Panera Bread's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a popular menu item, lauded for its creamy texture and comforting flavor. For health-conscious individuals, understanding the nutritional content of this soup is crucial. This article delves into the nutritional information of a 12 oz serving of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup, providing a comprehensive overview of its calorie, macronutrient, and micronutrient composition.
Calorie and Macronutrient Breakdown
A 12 oz serving (338g) of Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains 297 calories. The distribution of these calories among the three macronutrients is as follows:
- Carbohydrates: 21g, constituting 27% of the total calories.
- Fats: 19g, accounting for 56% of the total calories.
- Protein: 13g, representing 17% of the total calories.
This macronutrient breakdown indicates that the soup is relatively high in fat compared to carbohydrates and protein.
Fat Content: Saturated vs. Unsaturated
Of the 19g of total fat, 13g are saturated fats, which comprise 63% of the recommended daily value. The soup contains 0g of both monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. The presence of trans fats is not specified, indicated by a "-".
Cholesterol and Sodium Levels
The soup contains 68mg of cholesterol, contributing to 23% of the daily value. Sodium content is notably high, with 1253mg per serving, representing 54% of the recommended daily value.
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Carbohydrates and Fiber
The total carbohydrate content is 21g, with 7g of fiber. This results in a net carb count of 13g per serving. The 7g of fiber accounts for 26% of the daily value, making it a good source of dietary fiber. Information on sugar content is not available, indicated by a "-". The soup contains 0g of Glucose. Information on Fructose, Lactose, Maltose, Galactose and Starch is not available, indicated by a "-".
Protein Content and Amino Acids
A 12 oz serving of the soup provides 13g of protein, which is 22% of your Daily Value. The availability of data on the amino acid profile is not specified, indicated by a "-".
Vitamins and Minerals
Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Soup offers several vitamins and minerals. Notably, it is a good source of calcium, providing 360mg, which is 36% of the daily value. The soup also contains 4mg of Vitamin C (5% of DV) and 486μg of Vitamin A (54% of DV). The Iron content is 0.4mg (5% of DV). The Potassium content is stated as 0mg (0% of DV). Information on Vitamins D, E, and K, as well as minerals like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc, is not provided, indicated by "-". Information on Alpha carotene, Beta carotene, Caffeine, Choline, Copper, Fluoride, Folate (B9), Lycopene, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Retinol, Riboflavin (B2), Selenium, Theobromine, Thiamine, and Vitamin B12 is not provided, indicated by "-".
Considerations for Different Audiences
- 5th Grade Student Level: Imagine your body is like a car, and food is the fuel. This soup has energy (calories), building blocks (protein), fats, and carbs. It also has some vitamins and minerals to help you grow strong!
- General Audience: Panera's Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a comforting choice, but it's important to be aware of its high fat and sodium content. While it provides a good source of protein, fiber, and calcium, moderation is key.
- Professional Level: From a nutritional standpoint, this soup presents a mixed profile. The high saturated fat and sodium levels are potential concerns for individuals managing cardiovascular health. However, the significant fiber and calcium content offer some redeeming nutritional value. Further analysis of the specific types of carbohydrates and fats would provide a more nuanced understanding.
Avoiding Clichés and Common Misconceptions
It's easy to assume that all soups are inherently healthy. However, creamy soups like Broccoli Cheddar can be deceptively high in fat and sodium. It's important to look beyond the "vegetable" component and consider the overall nutritional profile.
Read also: Eating Well at Panera Bread
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