Panera Highest Protein Foods and Drinks [2024]
In the ever-evolving world of nutritious and flavorful dining, finding high-protein options that tantalize our taste buds is a quest many embark on.
Panera Bread, known for its wholesome and delicious offerings, has continuously expanded its menu to cater to various dietary preferences and needs. So, if you’re on the lookout for protein-packed delights, look no further!
In this article, we will explore the highest protein foods and drinks available at Panera Bread in 2024. From mouthwatering sandwiches to refreshing smoothies, we’ll uncover the delicious secrets behind these protein powerhouses.
Panera – A Family Favorite Since 1981!
Panera Bread first sprouted its roots in 1981 in St. Louis, Missouri, under the name “Au Bon Pain.” It quickly became a popular destination for freshly baked goods, sandwiches, and soups.
Fast forward to the 1990s, and Panera Bread emerged as a brand of its own, with a mission to provide wholesome, high-quality food served in a cozy and friendly environment.
Today, Panera Bread has grown into a beloved chain of bakery-cafés across the United States and Canada.
The heart and soul of Panera Bread lie in its commitment to serving food that is both delicious and nourishing. They take pride in using fresh, high-quality ingredients, often sourced from local suppliers. No artificial preservatives, sweeteners, or flavors here – just real food prepared with love.
Their menu offers a diverse range of delights from hearty soups and salads to wholesome sandwiches and paninis. Not to mention their delectable pastries and baked goods that tempt you with each visit.
What Makes a Dish High in Protein?
A dish is considered high in protein when it contains a significant amount of protein relative to its overall calorie content.
Protein is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and providing energy. Foods rich in protein can help you feel fuller for longer and are particularly beneficial for those who lead active lifestyles or are looking to build and maintain muscle mass.
Various factors contribute to making a dish high in protein. Here are some key elements.
Protein-Rich Ingredients
Dishes that contain protein-rich ingredients like lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, tempeh, legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas), and dairy products are naturally high in protein.
Portion Size
Larger portions of protein-rich ingredients in a dish will increase its overall protein content. For example, a meal that contains 100 grams of meat will have less protein than a bigger portion of the same dish that contains, for example, 200 grams of meat.
Protein Combinations
Combining different protein sources can enhance the protein content of a dish. For example, a meal with beans and rice or a quinoa salad with tofu can provide a more complete protein profile.
Highest Protein Foods at Panera
Now, keep in mind that “high protein” has a different meaning for different people. For a bodybuilder, the traditional definition of “high protein” is not enough to cover their daily protein intake needs. And for a young child, “high protein” may be way too high for their dietary needs.
So, it’s always best to consult a dietitian if you do have a specific requirement or want to know what the daily limits should be. If you aren’t too fussy about specifics and you’re simply looking to increase your protein intake, these menu options are perfect for you.
Also, the dishes listed in today’s guide can all be found on the official Panera Bread website. Whether or not your specific restaurant has this dish or drink in stock will depend on many factors. It’s best to phone them directly to check if they carry this menu item.
Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best high-protein foods at Panera in 2024.
1. Smoky Buffalo Chicken Melt – Toasted Baguette
The Smoky Buffalo Chicken Melt is a delectable sandwich that boasts a harmonious blend of ingredients.
It starts with a toasted baguette, adding a perfect crunch to each bite. Inside, you’ll find tender and flavorful grilled chicken, cooked to perfection and infused with smoky goodness.
The chicken is then generously coated in a tantalizing buffalo sauce, which adds a kick of heat and tangy flavor to the mix.
Completing this scrumptious creation are slices of creamy cheddar cheese that melt beautifully over the warm chicken, tying all the flavors together.
At Panera Bread, customization is the name of the game! To make the Smoky Buffalo Chicken Melt your own, you can explore other bread options available such as whole-grain, sourdough, or a classic French baguette.
And as always, you can add a burst of freshness and texture with your favorite toppings. Lettuce, tomato, red onion, or avocado can elevate the sandwich to a whole new level.
Where Does the Protein Come From?
The star of the show is undoubtedly the grilled chicken! Packed with protein, the grilled chicken in the Smoky Buffalo Chicken Melt provides a satisfying and hearty element to the sandwich.
To give you an idea, a single serving of this sandwich contains roughly 50 grams of protein, mostly coming from chicken. A serving also contains about 830 calories. You can check out the breakdown of nutrients here.
2. The Signature Take Chicken Sandwich
The Signature Take Chicken Sandwich is a delightful creation that brings together a variety of scrumptious ingredients.
At its heart lies succulent and juicy chicken, thoughtfully seasoned and seared to perfection. The sandwich is then elevated with a delightful array of toppings, including garlic aioli, emerald greens, and Parmesan crisps.
All of this deliciousness is sandwiched between freshly baked brioche buns, creating a satisfying and irresistible meal.
Again, there are virtually an unlimited amount of ways you can customize this sandwich to make it suit your needs.
While the sandwich typically comes on a brioche bun, you can explore other options available at Panera Bread to find your perfect match. You can also substitute the garlic aioli sauce with another of their famous dressings.
And if you want to add a touch of freshness, add some tomatoes, lettuce, and onions. You should also consider adding some bacon, avocado, or spicy mustard. Trust us! You’ll thank us later. And, many of these add-ons also contribute to a higher protein count.
Where Does the Protein Come From?
Again, without any add-ons, the bulk of the protein content will come from the seared chicken breast.
While this sandwich only contains 36 grams of protein, keep in mind it’s also significantly smaller than the Smoky Buffalo Chicken Melt.
3. Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt
The Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is a heavenly combination of smoky pulled chicken, luscious avocado, and zesty Peppadew peppers. Here’s what goes into it!
Layered with the chicken is velvety smoked Gouda cheese, adding a rich and savory touch to every bite. The sandwich is then elevated with the creaminess of fresh avocado and the zestiness of Peppadew peppers.
Completing this flavor explosion is a mouthwatering chipotle sauce that adds a delightful kick. All of this goodness is hugged between slices of Black Pepper Focaccia, adding a touch of peppery goodness to the sandwich.
While you very much can adjust this sandwich to your liking, we love it as is. At the very most, we’d add some more spice with fresh sliced jalapenos. Other than that, it’s pure perfection!
Where Does the Protein Come From?
This sandwich, like everyone so far on our list today, is loaded with protein that mainly comes from the chicken. However, the Gouda cheese slices will also add a notable amount.
Overall, this loaded meal contains 46 grams of pure protein per 940 calories of sandwich.
Now, we do feel like we need to mention that this sandwich, albeit small in stature, is very high in calories. On average, an individual needs 2000 calories per day. This is half of that.
So, while it’s perfectly fine to indulge in a tasty treat like this, keep in mind the effects it will have on your health and diet.
Luckily, the ingredients are pretty fresh, which at the very least makes it better than eating 940 empty calories.
4. Toasted Frontega Chicken
This protein-packed delight is complemented by the velvety texture of fresh mozzarella cheese, which adds a rich and creamy element alongside the smoky pulled chicken.
The sandwich is then elevated with the freshness of vine-ripened tomatoes and the zing of red onions. For a burst of herbaceous goodness, fresh basil leaves are added, enhancing the sandwich’s aroma and taste.
Completing this delectable masterpiece is a tantalizing chipotle sauce that adds a hint of smokiness and spice.
All of this goodness is hugged between slices of Black Pepper Focaccia, adding a dash of peppery delight to the sandwich.
You can opt for other cheese varieties offered at Panera Bread, like smoked Gouda or cheddar to explore different flavor profiles.
Where Does the Protein Come From?
Again, the main source of protein will be the smoked pulled chicken. However, you’ll also get some from the fresh mozzarella cheese added to the sandwich.
Again, consider the calories of this sandwich and whether or not it fits in with your diet or lifestyle. Each sandwich contains a whopping 830 calories with 43 grams of protein.
5. Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Bowl
At the heart of this bowl lies tender and succulent chicken-thigh meat, perfectly cooked to bring out its rich and savory taste. Paired with the chicken are vibrant and crisp broccoli florets, adding a refreshing and nutritious touch to the dish.
The foundation of the Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Bowl is a delightful combination of cilantro lime brown rice and quinoa.
To elevate the taste profile, a soy sauce-based teriyaki glaze is generously drizzled over the bowl. The glaze infuses the dish with a luscious sweetness, creating a delightful contrast with the savory chicken and earthy grains.
Completing this culinary masterpiece are the delicate sesame seeds and fresh cilantro. The sesame seeds add a nutty and crunchy texture, while the cilantro infuses a burst of herbaceous aroma to every bite.
Where Does the Protein Come From?
While this bowl isn’t as high in calories as the sandwiches, it’s still loaded with 47 grams of protein!
That’s because you get the protein from the chicken and rice! Not only is this bowl nutritious, but it’s stuffed with incredible flavors and textures too – truly the best of all worlds!
6. Mediterranean Bowl with Chicken
This wholesome bowl features a delightful combination of cilantro lime brown rice and quinoa, providing a nourishing and flavorful base that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Tender and succulent chicken, thoughtfully seasoned and cooked, adds a savory and satisfying element to the bowl.
Fresh arugula, crisp grape tomatoes, and refreshing cucumbers contribute to the bowl’s vibrant and refreshing character, infusing each bite with a burst of color and taste.
For a touch of Greek inspiration, Kalamata olives and creamy feta cheese are sprinkled over the bowl, enhancing the flavors with their briny and tangy notes.
A luscious and creamy hummus adds a velvety texture, providing a delightful contrast to the other ingredients.
To tie it all together, the bowl is generously drizzled with a zesty and aromatic lemon tahini dressing, infusing the dish with a tangy and nutty essence.
Completing this Mediterranean delight is a dollop of Greek yogurt, adding a velvety and cool finish to the bowl. As with all Panera dishes, you can customize them to your liking. But this bowl is perfect as it is.
Where Does the Protein Come From?
Each bowl serving contains about 550 calories and 26 grams of protein. While this is lower than the sandwiches, remember that it doesn’t contain bread (which is extremely high in calories but not protein).
The protein for this Mediterranean bowl comes from chicken and brown rice.
| Dish | Calories Per Serving | Protein Per Serving |
| Smoky Buffalo Chicken Melt – Toasted Baguette | 830 calories | 50 grams |
| The Signature Take Chicken Sandwich | 560 calories | 36 grams |
| Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt | 940 calories | 46 grams |
| Toasted Frontega Chicken | 830 calories | 43 grams |
| Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Bowl | 600 calories | 47 grams |
| Mediterranean Bowl with Chicken | 550 calories | 26 grams |
Highest Protein Drinks at Panera
Two drinks stand out as being high protein on Panera’s menu: the strawberry smoothie and the mango smoothie.
1. Strawberry Smoothie
Quench your thirst and delight your taste buds with Panera’s refreshing Strawberry Smoothie.
This wholesome blend is crafted from a mix of luscious fruit purees and natural juice concentrates, combined with creamy plain Greek yogurt and a touch of ice for a cool and satisfying texture.
With each smoothie offering a balance of flavors and nutrients, you can savor the goodness while knowing that it contains only 270 calories and provides 13 grams of protein, making it a nourishing option for a quick and fulfilling snack or meal.
2. Mango Smoothie
Indulge in the naturally sweet and juicy essence of ripe mangoes, perfectly complemented by the tangy notes of orange juice, creating a burst of tropical goodness in every sip.
The addition of banana puree adds a smooth and velvety texture, enhancing the overall creaminess of the smoothie. And, of course, Greek yogurt has a big impact on overall mouthfeel!
Not only is their Mango Smoothie a delectable treat for your taste buds, but it also packs a nutritional punch. Each smoothie only contains 300 calories with 13 grams of protein as well.
| Drink | Calories Per Serving | Protein Per Serving |
| Strawberry Smoothie | 270 calories | 13 grams |
| Mango Smoothie | 300 calories | 13 grams |
