Learn how to Order Vegan at Panera: A Menu Information

Whereas we frequently favor to choose a vegan restaurant over a non-vegan chain, typically, the latter is probably the most handy selection—particularly should you’re eating with a number of different individuals who could have totally different dietary necessities and preferences. Fortunately, loads of chains have vegan choices now, and Panera isn’t any exception. The following time you’re at Panera—both by selection or by circumstance—search for these vegan gadgets.

Learn how to order vegan at Panera 

Vegans can discover a fantastic meal at this fast-casual bistro, however there are some things to look out for when making an attempt to keep away from hidden animal substances. 

Firstly, the chain provides a “Plant Based mostly” menu, however these things are vegetarian, not essentially vegan. Whereas the gadgets listed beneath are vegan, Panera cautions that substances could differ by location. When unsure, ask your cashier to learn the ingredient checklist for you (all places are outfitted with a large binder that features each single merchandise on their menu). That is notably useful when the café provides limited-time specials that the workers could not but be conversant in.

What’s vegan at Panera?

Whether or not you customise your individual bowl or go for a easy salad modification, there’s one rule: at all times settle for a facet of bread. It’s vegan, and it’s what this chain excels at.

Panera

1 Vegan breads and baked items 

Panera is a self-proclaimed bakery at coronary heart, so it could be unthinkable to not order the bread. Lots of the bagels (plain, all the things, blueberry, sesame, complete grain, and sprouted grain flat) are vegan, together with a number of of the freshly baked breads. Keep away from the white and honey wheat (they include dairy), however be happy to fill your bread basket with the nation, complete grain, rye, sourdough, french baguette, black pepper focaccia, sprouted grain roll, and ciabatta choices. 

In case you have been questioning, the long-lasting Panera bread bowl is sourdough, so you’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in your edible serving ware. Sadly, not one of the candy treats are vegan; nevertheless, the Metal Minimize Oatmeal with Strawberries and Pecans and the fruit cup are technically a part of the bakery menu, providing a naturally candy choice for these searching for breakfast earlier than 10:30 a.m.

@stuffbeneats/Instagram

2 Vegan salads 

Panera’s salads don’t come vegan as a regular, although you’ll be able to actually customise them. Right here’s the right way to hack it: ask for no meat, cheese, or egg, and substitute these things with avocado (they’ll do it without cost). It’s also possible to bulk up your salad by choosing the customise button on-line and including a medley of crispy, contemporary, or crunchy toppings like pickled pink onions, bean corn salsa, crispy carrots, apple chips, pecans, and extra.

Lastly, be cautious of the dressings. The balsamic, poppyseed, fuji apple, Asian, and Greek dressings are all secure. Truly, we purchase the poppyseed dressing by the bottle at Goal—it’s that good. Professional tip: in order for you a smaller-sized salad, ask for a child’s model with the modifications talked about above. Alternatively, should you ask properly, you may get a full-sized salad served in a bread bowl. We don’t know why different eating places haven’t caught on to this idea! 

@moving_vegan/Instagram

3 Vegan sandwiches 

There may be one vegan sandwich choice at Panera—with a modification. Order the Mediterranean Veggie with out feta and ask for it on vegan-friendly bread (listed above). We notably take pleasure in this handhold on ciabatta or black pepper focaccia. Even with out the cheese, it’s a scrumptious sandwich full of peppadew peppers, lettuce, tomato, cumbers, hummus, and pink onions. Order a kid-sized salad or a cup of contemporary fruit to pair along with your sandwich.

@madcityvegan/Instagram

4 Vegan bowls 

Consider a vegan-friendly Panera bowl as a bean and grain-heavy salad. All could be ordered plant-based with a number of modifications. For the Mediterranean Bowl, take away the feta and Greek yogurt and request avocado as an alternative. The South-of-the-border Baja Bowl additionally incorporates feta and Greek yogurt, however minus these two substances, it’s a stellar plant-based choice made with cilantro lime brown rice, quinoa, avocado, black bean and corn salsa, salsa verde, grape tomatoes, and blended greens. You’ll should control these, nevertheless, as in line with one current viral TikTok from an worker the Baja and Mediterranean bowls might be reduce from the menu very quickly. That stated, they’re nonetheless exhibiting on the menu on the time of writing.

Panera

5 Vegan drinks 

In search of a nutritious drink? Good factor Panera provides a number of vegan smoothies. The Peach & Blueberry with Almondmilk and the Inexperienced Ardour Smoothie are each vegan. Every is made with a mix of fruit purées, juice concentrates, and ice. Keep away from the opposite fruity smoothie choices, as they include Greek yogurt. For a pick-me-up, pair any of the black coffees (darkish roast, hazelnut, mild roast) with almond milk or give the Madagascar Vanilla Almond Chilly Brew a strive (however word that each one chilly brews may additionally be reduce quickly, as per the TikTok leak).

Keep away from the lattes—even with almond milk they include hidden dairy that may’t be swapped out. For a candy and refreshing accompaniment to your meal, select one of many many flavored lemonades or fruity iced teas. Strawberry Lemon Mint Lemonade, Mango Yuzu Citrus Lemonade, and Ardour Papaya Iced Inexperienced Tea are all notably intriguing.

Danielle Keith

6 Vegan soups

Once in a while the chain will supply a vegan-friendly particular, however for the reason that Ten Vegetable soup was faraway from the everlasting menu, don’t depend on this part for a vegan choice (or perhaps a meat-free choice, as in line with the TikTok, the French Onion Soup is getting the chop, too). For now, all of Panera’s common soup choices include both meat or dairy. As an alternative, do this recipe for Vegan Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup the subsequent time your cravings hit.

Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews in addition to a author and runner dwelling in Orange County, CA.