Does Panera bread have any gluten free soup? Your 2025 Guide to Safe Options

Panera Bread operates with a shared kitchen and does not certify any of its menu items as gluten-free, a critical distinction for anyone with celiac disease. So, does Panera bread have any gluten free soup, or are the risks too high for those with gluten sensitivities?

Quick Summary

Panera offers soups made without gluten ingredients, but none are certified gluten-free due to shared kitchen cross-contamination risks. Some soups can be modified, and at-home retail versions may be certified.

Key Points

• Shared Kitchen Risk: Panera's shared kitchen means no menu items are certified gluten-free, posing a cross-contamination risk unsafe for celiac disease.

• Not All Soups Are Equal: Soups like Broccoli Cheddar and Chicken Noodle contain wheat and are not gluten-free.

• Choose Wisely for Lower Sensitivity: For low sensitivity, soups like Autumn Squash and Turkey Chili are made without gluten ingredients but risk cross-contamination.

• Opt for Retail for Certified Options: 'Panera at Home' retail soups, including Baked Potato and Creamy Tomato, are certified gluten-free and safer.

• Order with Caution: At the cafe, inform staff, order via kiosk with allergy notes, and request no croutons or bread side if you have lower sensitivity.

The Critical Distinction: Gluten-Conscious vs. Certified Gluten-Free

For anyone managing celiac disease, a severe gluten intolerance, or a wheat allergy, understanding the difference between 'gluten-conscious' and 'certified gluten-free' is vital. Panera Bread does not certify any menu item as gluten-free due to the significant risk of cross-contamination in their shared kitchen. Even small amounts of gluten can cause a severe reaction for those with celiac disease, making items from a kitchen with high cross-contamination risk potentially unsafe. Panera advises those with serious allergies to consult a doctor before dining.

Individuals who follow a gluten-free lifestyle without a severe medical condition may find soups made without wheat ingredients acceptable, assessing their personal risk tolerance. Always inform staff of allergies when ordering, although this doesn't eliminate all contamination risks.

Panera Soups Made Without Gluten-Containing Ingredients (Not Certified)

Based on Panera's ingredient lists, some soups are made without gluten-containing ingredients, but the cross-contamination risk remains. Always check current ingredients and seasonal offerings. Gluten-conscious options have historically included:

• Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup: A seasonal blend of squash and pumpkin.
• Creamy Tomato Soup: Ensure you order this without the croutons.
• Baked Potato Soup: Contains potato and smoked bacon.
• Turkey Chili with Beans: A hearty chili with beans and turkey.
• Mexican Street Corn Chowder: A seasonal gluten-conscious choice.

Panera Soups That Are NOT Gluten-Free

Several popular Panera soups contain wheat and are not safe for a gluten-free diet:

• Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Contains wheat flour.
• Bistro French Onion Soup: Contains wheat ingredients, especially the croutons.
• Chicken Noodle Soup: Contains wheat noodles.
• Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup: Contains gluten-containing ingredients.

Panera at Home Gluten-Free Soup Options

For certified gluten-free options with Panera's taste, look for the 'Panera at Home' retail line in grocery stores. These are often made in different facilities and are explicitly labeled gluten-free.

• Panera at Home Gluten Free Baked Potato Soup: Labeled gluten-free.
• Panera at Home Gluten Free Creamy Tomato Soup: Certified gluten-free.

Note that ingredients and preparation for retail products differ from the cafe. Always check the label for 'gluten-free' certification.

How to Order Safely at Panera (for Lower Sensitivity)

For those who tolerate some cross-contamination risk, these tips may help:

1. Order Online: Use the app or kiosk to add 'Allergy' notes.
2. Specify No Croutons: Crucial for soups like Creamy Tomato.
3. Caution with Bread Sides: Panera's standard bread is not gluten-free; ask for no bread or ensure it's wrapped separately.
4. Inform Staff: Verbally communicate your needs, but be aware of limitations in preventing cross-contamination.

Comparison Table: Panera Cafe vs. Panera at Home Soups

Soup Name	Panera Cafe Status	Panera at Home (Retail) Status	Notes
Broccoli Cheddar	Contains Gluten	Contains Gluten	Not safe for any gluten-free diet.
Creamy Tomato	Gluten-conscious (remove croutons)	Certified Gluten-Free	Cafe version risky; retail version safer.
Baked Potato	Gluten-conscious	Certified Gluten-Free	Cafe version risky; retail version safer.
Chicken Noodle	Contains Gluten	Contains Gluten	Cafe version contains wheat noodles.
Turkey Chili	Gluten-conscious	Ingredient-dependent	Cafe version ingredients are gluten-conscious.
Autumn Squash	Gluten-conscious (seasonal)	Ingredient-dependent	Cafe version ingredients are gluten-conscious.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether Panera bread has any gluten free soup depends on your sensitivity. Due to shared kitchen cross-contamination, Panera's cafe soups are not safe for those with celiac disease or high sensitivity. The safest option is certified gluten-free 'Panera at Home' retail soups. For individuals with lower sensitivity, some cafe soups made without gluten ingredients, like Creamy Tomato (no croutons), are possibilities, but caution is essential. Always confirm ingredients and prioritize safety. If ordering in the cafe with lower sensitivity, using online ordering with allergy notes and avoiding bread is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Panera Bread offer any soups certified gluten-free for celiac disease?

No, Panera Bread does not offer any menu items that are certified gluten-free due to the risk of cross-contamination in their shared kitchen.

Is Panera's Broccoli Cheddar soup gluten-free?

No, Panera's Broccoli Cheddar soup contains wheat and is not gluten-free.

Can I eat Panera's Creamy Tomato soup on a gluten-free diet?

The in-cafe Creamy Tomato soup is made without gluten ingredients but is not certified gluten-free. Order it without croutons.

Are the 'Panera at Home' soups from the grocery store gluten-free?

Yes, some 'Panera at Home' soups like Creamy Tomato and Baked Potato are certified gluten-free. Always check the packaging.

What is the difference between 'gluten-conscious' and 'certified gluten-free' at Panera?

'Gluten-conscious' means made without gluten ingredients but with cross-contamination risk. 'Certified gluten-free' meets safety standards, which Panera's cafe menu does not.

Which soups are safe for someone with a minor gluten sensitivity to order at Panera?

For lower sensitivity, gluten-conscious soups like Autumn Squash or Turkey Chili are options, but check the menu and order carefully due to risk.

How can I avoid cross-contamination when ordering soup at Panera?

Reducing risk involves informing staff, using online ordering with allergy notes, and avoiding bread or croutons.

Are there any other gluten-free options besides soup at Panera?

Yes, Panera has other gluten-conscious items like salads (modified), certain warm grain bowls, and sides like fruit or chips.