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$26.99 (as of September 18, 2024 12:33 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)Panera Bread has shaken up the breakfast scene with a tantalizing lineup of new breakfast sandwiches. There are five in total, including two permanent fixtures and three limited-edition offerings. Competing against heavyweights like McDonald’s and Starbucks, Panera aims to stand out with a more artisanal touch. The new menu features the Ham Egg & Cheese, though it falls a bit flat in flavor, and the sweet-and-savory CinnaScramble duo, with the Sausage CinnaScramble packing an extra punch. For something hearty, the Steak & Wake gives Philly cheesesteak vibes, but it’s the Bacon Double Take, with its rich blend of ingredients, that steals the show. Perfect for a morning boost, these sandwiches are available until 10:30 a.m., priced between $5.89 and $6.99, boasting a range of 410 to 790 calories. Have you ever found yourself craving a hearty breakfast sandwich but unsure which one to try? Panera Bread has recently entered the fray of breakfast sandwiches, and it’s time to see if they stand out in a saturated market filled with big names like McDonald’s, Chick-Fil-A, Wendy’s, and Starbucks. This review will take you on a flavorful journey through Panera’s new breakfast sandwich options, helping you decide if they’re worth your morning meal.
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Introduction
Panera Bread, a beloved spot for soups, salads, and sandwiches, has ventured into the breakfast arena with a new range of breakfast sandwiches. They’ve introduced two permanent options and three limited-edition varieties. Simply reading about them might tantalize your taste buds, but let’s take a closer look at what each one offers.
Market Context
The breakfast sandwich market is nothing short of competitive. Major players like McDonald’s and Starbucks have loyal customers and established offerings. Panera’s approach seeks to differentiate itself by leaning into its artisanal roots and premium ingredients. But can this strategy carve out a unique space for Panera in the bustling breakfast sandwich scene?
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Sandwich Details
Let’s break down each of the offerings to understand what makes them tick—or, in some cases, maybe miss the mark entirely.
Ham Egg & Cheese
This sandwich comprises ham, eggs, and white cheddar served on ciabatta. While the ingredients are classic and dependable, this particular combination seems to lack a certain oomph.
- Flavor Profile: You might find it somewhat bland, as it doesn’t have that standout taste that lingers on your palate.
- Bread: Ciabatta is a great choice for texture but somewhat neutral in flavor, failing to elevate the sandwich.
CinnaScramble
Next, we have the CinnaScramble, a breakfast option that takes a daring approach by combining egg and cheese within a cinnamon roll. It’s an adventurous mix of sweet and savory.
- Flavor Profile: A striking blend for those who have a sweet tooth in the morning. The pairing of cinnamon’s sweetness with melty cheese is unexpected but enjoyable.
- Unique Quality: This sandwich feels like it caters to a unique niche, making it a decent, albeit unconventional, breakfast choice.
Sausage CinnaScramble
The Sausage CinnaScramble builds on the previous option by adding a sausage patty. This small change makes a significant difference.
- Flavor Profile: The sausage brings in a rich spiciness that balances out the sweetness of the cinnamon roll.
- Overall Experience: It enhances the original CinnaScramble, making it a more robust and satisfying meal.
Steak & Wake
Steak & Wake is perhaps the most filling option, featuring shaved steak, egg, and cheese on ciabatta. It’s almost like having a Philly cheesesteak for breakfast.
- Flavor Profile: This one is for meat lovers. The steak adds a deep, savory dimension that’s complemented by the eggs and cheese.
- Bread: Again, the ciabatta serves as a hearty, durable base, perfect for the substantial fillings.
Bacon Double Take
The fan-favorite, Bacon Double Take, includes bacon, egg, and two types of cheese on black pepper focaccia. It has been the best reviewed among all the new offerings.
- Flavor Profile: The combination of the flavorful bacon, double cheese, and the black pepper focaccia bread creates a symphony of flavors that hit all the right notes.
- Overall Experience: This sandwich is not just filling; it’s a complete sensory delight, making it the top pick for most reviewers.
Availability and Pricing
When can you grab these sandwiches? They are available from opening until 10:30 a.m., which provides a reasonable window for breakfast-goers.
| Sandwich Name | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Ham Egg & Cheese | $5.89 to $6.29 |
| CinnaScramble | $5.89 to $6.29 |
| Sausage CinnaScramble | $6.29 to $6.79 |
| Steak & Wake | $6.49 to $6.99 |
| Bacon Double Take | $6.29 to $6.79 |
The prices vary slightly depending on your location, but they generally fall within the above range. While not the cheapest options on the market, they are reasonably priced considering the quality ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Before we indulge, let’s consider the nutritional content. Understanding the calories, fat, protein, carbs, sodium, and cholesterol in your breakfast can help in making more informed choices.
| Sandwich Name | Calories | Total Fat | Protein | Carbs | Sodium | Cholesterol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ham Egg & Cheese | 410 | 15g | 24g | 38g | 1030mg | 210mg |
| CinnaScramble | 600 | 25g | 21g | 64g | 810mg | 240mg |
| Sausage CinnaScramble | 650 | 33g | 26g | 62g | 1230mg | 270mg |
| Steak & Wake | 790 | 39g | 40g | 61g | 1310mg | 300mg |
| Bacon Double Take | 570 | 29g | 23g | 50g | 1180mg | 230mg |
Detailed Breakdown
Ham Egg & Cheese
- Calories: 410
- Total Fat: 15g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sodium: 1030mg
- Cholesterol: 210mg
CinnaScramble
- Calories: 600
- Total Fat: 25g
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 64g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Cholesterol: 240mg
Sausage CinnaScramble
- Calories: 650
- Total Fat: 33g
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 62g
- Sodium: 1230mg
- Cholesterol: 270mg
Steak & Wake
- Calories: 790
- Total Fat: 39g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbs: 61g
- Sodium: 1310mg
- Cholesterol: 300mg
Bacon Double Take
- Calories: 570
- Total Fat: 29g
- Protein: 23g
- Carbs: 50g
- Sodium: 1180mg
- Cholesterol: 230mg
Rankings
Having tasted and analyzed all of them, it’s time to rank these sandwiches.
5. Ham Egg & Cheese
The Verdict
The Ham Egg & Cheese ranks lowest due to its lack of distinctive taste. While it’s a safe choice and somewhat satisfying, it doesn’t offer anything extraordinary that sets it apart.
4. CinnaScramble
The Verdict
Landing in fourth place, the CinnaScramble is a decent contender, fulfilling a sweet breakfast niche. It’s enjoyable but perhaps too niche to become a regular favorite.
3. Sausage CinnaScramble
The Verdict
The addition of sausage elevates the CinnaScramble significantly, making it a heartier and more flavorful option. It’s a good pick if you’re in the mood for something different.
2. Steak & Wake
The Verdict
A close contender for the top spot, Steak & Wake is perfect for Philly cheesesteak lovers looking for a high-protein breakfast option. Its savory flavors are almost impossible to resist.
1. Bacon Double Take
The Verdict
The Bacon Double Take wins the crown due to its complex, delicious flavors and overall balance. The combination of bacon, eggs, and two cheeses on black pepper focaccia makes it the best overall, both flavorful and satisfying.
Conclusion
Panera’s new range of breakfast sandwiches ventures into an already crowded market with its artisanal approach and premium ingredients. Each sandwich has its unique appeal, but the Bacon Double Take reigns supreme for most taste buds. While the pricing can be slightly higher than other fast-food breakfast options, the quality of ingredients and the thoughtfulness in each sandwich make them worth trying. So next time you’re in need of a breakfast pick-me-up, why not give Panera’s new breakfast sandwiches a try?
By delving into this review, hopefully, you can make a more informed decision about what might become your new favorite breakfast sandwich. Enjoy your next morning meal—bon appétit!
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