Panera Bread is a popular fast-casual spot with over 2,000 locations in the United States and Canada.
With more and more people interested in plant-based eating, many are seeking vegan options when they dine out.
So, what can you order when you’re looking for a vegan menu at Panera Bread? This guide will explore your vegan choices, offer customization tips, and give you our recommendations.
Veganism at Panera: A matter of customization
When you’re following a vegan diet, you don’t eat any animal products. That means no meat, no dairy, no eggs, and even no honey. Many people choose a vegan lifestyle because of concerns about animal welfare and the environment.
Panera Bread doesn’t have a huge number of dedicated vegan options, so you may have to do some creative ordering and ask for substitutions. It’s always best to check the ingredients list to make sure your meal aligns with your dietary choices.
If you have allergies, be aware that cross-contamination could be an issue. Be sure to let the staff know about any allergies when you place your order, and ask about cross-contamination protocols.
Vegan breakfast options at Panera Bread
If you’re looking for a vegan breakfast on the go, here are a few choices you can find at Panera.
Bagels
Happily, Panera offers both plain and everything bagels, and both of those are vegan. Instead of butter or cream cheese, you can ask for hummus or avocado to spread on your bagel. Or, if you’re particular about your spreads, you could bring your own vegan cream cheese or other spread.
Oatmeal
Panera’s steel-cut oatmeal is vegan as long as you customize it a little. You can also add plant-based milk to the oatmeal to give it a richer consistency. In fact, you can order many of Panera’s coffee drinks with almond milk, too.
Vegan salads at Panera Bread
Salads can be tricky at Panera if you’re vegan. While there may be a lot of greens involved, there also tends to be cheese, egg, or honey lurking somewhere in the mix. But don’t worry, here’s what you need to know.
Completely vegan salads
If you’re looking for a salad you can order without making any changes, the Strawberry Poppyseed Salad with Chicken is your best bet. But if you want a completely vegan option, you can order it without the chicken.
Salads that can be customized
A few of Panera’s salads can be made vegan if you make a few changes.
- Greek Salad (request without feta)
- Mediterranean Greens with Grains Salad (request without feta)
- Balsamic Greens with Grains Salad (request without parmesan)
- Fuji Apple Salad (request without chicken and blue cheese)
Be sure to check Panera’s list of salad dressings to make sure the one you choose is vegan. The Asian Sesame Salad can be made vegan by removing the chicken and the wontons, but one reviewer reported that it wasn’t very good.
Vegan Sandwiches and Bowls at Panera Bread
Panera Bread has a few sandwiches and bowls that can be made vegan with a few alterations. Here’s how to order them:
Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich
The Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich is a great choice, and it’s easy to customize. The standard version comes with feta cheese, so you’ll need to ask for it without. Also, the default bread is tomato basil, which contains dairy, so ask for it on black pepper focaccia, instead.
Bowls
The Mediterranean Bowl is another customizable option. Simply order the Mediterranean bowl without feta and Greek yogurt.
Likewise, you can order the Baja Bowl without feta and Greek yogurt to make it vegan.
Breads
Panera Bread offers a few vegan breads, including black pepper focaccia.
Sides and Beverages
Sometimes, you just want a little something extra to round out your meal. Here are a few vegan-friendly options.
Sides
For a light and refreshing addition to your meal, consider the fresh fruit cup, a mix of cantaloupe, honeydew, and pineapple. The tomato basil cucumber salad is another good choice.
Beverages
Many of Panera’s coffee drinks can be made vegan simply by asking for almond milk instead of dairy milk. The good news is that, in 2020, Panera Bread decided to drop the extra charge for vegan milk in coffee drinks, making it easier and more affordable to enjoy a plant-based latte or cappuccino.
What to avoid: Soups and pastries
Unfortunately, Panera Bread doesn’t currently have any vegan soup or pastry options. If you’re looking for a warm beverage or a sweet treat, you may have to go somewhere else.
Conclusion
Panera Bread offers a few tasty vegan options, but to make sure your meal is truly plant-based, customization is essential.
When you order, ask about ingredients and don’t be afraid to request substitutions. It’s also worth checking out Panera’s online nutrition information.
If you’d like to see even more vegan choices at Panera and other fast-casual restaurants, let them know! By voicing your preferences, you can help make plant-based eating more accessible and convenient for everyone.