Gluten-Free at Panera Bread: What's Safe for Celiacs? (+Video)

Celiac.com 04/25/2025 - For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, dining out can feel like navigating a minefield. Cross-contamination risks, hidden gluten in sauces, and limited menu options often make it challenging to enjoy a meal safely. Panera Bread, a popular fast-casual restaurant chain, has made strides in offering gluten-free options, but how safe are these choices for people with celiac disease? This article dives into Panera’s gluten-free menu, explores cross-contamination risks, and provides tips for safely dining at Panera. Whether you’re craving a hearty soup, a fresh salad, or a customizable “You Pick Two” combo, we’ll help you make informed choices.

Panera’s Gluten-Free Menu: What’s Available?

Panera Bread offers a variety of gluten-free options, including soups, salads, and customizable meals. However, it’s important to note that Panera does not have a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, which means cross-contamination is a concern. Here’s a breakdown of their gluten-free offerings:

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Gluten-Free Soups

Panera’s soups are a comforting choice, but not all are gluten-free (of course you must avoid the bread bowl!). The following soups are considered gluten-free, but always double-check with staff, as recipes may vary by location:

• Mexican Street Corn Chowder (without bread bowl)

Gluten-Free Salads

Panera’s salads can be made gluten-free with a few modifications. Be sure to omit croutons and choose a gluten-free dressing. Some safe options include:

• Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken (without croutons)
• Greek Salad (without croutons)
• Seasonal Greens Salad (without croutons)

“You Pick Two” Options

Panera’s “You Pick Two” combo allows you to pair half a salad with half a sandwich or soup. For a gluten-free meal, stick to the following combinations:

• Half Green Goddess Cobb Salad (without croutons) + Half Mexican Street Corn Chowder (without bread bowl)
• Half Greek Salad (without croutons)

Other Gluten-Free Options

• Fruit Cup
• Apple
• Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries
• Chips (check packaging for gluten-free certification)

Cross-Contamination Risks at Panera Bread

While Panera offers gluten-free options, their kitchens are not gluten-free environments. This means there is a risk of cross-contamination during food preparation, cooking, and serving. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Shared Preparation Areas: Panera’s kitchens use the same surfaces, utensils, and equipment for gluten-free and gluten-containing items.
2. Bread-Centric Menu: Panera is known for its bread and baked goods, which increases the likelihood of gluten particles in the air and on surfaces.
3. Employee Training: While Panera staff are trained to handle gluten-free orders carefully, busy kitchens and human error can lead to mistakes.

Panera openly states that they cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free meal due to these risks. As a result, their gluten-free options are best suited for those with mild gluten sensitivity rather than individuals with celiac disease.

How to Safely Order Gluten-Free at Panera

If you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, here are some tips to minimize risks when dining at Panera:

1. Communicate Clearly: Inform the staff about your dietary needs and emphasize the importance of avoiding cross-contamination.
2. Ask Questions: Double-check ingredients and preparation processes with the staff. For example, confirm that soups are made without gluten-containing thickeners.
3. Choose Simple Options: Stick to salads (without croutons) and fruit cups, which are less likely to be cross-contaminated.
4. Avoid High-Risk Items: Steer clear of sandwiches, baked goods, and items that are prepared near gluten-containing ingredients.
5. Check Packaging: For pre-packaged items like chips or yogurt, verify that they are certified gluten-free.

FAQs About Gluten-Free Dining at Panera

1. Is Panera Bread safe for celiac disease?

Panera Bread cannot guarantee a gluten-free environment, so their options are not considered safe for individuals with celiac disease due to cross-contamination risks.

2. What gluten-free soups does Panera offer?

Panera’s gluten-free soups include Mexican Street Corn Chowder (without bread bowl). Always confirm with staff, as recipes may vary.

3. Can I get a gluten-free salad at Panera?

Yes, Panera offers several salads that can be made gluten-free by omitting croutons and choosing a gluten-free dressing.

4. Does Panera have gluten-free bread?

No, Panera does not currently offer gluten-free bread or baked goods.

5. How can I reduce the risk of cross-contamination at Panera?

Communicate your dietary needs clearly, choose simple options like salads and fruit cups, and avoid high-risk items like sandwiches and baked goods.

What This Means for People with Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity

For individuals with celiac disease, dining at Panera Bread requires caution. While the restaurant offers gluten-free options, the risk of cross-contamination makes it an unsafe choice for those who need to strictly avoid gluten. However, people with mild gluten sensitivity may find Panera’s gluten-free menu to be a convenient and satisfying option.

If you have celiac disease, it’s best to prioritize restaurants with dedicated gluten-free kitchens or stricter protocols for avoiding cross-contamination. Always communicate your dietary needs clearly and make informed choices to protect your health.

Conclusion

Panera Bread’s gluten-free menu offers a variety of soups, salads, and customizable options, making it a tempting choice for those avoiding gluten. However, the lack of a dedicated gluten-free kitchen means that cross-contamination is a significant concern, particularly for individuals with celiac disease. By understanding the risks and making careful choices, you can enjoy a meal at Panera while minimizing the chance of gluten exposure. For a truly celiac-safe dining experience, consider exploring restaurants with dedicated gluten-free facilities or stricter preparation protocols. Stay informed, ask questions, and prioritize your health when dining out.

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