MyPanera Program: Good Perks or Just Crumbs?
🥖Panera Bread may be known for their sandwiches, soups, and that unmistakable “I’m-not-quite-fast-food-but-definitely-not-fine-dining” vibe. They serve up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and with their MyPanera loyalty program, they’re trying to be all things to all people. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t really work. Is this a discount program? A recognition program? Or just clever marketing with little to back it up? Honestly, it’s a bit of all three with a whole lot of “meh.”
🥤They’ve also layered on a paid subscription program: the Unlimited Sip Club. We tried both programs to see what’s hot and what’s half-baked.
Photo credit: Shutterstock
The free program: how it works
There are no points. No cashback. No clear rewards roadmap. Instead, Panera pushes “personalized rewards” that could appear at any moment like a David Copperfield trick. Most members are offered “challenges” which is a number of visits needed to unlock a surprise reward. Sometimes it might be 3 visits, other times 5, maybe 8 or higher? It can change on a whim.
But here’s the other kicker: you don’t know what the reward is🤯. Maybe you’ll get $1 off. Maybe a free sandwich. Or maybe a steaming pile of disappointment. It’s like playing the lottery but not knowing the prize. Pass.
In loyalty corporate speak, this type of program is “surprise and delight”. At Panera, we’re renaming it: “Crumbs & Confusion.” Surprise bonuses can be great, but when layered on top of other written benefits. That’s how heavyweights like Sephora and McDonald’s do it, among other. But Panera has basically made this tactic the entire program, and it’s just not enough.
Want an example of how fuzzy this gets? From the app:
“Keep Ordering! You never know when you may enter a MyPanera Challenge”
Um, thanks? That sounds about as reassuring as my last trip to the DMV where I was told, “Stay in line. We might get to you eventually.”
🌟 To be fair, there are a few (tiny) Bright Spots:
The app is well-designed and easy to navigate.
A birthday freebie: bakery item or bagel (valid for 7 days only).
New members get a free pastry or bagel and free delivery for 30 days (with $25+ orders).
Currently, new signups get $5 off a $10+ purchase.
So… that’s something🤷🏻♀️. Now let’s see if their subscription model is more satisfying.
MyPanera Unlimited Sip Club, How it works:
The Unlimited Sip Club costs $14.99/month or $119/year (which works out to ~$9.99/month). This is layered on top of the free program, and includes unlimited drinks from part of their menu:
✅ Included:
Hot Coffee
Iced Coffee
Hot Tea
Fountain Beverages
“Bubbler” drinks (like iced teas and lemonades)
🚫 Not Included:
Cold Brew
Espresso Drinks
Smoothies
Frozen Drinks
Hot Chocolate
Customizations like syrups or extra espresso
You can only redeem one drink type every two hours, though you can refill that one endlessly within that time. Clearly designed to stop people from sharing a subscription, which makes sense.
But we were honestly surprised by how many drinks aren’t covered, especially Cold Brew and Hot Chocolate. Cold Brew costs pennies to make. And no cocoa for the kids? C’mon.
On the plus side, you can cancel anytime. We appreciate that flexibility. (Take note, Petco.)
💰 Is It Worth It? Let’s Do the Math.
If you’re a Cold Brew or espresso loyalist, move along, this isn’t for you. But for basic coffee drinkers or soda guzzlers, here’s the deal:
· You basically break even if you visit once per week and only get one drink per visit.
· Go 2x a week? You’re looking at $160–$280 in annual savings depending on your drink of choice.
That’s real money, and worth it if Panera is on your regular rotation. Plus, there’s no food purchase required to redeem your free drink. Sip away, no strings attached.
(Chart disclaimer: Menu prices can vary among different Panera restaurants. The prices we used are estimated based on what we are seeing in our home city of Boston and available internet information. So savings is approx.
Once a Week
| Drink Type | Avg Price, Large | Visits a Month | Free Value | Monthly Savings | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Coffee | $3.59 | 4 | $14.36 | ($0.63) | ($7.56) |
| Iced Coffee | $4.29 | 4 | $17.16 | $2.17 | $26.04 |
| Hot Tea | $3.29 | 4 | $13.16 | ($1.83) | ($21.96) |
| Fountain Soda | $3.99 | 4 | $15.96 | $0.97 | $11.64 |
| Bubble Drink | $4.79 | 4 | $19.16 | $4.17 | $50.04 |
Twice a Week
| Drink Type | Avg Price, Large | Visits a Month | Free Value | Monthly Savings | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Coffee | $3.59 | 8 | $28.72 | $13.73 | $164.76 |
| Iced Coffee | $4.29 | 8 | $34.32 | $19.33 | $231.96 |
| Hot Tea | $3.29 | 8 | $26.32 | $11.33 | $135.96 |
| Fountain Soda | $3.99 | 8 | $31.92 | $16.93 | $203.16 |
| Bubble Drink | $4.79 | 8 | $38.32 | $23.33 | $279.96 |
3x a Week
| Drink Type | Avg Price, Large | Visits a Month | Free Value | Monthly Savings | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Coffee | $3.59 | 12 | $43.08 | $28.09 | $337.08 |
| Iced Coffee | $4.29 | 12 | $51.48 | $36.49 | $437.88 |
| Hot Tea | $3.29 | 12 | $39.48 | $24.48 | $293.88 |
| Fountain Soda | $3.99 | 12 | $47.88 | $32.89 | $394.68 |
| Bubble Drink | $4.79 | 12 | $57.48 | $42.49 | $509.88 |
4x a Week
| Drink Type | Avg Price, Large | Visits a Month | Free Value | Monthly Savings | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Coffee | $3.59 | 16 | $57.44 | $42.45 | $509.40 |
| Iced Coffee | $4.29 | 16 | $68.64 | $53.65 | $643.80 |
| Hot Tea | $3.29 | 16 | $52.64 | $37.65 | $451.80 |
| Fountain Soda | $3.99 | 16 | $63.84 | $48.85 | $586.20 |
| Bubble Drink | $4.79 | 16 | $76.64 | $61.65 | $739.80 |
🔍 A Few Rules to Note:
Must be 18+ to join
Not valid on third-party delivery orders
No sharing, no transferring
OUR VERDICT:
The Free Program?
Hard pass🙅🏻♀️. It’s more likely to leave you frustrated than rewarded. For a brand with national reach, a wide menu, and a beloved following, it’s a baguette sized letdown.
The Unlimited Sip Club?
Now this is where Panera redeems itself. If you’re a regular drinker of the included beverages, the value is undeniable with just 4+ visits a month. We’d love to see the club expand to include Cold Brew and espresso, even if at a slightly higher subscription price point so those drinkers can get in on this deal.
Rewarded or Robbed?
Free Program, Robbed 🚫
The Unlimited Sip Club Subscription, Rewarding!🌟
Leave us a comment! Do you agree or disagree? Any further tips about MyPanera?
