Listen up, Panera Bread lovers: you can use your Amazon Alexa device to place your next Panera order. Panera and Amazon teamed up to improve Alexa’s food skills. With Amazon Alexa, Panera shoppers can order deals with their voices. All they got to do is add the Alexa skill (which I’ll walk you through) and be a MyPanera member (which is totally free). Alexa will go over every detail with you, from pick-up or delivery location to specific food customizations.
This new Alexa skill is extremely convenient and handy, and it can even lead to some money-saving opportunities. Ahead, I’ll break down exactly how to add the skill, how to earn rewards, and most importantly, how you can save money at Panera.
Download The Krazy Coupon Lady app or text HACKS to 57299 for the latest alternatives and other money-saving deals, tips, and coupons. Also, check out our other stories on the Panera coffee subscription, past Panera Cyber Monday offers, and more food deals near you.
1. Only MyPanera members can add this Alexa skill. (But don’t worry, signing up is completely free and takes literal seconds.)
In order to use this new tech feature, you need to be a MyPanera member. To do so, you can sign up for free either on the Panera Bread website or the app. You just need to enter some basic information like your name, email address, and phone number.
As a MyPanera member, you’ll get rewards and benefits each time you order. You’ll get points for your purchases, which you’ll be able to redeem for free food, bakery items, beverages, or other treats. You can also link your credit card to your account for faster and easier checkout. Not to mention, you’ll receive exclusive offers and promotions, including a free birthday treat or pastry every year.
2. If you’re not a MyPanera member yet and sign up now, you can also get Walmart Plus for free.
If you’re not a MyPanera member yet, you’re in the best scenario right now. That’s because right now until June 25, anyone who joins MyPanera will actually get three free months of Walmart Plus. In case you didn’t know Walmart+ members get free next-day and two-day shipping without minimums, same-day grocery delivery, and even fuel discounts from popular stations like Exxon, Mobil, and Walmart Fuel stations. For context, the membership typically costs $12.95 a month.
So on top of the free new Alexa skill and free MyPanera membership, you can get three months of exclusive Walmart Plus rewards. To redeem, you’ll have to provide Walmart with an email address, to which Walmart will send over a link to activate your Walmart+ trial. If you don’t want to pay the membership fees after three months, just make sure to cancel before the renewal date. You can cancel at any time through your Walmart account or by calling Walmart Customer Care.
RELATED: Sign Up Now for Panera Rewards and Get Walmart Plus FREE for 3 Months
3. Link your MyPanera account with your Alexa to browse the Panera menu, place an order, and track your order delivery status.
Adding this Alexa skill takes just a few steps. Once done, you’ll never have to enable the skill again. Here’s what to do:
- Make sure your Alexa device is set up and linked to your Amazon account. To do this, open the Alexa website and sign in with your Amazon account information.
- Enable the Panera skill. Open the Alexa app on your smartphone or visit the Alexa Skills Store. Search for the “Panera Bread” skill in the catalog.
- Link your MyPanera account to your Alexa. Once you find the Panera Bread skill, click on it. Then, enable the skill by clicking the “Enable” button.
- Place your Panera order. Once the skill is enabled and your accounts are linked, you can talk to your Alexa to place a Panera order. For example, say something like, “Alexa, order me a to-go sandwich from Panera Bread.” Alexa will even let you browse the menu if you say voice commands like, “Do you have a salad with chicken?” Alexa will also guide you through the ordering process by asking for specific details and whether you have any customizations.
- Specify your pickup or delivery details. Alexa will ask you whether you prefer to have your order pickup up or delivered. (Delivery is just $1 for orders of $5 or more.) She’ll go over the location details with you, along with your payment information.
- Track your order. After you’ve placed the order, follow the instructions Alexa gives you for the pickup process. These instructions may include the pickup location, estimated time, and other relevant details. If you ordered for delivery, Alexa can track your orders and give you updates automatically.
4. Save money on your Panera order by selecting special deal options.
I have a bunch of tips on how you can save money at Panera, but here are just a few of my favorites:
Opt for the ‘You Pick 2’ option to get two foods at the price of one.
Panera’s “You Pick 2” menu allows you to choose two smaller portions of different items like a half sandwich and a cup of soup or a half salad. This is a cost-effective way to enjoy two different foods without spending as much as you would on the full-size versions. You even get a side choice of chips, an apple, or a French baguette. Prices on these value combos vary depending on what you get, but you can pay as little as $6.99 and never over $10.
Pick from these options:
- Grilled Cheese & Creamy Tomato Soup
- Caesar Salad & Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
- Tuna Salad Sandwich & Ten Vegetable Soup
- Greek Salad & Creamy Tomato Soup
Only buy your Panera bagels on Tuesday.
If you’re ordering bagels or other baked goods, Panera often offers a “Baker’s Dozen” deal every Tuesday. You can get 13 bagels starting at just $7.49 (prices may vary by location). That brings the price per bagel down to $0.58. Compare that to the regular price of $15.59, or $1.20 per bagel.
This summer, get drinks for free until July 4.
Now until July 4, Panera’s offering two free months of their Unlimited Sips Club subscription. What this means exactly is free and unlimited coffee, hot or iced tea, fountain drinks, and Panera’s Charged Lemonades.
Sounds too good to be true? Well, after your free trial ends, you’ll have to pay a monthly fee of $11.99. But, once you get your fifth drink of the month, the membership will pay for itself.
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