Panera has discontinued this delicious vegan/vegetarian soup but you can still enjoy it with this homemade version!
Serve this easy weeknight dinner with a pan of hot buttermilk cornbread or a bowl of tortilla chips!
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Panera Bread’s decision to remove the beloved black bean soup from their menu came as a shock to many loyal customers. This hearty and flavorful soup had long been a staple offering at Panera, providing customers with a warm, filling, and protein-packed meal option. But in the fall of 2021, Panera quietly discontinued the popular soup, much to the dismay of fans So what happened? Why did Panera get rid of one of their most popular soups that had been on the menu for over 15 years?
The History of the Black Bean Soup
Panera’s black bean soup first appeared on menus back in the early 2000s It quickly became a customer favorite, providing a savory and satisfying plant-based soup option. The soup featured black beans, chicken stock, onions, garlic, cilantro, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder Topped with a lime wedge, the soup delivered a kick of bright citrus flavor to complement the hearty beans and seasoning.
Over the years, the black bean soup amassed a loyal following. Customers loved its bold, Latin-inspired flavors and protein-packed nutritional profile. It was an ideal light meal or accompaniment to Panera’s sandwiches, salads and baked goods. For many, a visit to Panera wasn’t complete without a cup of the hearty black bean soup. Its devoted fanbase made the soup’s sudden disappearance all the more surprising.
Why Remove Such a Beloved Soup?
In November 2021, customers noticed that the black bean soup was no longer listed on menus. When questioned, Panera employees cited a nationwide removal of the soup. This led to confusion and outrage from customers who had come to rely on the bean soup as part of their Panera lunch routine.
So why would Panera suddenly remove an item with such a dedicated fanbase after over 15 years on the menu? Some speculated it was a cost-cutting measure, as bean prices had risen recently. However, Panera insisted it was part of a larger strategy to keep their menu fresh and exciting for customers.
According to Panera, they conduct reviews of performance data and customer feedback to determine which items should be removed and which new items should be added. The goal is to regularly cycle their soups and menu offerings to keep the options innovative and on-trend. Though the black bean soup had sustained popularity, it was flagged in Panera’s latest menu analysis as a dated item primed for removal.
The Customer Backlash
Devoted black bean soup fans did not take kindly to this explanation. They flooded Panera’s social channels demanding a reason for removing their beloved soup. Many accused Panera of ignoring customer loyalty and removing an item simply for profits.
A Change.org petition begging Panera to bring back the black bean soup gathered over 5,000 signatures. “This soup was famous for a reason – everyone loved it!” wrote the petition organizer. Hashtags like #BringBackTheBlackBeanSoup proliferated across social media platforms. Some customers even resorted to trying to hack the removal by ordering a cup of broccoli cheddar soup with added black beans – a messy substitute at best.
For over two months, customers continued making noise. It was abundantly clear that the removal of the black bean soup left a hole in many lunchtime routines.
Panera’s Response
Initially, Panera stood firm in their decision. While acknowledging the customer feedback on social media, the company maintained that the removal allowed for innovation. But over time, the outpouring of dissatisfaction was impossible to ignore.
In January 2022, Panera issued an official response on their website. The company apologized for any disappointment brought about by the black bean soup’s removal. They reiterated that the decision was part of their broader strategy to meet customers’ evolving preferences and innovate new options. However, Panera also announced that due to overwhelming customer demand, they had begun development to bring back the black bean soup in the future.
Panera stated that they hoped to find a way to reintroduce the classic soup on a limited-time basis in the coming year. This would allow them to still pursue menu innovation, while giving black bean soup fans their fix. They thanked customers for their honest feedback and assured them their voices were being heard.
While an exact return date is still unconfirmed, this reversal suggests that Panera isresponsive to customer opinions. The black bean soup clearly occupies a special place in many patrons’ hearts. Only time will tell whether Panera finds the right balance between innovation and preserving customer-loved classics on their menu. But for now, fans can hold out hope for the return of their cherished black bean soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Panera decide to discontinue the black bean soup?
Panera made the decision to remove the black bean soup as part of a larger strategy to cycle menu items. They conduct regular reviews of performance data and customer feedback to determine which items should be discontinued to make room for new, on-trend options. Though the soup was popular, their analysis indicated it was due for removal.
Will Panera bring back the black bean soup in the future?
After over 2 months of sustained customer backlash over the removal, Panera announced plans to reintroduce the black bean soup on a limited-time basis in 2022. They acknowledged the intense demand and want to find a way to bring it back while still pursuing menu innovation.
Was the decision to discontinue the black bean soup based on customer feedback?
Panera cited their own internal performance reviews and customer feedback analysis as reasons for removing the soup. However, this clearly did not align with actual customer sentiment, based on the intense backlash. Panera admitted the overwhelming demand made them reconsider.
Are there any similar soup options available at Panera now?
Currently, Panera does not offer any soups that directly substitute the unique flavors of the black bean soup. Customers have tried tweaking other soups by adding black beans, but Panera soups do not replicate the original bean soup.
How can customers express their opinions about menu items to Panera Bread?
Panera encourages customers to provide feedback through emails, phone calls, social media channels, and their Contact Us page. Customers can also fill out Panera’s Guest Experience Survey available in-cafe or online. The black bean soup backlash shows that sharing feedback directly with the company can make an impact.
The disappearance of Panera’s black bean soup shows just how much a single menu item can mean to loyal customers. While Panera felt it was time to retire the classic soup, consumer demand continued resonating long after its removal. The company learned an important lesson – sometimes menu innovations must make room for preserving nostalgic customer favorites. This entire saga highlights the power customers wield with their feedback. Sharing opinions directly with a company can ignite change, even when it comes to something as simple as a humble bean soup.
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How to store leftovers
If you cover this Panera soup recipe tightly, it can stay in the fridge for up to 5 days. In fact, its even better the next day!.
Let it cool down to room temperature, then put it in a container that won’t let air in (a canning jar works great).
You can freeze it for longer storage – up to 6 months. Be sure to leave ½-inch headspace in the freezer container.
Hey everyone! Don’t forget to watch my newest video where I show you how to make this tasty recipe. It helps to see what to do, right? And as always, my cooking show Restless Chipotle Kitchen is here for you. If youre looking for more yummy ideas, dive into our full recipe collection on YouTube. Youre gonna love it!.
If you dice the vegetables all the same size they will cook more evenly.
Things to know
- You can make this simple black bean soup vegan if you don’t add meat or sour cream, cheese, or other dairy products to the top.
- To save time, I use black beans from a can, but you could soak and cook dry black beans instead. Just make sure theyre cooked before you start the soup.
- Add wedges of lime to the top of the soup. They add a burst of flavor.
- To make it thicker, blend a few cups of the soup in a blender or with an immersion blender and then add them back to the pot. If you want a thinner soup, don’t blend it. If you want a thicker soup, blend it more until you get the right consistency.
- For a smoother consistency puree soup with an immersion blender.
- You can use a potato masher instead of a blender if you don’t have one.
- Do not use Ro*Tel diced tomatoes with chiles if you do not like spicy food. Instead, use plain diced tomatoes.
- If you can’t find diced tomatoes with chilies, you can cut up a jalapeno or two and mix them in with the foods.
- This dish tastes better after sitting for a while.
- You can use chicken broth to make this soup that isn’t vegetarian. Be sure to use vegetable stock for the vegan/vegetarian version.
- Just before serving, squeeze in one more lime to make it taste better.
We love soup and sandwich dinners. If you do too, try this with creamy ranch chicken sandwiches.
Here are the questions I am most frequently asked about this recipe.
Corn bread, tortilla chips, baguette—just about anything! A salad is nice to serve on the side, too. You can also serve it with your favorite sandwich.
Yes, because some of the soup is blended and then put back into the pot. Flour is not used to thicken it. So its gluten free.
Let it cool completely, and then put it in gallon-size ziploc bags. Freeze them flat on a cookie sheet. When theyre frozen you can stand them up like books and they take up very little room. You can also spoon it into a canning jar, leaving a ½-inch head space.
Copycat Cracker Barrel corn muffins are hearty and delicious. Theyre just perfect thick soups like this one!
Guinness Irish soda bread is slightly sweet and hearty with whole grains. Its a quick bread and super easy to make. Plus its delish with this spicy black bean soup.
Buttery and garlicky, these garlic knots rolls hold up to this spicy soup!