Panera's Summer Menu Just Got a Major Glow-Up With New Bowls, Premium Salads and Frozen Drinks
Panera Bread is giving customers plenty of new reasons to stop by this summer. As part of a major menu refresh that launched on June 17, the bakery-café chain has rolled out an expanded lineup of bowls, salads, breakfast offerings, coffee beverages and seasonal drinks designed to deliver more variety and value.
The centerpiece of the new menu is the introduction of Market Bowls, a completely new category for Panera. These chef-inspired meals start at $9.99 and are built around protein-rich ingredients and vibrant flavors.
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Guests can choose from three options-the Sesame Ginger Chicken Market Bowl, the Carnitas Elote Market Bowl and the All-In Veggie Market Bowl. Each bowl is designed to be a filling meal while showcasing upgraded ingredients and bold flavor combinations.
The addition of Market Bowls also marks a notable shift for Panera, which has focused heavily on soups, sandwiches and salads.
Panera Bread Announces Epic New Summer Menu
Salad lovers will also find several new premium options. The Ultimate Garden Steak Salad combines fresh vegetables and steak for a heartier meal, while the Farmhouse Crunch Salad offers a mix of textures and flavors for customers seeking something satisfying and fresh.
Perhaps the most talked-about addition is the Shrimply Baja Salad, which brings shrimp back to Panera's menu after roughly a 10-year absence. The return of shrimp is likely to attract longtime fans who have been waiting for the seafood option to make a comeback.
Breakfast is receiving attention too. Panera has introduced two new frittatas-Broccoli Cheddar and Five Cheese and Bacon. These portable egg-based breakfast items are designed for customers seeking a convenient but protein-packed morning meal. Panera is also offering a new Asiago Croissant Twist for just $1, making it an inexpensive add-on that could appeal to both breakfast and lunch customers.
The beverage lineup has expanded significantly. Panera is entering the frozen coffee space with new Frozen Java drinks, while also introducing Café Blend Iced Coffees in flavors such as Snickerdoodle, Hazelnut Mocha and Rocky Road. These beverages offer more dessert-inspired coffee choices during the warmer months.
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For guests looking for something fruity and refreshing, the summer menu includes the Island Mango Energy Refresher and Blackberry Hibiscus Herbal Iced Tea. Both drinks are designed to complement the warmer weather and provide alternatives to traditional soft drinks and coffee beverages.
The summer launch represents one of Panera's largest menu updates in recent years. Company leaders have said the goal is to offer stronger value, upgraded ingredients and more variety while encouraging both loyal guests and former customers to revisit the brand.
By introducing entirely new menu categories, bringing back shrimp, and expanding its beverage selection, Panera is signaling that it wants to compete not only as a bakery-café but also as a destination for complete meals throughout the day.
Whether customers are looking for a hearty bowl, a premium salad, a quick breakfast or a frozen coffee treat, Panera's Summer 2026 menu offers a wider range of choices than ever before-and let's be honest, it sounds pretty epic.
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This story was originally published June 23, 2026 at 12:15 PM.