Food has been getting more expensive in recent years, from McDonald’s favorites to the death of Subway’s $5-foot-long subs. Now, Panera wants to give customers a break with meals under $10, before tax.
In a Wednesday press release, the St. Louis, Mo.-based chain of café restaurants said this is its first ever “value menu” – something different than the “you pick two” deal it already offered and will continue offering. Overall there are 10 mix-and-match guest favorites included for $4.99 each.
That means that the deal altogether will cost just under $10 before tax for two items, the minimum required to get the deal. Customers can order up to 10 items at the reduced price.
“The Panera Mix & Match Menu is Panera at its best: delicious menu offerings made from thoughtfully sourced, quality ingredients like Fuji apples, spicy soppressata or focaccia bread - now brought together on a value menu designed to offer a deal that’s actually a meal,” said Panera Bread Chief Marketing Officer Mark Shambura.
Here’s all the items included in the deal:
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
There’s also a “rotating seasonal item throughout the year,” Panera explained. Each order comes with one free choice of baguette, chips or apple as a side.
“To learn more about the new Mix & Match Menu and place your order today, or to sign up for MyPanera®, download the Panera app or visit PaneraBread.com,” said the company. Panera previously announced big changes to its menu in 2024.
McDonald’s announced a value menu last year too, amid reports that prices were increasing. Rising fast food prices are just one way that inflation has been stressing U.S. consumers.
“Many households still report grappling with stubbornly high prices for essentials like food, housing and health insurance,” CBS News noted this week.