Gluten-Free Options at Panera Bread (the Most Extensive Guide)


Gluten-Free Options at Panera Bread

You might be wondering how a chain with “Bread” in its name can have gluten-free options. Panera Bread is well-known for its sandwiches but it also boasts an impressive selection of gluten-free options.

Panera offers multiple gluten-free options such as salads, soups, and sides that include fruit and yogurt parfaits. Panera also offers gluten-free warm bowls using rice and quinoa bases to keep them gluten-free. Some of the top naturally gluten-free items on Panera’s menu include the Green Goddess Cobb Salad and Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup, with no substitutions required.

If you’re planning a trip to Panera, read on for our exclusive guide to which items are gluten-free and which to avoid.

Tips & Tricks for Ordering Gluten-Free at Panera

  • Omit croutons in soups and salads.
  • Request gluten-friendly ingredients on sandwiches be put on a salad instead of bread.
  • Bring gluten-free desserts from home if you want to enjoy a sweet treat after your meal.
  • Request chopped nuts or seeds to top your salads in lieu of croutons.
  • If you’re highly allergic or sensitive to gluten, you may want to avoid Panera altogether due to potential cross-contamination.

Non-Gluten-Free Items to Avoid at Panera

Gluten-Free Options at Panera

Breakfast

1. Steel Cut Oatmeal with Strawberries & Pecans

Ingredients:

  • Cooked Steel Cut Oats (Water, Cooked Steel Cut Oat Groats [May Contain Traces Of Wheat, Soy And Mustard], Salt)
  • Fresh Strawberries
  • Oil Roasted Pecans (Pecans, Cottonseed Oil)
  • Cinnamon Sugar Topping (Sugar, Cinnamon, Modified Corn Starch, Soybean Oil)

2. Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries Parfait (disclaimer that granola may contain wheat; you can omit this to be extra cautious)

Ingredients:

  • Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt (Cultured Pasteurized Non-Fat Milk, Cream, Contains Live Active Cultures S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Casei, L. Paracasei, L. Rhamnosus)
  • Fresh Blueberries
  • Fresh Strawberries
  • Granola (Rolled Oats [May Contain Wheat Or Soy], Brown Sugar, Butter [Cream [Milk], Salt], Honey, Pumpkin Seeds, Maple Syrup, Sunflower Seeds, Sweetened Dried Cranberries [Cranberries, Sugar, Sunflower Oil], Pecans, Coconut, Salt)
  • Honey

Salads

1. Green Goddess Cobb Salad

Ingredients:

  • Greens Blend (Romaine Lettuce, Kale, Lettuce, Arugula)
  • Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast (Chicken Breast With Rib Meat, Water, Rice Starch, Vinegar, Seasoning [Salt, Rice Starch, Potato Starch, Dextrose And Natural Flavor], Sea Salt, Dextrose, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper)
  • Avocado
  • Hard-Boiled Egg (Egg, Citric Acid)
  • Red Grape Tomatoes
  • Green Goddess Dressing Blend (Green Goddess Dressing Base (Canola Oil, Water, Vinegar, Basil, Agave Syrup, Sugar, Corn Starch, Romano Cheese (Cultured Milk, Salt, Microbial Enzymes), Salt, Whey Protein Concentrate, Garlic, Dijon Mustard (Vinegar, Water, Mustard Seed, Salt, White Wine, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid, Spices)
  • Lemon Juice Concentrate, Xanthan Gum, Onion Powder, Sunflower Oil, Black Pepper. Natural Basil Flavor
  • Dried Egg Yolks, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid)
  • Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt (Cultured Pasteurized Non-Fat Milk, Cream, Contains Live Active Cultures S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Casei, L. Paracasei, L. Rhamnosus), Basil), Pickled Red Onions (Red Onions, Water, White Wine Vinegar, Sugar, White Distilled Vinegar, Sea Salt, Calcium Chloride)
  • Applewood Smoked Bacon Pieces (Pork, Water, Sugar, Sea Salt, Celery Powder)

2. Caesar Salad with Chicken (omit croutons; also available without chicken)

Ingredients:

  • Romaine Lettuce
  • Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast (Chicken Breast With Rib Meat, Water, Rice Starch, Vinegar, Seasoning [Salt, Rice Starch, Potato Starch, Dextrose And Natural Flavor], Sea Salt, Dextrose, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper)
  • Caesar Dressing (Soybean Oil, Water, Worcestershire Sauce [Distilled Vinegar, Molasses, Sugar, Water, Salt, Onion Juice (Onion Juice, Salt), Anchovy, Garlic, Spice, Tamarind Extract, Natural Flavors, Chili Pepper Extract], Egg Yolks, Red Wine Vinegar, Garlic, Garlic Juice, Egg Yolk Solids, Onion Juice, Salt, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Distilled Vinegar, Sugar, Corn Syrup. Anchovy Extract, Black Pepper, Xanthan Gum, Mustard Seed, Garlic Powder, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Citric Acid, Nisin And Natamycin (To Preserve Freshness), Celery Seed)
  • Grated Parmesan (Pasteurized Part Skim Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Microbial Enzymes)

3. Asian Sesame Salad (omit wonton strips)

Ingredients:

  • Romaine Lettuce
  • Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast (Chicken Breast With Rib Meat, Water, Rice Starch, Vinegar, Seasoning [Salt, Rice Starch, Potato Starch, Dextrose And Natural Flavor], Sea Salt, Dextrose, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper)
  • Asian Sesame Vinaigrette Dressing (Water, Distilled Vinegar, Soybean Oil, Sugar, Sesame Oil, Salt, Xanthan Gum, Rebaudioside A [A Non-Nutritive Sweetener From Stevia], Rosemary Extract, Black Pepper, Dehydrated Onion, Dehydrated Parsley)
  • Toasted Almonds
  • Sesame Seeds
  • Cilantro

4. Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken

Ingredients:

  • Greens Blend (Romaine Lettuce, Kale, Lettuce, Arugula)
  • Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast (Chicken Breast With Rib Meat, Water, Rice Starch, Vinegar, Seasoning [Salt, Rice Starch, Potato Starch, Dextrose And Natural Flavor], Sea Salt, Dextrose, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper)
  • Red Grape Tomatoes
  • White Balsamic With Apple Flavored Vinaigrette (Soybean Oil, Water, Sugar, Apple Juice Concentrate, White Balsamic Vinegar, Apple Cider Vinegar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, Arabic Gum, Natural Apple Flavor, Gum Acacia, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Xanthan Gum, Dehydrated Onion, Garlic, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Ginger, Citric Acid)
  • Red Onion
  • Gorgonzola Cheese (Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Microbial And Animal Enzymes, Penicillium Roqueforti, Powdered Cellulose To Prevent Caking, Natamycin [Preservative])
  • Oil Roasted Pecans (Pecans, Cottonseed Oil)
  • Apple Chips (Apples, Safflower, Sunflower Oil And/Or Canola Oil, Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid [Vitamin C])

5. Greek Salad

Ingredients:

  • Romaine Lettuce
  • Red Grape Tomatoes
  • Greek Dressing (Soybean Oil, Water, Distilled Vinegar, Pomace Olive Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar, Salt, Black Pepper, Dehydrated Garlic, Gum Acacia, Dehydrated Oregano, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Arabic Gum, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Dehydrated Tarragon, Citric Acid, Dehydrated Parsley, Dehydrated Rosemary, Dehydrated Thyme, Dehydrated Bay Leaves)
  • Feta Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Salt, Microbial Enzymes, Powdered Cellulose To Prevent Caking, Natamycin [A Natural Mold Inhibitor])
  • Red Onion
  • Pepperoncini (Greek Pepperoncini, Water, Vinegar, Sea Salt, Citric Acid, Riboflavin For Color)
  • Baby Pitted Kalamata Olives (Kalamata Olive, Water, Vinegar, Salt, Concentrated Grape Juice, Spices [Hops, Sage, Chamomile, Coriander, Anise, And Thyme])
  • Sea Salt And Black Pepper Blend (Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Canola Oil)

6. Southwest Chile Lime Ranch Salad with Chicken

Ingredients:

  • Black Bean And Corn Salsa (Adobo Black Bean & Corn Blend (Black Beans, Corn, Lime Juice, Canola Oil, Sea Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Spices (Chile Pepper, Dried Garlic, Smoked Paprika, Dried Onion, Cumin, Black Pepper), Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum), Pickled Red Onions (Red Onions, Water, White Wine Vinegar, Sugar, White Distilled Vinegar, Sea Salt, Calcium Chloride), Lime Juice (Lime Juice, Water), Cilantro)
  • Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast (Chicken Breast With Rib Meat, Water, Rice Starch, Vinegar, Seasoning [Salt, Rice Starch, Potato Starch, Dextrose And Natural Flavor], Sea Salt, Dextrose, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper)
  • Romaine Lettuce
  • Avocado
  • Chile Lime Rojo Ranch Blend (Chile Lime Rojo Blend (Soybean Oil, Pesto (Basil, Canola Oil, Water, Parmesan Cheese [Pasteurized Part Skim Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Microbial Enzymes], Dried Garlic, Salt), Water, Cultured Lowfat Buttermilk, Guajillo Pepper, Piquante Pepper, Aged Red Cayenne Pepper, Honey, Chipotle Pepper Puree (Water, Chipotle Pepper), Distilled Vinegar, Egg Yolks, Sugar, Lime Juice Concentrate, Salt, Garlic, Xanthan Gum, Mustard Flour, Chili Pepper, Natural Smoke Flavor, Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract, Dried Onion)
  • Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt (Cultured Pasteurized Non-Fat Milk, Cream, Contains Live Active Cultures S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Casei, L. Paracasei, L. Rhamnosus)
  • Tortilla Strips (Corn Masa Flour, Sunflower, Safflower And/Or Canola Oil, Corn, Sea Salt)
  • Arugula
  • Feta Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Salt, Microbial Enzymes, Powdered Cellulose To Prevent Caking, Natamycin [A Natural Mold Inhibitor])
  • Cilantro

7. BBQ Chicken Salad (omit frizzled onions)

Ingredients:

  • Romaine Lettuce
  • Black Bean And Corn Salsa (Adobo Black Bean & Corn Blend (Black Beans, Corn, Lime Juice, Canola Oil, Sea Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Spices (Chile Pepper, Dried Garlic, Smoked Paprika, Dried Onion, Cumin, Black Pepper), Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum)
  • Pickled Red Onions (Red Onions, Water, White Wine Vinegar, Sugar, White Distilled Vinegar, Sea Salt, Calcium Chloride), Lime Juice (Lime Juice, Water), Cilantro)
  • Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast (Chicken Breast With Rib Meat, Water, Rice Starch, Vinegar, Seasoning [Salt, Rice Starch, Potato Starch, Dextrose And Natural Flavor], Sea Salt, Dextrose, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper)
  • Bbq Ranch Dressing (Cultured Lowfat Buttermilk, Soybean Oil, Water, Brown Sugar, Tomato Paste, Distilled Vinegar, Molasses, Egg Yolks, Apple Cider Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Guajillo Pepper, Corn Starch, Lactic Acid, Dehydrated Onion, Mustard Flour, Natural Smoke Flavor, Xanthan Gum, Dehydrated Garlic, Black Pepper, Rosemary Extract, Dehydrated Parsley, Paprika, Mustard Bran, Mustard Seed, Citric Acid, Allspice, Tamarind Concentrate, Spices, Natural Flavors, Celery Seed)
  • Apple Cider Vinegar Bbq Sauce (Water, Brown Sugar, Tomato Paste, Molasses, Apple Cider Vinegar, Distilled Vinegar, Guajillo Pepper, Corn Starch, Salt, Natural Smoke Flavor, Dehydrated Onion, Paprika, Sugar, Dehydrated Garlic, Mustard Bran, Mustard Seed, Citric Acid, Allspice, Spices [Celery Seed, Mustard Seed, Allspice], Tamarind Concentrate, Celery Seed)

Warm Bowls

1. Baja Bowl with Chicken (has a disclaimer that it may contain wheat; also available without chicken)

Ingredients:

  • Brown Rice & Quinoa Blend (Brown Rice Blend (Cooked Brown Rice [Water, Brown Rice, May Contain Soy, Corn, Wheat], Lime Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper)
  • Red And White Quinoa Blend (Cooked Red And White Quinoa [Water, Red Quinoa, White Quinoa, May Contain Mustard, Soy And Wheat], Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Cilantro
  • Lime Juice (Lime Juice, Water)
  • Black Bean And Corn Salsa (Adobo Black Bean & Corn Blend (Black Beans, Corn, Lime Juice, Canola Oil, Sea Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Spices (Chile Pepper, Dried Garlic, Smoked Paprika, Dried Onion, Cumin, Black Pepper), Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum)
  • Pickled Red Onions (Red Onions, Water, White Wine Vinegar, Sugar, White Distilled Vinegar, Sea Salt, Calcium Chloride), Lime Juice (Lime Juice, Water), Cilantro)
  • Avocado
  • Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast (Chicken Breast With Rib Meat, Water, Rice Starch, Vinegar, Seasoning [Salt, Rice Starch, Potato Starch, Dextrose And Natural Flavor], Sea Salt, Dextrose, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper)
  • Red Grape Tomatoes
  • Salsa Verde (Salsa Verde (Canola Oil, Lime Juice, Water, Garlic, Jalapenos, Sea Salt, White Distilled Vinegar, Black Pepper, Xanthan Gum), Cilantro, Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
  • Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt (Cultured Pasteurized Non-Fat Milk, Cream, Contains Live Active Cultures S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Casei, L. Paracasei, L. Rhamnosus)
  • Feta Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk, Salt, Microbial Enzymes, Powdered Cellulose To Prevent Caking, Natamycin [A Natural Mold Inhibitor])

2. Mediterranean Bowl with Chicken (has a disclaimer that it may contain wheat; also available without chicken)

Ingredients:

  • Brown Rice & Quinoa Blend (Brown Rice Blend (Cooked Brown Rice [Water, Brown Rice, May Contain Soy, Corn, Wheat], Lime Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper)
  • Red And White Quinoa Blend (Cooked Red And White Quinoa [Water, Red Quinoa, White Quinoa, May Contain Mustard, Soy And Wheat], Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Cilantro
  • Lime Juice (Lime Juice, Water)
  • Hummus (Cooked Chickpeas (Chickpeas, Water), Water, Ground Sesame Seeds, Canola Oil, Fermented Oregano And Flaxseed And Plum Extracts [Mold Inhibitor], Sea Salt, Dried Garlic, Citric Acid, Cumin)
  • Seasoned Grilled Chicken Breast (Chicken Breast With Rib Meat, Water, Rice Starch, Vinegar, Seasoning [Salt, Rice Starch, Potato Starch, Dextrose And Natural Flavor], Sea Salt, Dextrose, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper)
  • Red Grape Tomatoes
  • Cucumber
  • Arugula
  • Lemon Tahini Dressing (Water, Sesame Paste, Soybean Oil, Lemon Juice, Cucumber Juice, White Wine Vinegar, Salt, Distilled Vinegar, Garlic, Black Pepper, Xanthan Gum, Natural Lemon Oil Flavor)
  •  Baby Pitted Kalamata Olives (Kalamata Olive, Water, Vinegar, Salt, Concentrated Grape Juice, Spices [Hops, Sage, Chamomile, Coriander, Anise, And Thyme])

Soup

1. Ten Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

  • Vegetable Stock (Water, Vegetable Base (Carrots, Celery, Onion, Tomato Paste, Corn Oil, Yeast Extract, Potato Flour, Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, White Pepper, Rosemary Extract))
  • Fire Roasted Tomatoes (Tomatoes, Tomato Juice, Salt, Calcium Chloride, And Citric Acid)
  • Yellow And Red Bell Peppers
  • Onions
  • Corn
  • Carrots
  • Garbanzo Beans
  • Spinach
  • Corn Starch
  • Poblano Peppers
  • Carrot Puree
  • Celery
  • Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Salt, Sugar)
  • Tomato Concentrate
  • Spelt
  • Wheat Berries
  • Sea Salt
  • Tomato Paste (Water, Sun Dried Tomatoes)
  • Garlic Puree
  • Sprouted Short Grain Brown Rice
  • Sprouted Red Fife
  • Yeast Extract
  • Chia Seed
  • Lime Juice
  • Basil
  • Rice Wine Vinegar
  • Lemon Peel (Lemon Peel, Water, Citric Acid)
  • Dried Aleppo Chili Peppers
  • Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Mustard Flour
  • Bay Leaves
  • Cumin

2. Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup

Ingredients:

  • Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup (Squash, Water, Milk, Neufchatel Cheese [Pasteurized Milk And Cream, Bacterial Culture, Salt, Carob Bean Gum], Brown Sugar, Onions, Cream, Butter [Cream, Salt], Carrot Puree, Cornstarch, Apple Juice From Concentrate, Sugar, Salt, Vegetable Base [Cooked Vegetables {Carrot, Celery, Onion}, Tomato Paste, Corn Oil, Yeast Extract, Potato Flour, Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, White Pepper, Rosemary Extract], Ginger Puree, Honey, Lemon Juice From Concentrate, Curry Powder [Turmeric, Coriander, Ginger, Fenugreek, Salt, Black Pepper, Cumin, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Red Pepper], Cinnamon, Rosemary, White Pepper, Cardamom)
  • Roasted Salted Pumpkin Seeds (Pumpkin Seeds, Canola Oil, Sea Salt)

3. Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

  • Turkey Chili With Beans (Water, Dark Turkey Meat [Dark Turkey Meat, Rosemary Extract, Turkey Broth, Rice Starch, Salt], Chickpeas [Chickpeas, Water], Tomatoes [Tomatoes, Tomato Juice, Salt, Calcium Chloride, Citric Acid], Onions, Tomato Paste, Kidney Beans [Dark Red Kidney Beans, Water, Calcium Chloride], Carrots, Green Chilies [Green Chili Peppers, Salt, Citric Acid], Edamame [Soy], Tomatillos [Tomatillos, Citric Acid], Corn, Soybean Oil, Garlic Puree, Corn Starch, Cilantro, Sea Salt, Dried Pasilla Negro And Ancho Chiles, Cumin, Tomato Concentrate, Yeast Extract, Onion Powder, Molasses, Lime Juice [Concentrated Lime Juice, Water], Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid)

4. Creamy Tomato Soup (omit croutons)

Ingredients:

  • Vegetarian Creamy Tomato Soup (Tomatoes [Tomatoes, Tomato Puree, Salt, Citric Acid], Water, Whipping Cream [Cream, Milk], Onions, Salted Butter [Pasteurized Cream, Salt], Seasoning [Sugar, Salt, Spices {Black Pepper, Celery Seed, Oregano, White Pepper, Red Pepper}, Canola Oil], Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Corn Starch, Garlic Puree [Garlic, Water])
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Sides

1. Chips

Ingredients:

  • Potatoes
  • Sunflower Oil
  • Sea Salt

2. Fresh Fruit Cup

Ingredients:

  • Fresh Honeydew Melon
  • Fresh Red Seedless Grapes
  • Fresh Cantaloupe
  • Fresh Pineapple

3. Apple

4. Banana

5. Hard Boiled Eggs

6. Strawberry Squeezable Yogurt

Ingredients:

  • Strawberry Organic Low Fat Yogurt Vitamin D Added (Cultured Pasteurized Organic Reduced Fat Milk, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Corn Starch, Natural Flavor, Organic Strawberry Juice From Concentrate, Organic Carob Bean Gum, Organic Natural Vanilla Flavor, Gellan Gum, Pectin, Organic Beet Juice Concentrate [For Color], Vitamin D3, 6 Live Active Cultures: S. Thermophilus, L.Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Paracasei And L. Rhamnosus)

6. Mixed Berry Squeezable Yogurt

Ingredients:

  • Mixed Berry Lowfat Yogurt With Other Natural Flavors (Cultured Pasteurized Organic Reduced Fat Milk, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Corn Starch, Organic Strawberry Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavor, Natural Strawberry Flavor, Natural Raspberry Flavor, Organic Carbo Bean Gum, Organic Carrot Juice Concentrate (Color), Gellan Gum, Pectin, Vitamin D3)

Find a Panera Near You

Click here to find a Panera in your area.

Similar Restaurants to Panera

  1. Starbucks
  2. Chipotle
  3. Au Bon Pain

Related Questions

Is Panera pizza gluten-free?

Panera’s flatbread pizzas aren’t gluten-free.

Is Panera Caesar dressing gluten-free?

Panera’s Caesar dressing doesn’t have any gluten-containing ingredients so is gluten-free.

Does Panera have gluten-free bread?

Panera doesn’t have gluten-free bread at this time. They do offer a broad selection of salads which are gluten-free or can easily be made gluten-free with small modifications.

Choosing Nutrition Team

Here at Choosing Nutrition, our goal is to help people with making smarter food choices. Whether you're wondering about vegan, keto, paleo, or other diets, we'll help you determine which options fit your nutritional lifestyle. Our staff is composed of registered dieticians, nutritionists, and health-conscious individuals.

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