Panera Bread Plain Cream Cheese – Smooth & Classic Spread
Whether you’re enjoying a fresh-baked bagel from Panera or bringing your own from home, one thing is certain: the right spread makes all the difference. The Panera Bread Plain Cream Cheese is a staple item that combines simplicity, creaminess, and versatility. It’s made to complement Panera’s wide range of bagels, from savory sesame and everything styles to sweet blueberry and cinnamon swirl.
Available as a 2 oz. individual tub or in bundled orders, this spread is smooth, mildly tangy, and made without artificial flavors or preservatives—just like most of Panera’s clean-label products. While Panera also offers flavored cream cheeses like Chive & Onion or Honey Walnut, the Plain Cream Cheese remains a top pick due to its neutral profile and ability to pair with any type of bagel or breakfast bread.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about Panera Plain Cream Cheese, including its ingredients, nutritional facts, pricing, best bagel pairings, and storage tips. We’ll also address common FAQs to help you make the best choice on your next Panera visit.
What Is Panera Bread Plain Cream Cheese?
Panera Bread Plain Cream Cheese is a traditional spread made with a clean, simple ingredient list. It’s served as a cold, pre-portioned 2 oz tub and available for individual purchase or as part of a bagel order.
Key Details:
- Smooth, creamy texture with subtle tang
- Made with real cream cheese and no artificial preservatives
- Packaged in a single-serve 2 oz container
- Designed to spread easily on all types of bread and bagels
- Available in-store, via app, and online
It is often added to orders that include bagels (half dozen, baker’s dozen, or individual), but you can also purchase it separately.
Ingredients
Panera’s commitment to clean ingredients means their Plain Cream Cheese contains no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives.
Common Ingredients:
- Pasteurized Milk and Cream
- Cheese Culture
- Salt
- Stabilizers (like guar gum and carob bean gum)
Note: This product contains dairy and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies.
Nutritional Information (Per 2 oz Tub)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110–120 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 115mg |
| Total Carbs | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
Each 2 oz tub provides enough spread for 2–3 bagels, depending on your preference.
Pricing (2025 Update)
| Item | Average Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Plain Cream Cheese (2 oz tub) | $2.49 – $3.29 |
| 2-Pack Cream Cheese Bundle | $5.99 – $6.49 |
| Add-On with Bagel Order | +$1.89 – $2.29 |
Prices may vary slightly by location or when bundled in catering and breakfast boxes.
Best Bagel Pairings
The neutral, creamy flavor of Panera’s Plain Cream Cheese allows it to pair seamlessly with nearly every bagel on the menu. Here are some of the most popular combinations:
| Bagel Flavor | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Everything | Balances savory spices with mild creaminess |
| Asiago Cheese | Adds richness without overwhelming the palate |
| Cinnamon Swirl & Raisin | Offers contrast to sweet, spiced bread |
| Blueberry | Softens sweetness and adds smooth texture |
| Multigrain | Adds a creamy element to whole grain crunch |
| Plain | A classic duo—mild on mild for a timeless taste |
Storage & Shelf Life
Panera’s Plain Cream Cheese comes pre-packaged and should be stored in a refrigerator.
Shelf Life:
- Unopened: Up to 2 weeks from purchase when refrigerated
- Opened: Best consumed within 2–3 days
- Do not freeze, as freezing alters the texture and can cause separation
If you’re taking it to work, school, or an event, keep it cold with an insulated bag or cooler.
How to Order
You can order Panera Bread Plain Cream Cheese in several ways:
1. In-Store
Available near the bakery counter or bundled with bagels.
2. Online
Via Panera’s website – add to your bagel order under “Add-Ons.”
3. Panera App
Look under “Bakery > Cream Cheese Tubs” or during bagel customization.
It is also frequently offered as part of Breakfast Catering Boxes or Bagel Packs.
Who Should Choose Plain Cream Cheese?
Panera’s Plain Cream Cheese is an excellent option for:
- Traditionalists who want a no-fuss breakfast
- Parents building kid-friendly breakfasts or school lunches
- Low-carb eaters looking to pair cream cheese with protein-rich foods
- Bagel lovers who prefer to highlight the flavor of the bagel itself
If you want to avoid added sugars or flavored varieties, Plain is your go-to spread.
Related Panera Cream Cheese Options
In addition to Plain, Panera Bread offers other cream cheese flavors:
| Flavor | Best Uses |
|---|---|
| Honey Walnut | Sweet bagels like Cinnamon or Blueberry |
| Chive & Onion | Savory bagels and sandwiches |
| Reduced-Fat | Health-conscious eaters |
These can be purchased individually or as part of multi-pack bundles.
FAQs About Panera Plain Cream Cheese
Can I buy just the cream cheese without a bagel?
Yes. Cream cheese can be purchased as a standalone item, either in-store or online.
Is the plain cream cheese vegetarian?
Yes, it contains no meat, fish, or gelatin-based additives—suitable for vegetarians, though not vegan due to dairy.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, the cream cheese itself is gluten-free, but be cautious of cross-contamination if eating with bagels.
Does Panera offer a dairy-free alternative?
As of 2025, Panera does not offer a dairy-free cream cheese, though plant-based menu items are expanding.
How many bagels does 1 tub cover?
Typically 2–3 full-size bagels, depending on how generously you apply it.
Final Thoughts
The Panera Bread Plain Cream Cheese is a staple product that brings balance, richness, and comfort to any breakfast spread. Whether you’re pairing it with a savory bagel or using it as a mild counterbalance to sweet pastries, this clean-label spread delivers dependable flavor and a satisfying texture.
It’s priced accessibly, easy to store, and makes the perfect companion to any Panera bagel order—whether you’re dining in, taking out, or catering for a group. For those who appreciate the simple things done right, Panera’s Plain Cream Cheese remains a top-tier choice in 2025.
Pro tip: Add a couple of tubs when ordering a Half Dozen or Baker’s Dozen bagels—your future self will thank you during busy mornings.
