Panera might be best known for its cozy café vibe and signature soups, but not every bowl lives up to the hype—or the price tag. With six soups on the menu, I decided to try every single one to find out which are actually worth your money. Some were rich, flavorful, and perfect for a chilly day. Others? Bland, oddly textured, or missing that signature warmth you’d expect from a comforting soup. Whether you’re a die-hard broccoli cheddar fan or just browsing for your next lunch order, here’s my honest take on every Panera soup, ranked from forgettable to fantastic.
6. Rustic Baked Potato Soup
The moment this soup arrived at my table, I knew something was off. Instead of the creamy, chunky potato goodness I expected, I found myself staring at a thin, gluey mixture that resembled overworked mashed potatoes more than soup.
Even more disappointing was the temperature—barely lukewarm, which made the unpleasant texture even more noticeable. The cheese sprinkled on top hadn’t even melted, sitting sadly on the surface like an afterthought.
For a soup that promises rustic comfort, this one delivered neither the hearty potato chunks nor the rich creaminess you’d expect. Save your money and potato cravings for something more satisfying elsewhere on the menu.
5. Bistro French Onion Soup
French onion soup should be a symphony of caramelized depth and gooey cheese pull. Unfortunately, Panera’s version hits all the wrong notes. My first spoonful revealed an unexpectedly sweet broth that lacked the rich, savory foundation this classic soup demands.
The biggest letdown? Those sad, soggy croutons floating on top instead of the traditional cheese-covered toast that makes French onion soup so crave-worthy. The onions themselves were cut too thick and hadn’t been caramelized long enough to develop proper flavor.
With its identity crisis between sweet and savory, this soup misses the mark on what makes French onion soup special. Your taste buds and wallet deserve better.
4. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Sometimes the most popular option is popular for good reason. Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar soup lives up to its reputation with a velvety texture that coats your spoon perfectly. The balance of sharp cheddar flavor comes through without overwhelming your taste buds.
Each spoonful delivers tender vegetable pieces swimming in a rich, perfectly salted base. While I might have enjoyed a few more broccoli chunks, the overall experience remains satisfying and comforting. The soup maintains its quality throughout the meal, never separating or becoming too thick.
On a cold day, few things compare to this cheesy classic. This is definitely one of the three soups worth spending your money on at Panera—especially served in a bread bowl for maximum comfort food points.
3. Creamy Tomato Soup
A childhood classic gets a grown-up treatment in Panera’s Creamy Tomato soup. While slightly thinner than I’d expect from something with “creamy” in its name, the flavor profile more than makes up for the consistency issue.
The tomato base carries a pleasant hint of herbs and just enough spice to keep things interesting without overwhelming sensitive palates. I particularly enjoyed how the soup avoids the overly sweet trap that many commercial tomato soups fall into.
Pro tip: This soup transforms when you add some croutons or dip in a piece of Panera’s fresh bread. The combination elevates a good soup into a great meal, making this one of the three options truly worth your money during your next Panera visit.
2. Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
This soup looks promising at first glance—a hearty mixture of tender chicken pieces, wild rice, and vegetables in a creamy base. The texture hits the right notes, with a satisfying thickness that sticks to your spoon without being gloopy.
However, the flavor profile falls surprisingly flat. Despite the quality ingredients and comforting appearance, each spoonful lacks the seasoning punch needed to make this soup memorable. The chicken pieces are tender and the rice perfectly cooked, but the overall experience is simply… bland.
With just a bit more salt, herbs, or even a touch of pepper, this could easily jump into the “worth it” category. As it stands, though, this middle-of-the-road option doesn’t quite justify its price tag when better choices are available.
1. Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Sometimes the classics earn their reputation. Panera’s Homestyle Chicken Noodle soup stands as the undisputed champion among their soup lineup. The clear, flavorful broth serves as the perfect foundation—neither too salty nor too bland, but perfectly seasoned.
Each spoonful delivers a balanced mix of tender chicken chunks, hearty egg noodles, and fresh vegetables. Unlike many restaurant versions that skimp on ingredients, Panera doesn’t hold back. The carrots retain just enough firmness, the celery adds subtle crunch, and the noodles maintain their integrity without becoming mushy.
Whether you’re fighting a cold or just craving comfort food, this soup delivers consistently excellent flavor and quality. Of all six options, this is the one I’d recommend without hesitation—absolutely worth every cent.
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