What to Order at Panera for High Cholesterol

Panera reads as the "healthy" option, and it can be — but the creamy soups, cheesy sandwiches, and pastries make it easy to slip. Here's how to keep it genuinely heart-smart.

What to look for at Panera

Watch the cream-based soups (broccoli cheddar, mac & cheese), cheese-heavy sandwiches, and the bakery case. Sodium is the quiet issue across the soups and sandwiches. Lean toward broth- and bean-based soups, lean-protein salads, and half-portions via the "Pick 2."

Heart-smart picks

• Ten Vegetable Soup or a lentil/bean-based soup — high fiber, vegetable-forward, much lighter than the creamy ones.

• A grilled-chicken salad (like the strawberry-poppyseed or a Greek-style) with dressing on the side.

• Pick 2: a broth-based soup + a half salad is one of the most heart-friendly combos on the menu.

• Whole-grain bread as your side over a cheesy add-on.

Solid runners-up

• A turkey or chicken sandwich on whole grain, easy on the cheese and creamy spreads (ask for mustard or avocado instead).

• Steel-cut oatmeal for a morning visit — oats are one of the best foods for cholesterol.

What to skip

• Broccoli cheddar and mac & cheese — the saturated-fat headliners.

• Bacon- and cheese-loaded sandwiches (e.g., the bacon melts).

• Pastries and the bakery case on the way out.

Quick tips

Default to a broth- or bean-based soup plus a half salad with dressing on the side. Swap creamy spreads for mustard or avocado. Small moves, real difference.

Want the smart pick without reading every label? Forage tells you the best thing to order for your heart at Panera or anywhere, and remembers what worked. Join the waitlist.

Forage and this guide offer general wellness guidance, not medical advice. Nutrition varies by location and portion — confirm with the restaurant, and talk to your doctor about your diet.