Lunch Break Quiz: Pret a Manger Vs. Au Bon Pain

Where would busy Washingtonians be without Pret a Manger and Au Bon Pain? The two quick-service spots provide grab-and-go breakfast and lunch—maybe even dinner—when we’re in a rush to our next meeting or event. 

But next time you’re in a pinch, it’s worth taking a second or two to consider which options are healthier at either location. Just how do the simple sandwiches, wraps, salads, and snacks compare at fresh-friendly Pret and the cafe-bakery Au Bon Pain? Test your knowledge with our quiz. 

Pret

Ham and Cheddar Toastie

Applewood smoked ham, cheddar, mayo, and Dijon mustard on bread.

Au Bon Pain

Napa Chicken Avocado Wrap

All-natural chicken, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, lemon aïoli, and vinaigrette in a tortilla wrap.

No vegetables? No bueno. It may warm you up on a cold day, but this sandwich doesn’t have much going for it, especially with 1,100 milligrams of sodium.

This 510-calorie wrap wins thanks to its healthy fats from avocado, and hearty dose of vitamins A and C from the tomatoes.

2

Pret

Moroccan Lentil Soup

Lentils with caramelized onions, carrots, garlic, celery, turnips, balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and Moroccan spices.

Au Bon Pain

Chicken Gumbo Soup

Chicken, okra, rice, peppers, onions, tomatoes, dark roux, and a blend of spices and Creole seasoning.

This hearty soup may contain considerably more calories (300), but it packs in a good dose of fiber (15 grams) along with vegetables to keep you full and satisfied.

A small order has fewer than half the calories of Pret’s lentil soup, but its ingredient list is not as fresh as Pret’s and goes on for days. Plus 130 calories is not likely to fill you up.

1

Pret

Chicken Avocado Salad

Antibiotic-free grilled chicken, avocado, tomatoes, mesclun, cranberries, and walnuts.

Au Bon Pain

Vegetarian Deluxe Salad

Romaine lettuce with red and yellow peppers, kalamata olives, feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, chickpeas, red onions, and balsamic vinaigrette.

There are some very nutritious ingredients in this 440-calorie salad, but overall it just can’t compete with Au Bon Pain’s deluxe veggie salad.

You can’t go wrong when you have this many vegetables in one dish. It’s only 290 calories, and the chickpeas add the protein sometimes lacking in a vegetarian dish.

2

Pret

Little Cup of Goodness Yogurt Pot

Greek yogurt with apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, granola.

Au Bon Pain

Vanilla and Wild Blueberry Yogurt Parfait

Creamy Greek vanilla yogurt with wild blueberries, honey, and granola.

Pret keeps it simple with this snack-size parfaits that clock in at 300 calories with 17 grams of protein and only 130 milligrams of sodium.

It may be bigger than Pret’s equivalent, but that doesn’t mean it offers more nutrients. It also contains ten teaspoons of sugar—almost as much as a can of Coke.

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More Lunch Break Quizzes:

Cava Grill vs. Roti

Subway vs. Quiznos

Chipotle vs. Baja Fresh

Melissa Romero