Panera Mac and Cheese Nutrition: Calories, Carbs, and More

Panera Mac and Cheese: How Many Calories?

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. But how many calories are in Panera’s mac and cheese?

In this article, we will take a closer look at the nutritional information for Panera’s mac and cheese, and we will discuss some of the healthier alternatives that are available.

We will also provide some tips for making your own mac and cheese at home that is lower in calories and fat.

So whether you are looking for a healthier option or you are just curious about the calorie content of Panera’s mac and cheese, read on for more information!

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Serving Size	Calories	Fat (g)
Small	450	19
Medium	550	24
Large	650	29

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Nutritional Information for Panera Mac and Cheese

Serving size

One serving of Panera Mac and Cheese is 1 cup (218 grams).

Calories

One serving of Panera Mac and Cheese contains 380 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of Panera Mac and Cheese contains 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Protein

One serving of Panera Mac and Cheese contains 16 grams of protein.

Fat

One serving of Panera Mac and Cheese contains 15 grams of fat.

Sodium

One serving of Panera Mac and Cheese contains 680 milligrams of sodium.

Sugar

One serving of Panera Mac and Cheese contains 11 grams of sugar.

Cholesterol

One serving of Panera Mac and Cheese contains 30 milligrams of cholesterol.

Fiber

One serving of Panera Mac and Cheese contains 2 grams of fiber.

Health Effects of Panera Mac and Cheese

Potential benefits

Panera Mac and Cheese can provide some health benefits, including:

• Protein. One serving of Panera Mac and Cheese provides 16 grams of protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.
• Calcium. One serving of Panera Mac and Cheese provides 20% of the Daily Value (DV) for calcium, which is important for bone health.
• Iron. One serving of Panera Mac and Cheese provides 10% of the DV for iron, which is essential for red blood cell production.

Potential risks

Panera Mac and Cheese can also have some potential risks, including:

• Calories. One serving of Panera Mac and Cheese is high in calories, so it is important to limit your intake if you are trying to lose weight.
• Fat. One serving of Panera Mac and Cheese is high in saturated fat, which can increase your risk of heart disease.
• Sodium. One serving of Panera Mac and Cheese is high in sodium, which can increase your risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Overall, Panera Mac and Cheese can be a part of a healthy diet, but it is important to limit your intake to avoid the potential risks.

Panera Mac and Cheese is a popular dish that is high in calories, carbohydrates, and fat. However, it can also provide some health benefits, such as protein, calcium, and iron. It is important to limit your intake of Panera Mac and Cheese to avoid the potential risks, such as weight gain, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

How Many Calories Is In Panera Mac And Cheese?

Panera Mac and Cheese is a popular dish that is often enjoyed by people of all ages. However, it is important to be aware of the calorie content of this dish before you indulge.

One serving of Panera Mac and Cheese (about 1 cup) contains 430 calories. This includes 17 grams of fat, 21 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of protein.

The majority of the calories in Panera Mac and Cheese come from the pasta and the cheese. The pasta is made with white flour, which is a refined carbohydrate that is high in calories and low in nutrients. The cheese is also high in calories and fat.

If you are watching your calorie intake, it is important to be aware of the calorie content of Panera Mac and Cheese. You may want to consider choosing a healthier option or making some modifications to the dish to reduce the calorie content.

Alternatives to Panera Mac and Cheese

If you are looking for a healthier alternative to Panera Mac and Cheese, there are a few options available.

• Healthier options:
• Whole-wheat pasta with a light cheese sauce
• Cauliflower mac and cheese
• Pasta with tomato sauce and vegetables
• Lower-calorie options:
• Macaroni and cheese with reduced-fat cheese
• Macaroni and cheese with skim milk
• Macaroni and cheese with a smaller portion of cheese
• Vegan and gluten-free options:
• Vegan mac and cheese made with plant-based cheese
• Gluten-free mac and cheese made with gluten-free pasta

Tips for Enjoying Panera Mac and Cheese in moderation

If you are looking for a way to enjoy Panera Mac and Cheese in moderation, there are a few things you can do.

• Portion control:
• The serving size for Panera Mac and Cheese is about 1 cup. If you are trying to watch your calorie intake, you may want to consider splitting the serving with someone else or saving half for later.
• Make healthier substitutions:
• You can reduce the calorie content of Panera Mac and Cheese by making some simple substitutions. For example, you can use whole-wheat pasta instead of white pasta, or you can use reduced-fat cheese.
• Limit your intake:
• Panera Mac and Cheese is a delicious dish, but it is important to limit your intake. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Panera Mac and Cheese is a popular dish that is often enjoyed by people of all ages. However, it is important to be aware of the calorie content of this dish before you indulge. If you are watching your calorie intake, there are a number of healthier alternatives to Panera Mac and Cheese that you can enjoy. You can also enjoy Panera Mac and Cheese in moderation by portion controlling, making healthier substitutions, and limiting your intake.

Q: How many calories are in a serving of Panera Mac and Cheese?
A: A serving of Panera Mac and Cheese contains 450 calories.

Q: What are the main ingredients in Panera Mac and Cheese?
A: The main ingredients in Panera Mac and Cheese are macaroni noodles, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, butter, milk, and salt.

Q: Is Panera Mac and Cheese healthy?
A: Panera Mac and Cheese is not considered to be a healthy food option. It is high in calories, fat, and sodium. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Q: Are there any healthier alternatives to Panera Mac and Cheese?
A: Yes, there are many healthier alternatives to Panera Mac and Cheese. Some options include:

• Whole-wheat pasta with a lighter cheese sauce
• Macaroni and cheese made with vegetables instead of meat
• A grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup

Q: How can I make Panera Mac and Cheese at home?
A: Here is a recipe for making Panera Mac and Cheese at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions.
2. While the macaroni is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
3. Slowly whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
4. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Drain the macaroni and add it to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
6. Serve immediately.

Panera’s Mac and Cheese has a lot of calories, but it is still a delicious and satisfying dish. If you are looking for a healthier option, you can try making your own Mac and Cheese at home with whole-wheat pasta, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also add vegetables to your Mac and Cheese to make it more nutritious.