Panera’s New Italian-Inspired Summer Trio Has Arrived—And It’s a Must-Try

Panera Bread is turning up the heat this summer with the launch of three exciting, Italian-inspired menu items designed to satisfy your cravings for bold flavors and seasonal freshness. Starting June 25, fans of the beloved bakery-café chain can indulge in a brand-new sandwich, a crave-worthy salad, and a citrusy handcrafted drink that screams summer. This rollout is more than just a seasonal update—it’s a continuation of Panera’s promise to revamp its menu in ways that reflect both customer feedback and culinary creativity.

Last year, Panera made headlines—and not in a good way—when it abruptly downsized its menu. While the company explained it was trying to streamline offerings, many loyal guests were left disappointed as longtime favorites vanished overnight. Fortunately, 2024 ushered in what the brand has dubbed a “new era,” putting customer desires front and center. That included bringing back fan favorites, offering budget-friendly deals, and introducing fresh creations like Ciabatta Dippers and Croissant Toast. Now, with its latest trio of menu additions, Panera seems determined to reclaim its reputation as a reliable destination for elevated yet accessible café fare.

Meet the New Must-Try Italian-Inspired Items

The headliner of the summer collection is the Italian Steak & Mozz Sandwich, a hearty creation that draws inspiration from Italy’s love affair with bold ingredients and rustic bread. This sandwich layers tender, marinated sliced steak with creamy fresh mozzarella, juicy vine-ripened tomatoes, and peppery arugula, all nestled inside a pillowy Black Pepper Focaccia. What seals the deal is a spread of garlic aioli, a creamy, savory sauce that previously featured in the now-retired Bagel Stack Sandwiches. It’s a flavor bomb designed for those who want something heartier than Panera’s usual fare but still crave that signature artisanal twist.

If your summer appetite leans lighter—but no less flavorful—Panera’s Italian Market Salad delivers a refreshing change of pace. The salad brings together chopped mixed greens and arugula, tossed with nutty shredded Asiago cheese, crispy croutons, and savory chickpeas. But the standout ingredient is soppressata, a dry-cured Italian salami that adds a salty, satisfying bite to every forkful. Panera tosses the entire mix in a zesty Italian dressing, though guests have the option to request it on the side to control the level of tangy punch. It’s the kind of salad that feels indulgent while still being light enough to keep you cool and energized.

Of course, no summer meal is complete without a refreshing drink—and Panera’s Strawberry Basil Lemonade Fresca checks all the right boxes. The café’s latest addition to its beverage lineup features a strawberry-basil fruit blend sweetened naturally with agave nectar. The basil lends a subtle herbal note that balances the sweetness of the strawberries, making it a grown-up twist on a childhood classic. It’s available to all customers, but Unlimited Sip Club members will especially appreciate that this vibrant drink is included in their subscription. Whether you’re sipping it alongside your lunch or just need a fruity mid-day refresher, this Fresca promises to deliver summer in a cup.

A Season of Flavor—and Savings

For those considering joining Panera’s Unlimited Sip Club, now is the time to dive in. First-time members who sign up before June 30 can enjoy three months of free unlimited beverages. That includes coffee, tea, soda, and specialty drinks like the new Strawberry Basil Lemonade Fresca. If you’re a regular Panera guest, the savings can really add up—and the convenience of always having a chilled drink in hand during the hot months is hard to beat.

With this seasonal launch, Panera continues to show that it’s serious about evolving—not just for the sake of change, but to reconnect with what its customers truly love. The new menu items feel carefully curated, balancing indulgence and freshness, tradition and innovation. Whether you’re biting into a flavorful steak sandwich, forking through a hearty salad, or sipping a refreshing lemonade with a twist, this latest lineup proves Panera is listening—and delivering.

But don’t wait too long to try them. Like many of Panera’s seasonal specials, these Italian-inspired offerings are only available for a limited time. So if your summer plans include discovering new flavors, make room for a trip to Panera. And don’t forget to download the Panera app to unlock deals, earn rewards, and keep tabs on future limited-edition items you won’t want to miss.