# Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Panera Bread - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Deli - **Size:** 32 oz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/panera-bread-broccoli-cheddar-soup-32-oz - **Slug:** `panera-bread-broccoli-cheddar-soup-32-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods Contains industrial formulations (pasteurized process cheese, chicken base with yeast extract and natural flavors, starch thickeners, whey protein concentrate) and is a ready-to-heat manufactured product, which fits the ultraprocessed NOVA 4 category. ## Review Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup is presented as a ready-to-heat, single-serve comfort food option that you’ll most often find in the refrigerated prepared foods or deli-adjacent section of the grocery store — stacked near other microwavable soups, grab-and-go sandwiches, and heat-and-eat entrees. It fits into quick-lunch and rushed-dinner moments: the office lunch break, a busy parent’s grab for a student’s after-school snack, or a warm companion on a blustery errand day. As a Panera-branded product it borrows the bakery-cafe halo — urban-casual, slightly upscale convenience aimed at time-pressed professionals and families who want café flavors at home. Label claims emphasize “no artificial preservatives, sweeteners or flavors,” and the packaging leans on artisanal cues rather than kid-focused branding; it is not organic certified. In plain terms it’s a processed, ready-made soup: real dairy and vegetables are blended with processed cheese systems, concentrated chicken base and starches to create stability and a long shelf-ready texture. Sensory notes: the cup delivers a thick, velvety cheese sauce studded with small broccoli florets and shredded carrot, with a creamy mouthfeel and a savory, slightly salty finish. The ritual is simple — peel the lid, microwave and stir, eat from the cup or pour into a bowl — making it appealing for solitary meals or a quick comfort fix. Expect convenience and craveability, balanced by the trade-offs common to shelf-stable and refrigerated prepared meals, notably a notably high sodium level for a single serving. ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 1.0 cup - **Servings per container:** 3.5 - **Calories:** 240 - **Total fat:** 14g (18% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 9g (45% DV) - **Trans fat:** 0.5g - **Cholesterol:** 50mg (17% DV) - **Sodium:** 990mg (43% DV) - **Total carbs:** 17g (6% DV) - **Dietary fiber:** 2g (7% DV) - **Total sugars:** 6g - **Protein:** 9g ## Ingredients Milk, Chicken Stock (Chicken Base [Chicken Meat Including Chicken Juice, Salt, Chicken Fat, Yeast Extract, Sugar, Natural Flavor, Potato Flour, Carrot Powder, Turmeric]), Water, Broccoli, Pasteurized Process Cheddar Cheese (Cheddar Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Whey, Whey Protein Concentrate, Skim Milk, Sodium Citrate, Salt, Milkfat, Lactic Acid, Oleoresin Paprika [for Color], Annatto [for Color]), Heavy Cream, Carrots, Corn Starch, Contains 2% or Less of: Onions, Seasoning (Wheat Flour, Salt, Spice), Butter (Cream, Salt), Dijon Mustard (Water, Mustard Seed, Vinegar, Salt, Red Pepper), Nisin Preparation and Hot Pepper Sauce (Distilled Vinegar, Red Pepper, Salt). ## Flagged ingredients - **Sodium Citrate** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier - **Nisin Preparation** (preservative): Synthetic preservative - **Annatto** (additive): Artificial coloring ## Context tags - **Occasions:** back-to-school, lunch-at-desk, road-trip - **Vibes:** convenient, comforting, nostalgic ## FAQ ### Is the broccoli cheddar soup healthy? Healthy can mean different things to different people, but this soup offers a decent balance of protein and calcium, thanks to the cheddar cheese and milk. At 240 calories per cup, it’s a comforting option that can fit into a balanced diet. Just keep in mind that it’s also relatively high in sodium, so if you're watching your salt intake, you might want to enjoy it in moderation. ### Is the broccoli cheddar soup vegan? Nope, this soup is definitely not vegan! It’s loaded with dairy, including milk, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese, which all contribute to that creamy, dreamy texture. If you're looking for a plant-based alternative, you might want to check out some homemade recipes or other brands that specifically cater to vegan diets. ### Is the broccoli cheddar soup gluten-free? Unfortunately, this soup is not gluten-free. It contains wheat flour in the seasoning mix, which makes it a no-go for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. If you're after a gluten-free option, you might want to explore some dedicated gluten-free soups or whip up your own version at home! ### Does the broccoli cheddar soup contain seed oils? Good news here: no seed oils in this soup! Instead, it relies on ingredients like butter and cream for richness. Seed oils can sometimes get a bad rap, but in this case, Panera has opted for more traditional fats, which many people prefer for flavor. ### Does the broccoli cheddar soup contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, you won’t find any artificial sweeteners in this soup. It’s sweetened naturally with the ingredients present, like the carrots and a hint of sugar in the chicken stock. So you can enjoy that comforting taste without worrying about hidden sweeteners! ### Is the broccoli cheddar soup high in sugar? Not really! This soup has just 6 grams of total sugars per serving, which is pretty low compared to many processed foods out there. It’s not a dessert, after all, so you can enjoy it without worrying about a sugar overload. ### What are some healthier alternatives to the broccoli cheddar soup? If you’re looking for healthier alternatives, consider soups that are lower in sodium or made with more vegetables and legumes. Options like a hearty lentil soup or a vegetable broth-based soup can pack in more fiber and nutrients without as much creaminess. Plus, you can customize them to your taste! ### Can kids eat the broccoli cheddar soup? Absolutely! Many kids love the cheesy, creamy goodness of this soup. Just keep an eye on portion sizes, especially if they’re sensitive to sodium. It can be a great way to sneak in some broccoli and carrots into their diet! ### Is the broccoli cheddar soup good for weight loss? It can fit into a weight loss plan, especially if you enjoy it as part of a balanced meal. With 240 calories per cup, it's a filling option, but just be mindful of the sodium content and pair it with a side salad or some whole-grain bread for a more balanced approach. Moderation is key! ### Is the broccoli cheddar soup ultra-processed? While it’s not the most straightforward soup out there, it does contain some processed ingredients like pasteurized process cheddar and chicken stock. However, it’s not as heavily processed as some ultra-processed foods that are filled with additives and preservatives. 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