How To Easily Order Vegan At Panera Bread

Panera Bread can be the perfect place to visit when you have family members or friends with differing tastes and varying hunger levels. You can easily satisfy the picky kiddies, as well as the hangry grown-ups. The meal options are healthier and more wholesome than fast food, with fresh ingredients and more plant-based options than many other restaurant chains. But how hard is it to order vegan at Panera Bread?

With a few minor adjustments, several menu items at Panera can be made vegan! We’ve included a comprehensive list of vegan menu options below.

It’s clear that Panera Bread is trying to create a vegan-friendly environment for its customers. They offer a couple of tempting breakfast options and more than a few fantastic lunch and dinner choices. At the very least, you’ll would be able to order a hearty sandwich or bowl, a fresh green salad, and even a sweet or savory snack on the side.

Vegan Options at Panera Bread

Vegan Breakfast Options

• Apple, banana or fruit cup
• Better than Avocado Toast (see substitution ideas below)
• Peach & Blueberry Smoothie (with almond milk)
• Steel Cut Oatmeal with Strawberries & Pecans (with almond milk)
• Toasted Bagel with strawberry spread

Vegan Sandwiches

• Mediterranean Veggie (no feta)

Veggie Bowls

• Baja Grain Bowl (no Greek yogurt or feta, ask for extra avocado)
• Mediterranean Grain Bowl (no feta or yogurt, add avocado & veggies)

Plant-Based Salads

• Asian Sesame (no chicken; add avocado and veggies)
• Fuji Apple (no chicken or gorgonzola)
• Greek (no feta)
• Strawberry Poppyseed (no chicken)

Vegan Soups

Panera rotates its soups often, but there is currently no vegan soup option on the menu. However, the Ten Vegetable Soup is vegan if you see it available.

Vegan Sides & Snacks

• Apple
• Banana
• Chips
• Fruit Cup
• French Baguette
• Pickle

Vegan Bread at Panera

Unfortunately, one of the most beloved items at this fast-casual chain of restaurants—the bread—is not entirely vegan-friendly. Some of the specialty breads include ingredients such as milk, eggs, honey, and/or cheese.

But don’t worry, there are still plenty of breads to choose from that are vegan. We appreciate the “Eating Vegan” article on Panera’s website that includes some suitable food suggestions and substitutions that you can make for a mouthwatering meal.

• Artisan Ciabatta
• Classic Sourdough (including bowl)
• Country Rustic Sourdough
• Black Pepper Focaccia
• French Baguette
• Sea Salt Focaccia
• Whole Grain Sourdough
• Bagels (four of their bagels are vegan, see below)

Bagels (Vegan)

• Blueberry
• Everything
• Plain
• Sesame

Check out our vegan bagel guide for everything you need to know about bagels (plus a recipe to make your own).

Vegan Spreads

There used to be a Strawberry Fruit Spread, but it appears to have been phased out. If you know you’re going in advance, you can bring along your own vegan cream cheese or try this strawberry chia jam.

Dairy-Free Smoothies

• Frozen Strawberry Lemonade (seasonal)
• Green Passion Smoothie
• Peach & Blueberry with Almond Milk

Vegan Espresso Bar

Recently, Panera became one of the first major chain restaurants to drop the up-charge for plant-based milks. This kind gesture is meaningful to plant-based peeps, especially as coffee giant Starbucks has long refused to remove their vegan milk upcharge in the United States.

You may be able to order a cappuccino, latte, or mocha if you specifically ask for no whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or honey. These drinks can be made with almond milk if requested.

It’s unclear whether the chocolate syrup is vegan friendly. Some brands are vegan, but some are not. Ask an employee or manager if you can look at the syrup ingredients to confirm.

Vegan Beverages

• Agave Lemonade
• Bottled Water
• Fountain Sodas
• Freshly Brewed Tea (iced or hot, including herbal)
• Hot Coffee (almond milk options)
• Passion Papaya Green Tea
• San Pellegrino Sparkling Water (in bottle or cans)
• Spindrift Sparkling Water

Substitution Ideas

• Design your own amazing ALT by ordering the Kids’ Roasted Turkey & Avocado BLT with no bacon, turkey, or mayo and ask for extra avocado, lettuce, and tomato.
• Build a “Better than Avocado Toast” breakfast by asking for a toasted bagel with avocado on the side. Slather that savory goodness on top and season with some sea salt and black pepper.
• Create your own “Seasonal Crunch” sandwich by ordering a french baguette (toasted, if possible), a seasonal greens salad, a side of awesome avocado, and a bag of chips. Spread the avocado on the bottom half of the bread, add as many greens as you can on top and sprinkle with a vegan-friendly dressing or salt & pepper.

Although there are many more options for vegans at Panera Bread than you may have imagined, the website isn’t as helpful as you might hope. They have plenty of full-color photos and a pdf and small pop-up box for nutritional information on each item, but there is no list of specific ingredient information for any of the food options on their menu. Unless you are able to ask for clarification or confirmation, you might want to steer clear of those menu items.

Helpful Hints When Ordering at Panera Bread

• Browse the restaurant’s website before ordering.
• Look carefully at the menu and search for plant-based options (or look for the green leaf in the bottom left corner of the picture). Note that the icons are sometimes inconsistent with the vegan items on Panera’s “Eating Vegan” food list. Be cautious when ordering, and if you’re unsure, you can call and ask an employee or manager.
• Call the restaurant and ask if they can tell you what their vegan options are for the day.
  Ordering online may be optimal. For most of the items, you can press the “customize” button on the bottom center of the food photo and choose which options you wish. You can also add any special instructions you have – such as “toasted” or “no dressing”.
• Bring a nut butter packet with you, just in case you want to buy a bagel and add this tasty topping.
• Consider carrying a sealed vinaigrette packet with you (Newman’s Own has a number of vegan options) for extra salad satisfaction!

FAQs

How to Order at Other Chains

• Order Vegan at Dominos
• How to Order at Taco Bell
• How To Order Vegan at Ben & Jerry’s

Have you found any other options to be veganizable? Did you find something amazing that we missed? Let us know by tagging #worldofvegan and sharing your favorite vegan-at-Panera-Bread creations with all of us!

Disclaimer: At the time of this article, the foods mentioned above are vegan. Since restaurants constantly update their menus and add or take away items, please keep this in mind when ordering your food. There may be new items that are vegan and not listed or items listed here as vegan, which are no longer vegan. Take care to double-check.

The post How To Easily Order Vegan At Panera Bread appeared first on World of Vegan.

Share stories, passions and delicious recipes with our community and join us as we revolutionize how people think about healthy eating. We invite you to use this platform as a place for open dialogue around nutrition that encourages empathy, education and empowerment towards healthier living. All contributions are welcomed – email us at [email protected]!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are plant-based diets less expensive than other diets.

Plant-based diets can be less expensive than other diets. Eating a balanced plant-based diet without spending much money depending on the type and quantity of foods you eat is possible. Grain, beans and eggs, as well as nuts and vegetables such potatoes, can be affordable and provide a good source of protein for a low cost. With proper meal planning, you can save money by purchasing in bulk or using sales to reduce food expenses. Apart from individual ingredients, you can also save money by purchasing ready-to cook plant-based meals.

Do you think it is necessary to consume supplements if you eat a plant-based diet.

A well-balanced, plant-based diet can provide all of the nutrients necessary for good health. However, it is best to supplement certain micronutrients in order to compensate for any deficiencies. Vitamin B12, which is important for cognitive and nervous system health, is typically only found in animals. Supplemental forms of this vitamin might be helpful to vegetarians and vegans. A lot of plant-based foods lack iron and zinc. These minerals are vital for healthy metabolism, red blood cells production, tissue growth, repair, and healthy metabolism. Omega 3 fatty acids also play an essential role in normal body processes, such as controlling inflammation and proper brain function. Because of their biochemical properties, most plant-based food sources don't contain omega-3s. Supplementation may be able to maintain a delicate balance for this vital nutrient. Last but not least, calcium is vital for maintaining strong bones. It can also be found in limited quantities through vegetables like broccoli and kale. You may want to supplement your diet if you have difficulty meeting your daily calcium requirements. It is best to consult your doctor before you introduce any new supplements.

Can a plant-based diet lower the risk of chronic disease?

In today's world, a plant-based diet is gaining more popularity due to its various health and environmental benefits. It involves eating mainly fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds and eliminating or significantly reducing animal proteins like meat or dairy products. Some advantages of a plant-based diet include improved heart health, digestive health benefits, increased energy levels, reduced stress hormones, and potential environmental protection. Plant-based diets can be supplemented with excellent plant-based protein sources.

Statistics

• Another found that following a diet rich in plant foods and lower in animal foods was associated with a 16 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a 31 to 32 percent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease. (everydayhealth.com)
• In fact, according to research published in the going plant-based can cut grocery bills by $750 a year per person, Journal of Hunger & Environmental Nutrition. (forksoverknives.com)

External Links

[TAG20]

• How common is vitamin B-12 deficiencies?

[TAG22]

• The association between plant-based dietary patterns and risk of breast cancer: a case-control study


• The carbon cost of land-based animal-sourced foodstuff production

[TAG25]

• Effects of Plant Based Diets on Weight Status: a Systematic Review - PMC


• Healthcare professionals can use plant-based nutrition to prevent and treat chronic diseases. PMC

[TAG28]

• PubMed: Deteriorating beta cell function in type 2 Diabetes: A long-term model


• A 16-Week Randomized Clinical Study - PubMed - Plant-Based Dietary Insights Improve Beta-Cell Function and Insulin Resistance among Overweight Adults

How To

How to prepare plant-based dishes that are tasty and filling

With the right ingredients, creativity, and preparation, you can make plant-based meals delicious and filling. One should start with fresh produce and other quality products. It's a good idea to create a grocery store list based only on the recipes. Make sure you have the proper storage equipment so that your food can stay fresh.

Next, when meal prepping is involved, it is important to focus on variety. Focus on whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables and nuts. In order to improve nutrition, aim for different colors. You should ensure that each meal contains a healthy balance of fiber, protein, as well as healthy oils. To maximize efficiency, you can use multi-cookers and slow cookers in your kitchen. Batch cooking allows you to prepare meals in advance.

Try new flavors while staying vegan. When you're trying to get creative, spice like chili powder or cayenne pepper can add flavor to your dish while also keeping it healthy. Whole foods can transform bland plant-based meals into delicious, flavorful meals in minutes. You can use beans instead of "meats" and roasted butternut squash as an alternative to french fries. Finally, if all else fails, you can always make something new with leftovers from the previous week!

With these tips, anyone can enjoy a delicious and nutritious plant-based diet without sacrificing taste or fullness.

Resources:

[TAG31] These vegetarian enchiladas are a hearty and satisfying dinner. Make them on a weeknight and you’ll enjoy leftovers for lunch the next day. Or make it on…The

[TAG32] No one food can reduce your risk for cancer, but there is an overall diet that can. Learn what it means to eat a plant-based diet and see all the ways it can

[TAG33] I’m so glad we made it to March. The days are growing longer already and I love how the spring sunshine illuminates our kitchen. The daffodils that…The post

[TAG34] Following a plant-based diet (think vegan, vegetarian, or even flexitarian) is associated with a bevy of potential health benefits. That includes a lower risk

[TAG35] These hearty bowls feature roasted fajita veggies and halloumi cheese over beans and cilantro-lime rice. This recipe makes an amazing vegetarian dinner! I’m so

[TAG36] ...

[TAG37] These thumbprint cookies offer classic shortbread flavor with dazzling jam centers. Using almond flour makes them gluten free and extra delicious! They’re

[TAG38] Choosing more plant-based foods can help you eat a healthier diet. A Heart & Stroke dietitian explains how.

[TAG39] Ever tried artichoke in lasagna? If not, you’ve been missing out. This vegetarian recipe is freshly flavored, hearty and cheesy, but not too heavy. It’s a

[TAG40] One of the most powerful steps you can take to improve your health is to move to a plant-based diet. We have everything you need to know to get started here

[TAG41] Whether you’re considering eating less meat or giving it up entirely.

[TAG42] Columbia and NYP nutritionist Sabrina Toledano explains the benefits of a plant-based diet and how to get started.

[TAG43] Hint: Your energy levels, gut microbiome, and environmental impact all win big.