Choosing between two delicious dishes at Panera can be surprisingly hard. Many people walk in wanting soup and a sandwich, or a salad and mac & cheese, but picking only one often feels disappointing. That’s exactly why the Panera You Pick Two menu is still one of the most popular options in 2026. It gives you variety, saves you money, and helps you build a meal that actually fills you up.
This guide explains how the You Pick Two works, the real 2026 prices, popular combinations, new menu items, and tips to get the best value. Whether you are new to Panera or simply want the most updated info, this complete breakdown will help you order confidently.
What Is Panera You Pick Two?
The You Pick Two deal lets you pair any two half-portions from the following:
- Half sandwich
- Cup of soup
- Half salad
- Small mac & cheese
Instead of choosing one large dish, you mix two smaller ones. This gives you more variety, better balance, and a more enjoyable meal.
Why People Love It
- You don’t get tired of eating one thing.
- You can try different combinations every time.
- You can mix something hearty (like mac) with something light (like soup).
- You get more value compared to ordering two separate items.
Real 2026 Price Structure – What Customers Actually Pay
Panera stopped showing exact prices online, and costs vary by location. However, in 2026, after two price drops (January and March), most customers pay the following:
| Combination Type | Starting Price | Most Common Price | High-End Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soup + Soup | $8.99 | $9.99 | $10.99 |
| Soup + Half Salad | $9.99 | $12.99 | $13.99 |
| Half Sandwich + Soup | $10.99 | $13.29 | $14.49 |
| Half Sandwich + Half Salad | $11.49 | $13.79 | $14.99 |
| Mac & Cheese Add-on | +$1.00–$1.50 | – | – |
| Premium 2026 Sandwiches | +$0.50–$1.50 | – | – |
Most You Pick Two meals land between $12.79 and $13.99, while premium combinations can reach $14.99 in high-cost cities.
Full Menu Breakdown – 2026 You Pick Two Options
Below is a complete, simplified look at the items you can choose from in your combo.
Soups & Mac (You Pick Two Compatible)
All prices listed are for individual servings, but half portions are included in Pick Two.
- Autumn Squash Soup – $5.99
- Hearty Fireside Chili – $5.99
- Rustic Baked Potato Soup – $5.99
- Bacon Mac & Cheese – $5.99
- Mac & Cheese – $6.89
- Mexican Street Corn Chowder – $5.99
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup – $5.99
- Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup – $5.99
- Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup – $5.99
- Creamy Tomato Soup – $5.99
- Bistro French Onion Soup – $5.99
Salads (Half Portions for You Pick Two)
- Half Italian Market Salad – $7.69
- Half Ranch Parm BLT Salad – $6.69
- Half Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad – $8.69
- Half Strawberry Chicken Caprese Salad – $7.69
- Half Fuji Apple Chicken Salad – $7.69
- Half Asian Sesame Chicken Salad – $7.69
- Half Green Goddess Chicken Cobb Salad – $8.79
- Half Southwest Chicken Ranch Salad – $8.59
- Half Mediterranean Chicken Greens with Grains – $8.59
- Half Mediterranean Greens with Grains – $6.69
- Half Caesar Salad – $6.19
- Half Caesar with Chicken – $7.69
- Half Greek Salad – $6.19
- Half Greek with Chicken – $7.69
- Half Strawberry Poppyseed Salad – $6.79
- Half Strawberry Caprese Salad – $6.79
- Half Balsamic Chicken Greens with Grains – $8.59
- Half Balsamic Greens with Grains – $6.69
Sandwiches (Half Portions for You Pick Two)
- Half Italian Steak & Mozz – $8.59
- Half Chicken Bacon Rancher – $7.89
- Half Spicy Fiesta Chicken – $7.89
- Half Ciabatta Cheesesteak – $8.49
- Half Chipotle Chicken Avo Melt – $7.89
- Half Toasted Frontega Chicken – $7.89
- Half Grilled Chicken & Avo BLT – $8.49
- Half Bacon Turkey Bravo – $7.89
- Half Toasted Italiano – $8.49
- Half Smokehouse BBQ Chicken – $6.59
- Half Grilled Cheese – $5.79
- Half Turkey & Cheddar – $6.59
- Half Tuna Salad Sandwich – $6.59
- Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad – $6.39
- Half Toasted Garden Caprese – $6.59
- Half Tomato Basil BLT – $6.39
- Half Mediterranean Veggie – $5.79
New & Updated Items for 2026
Panera’s “Tastiest Era” menu refresh added several new items that work great in a Pick Two:
- Toasted Steak & Cheddar (premium)
- Spicy Fiesta Chicken Sandwich
- Ranch Cobb Salad (new recipe)
- Tomato Basil Bisque (new soup replacing Creamy Tomato in some stores)
These additions give customers more hearty and modern choices.
Best Value You Pick Two Combinations (Late 2026)
These combos are the most loved and offer great portion size:
1. Broccoli Cheddar Soup + Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt
A fan favorite—warm, filling, and balanced.
2. Creamy Tomato Soup + Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich
Smooth, crunchy, and extremely satisfying.
3. Bacon Turkey Bravo + Fuji Apple Salad
A great mix of sweet and savory flavors.
4. Greek Salad + Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
A top vegetarian combo that feels fresh and light.
5. Toasted Steak & Cheddar + Green Goddess Cobb Salad
One of the pricier but most premium choices in 2026.
Pro Tips to Save Money on Your Order
To get the most out of the You Pick Two combo, try these strategies:
- Join Unlimited Sip Club – For $11.99/month, your drink becomes “free,” saving $2.79–$3.29 each visit.
- Order on the app – Panera often drops surprise bundle deals like “Pick Two + Drink” for $11.99–$12.99.
- Visit during off-peak hours (before 11 AM or after 2 PM) if your café still offers slight discounts.
- Add small extras (like avocado or bacon) for around $1.29–$1.79 instead of upgrading an entire combo.
Value Duets vs You Pick Two – Which Is Better?
Panera also offers Value Duets priced between $6.99 and $8.99. These are cheaper but limited because you can only pick from preset pairs like:
- Grilled Cheese + Tomato Soup
- Turkey Sandwich + Greek Salad
Value Duets save money, but You Pick Two offers complete freedom and better customization. If you want flexibility, Pick Two is worth the extra $4–$5.
Quick Summary Table – At a Glance
| Category | Options |
|---|---|
| Sandwiches | Bravo, Chipotle, Veggie, Tuna, BLT, Steak |
| Soups | Broccoli, Tomato, Noodle, Onion, Squash, Chili |
| Salads | Caesar, Greek, Fuji Apple, Cobb, Seasonal |
| Average You Pick Two Price | $11.49 – $13.99 |
| Sides | Chips, Baguette, Apple |
| Last Updated | 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Most customers pay $12.79–$13.99, depending on the café and selections.
Yes. Panera lowered starting prices twice in early 2026 after customer feedback.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup + Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt is the most popular nationwide.
Yes, it’s available from open to close at nearly every location.
Absolutely. You get two quality items for less than many restaurants charge for one entrée, especially if you use app deals or Sip Club.
Final Takeaway
The Panera Bread You Pick Two is still one of the best meal deals in 2026. It offers flexibility, fresh ingredients, better pricing than last year, and endless combinations to try. With new menu items, smarter price cuts, and helpful app discounts, it continues to deliver real value for everyday customers.
If you want variety without overspending, the You Pick Two remains the smartest choice on Panera’s menu.
Check Also: The Best Panera Bread Meals Under $10 in 2026