Panera Bread is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and high-quality food, making it a crowd favorite. However, frequent meals can be expensive, especially for budget-conscious customers. No need to worry. There are many strategies to enjoy Panera’s delicious food without breaking the bank. Here’s your ultimate guide to getting the most savings on Panera Bread.
1. Participate in MyPanera Rewards
The first step to saving money with Panera Bread is to join the MyPanera Rewards Program. Sign up is free and start earning rewards right away. The main benefits are:
– Welcome Perks: New members often receive free pastries and other treats just for signing up.
– Birthday Perks: Enjoy a free bakery item on your birthday.
– Surprise Rewards: Panera often offers surprise offers based on your purchasing habits. These range from free drinks to discounts on menu items.
– Earn Points: Earn points with every purchase and receive various benefits.
To ensure you earn points and access benefits, be sure to present your MyPanera card or registered phone number each time you visit.
SEE ALSO: Panera’s Secret Menu: Find Your New Favorite Breakfast or Lunch
Eat more at Panera
If you use Panera ordering kiosks, you can make many changes to get more food for less. For example, try converting a regular grilled cheese into a steak and cheese sandwich to save a few bucks. Also, try “adding on” items like cheese and produce, as they often don’t cost anything.
2. Use the Panera app
Download the Panera Bread app to save even more.
This app has several perks.
– Exclusive Deals: App users often receive exclusive deals and promotions that are not available anywhere else.
– Order in advance: Skip the lines and ensure you get what you want without the temptation of impulse purchases by ordering in advance.
– Shipping and Fast Pickup: Save time and potential travel costs with Panera’s delivery services or fast pick-up options.
3. Take advantage of promotions and coupons
Panera Bread frequently runs promotions and offers coupons.
Here’s how to stay informed and use it effectively.
– Email Newsletter: Sign up for Panera’s email newsletter to receive updates on promotions, coupons, and special events.
– Social Media: Follow Panera Bread on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Limited time sales and flash sales are often posted.
– Coupon Websites: Check out coupon websites like RetailMeNot, Coupons.com, and Groupon for even more savings opportunities.
4. Make the most of your meal benefits
Panera offers several dining discounts that can provide great value.
– Choose Two: With this deal, you can combine two small portions of a soup, salad, or sandwich for a lower price than buying each item individually.
– Family Feast: Perfect for group dining, Family Feast includes a variety of sandwiches, salads, and bakery items at discounted prices.
– Seasonal offers: Look out for seasonal promotions that offer discounts on specific items or combinations.
5. Utilize subscription services
Panera Bread has introduced a subscription service that can help you save big.
– Unlimited Sip Club: For $14.99 per month (first 3 months free), Unlimited Sip Club members enjoy unlimited coffee, tea, and soft drinks. This is especially cost-effective for those who visit frequently.
– Meal Kits and Groceries: Panera’s meal kits and grocery options are a budget-friendly way to enjoy Panera’s high-quality meals at home. Look for sales on these items, especially during the holiday season.
Related Article: Chipotle Menu Hacks to Get a Bigger Burrito
pro tips
Combine Sip Club with discounted gift cards (often sold at Costco and Panera for 20% off) and let the magic happen. From this Reddit thread: “I’m in the SIP club, but I rarely order food. I buy gift cards when they’re 20% off, and I usually buy them during the Tuesday bagel sale or just bread. I always use the kiosk so I get $2 off my entrees at the pop-up before I check out.I go 8-10 times a week so I stack up on the perks and get them all at once. “Free food people.”
6. Share and save
Do you eat with friends and family? Share your meals and save money:
– Split large portions: Panera’s portions are often generous. Consider sharing large salads or sandwiches to reduce costs.
– Bakery items: Buy 12 bagels or a box of pastries to share. You can often get discounts when you buy in bulk.
7. Take advantage of discounted gift cards
Discount gift cards are a great way to save money at Panera Bread.
– Buy discounted gift cards: Websites like Raise, CardCash, and Gift Card Granny sell Panera gift cards at discounted prices.
– Earn gift cards through rewards programs: Earn Panera gift cards using credit card rewards, survey sites, or other rewards programs.
8. Take advantage of senior and student discounts
Panera Bread offers discounts for seniors and students at many locations.
– Senior discount: Select Panera stores offer a senior discount, typically around 10%. Ask if your local Panera is participating.
– Student Discount: Please present your student ID to receive your discount when ordering. This is not universal, so check with your local Panera.
Related Article: In-N-Out Burger Menu Hacks That Will Make You Feel Smarter
“Cancellation” tips
If you have paid the full amount for Unlimited Sip Club, try canceling your membership. This often triggers a “please come back” offer via email to get you back at a deeply discounted monthly rate for three months.
9. In search of water
Choosing water instead of soft drinks can save you a few dollars per visit.
Panera offers complimentary water. You can always bring a reusable water bottle if you wish.
10. Pay attention to your timing
Adjusting the timing of your visit may lead to savings.
– Avoid peak hours: Visiting during off-peak hours may provide better service and sometimes lower prices.
– Happy Hour: Some locations have happy hour specials, usually in the late afternoon or early evening.
11. Customize your order
You may get a better price by customizing your order.
– Add or remove ingredients: Change up your sandwich or salad to add more affordable ingredients while still enjoying a satisfying meal.
– Extra Bread: Request extra bread with your soup or salad at no additional charge.
best cost performance
The Panera Value Duet is definitely the best value on the menu. For about $9, you get a good-sized sandwich and a bowl of soup. Lots of choices for sandwiches and soups. Heck, I recently paid $12.59 for a Big Mac, fries, and a drink at McDonald’s and it was complete garbage… Panera is a very healthy option, and Value Duet is reasonably priced.
12. Panera at Home
Panera offers a variety of groceries that you can purchase to enjoy at home.
– Grocery Store Products: Look for Panera soups, salad dressings, and coffee at your local grocery store. It’s often cheaper than buying individual servings at a restaurant.
– Grocery coupons: Check for coupons on the Panera website or through the grocery store app.
SEE ALSO: Whataburger’s secret menu: Find your next favorite burger
13. Prizes for birthdays and special occasions
Celebrate birthdays and other special occasions with Panera giveaways:
– Birthday Perks: Enjoy free bakery items during your birthday month through the MyPanera program.
– Special Occasion Offers: Panera may offer special offers on anniversaries and holidays. Keep an eye on email and app notifications.
14. Take advantage of Panera’s generosity.
Panera Bread has a policy of generosity towards its customers and community.
– Day-End Dough-Nation: Panera donates unsold bakery items at the end of the day to local charities. You can support this program and, in some cases, even buy day-old items at a discount.
– Free Samples: Panera may offer free samples of new items. Please give it a try.
15. Employee discount
If you or a family member works at Panera Bread, you can receive a significant discount.
– Employee Meals: Panera employees receive discounts on meals. This can be a significant amount.
– Family and friends: Some stores offer discounts to family and friends of employees.
See also: Looking for a job? Check out our great employee discounts
16. Get smart with Panera catering
If you’re hosting an event, Panera catering is a convenient and cost-effective option.
– Group orders: When you order as a group, you may receive discounts and free shipping.
– Catering Rewards: Earn points and receive discounts on future orders when you sign up for Panera’s Catering Rewards program.
17. Look out for seasonal and limited-time offers
At Panera, we often feature seasonal items and special limited-time sales.
– Seasonal Menu: Try our more competitively priced seasonal menu items.
– Limited Time Promotions: Take advantage of limited time promotions that offer discounts and special combinations.
Ask our readers: How do you save money when eating at Panera? Let us know in the comments.
Written by Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save money at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Costco. Ta. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and The New York Times for my money-saving tips. (learn more)
