Whereas we frequently want to select a vegan restaurant over a non-vegan chain, typically, the latter is probably the most handy selection—particularly in the event you’re eating with a number of different individuals who could have completely 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.
Find out how to order vegan at Panera
Vegans can discover an amazing meal at this fast-casual bistro, however there are some things to look out for when attempting to keep away from hidden animal elements.
Firstly, the chain presents a “Plant Based mostly” menu, however these things are vegetarian, not essentially vegan. Whereas the gadgets listed beneath are vegan, Panera cautions that elements could fluctuate by location. When doubtful, 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 significantly useful when the café presents limited-time specials that the employees could not but be aware of.
What’s vegan at Panera?
Whether or not you customise your personal bowl or go for a easy salad modification, there’s one rule: at all times settle for a aspect 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 will be unthinkable to not order the bread. Most of the bagels (plain, the whole lot, blueberry, sesame, entire grain, and sprouted grain flat) are vegan, together with a number of of the freshly baked breads. Avoid the white and honey wheat (they include dairy), however be at liberty to fill your bread basket with the nation, entire 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 may 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 possibility for these seeking breakfast earlier than 10:30 a.m.
@stuffbeneats/Instagram
2 Vegan salads
Panera’s salads don’t come vegan as a typical, although you may definitely customise them. Right here’s how you can hack it: ask for no meat, cheese, or egg, and substitute these things with avocado (they’ll do it without spending a dime). It’s also possible to bulk up your salad by deciding on the customise button on-line and including a medley of crispy, contemporary, or crunchy toppings like pickled crimson 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. Really, we purchase the poppyseed dressing by the bottle at Goal—it’s that good. Professional tip: if you would like a smaller-sized salad, ask for a child’s model with the modifications talked about above. Alternatively, in the event you ask properly, you will 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 possibility at Panera—with a modification. Order the Mediterranean Veggie with out feta and ask for it on vegan-friendly bread (listed above). We significantly take pleasure in this handhold on ciabatta or black pepper focaccia. Even with out the cheese, it’s a scrumptious sandwich filled with peppadew peppers, lettuce, tomato, cumbers, hummus, and crimson 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 might be ordered plant-based with a number of modifications. For the Mediterranean Bowl, take away the feta and Greek yogurt and request avocado as a substitute. The South-of-the-border Baja Bowl additionally accommodates feta and Greek yogurt, however minus these two elements, it’s a stellar plant-based possibility made with cilantro lime brown rice, quinoa, avocado, black bean and corn salsa, salsa verde, grape tomatoes, and combined greens. You’ll must regulate these, nevertheless, as in response to one current viral TikTok from an worker the Baja and Mediterranean bowls could possibly be reduce from the menu very quickly. That stated, they’re nonetheless displaying on the menu on the time of writing.
Panera
5 Vegan drinks
Searching for a nutritious drink? Good factor Panera presents 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 attempt (however observe that each one chilly brews can also 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 significantly intriguing.
Danielle Keith
6 Vegan soups
Now and again the chain will supply a vegan-friendly particular, however because the Ten Vegetable soup was faraway from the everlasting menu, don’t depend on this part for a vegan possibility (or perhaps a meat-free possibility, as in response to 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 a substitute, do that recipe for Vegan Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup the following time your cravings hit.
Searching for extra restaurant guides? Learn:
Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews in addition to a author and runner residing in Orange County, CA.
