Duane Beckett
In what is a surprising move, Panera Bread has launched its first-ever value menu. Described as a Mix & Match Menu, it includes eligible soups, salads, and half sandwiches, priced at $4.99 each.
The menu is available at participating fast-casual cafes and includes 10 items.
Delish reported that the timing matters because fast-casual chains are under pressure as customers push back on rising prices. As Panera Bread has often been seen as a pricier lunch stop, this value menu gives it a brand-new feel without changing what people already like to order from the brand.
What is Panera Bread?
If you’re unfamiliar with Panera Bread, consider it something in between fast food and a full sit-down meal. According to PR Newswire, the company opened its first bakery-cafe in 1987. It has 2,246 bakery-cafes across 48 states as of January 27, 2026.
The new value menu is perfect for lighter lunches, ideal if you are counting calories or are health-focused. The menu is built around half portions and cups instead of the usual oversized portions. The menu includes:
Half Sandwiches
- Toasted Italiano
- Toasted Caprese Focaccia
- Bacon Turkey Bravo
- Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad
Half Salads
- Fuji Apple Chicken
- Ranch Parm BLT
- Caesar
Cups of Soup
- Creamy Tomato
- Homestyle Chicken Noodle
- Bistro French Onion
How to order
To get the deal, you need to order items specifically as Mix & Match, with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 10 different items. Panera Bread adds that each order includes one free side, baguette, chips, or an apple, while upgrades, substitutions, and some modifications can add extra cost.
You can place an order through the Panera app or on PaneraBread.com, and sign up for MyPanera there too. However, delivery pricing is higher and fees apply, so ordering in-cafe or for pickup may be a better value if you’re watching your budget.