Panera’s New $5 Value Menu Lets You Mix, Match, and Save on 10 Popular Items

Published on February 26, 2026

Whether you’re stocking up at the grocery store or pumping gas, you’re not the only one noticing that a dollar doesn’t go as far as it used to. 

Thankfully, the fast-casual favorite Panera Bread seems to have taken notice of this trend and is responding with the launch of its new Mix & Match Menu, the chain’s first-ever value menu. On Wednesday, the chain introduced a menu featuring 10 of its most popular items, all priced at $5 each. 

What's on the Menu

Included in the menu are four sandwich options (Toasted Italiano, Toasted Caprese Focaccia, Bacon Turkey Bravo or Cranberry Walnut Chicken Salad), three salad options (Fuji Apple Chicken, Ranch Parm BLT or Caesar) and three soup offerings (Creamy Tomato, Homestyle Chicken Noodle or Bistro French Onion). Guests can order two or more options from the menu (in half-sandwich, half-salad and cup of soup portions) plus one side: a baguette, chips or fresh apple. 

Mark Shambura, Panera’s chief marketing officer, said in a press release that the new menu is “designed to offer a deal that’s actually a meal.” 

"With the Mix & Match Menu, Panera is introducing the first value menu of its kind—one that doesn't require compromise and makes it easy for guests to combine quality, craveable selections into a meal that truly satisfies at a great value,” Shambura continued.

Different from 'You Pick Two'

While the new menu might sound similar to the chain’s familiar “You Pick Two” offering, it is actually a bit different and will continue to be offered alongside the new Mix & Match Menu, the company noted.

The “You Pick Two” option offers the same portion sizes as the new value menu but includes the chain’s full menu of soups, sandwiches, and salads, and is limited to only two items, featuring higher-priced items. The half Fuji Apple Chicken salad, for example, is available as a “You Pick Two” option for standard pricing.

While your options are more limited with the new Mix & Match Menu, you can still save some significant cash ordering from it—especially if you’re not just ordering lunch or dinner for yourself. Customers can order up to 10 items as part of the deal, though they’ll still only get one side no matter how many Mix & Match items they order.