Eating out can take a little more planning when you need to avoid gluten or follow a vegan diet. At Panera, there are several menu choices that may work for different dietary needs, and some meals can be customized.
However, there is an important point to remember: Panera prepares many foods containing wheat, dairy, eggs, and other common allergens. So if you have Celiac disease or a serious food allergy, checking the latest ingredient information and speaking with restaurant staff is important.
This guide covers Panera Gluten Free options, vegan choices, customization ideas, and some simple tips for ordering with dietary restrictions.
Panera Gluten Free Menu Options
If you’re looking for Panera Gluten Free choices, there are several foods worth checking. Salads, soups, bowls, oatmeal, fruit, and certain sides may fit a gluten-free eating plan depending on the current ingredients.
The bigger issue is cross-contact. Panera restaurants also prepare breads, bagels, pastries, cookies, and other wheat-containing foods. Because of this shared environment, a menu item should not automatically be considered safe for someone with Celiac disease.
If you need to avoid gluten for medical reasons, check Panera’s current allergen information and let the staff know about your dietary needs before ordering.
Gluten-Free Soups and Salads
Salads are often a convenient starting point when you’re trying to avoid gluten.
A Greek Salad can include romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and feta cheese. The dressing and any additional toppings should still be checked before ordering.
The Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken is another option to look into. It combines greens, chicken, fruit and other toppings for a filling meal.
Soups require a little more attention because recipes and ingredients can change. Always check the current allergen information rather than assuming a soup is gluten-free simply because it is served without bread.
Gluten Free Grain Bowls
Salads are often a convenient starting point when you’re trying to avoid gluten.
A Greek Salad can include romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions and feta cheese. The dressing and any additional toppings should still be checked before ordering.
The Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken is another option to look into. It combines greens, chicken, fruit and other toppings for a filling meal.
Soups require a little more attention because recipes and ingredients can change. Always check the current allergen information rather than assuming a soup is gluten-free simply because it is served without bread.
Gluten Free Grain Bowls
Warm grain bowls can be a good option when you want something more substantial than a salad.
A Mediterranean-style bowl may include grains, greens, vegetables, olives and hummus. Depending on the recipe, other toppings or sauces may also be included.
If you’re following a strict gluten-free diet, check every part of the bowl, including sauces and toppings. Ingredients and preparation methods can change, so the latest restaurant information should always take priority.
Gluten Free Breakfast and Sides
Breakfast can be slightly harder because many popular breakfast items are served with bread or bagels.
Steel Cut Oatmeal with fruit and nuts can be an option to check. If you need strict gluten avoidance, however, review the current allergen information before ordering.
Fresh fruit is another simple side when you want something light.
Some packaged sides, such as potato chips, may also fit a gluten-free diet. Always check the current product information before relying on them.
Panera Vegan & Plant-Based Options
Panera also has several choices for people following a vegan or mostly plant-based diet.
The easiest approach is to look at the individual ingredients rather than assuming an entire menu category is vegan. Cheese, dairy-based sauces, mayonnaise, and other ingredients may need to be removed.
With a few simple changes, some vegetarian meals can become suitable for a vegan diet.
Panera Vegan Breakfast Options
Breakfast choices are more limited, but there are still a few items worth checking.
Steel Cut Oatmeal with suitable fruit and nut toppings can be a convenient plant-based breakfast.
Some bagels may also fit a vegan diet, but the ingredients should be checked before ordering. The same applies to spreads, since cream cheese and other dairy-based toppings are not vegan.
Fresh fruit is another easy choice if you want something simple.
Panera Vegan Lunch and Dinner Options
Lunch and dinner provide more flexibility for a plant-based meal.
The Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich can be modified by removing dairy ingredients such as cheese and checking the sauce or spread. Ask about suitable plant-based substitutions available at your location.
Grain bowls can also be customized. Removing dairy-based toppings and choosing vegetables, grains, hummus, and other plant-based ingredients can create a filling meal.
The Ten Vegetable Soup has been a plant-based option at Panera. Since recipes and availability can change, check the current ingredients before ordering.
Panera Gluten Free & Vegan Options at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at some of the foods discussed in this guide:
| Menu Category | Menu Idea | Dietary Consideration | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soup | Ten Vegetable Soup | Plant-based option | Check current ingredients |
| Salad | Greek Salad | Gluten-free option to check | Check dressing and toppings |
| Salad | Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken | Gluten-free option to check | Check current ingredients. |
| Bowl | Mediterranean-style bowl | Gluten-free option to check | Check sauces and toppings. |
| Sandwich | Mediterranean Veggie | Can be modified for a vegan diet | Remove dairy ingredients. |
| Breakfast | Steel Cut Oatmeal | Plant-based option | Check toppings. |
| Side | Fresh Fruit | Plant-based option | Usually simple |
Note: Menu ingredients, nutrition information, and availability can change. If you have a medical allergy, use Panera’s latest allergen information rather than relying only on a general menu guide.
Tips for Ordering Panera Gluten Free
Ordering Panera Gluten Free food is easier when you take a little time to check the details.
1. Check Current Allergen Information
Always review the latest ingredient and allergen information before ordering.
This matters even more when you’re avoiding gluten because of Celiac disease or a medical allergy.
2. Tell the Staff About Your Allergy
If you have a serious allergy, explain it clearly when ordering.
The staff can tell you which ingredients are currently used and what options may be available.
3. Check Dressings and Sauces
Dressings and sauces are easy to overlook.
A salad that looks suitable at first may contain an ingredient that doesn’t fit your dietary needs. Check these separately before placing your order.
4. Customize Carefully
Removing cheese or a creamy sauce can make some vegetarian meals suitable for a vegan diet.
However, customization does not eliminate the possibility of cross-contact in a shared kitchen.
5. Check Before Visiting
Panera’s menu can vary by location, and seasonal items can change.
Checking your local menu before visiting can make the ordering process much easier at Panera Gluten Free.
Panera Gluten Free FAQs
Does Panera have gluten-free bread?
Panera restaurants handle many wheat-containing breads and bakery products. Because these foods are prepared in the restaurant environment, customers who need strict gluten avoidance should check the latest allergen information and speak with staff before ordering.
Is Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup gluten-free?
You should not assume that Broccoli Cheddar Soup is gluten-free. Check the current ingredient and allergen information before ordering, especially if you have Celiac disease or a gluten allergy.
What soups are vegan at Panera?
The Ten Vegetable Soup has been a plant-based option at Panera. Availability and recipes can change, so check the current ingredients before ordering.
Can I make a Panera sandwich vegan Panera Gluten Free?
Some sandwiches can be modified by removing cheese, dairy-based sauces, or other animal-based ingredients. You should also check the bread, spreads, and toppings.
Does Panera have vegan breakfast options?
Yes, some breakfast foods can work for a vegan diet. Steel Cut Oatmeal with suitable toppings, certain bagels, and fresh fruit are options worth checking.
Is Panera safe for people with Celiac disease?
Panera prepares gluten-containing foods in its restaurants, so there is a risk of cross-contact. Anyone with Celiac disease should review the latest allergen information and speak with staff before ordering.
Conclusion
Panera has enough variety to give people with dietary restrictions several foods to consider, but it pays to look beyond the menu name.
For vegan meals, check cheese, dairy-based sauces, spreads, and other animal-derived ingredients. For gluten-free meals, pay close attention to breads, toppings, dressings, and the shared preparation environment.
If you’re simply trying to eat more plant-based or gluten-conscious foods, customization can give you plenty of flexibility. If you have Celiac disease or a serious food allergy, always check the latest allergen information and discuss your needs with the restaurant team before ordering.
For more information, you can also read our Panera Nutrition & Calories guide to compare menu nutrition and make more informed choices.
You can also explore our Panera Menu for the wider menu, or check the Panera Hours guide before visiting your local restaurant.