Last Updated on February 19, 2023 by Lauren Beck
As awareness about gluten intolerance and celiac disease grows, more and more restaurants are accommodating these dietary restrictions. Panera Bread is no exception. With a wide range of options on their menu, it’s important for those with gluten sensitivities to know which dishes are safe to order.
In this article, we will explore what are the gluten-free options at Panera Bread and answer some common questions about their menu.
13 Gluten Free Options at Panera Bread
Panera Bread offers a number of gluten-free options on their menu, including:
- Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken: This salad features mixed greens, chicken, apple chips, onions, and pecans. It comes with a gluten-free dressing.
- Modern Greek Salad with Quinoa: This salad features mixed greens, quinoa, feta cheese, hummus, and kalamata olives. It comes with a gluten-free dressing.
- Greek Salad: This salad features mixed greens, onions, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. It comes with a gluten-free dressing.
- Caesar Salad: This salad features romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. It is gluten-free when ordered without croutons.
- Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken: This salad features mixed greens, chicken, avocado, bacon, and eggs. It comes with a gluten-free dressing.
- Turkey Chili: This soup is made with turkey, beans, and vegetables. It is gluten-free and a great option for a cold day.
- Tomato Soup: This soup is made with tomatoes, cream, and spices. It is gluten-free and a classic favorite.
- Baked Potato Soup: This soup is made with potatoes, cream, and spices. It is gluten-free when ordered without croutons.
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup: This soup is made with broccoli, cheddar cheese, and cream. It is gluten-free when ordered without croutons.
- Seasonal Greens Salad: This salad features mixed greens, carrots, and cucumbers. It comes with a gluten-free dressing.
- Power Mediterranean Chicken Salad: This salad features mixed greens, chicken, quinoa, hummus, feta cheese, and olives. It comes with a gluten-free dressing.
- Modern Caprese Sandwich: This sandwich features fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze. It is served on a gluten-free roll.
- Steak and Arugula Sandwich: This sandwich features steak, arugula, and horseradish sauce. It is served on a gluten-free roll.
Does Panera Make Anything Gluten-Free?
Yes, Panera does make several items that are gluten-free, including salads, soups, and sandwiches on gluten-free bread. They also offer a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie.
Can People With Celiac Disease Eat at Panera?
Panera does offer gluten-free options on their menu, but cross-contamination can be a concern for those with celiac disease. The kitchen at Panera is not gluten-free, so there is a risk of cross-contamination with gluten-containing ingredients. Those with celiac disease should inform the staff of their condition and ask for special precautions to be taken, such as using separate equipment and utensils.
Does Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup Have Gluten?
Panera’s Broccoli Cheddar Soup does contain gluten when served with croutons. However, it is gluten-free when ordered without the croutons. It’s always a good idea to double-check with the staff to make sure there is no cross-contamination.
Is Panera Bread’s Mac and Cheese Gluten-Free?
Unfortunately, Panera’s Mac and Cheese is not gluten-free. It contains wheat and gluten-containing ingredients.
Are Panera Chips Gluten Free?
Panera’s regular chips are not gluten-free, as they are made with wheat flour. However, they do offer a gluten-free option: the organic corn chips that come with the turkey chili.
Is Panera Tomato Soup Gluten-Free?
Yes, Panera’s Tomato Soup is gluten-free. It is made with tomatoes, cream, and spices and does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
How to Order Gluten Free at Panera?
If you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, it’s important to inform the staff at Panera so they can take the necessary precautions to prevent cross-contamination. Here are some tips for ordering gluten-free at Panera:
- Consult their website: Panera’s website provides a detailed breakdown of their menu items and the allergens they contain. This can be helpful when planning your order.
- Speak to the staff: When you arrive at the restaurant, let the staff know about your dietary restrictions. They can help guide you to the gluten-free options and let you know which items are prepared separately to avoid cross-contamination.
- Avoid certain items: Be aware that some menu items are not gluten-free, even if they seem like they would be. For example, the mac and cheese, croutons, and regular chips are not gluten-free.
- Customize your order: Many menu items can be customized to be gluten-free. For example, the Caesar Salad can be ordered without croutons, and the sandwiches can be made with gluten-free bread.
- Request separate preparation: If you have celiac disease, it’s important to request that your order be prepared separately to avoid cross-contamination [1]. Let the staff know that you need them to use clean equipment and utensils to prepare your food.
Conclusion
Panera Bread offers a range of gluten-free options on their menu, including salads, soups, and sandwiches on gluten-free bread. However, those with celiac disease should be aware that cross-contamination can be a concern, and it’s important to inform the staff of your dietary restrictions and request special precautions if needed. By following these tips, you can enjoy a gluten-free meal at Panera Bread without any worries.
Reference:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8308338/
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