It has a rich, slightly tomato-forward flavor and a thick texture.
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