🥗 A Vegan's Guide to Panera Bread (What to Order & How to Modify!)

🥗 How to Order Vegan Meals at Panera Bread (A Customization Guide) 🥗

Panera Bread is a go-to spot for a quick and seemingly healthy lunch. With its focus on fresh salads, soups, and sandwiches, you might think finding vegan options would be a breeze. However, navigating the menu can be a bit tricky for those on a strict plant-based diet, as hidden dairy and eggs are common.

The great news is, with a few simple modifications, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. The key to ordering vegan meals at Panera is customization. This guide will show you exactly what to order and what to say to ensure your meal is 100% plant-based. ✅

🤔 First, What's the Main Challenge for Vegans at Panera?

The main challenge is hidden dairy and eggs. Many of their breads, spreads, and dressings contain these ingredients. You cannot assume something is vegan just because it is vegetarian. The most important tool you have is Panera's own online ingredient list, which you should always check before ordering, as recipes can change.

- What Are the Best Vegan-Friendly Salads?

Salads are the easiest category to modify. You start with a great base and simply remove the non-vegan items. Your best bet is to choose one of their signature salads and make these changes:

• Greek Salad: Order with no feta cheese.
• Fuji Apple Salad: Order with no chicken and no Gorgonzola cheese.

For dressings, your safest bets are the Greek Dressing or the White Balsamic Vinaigrette. Always double-check the current ingredient list for their dressings online.

- How Can You Order a Vegan Sandwich or Bowl?

This requires a bit more modification, but it is definitely possible. Your best options are:

Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich: This is the most popular choice. To make it vegan, you must make two important changes: order it with no feta cheese and swap the default bread for a vegan option like the Country Rustic Sourdough or a Whole Grain Loaf. You can add extra hummus or avocado for creaminess.

Baja & Mediterranean Bowls: These bowls can be made vegan by ordering them with no chicken, no feta, and no yogurt. Add extra veggies or a scoop of hummus to make them more substantial.

🥣 Are Any of the Soups Vegan?

This is often the most disappointing category for vegans. Panera's most famous soups, the Creamy Tomato and the Broccoli Cheddar, are NOT vegan. They both contain dairy.

However, there is one fantastic vegan option that is available year-round: the Ten Vegetable Soup. This hearty and delicious soup is packed with vegetables and is completely plant-based. It is a perfect, warming choice for a cool autumn day here in Bursa. 🍂

- What About Breakfast and Bakery Items?

Unfortunately, most of Panera's pastries and baked goods contain eggs and dairy. Your safest bets for a vegan breakfast are:

• Steel Cut Oatmeal: Order it with no cinnamon crunch topping (which contains butter). You can top it with strawberries and pecans instead.
• Plain, Sprouted Grain, or Blueberry Bagel: Check your local Panera's ingredient list, as bagel recipes can vary. Top with avocado instead of cream cheese.

By being a smart and informed customer, you can easily enjoy a delicious plant-based meal at Panera. Happy eating! ✨