Is Panera Gluten Free?

Is Panera Gluten Free?

Panera Bread offers some gluten-free menu items, but they are not a fully gluten-free establishment. While they have options like salads and soups that can be made gluten-free, their kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, so there is a risk of cross-contamination for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities.

TL;DR

Panera Bread offers some gluten-free menu items, but they are not a fully gluten-free establishment. While they have options like salads and soups that can be made gluten-free, their kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, so there is a risk of cross-contamination for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities.

Quick Tips

1

Fresh ingredients: Panera uses fresh, high-quality ingredients in many of their dishes.

2

Whole grain options: They offer whole grain bread and bakery items, which can provide more fiber and nutrients than refined grains.

3

Salad choices: Panera has a variety of salads that can be a good source of vegetables and nutrients.

# In This Article

3 sections

Quick navigation to each section of this article:

1 Benefits of Panera

Fresh ingredients: Panera uses fresh, high-quality ingredients in many of their dishes.

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2 Who should avoid Panera

Individuals with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease: While Panera offers some gluten-free options, cross-contamination is possible in their kitchens.

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3 Gluten Free Alternatives

Here are five gluten-free alternatives to Panera, along with short descriptions for each:

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Benefits of Panera

Benefits of Panera
Fresh ingredients: Panera uses fresh, high-quality ingredients in many of their dishes.
Whole grain options: They offer whole grain bread and bakery items, which can provide more fiber and nutrients than refined grains.
Salad choices: Panera has a variety of salads that can be a good source of vegetables and nutrients.
Lean protein options: Many menu items include lean proteins like chicken, turkey, and plant-based proteins.
Soup options: Some of their soups can be nutritious and relatively low in calories.
Transparency: Panera provides nutritional information for their menu items, allowing customers to make informed choices.
Customization: Customers can often modify menu items to fit their dietary needs or preferences.
Lower calorie options: Panera offers some lower calorie menu items for those watching their calorie intake.
Vegetarian and vegan choices: There are several plant-based options available for those following vegetarian or vegan diets.
Reduced sodium options: Some menu items are designed to be lower in sodium.
Antibiotic-free meat: Panera uses chicken and turkey raised without antibiotics.
No artificial preservatives: The company has committed to removing artificial preservatives from their food.Remember that the healthiness of a meal at Panera (or any restaurant) ultimately depends on the specific items ordered and portion sizes consumed.

Who should avoid Panera

Who should avoid Panera
Individuals with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease: While Panera offers some gluten-free options, cross-contamination is possible in their kitchens.
People with severe nut allergies: Panera uses nuts in several menu items, and cross-contamination is possible.
Those on strict low-carb or ketogenic diets: Many of Panera’s menu items are high in carbohydrates.
Individuals with dairy allergies: Panera uses dairy products in many of their menu items.
People on very tight budgets: Panera is often considered more expensive than some fast-food alternatives.
Those seeking vegan options: While Panera has some vegetarian choices, strict vegan options are limited.
Individuals with soy allergies: Panera uses soy in some of their products.
People with egg allergies: Many baked goods and some other menu items contain eggs.
Those looking for extensive organic or non-GMO options: While Panera has made efforts to remove artificial ingredients, not all items are organic or non-GMO.
Individuals with specific religious dietary restrictions: Some menu items may not meet certain religious dietary laws.Remember, many of these concerns can be addressed by carefully reviewing the menu, asking staff about ingredients, or checking Panera’s allergen information online before dining.
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Gluten Free Alternatives

Here are five gluten-free alternatives to Panera, along with short descriptions for each:

Gluten Free Alternatives
Sweetgreen: A popular salad chain that provides numerous gluten-free options. They focus on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients and offer build-your-own salads, warm bowls, and grain bowls that can easily be made gluten-free.
Cava: A Mediterranean-inspired fast-casual restaurant with many gluten-free choices. Their customizable bowls and salads feature options like falafel, grilled meats, and various gluten-free dips and spreads.
Chipotle: While not exclusively gluten-free, Chipotle offers many gluten-free options for their bowls, salads, and tacos. Their corn tortillas and most of their proteins and toppings are gluten-free, allowing for customizable meals.
Zoe's Kitchen: A Mediterranean-inspired chain with numerous gluten-free menu items, including kabobs, salads, and grain bowls. They clearly label gluten-free options on their menu and offer a variety of fresh, healthy choices.

Health Information

? Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions
1 Is Panera good for celiac?
Panera Bread has limited options for those with celiac disease. While they offer some gluten-free items, there's a high risk of cross-contamination due to shared preparation areas. Individuals with celiac disease should exercise caution when eating at Panera. It's advisable to consult with staff about ingredients and preparation methods before ordering.
2 Does Panera Bread have gluten free bread bowls?
Panera Bread does not offer gluten-free bread bowls. They do have some gluten-free menu items, but their signature bread bowls are not available in a gluten-free version. For gluten-sensitive customers, Panera offers salads and some soups that can be ordered without bread. They also have a gluten-conscious cookie on their menu.
3 Is Panera sourdough bread gluten free?
Panera's traditional sourdough bread is not gluten-free. It contains wheat flour, which is a source of gluten. Panera does offer some gluten-free options, but their sourdough bread is not one of them. Customers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should avoid this bread and opt for Panera's gluten-free alternatives instead.
4 Which Panera dressings are gluten free?
Panera Bread offers several gluten-free dressing options for their salads. These include the Greek Dressing, Balsamic Vinaigrette, and White Balsamic Apple Vinaigrette. The Classic Caesar Dressing and Fat Free Poppyseed Dressing are also listed as gluten-free choices. It's always best to double-check with staff or consult Panera's official allergen information for the most up-to-date and accurate details on gluten-free options.
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Our Expert

Drs. Ilse van Asperen, Orthomolecular Therapist and Nutritional Coach

Drs. Ilse van Asperen

Orthomolecular Therapist, Nutritional Coach & Professional Editor

Drs. Ilse van Asperen is a medical doctor specialising in orthomolecular therapy and nutritional coaching. With a background in public and clinical health research and management, she focuses on addressing the root causes of health issues through diet, gut health, and stress reduction. As a professional editor for Little Helpers, she reviews all gluten-free content to ensure accuracy, safety, and scientific credibility. Read more on Drs. Ilse van Asperen's own website

Our Sources

The information on this page is based on reputable health and nutrition organisations, ensuring accuracy and reliability for anyone following a gluten-free diet. For further details, see the sources below.

Sources

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