Panera Bread Vegan and Vegetarian Options: A Complete Guide
Panera Bread Vegan and Vegetarian Options: If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, finding a restaurant with satisfying and delicious plant-based options can be a challenge.
Luckily, Panera Bread has been expanding its menu to cater to plant-based eaters, offering a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, and bowls that are either vegan or can be easily customized.
Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a light dinner, Panera Bread has something for you.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the best vegan and vegetarian options at Panera Bread, including how to modify certain dishes to fit your dietary needs.
I’ll also highlight the healthiest choices, hidden gems, and tips for ordering to make the most of your meal. Let’s dive in!
1. Understanding Panera Bread’s Vegan and Vegetarian Menu
Panera Bread has been known for its fresh ingredients, seasonal menu, and commitment to quality. While they do offer meat-based dishes, they also have plenty of vegetarian options and an increasing number of vegan-friendly choices.
- Vegan: No animal products, including dairy, eggs, or honey.
- Vegetarian: No meat or fish, but may contain dairy and eggs.
Many Panera items are vegetarian by default, but some require slight modifications to be fully vegan. Below, I’ll break down the best plant-based dishes, including how to customize them.
2. Best Vegan Options at Panera Bread
If you follow a strict vegan diet, these are the best items you can order at Panera Bread:
a. Vegan Soups
Panera’s soup selection rotates seasonally, but some vegan-friendly soups include:
- Ten Vegetable Soup – A flavorful, hearty soup made with tomatoes, carrots, celery, peppers, and spices. It’s naturally vegan and packed with nutrients.
- Customizable Soups – Some soups, like the Black Bean Soup (if available), can be vegan. Always check with the staff to confirm ingredients.
b. Vegan Salads
Panera offers several fresh and satisfying salads that can be made vegan with slight modifications:
- Mediterranean Bowl (without feta and yogurt dressing) – A delicious mix of quinoa, cucumbers, hummus, and olives.
- Green Goddess Cobb Salad (without egg, cheese, and dressing) – Swap the dressing for lemon juice or balsamic vinaigrette.
c. Vegan Sandwiches and Wraps
While Panera doesn’t have a dedicated vegan sandwich, you can build your own using:
- Sourdough, Ciabatta, or Whole Grain Bread
- Avocado, Tomato, Cucumber, Lettuce, and Hummus
- Balsamic Glaze or Mustard as a dressing
d. Vegan Bowls
- Baja Bowl (without feta and Greek yogurt dressing) – Packed with brown rice, quinoa, black beans, avocado, and salsa verde.
- Mediterranean Bowl (as mentioned above, just remove feta and yogurt dressing).
e. Vegan Breakfast Options
- Steel Cut Oatmeal with Strawberries & Pecans – A warm and satisfying breakfast option.
- Bagels (Plain, Everything, Sesame, Blueberry, or Sprouted Grain) – Pair it with peanut butter or avocado for a vegan-friendly start to the day.
3. Best Vegetarian Options at Panera Bread
For vegetarians, Panera has even more choices, as many of their menu items include cheese or eggs but no meat.
a. Vegetarian Soups
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup – A classic creamy and cheesy soup that’s a fan favorite.
- Creamy Tomato Soup – A perfect comfort food, best enjoyed with a baguette.
- Ten Vegetable Soup – Naturally vegan but also a great vegetarian choice.
b. Vegetarian Salads
- Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken (remove chicken) – A sweet and savory salad with apples, pecans, and Gorgonzola cheese.
- Greek Salad – Includes feta cheese, olives, and a classic Greek dressing.
c. Vegetarian Sandwiches and Paninis
- Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich – Made with hummus, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese on Tomato Basil bread.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A simple but comforting choice for cheese lovers.
d. Vegetarian Mac & Cheese
Panera’s famous Mac & Cheese is a must-try for vegetarians. It’s rich, creamy, and made with white cheddar cheese.
4. How to Customize Your Order for a Vegan or Vegetarian Meal
Since not all Panera Bread locations offer the same items, you might need to customize your order to fit your diet. Here are a few tips:
- Ask for ingredient modifications – Remove cheese, swap dressings, or add extra veggies.
- Check for hidden dairy or eggs – Some dressings and breads contain dairy, so always confirm with staff.
- Choose whole grains – Opt for whole grain bread, quinoa, and brown rice for added nutrition.
- Bring your own dressing – If you don’t like Panera’s options, you can always bring your own.
5. Nutritional Benefits of Panera’s Plant-Based Options
Panera Bread’s plant-based options are not only delicious but also nutrient-dense:
- High in fiber – Whole grains, beans, and veggies keep you full longer.
- Rich in plant-based protein – Black beans, quinoa, and nuts provide essential amino acids.
- Low in saturated fat – Many vegan and vegetarian options have less saturated fat than meat-based meals.
Choosing vegan or vegetarian meals can support a healthier lifestyle while also being environmentally friendly.
6. Hidden Vegan and Vegetarian Gems on the Panera Menu
Some surprising plant-based options include:
- Apple, Banana, or Seasonal Fruit – Great snack options.
- Modern Caprese Sandwich (without chicken and with vegan bread) – A delicious vegetarian option with mozzarella and tomatoes.
- Panera’s Chips and Bread Sides – The French Baguette and Ciabatta are vegetarian-friendly.
7. Final Thoughts: Is Panera Bread a Good Choice for Vegans and Vegetarians?
Yes! Panera Bread is one of the best casual dining spots for plant-based eaters. With customizable menu items, fresh ingredients, and delicious soups, salads, and sandwiches, there are plenty of options to explore.
If you’re vegan, you may need to make a few modifications, but there are still plenty of satisfying choices. If you’re vegetarian, you’ll find a wide range of dishes that don’t require adjustments.
So next time you’re at Panera Bread, use this guide to help you order a meal that fits your dietary needs without sacrificing taste or variety. Happy eating! 🚀
FAQs About Panera Bread Vegan and Vegetarian Options
1. Does Panera Bread have vegan-friendly meals?
Yes! Panera Bread offers several vegan-friendly meals, including the Ten Vegetable Soup, Baja Bowl (without feta and Greek yogurt dressing), Mediterranean Bowl (without feta and dressing), and Steel Cut Oatmeal with Strawberries & Pecans.
Many of their salads and sandwiches can also be modified to fit a vegan diet.
2. What are the best vegetarian options at Panera Bread?
Some of the best Panera Bread Vegan and Vegetarian Options for vegetarians include the Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Creamy Tomato Soup, Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich, Greek Salad, and Mac & Cheese. These dishes are naturally meat-free and packed with flavor.
3. What breads at Panera Bread are vegan?
Many of Panera’s breads are vegan, including Sourdough, Ciabatta, Whole Grain, Classic White, and French Baguette.
Avoid breads with cheese or honey, such as the Brioche and Tomato Basil bread.
4. How can I customize my meal to make it vegan at Panera Bread?
To make a meal vegan, remove cheese, eggs, and dairy-based dressings from salads and bowls. Opt for vinaigrette dressings, hummus, or avocado as a substitute.
Also, swap Greek yogurt dressings for lemon juice or balsamic vinaigrette.
5. Does Panera Bread offer plant-based protein options?
Yes, Panera Bread includes black beans, quinoa, hummus, and nuts in many of its dishes, making it easier to get plant-based protein. The Baja Bowl and Mediterranean Bowl are great high-protein vegan choices.
If you’re looking for the best Panera Bread Vegan and Vegetarian Options, be sure to customize your order for a delicious and satisfying plant-based meal! 🚀
