Panera is a fast-casual restaurant chain that serves a variety of bakery items, sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries. As more people are becoming aware of gluten sensitivities and allergies, Panera has also started offering gluten-free options on their menu. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various gluten-free options that Panera has to offer and answer some of the most common questions related to gluten-free dining at Panera.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye, and barley. It is commonly used in many baked goods, such as bread, cakes, and pastries, as it gives them a chewy texture. However, some people are sensitive to gluten, and it can cause a variety of symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea. In rare cases, some people may have celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that can cause serious damage to the small intestine.
Does Panera Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Panera offers several gluten-free options on their menu. They have a dedicated gluten-free menu that includes salads, soups, sandwiches, and sides. They use separate preparation areas and equipment to avoid cross-contamination, and their gluten-free bread is individually packaged to avoid any contact with gluten. However, it is important to note that while Panera takes precautions to prevent cross-contamination, they cannot guarantee that their gluten-free items are 100% gluten-free.
Gluten-Free Bread
Panera’s gluten-free bread is made with a blend of whole sorghum, millet, and quinoa flours, along with amaranth and teff. It is free from gluten, wheat, soy, and dairy, making it suitable for people with multiple food allergies or sensitivities. The bread is individually wrapped to avoid any contact with gluten and is available at an additional cost in all of Panera’s bakery-cafes.
Gluten-Free Salads
Panera’s gluten-free salads are made with fresh vegetables, fruits, and a variety of dressings. They offer several gluten-free salad options, such as the Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken, the Greek Salad, and the Steak and Blue Cheese Salad. However, it is important to note that some of their salad dressings may contain gluten, so it is important to check with the staff before ordering.
Gluten-Free Soups
Panera offers several gluten-free soup options, including the Broccoli Cheddar Soup, the Chicken Noodle Soup, and the Ten Vegetable Soup. They use separate utensils and cooking equipment to avoid cross-contamination and ensure that their gluten-free soups are safe for people with gluten sensitivities.
Gluten-Free Sandwiches
Panera has several gluten-free sandwich options, such as the Bacon Turkey Bravo, the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich, and the Roasted Turkey and Avocado BLT. They use their gluten-free bread for these sandwiches and take extra precautions to avoid cross-contamination by using separate preparation areas and utensils.
Are Panera’s Gluten-Free Items Safe for People with Celiac Disease?
Panera takes several precautions to prevent cross-contamination and ensure that their gluten-free items are safe for people with gluten sensitivities. However, they cannot guarantee that their gluten-free items are 100% gluten-free. People with celiac disease should exercise caution and ask the staff about the ingredients and preparation methods of their food items to avoid any potential risks.
How to Order Gluten-Free Items at Panera?
When ordering gluten-free items at Panera, it is important to inform the staff about your gluten sensitivity or allergy. They will provide you with a dedicated gluten-free menu and take the necessary precautions to avoid cross-contamination. You can also customize your order by removing any potential sources of gluten such as croutons or dressings.
What Other Allergens Does Panera Cater to?
Panera offers menu items for people with other common allergies such as soy, dairy, and tree nuts. They have a detailed allergen information chart available on their website, which lists all the major allergens present in their food items. Moreover, their staff is trained to handle food allergies and sensitivities, and they take several precautions to avoid cross-contamination.
Conclusion
Panera is committed to providing safe and delicious gluten-free options for their customers. They use separate equipment and preparation areas to avoid cross-contamination and offer several gluten-free choices such as salads, soups, sandwiches, and sides. However, people with celiac disease should exercise caution and inquire with the staff about the ingredients and preparation methods of their food items to avoid any potential risks.
Most Common Questions about Gluten-Free Options at Panera and Their Answers
- Q. Does Panera have gluten-free bread?
- A. Yes, Panera offers gluten-free bread made with a blend of whole sorghum, millet, and quinoa flours, along with amaranth and teff. It is available at an additional cost in all of Panera’s bakery-cafes.
- Q. Does Panera have gluten-free soups?
- A. Yes, Panera offers several gluten-free soup options, including the Broccoli Cheddar Soup, the Chicken Noodle Soup, and the Ten Vegetable Soup. They use separate utensils and cooking equipment to avoid cross-contamination and ensure that their gluten-free soups are safe for people with gluten sensitivities.
- Q. Are Panera’s gluten-free items safe for people with celiac disease?
- A. Panera takes several precautions to prevent cross-contamination and ensure that their gluten-free items are safe for people with gluten sensitivities. However, they cannot guarantee that their gluten-free items are 100% gluten-free. People with celiac disease should exercise caution and ask the staff about the ingredients and preparation methods of their food items to avoid any potential risks.
- Q. What other allergens does Panera cater to?
- A. Panera offers menu items for people with other common allergies such as soy, dairy, and tree nuts. They have a detailed allergen information chart available on their website, which lists all the major allergens present in their food items.
References
- Panera Bread Gluten-Friendly Menu (https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/articles/panera-bread-gluten-friendly-menu.html)
- Panera Bread (https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/home.html)
- Celiac Disease Foundation (https://celiac.org/)