Jump to content

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Panera Bread...watch It!

Bella001

By Bella001
in Gluten-Free Restaurants

Recommended Posts

Bella001 Explorer
Bella001
Posted

Hello,

I've gone to Panera several times and ordered from the gluten free menu. I started to get geographic and constipation again and pulled up their website. www.panerabread.com/menu You can look at the ingredients for each food...well guess what, I was eating wheat! Not only that but most of their food is full of corn syrup or other junk. Scratch panera off my list...

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Fire Fairy Enthusiast
Fire Fairy
Posted

Hello,

I've gone to Panera several times and ordered from the gluten free menu. I started to get geographic and constipation again and pulled up their website. www.panerabread.com/menu You can look at the ingredients for each food...well guess what, I was eating wheat! Not only that but most of their food is full of corn syrup or other junk. Scratch panera off my list...

They are advertising a gluten free product that lists wheat as an ingredient???

I figured Panera was a big no no due to cross contamination anyway.

BethJ Rookie
BethJ
Posted

I got terribly sick there the first time I went. I ordered a salad off the gluten-free menu and it came with an apple as the side. I figured a whole apple would be safe. When it arrived, the apple was covered in crumbs. Okay, easy enough to avoid. I ate my salad and about 30 minutes later, I knew not to try eating there again. sad.gif

I suspect those crumbs get into everything they make and it's not worth the risk to try it again. I know some have had very good look there but it wasn't my experience.

Bella001 Explorer
Bella001
Posted
  • Author

They are advertising a gluten free product that lists wheat as an ingredient???

I figured Panera was a big no no due to cross contamination anyway.

Sure is wheat, here's the link I found with the gluten free list, Open Original Shared Link had the chicken ceasar salad and tomato soup. NOT gluten free...

Jestgar Rising Star
Jestgar
Posted

They are advertising a gluten free product that lists wheat as an ingredient???

I figured Panera was a big no no due to cross contamination anyway.

Sure is wheat, here's the link I found with the gluten free list, Open Original Shared Link had the chicken ceasar salad and tomato soup. NOT gluten free...

According to the ingredient list, the wheat is in the croutons.

That being said, there's a lot of non-food-looking stuff also in that list. Don't think I'd choose to eat there both from the health standpoint, and the cc issue.

Takala Enthusiast
Takala
Posted

Can't believe I'm doing this again.

Attention celiacs and gluten intolerants:

PANERA IS A WHEAT BAKERY.

Do not eat there unless you want a very high probability to be cross contaminated by gluten.

I have had to smack down this rumor before that their foods, especially their soups, are supposedly gluten free, they are not.

A lot of restaurants are getting themselves listed in gluten free categories, online guides like yelp, when some of them have absolutely no business being there.

I traced that submission to that list to a commercial type foodie blogger, at glutenfreeislife dot com, that is pushing so many different products and businesses, she's likely getting paid for the recommends. This is okay, BUT, it should be disclosed and the information should be updated.

I see a list of restaurants that she has listed as "gluten free eateries." None of them are gluten free, they are chain restaurants, some have a gluten free menu. What a bunch of *****. Sometimes people need their heads examined.

I'm not that sensitive but I have gotten nailed pretty good at a few of them, and I see several that I know other people have had hit or miss experiences with. A few I've had good experiences with after checking carefully with the waitstaff and managers to see if they actually knew what gluten cross contamination meant- but remember, eating out is always risky at a chain. You must ask for the updated gluten free menu, order carefully, and never assume.

That review was from 2008, over 2 years ago. Things change, folks!

I've also eaten at wonderful restaurants and bakeries that were dedicated gluten free, and THOSE are true gluten free eateries- but even these dedicated places, with careful, careful people, can sometimes mess up a little, from a supplier.

If you're going to blog "gluten free," as a food reviewer do it responsibly.

modiddly16 Enthusiast
modiddly16
Posted

I've had a smoothie there with no issues.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


lynnelise Apprentice
lynnelise
Posted

I've had salads there and been fine. I don't go use any outside site to get gluten free menu info. I only use the company's website and ingredient list! Don't trust a third party...recipes change.

GlutenFreeManna Rising Star
GlutenFreeManna
Posted

I've gotten sick at Panera from just sitting in the restaurrant while my hubby had a sweet tea. I won't go in there again. I mean, they make bread there daily. There is flour dust in the air and on everything. Maybe it would be okay for someone that has a very mild gluten intolerance or someone that is doing the gluten-free diet to be trendy, but it's not okay if you are a diagnosed celiac or you are sensitive to cc. I would also never trust a "menu" from a site that is not the restaurant's site. Here is Panera's menu: Open Original Shared Link

They do not have anything labeled gluten free, nor could I find any information about gluten on their site. They DO have the following disclaimer on their menu:

"Many of our products contain or may come into contact with

common allergens, including wheat, peanuts, soy, tree nuts, milk,

eggs, fish and shellfish.Please ask to speak with a manager for a

list of ingredients in your order."

So maybe if you are not sensitive and you are willing to have an in depth discussion with the manager to ask about cc you could try to eat there...It's not worth the trouble and potential risk IMO.

pshifrin Apprentice
pshifrin
Posted

I will only get the yogurt / fruit smoothies there. You can stand by the cold drink area (separate from the food prep) and watch them make it.

lynnelise Apprentice
lynnelise
Posted

Not all Panera's make the bread fresh at that location. The one closest to me gets pre-made dough from another facility so there is no flour in the air and all over everything. I have eaten salads there safely. The manager was able to provide me a list of what items were gluten free. I have eaten there three times and have yet to get sick. I am not on this to be trendy and I do have severe and immediate issues from CC. I have gotten sick from gluten free menus at Chili's, PF Chang's, and Logan's. I say you are taking a chance no matter where you eat, it's up to you decide whether to risk it.

Emily928 Newbie
Emily928
Posted

We have a Panera in my building and they have always been helpful in working with me. I don't go there too often though, because the selections of what I can eat are pretty limited (a few salads and soups mainly). I always check the ingredient list in Panera's website or the latest gluten free list they send out (which I usually find by googling). At least at my location, I don't think they bake bread in-house, or at least it's not near the salads and soups area. Of course there is still bread everywhere but sometimes it is worth it for the convenience factor. I can't remember ever having gotten glutened there. I just wish they would expand the selections! (And if anyone from Panera happens to be reading this, bring back the summer corn chowder!!)

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. xxnonamexx
      - xxnonamexx posted a topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      0

      FDA looking for input on Celiac Gluten sensitivity labeling PLEASE READ and submit your suggestions

      Please read: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-improve-gluten-ingredient-disclosure-foods?fbclid=IwY2xjawPeXhJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzaDc3NWRaYzlJOFJ4R0Fic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrwuSsw8Be7VNGOrKKWFVbrjmf59SGht05nIALwnjQ0DoGkDDK1doRBDzeeX_aem_GZcRcbhisMTyFUp3YMUU9Q
    2. cristiana
      - cristiana replied to Atl222's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      2

      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      Hi @Atl222 As @trents points out, there could be many reasons for this biopsy result. I am interested to know, is your gastroenterologist concerned? Also, are your blood tests showing steady improvement over the years? I remember when I had my last biopsy, several years after diagnosis, mine came back with with raised lymphocytes but no villous...
    3. trents
      - trents replied to Atl222's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      2

      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @Atl222! Yes, your increased lymphocytes could be in response to oats or it could possibly be cross contamination from gluten that is getting into your diet from some unexpected source but not enough to damage the villi. And I'm certain that increased lymphocytes can be caused by other things besides celiac disease...
    4. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to Aretaeus Cappadocia's topic in Gluten-Free Foods, Products, Shopping & Medications
      1

      Brown Rice Vinegar (organic) from Eden Foods is likely gluten free

      This is a solid, well-reasoned approach. You’re right that “koji” by itself doesn’t indicate gluten status, and the risk really does come down to which grain is used to culture it. The fact that you directly contacted Eden Foods and received a clear statement that their koji is made from rice only, with no wheat or barley, is meaningful due diligence—especia...
    5. Scott Adams
      - Scott Adams replied to wellthatsfun's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      1

      nothing has changed

      Seven months can still be early in celiac healing, especially if you were mostly asymptomatic to begin with—symptoms like low iron, vitamin D deficiency, nail changes, and hair issues often take much longer to improve because the gut needs time to recover before absorption normalizes. A tTG-IgA of 69 is not “low” in terms of immune activity, and it can t...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):

  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      133,192
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    DenisC
    Newest Member
    DenisC
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.6k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):

  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • xxnonamexx
      FDA looking for input on Celiac Gluten sensitivity labeling PLEASE READ and submit your suggestions

      By xxnonamexx · Posted

      Please read: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-improve-gluten-ingredient-disclosure-foods?fbclid=IwY2xjawPeXhJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzaDc3NWRaYzlJOFJ4R0Fic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrwuSsw8Be7VNGOrKKWFVbrjmf59SGht05nIALwnjQ0DoGkDDK1doRBDzeeX_aem_GZcRcbhisMTyFUp3YMUU9Q
    • cristiana
      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      By cristiana · Posted

      Hi @Atl222 As @trents points out, there could be many reasons for this biopsy result.  I am interested to know, is your gastroenterologist concerned?  Also, are your blood tests showing steady improvement over the years? I remember when I had my last biopsy, several years after diagnosis, mine came back with with raised lymphocytes but no villous damage, too! In my own case, my consultant wasn't remotely concerned - in fact, he said I might still get this result even if all I ever did was eat nothing but rice and water.   My coeliac blood tests were still steadily improving, albeit slowly, which was reassuring.
    • trents
      Increased intraepithelial lymphocytes after 10 yrs gluten-free

      By trents · Posted

      Welcome to the celiac.com community, @Atl222! Yes, your increased lymphocytes could be in response to oats or it could possibly be cross contamination from gluten that is getting into your diet from some unexpected source but not enough to damage the villi. And I'm certain that increased lymphocytes can be caused by other things besides celiac disease or gluten/oats exposure. See attachment. But you might try eliminating oats to start with and possibly dairy for a few months and then seek another endoscopy/biopsy to see if there was a reduction in lymphocyte counts. 
    • Scott Adams
      Brown Rice Vinegar (organic) from Eden Foods is likely gluten free

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      This is a solid, well-reasoned approach. You’re right that “koji” by itself doesn’t indicate gluten status, and the risk really does come down to which grain is used to culture it. The fact that you directly contacted Eden Foods and received a clear statement that their koji is made from rice only, with no wheat or barley, is meaningful due diligence—especially since Eden has a long-standing reputation for transparency. While the lack of gluten labeling can understandably give pause, manufacturer confirmation like this is often what people rely on for traditionally fermented products. As always, trusting your body after trying it is reasonable, but based on the information you gathered, your conclusion makes sense.
    • Scott Adams
      nothing has changed

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Seven months can still be early in celiac healing, especially if you were mostly asymptomatic to begin with—symptoms like low iron, vitamin D deficiency, nail changes, and hair issues often take much longer to improve because the gut needs time to recover before absorption normalizes. A tTG-IgA of 69 is not “low” in terms of immune activity, and it can take 12–24 months (sometimes longer) for antibodies and the intestinal lining to fully heal, particularly in teens and young adults. Eating gluten again to “test” things isn’t recommended and won’t give you clear answers—it’s far more likely to cause harm than clarity. Weight not changing is also very common in celiac and doesn’t rule anything out. Please know that your frustration and sadness matter; this adjustment is hard, and feeling stuck can really affect mental health. You deserve support, and if you can, reaching out to a GI dietitian or mental health professional familiar with chronic illness could really help you through this phase. This study indicates that a majority of celiacs don't recover until 5 years after diagnosis and starting a gluten-free diet: Mucosal recovery and mortality in adults with celiac disease after treatment with a gluten-free diet However, it's also possible that what the study really shows is the difficulty in maintaining a 100% gluten-free diet. I suspect that if you looked closely at the diets of those who did not recover within 2 years might be that their diets were not 100% gluten-free. Perhaps they ate out more often, or didn't understand all of the hidden ingredients where gluten can hide. Either way, it shows how difficult recovery from celiac disease can be for most people. According to this study: This article explores other causes of flattened villi:    
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.