Panera's Commitment to Clean Food
In 2014, Panera Bread announced a comprehensive food policy outlining its vision to serve 'Positively Good Food'. A cornerstone of this initiative was the creation of a 'No No List'—a list of ingredients and additive classes that would be removed from the menu. The goal was to serve food that was free of artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, and colors from artificial sources.
The 'No No List' and the Elimination of Nitrates
By January 2017, Panera proudly announced that it had achieved its goal, reformulating 152 ingredients and making its U.S. food menu 100% clean of artificial additives. Among the challenging categories to 'clean up' were processed meats and bacon due to the ubiquity of additives in these products. Nitrates and nitrites were specifically called out for removal from the company's bacon and other meats.
Deli Meats and the 'Uncured' Distinction
This is where nuance becomes important. Panera's official stance means no artificial nitrates or nitrites are used in their processing. However, some deli meats are processed with naturally occurring nitrates found in ingredients like celery powder or cherry powder. By USDA regulations, these are labeled 'uncured' and must include a statement such as 'no nitrates or nitrites added except for those naturally occurring in celery powder'. These naturally sourced nitrates still perform the same functions as synthetic ones, such as preserving the meat and inhibiting bacteria like Clostridium botulinum.
Natural vs. Artificial Nitrates: What's the Difference?
The distinction between artificial nitrates and natural ones is a frequent point of debate among food scientists and nutritionists.
- Artificial Nitrates: Synthetically produced additives, such as sodium nitrate or sodium nitrite, are used to cure meat, prevent bacterial growth, and preserve a pink color.
- Natural Nitrates: Found in vegetables like celery, spinach, and beets, natural nitrates are extracted and used to cure meat in a manner similar to their synthetic counterparts.
How Nitrates Become Nitrosamines
Whether they are natural or synthetic, nitrates and nitrites can form nitrosamines when cooked at high heat in the presence of amino acids (from protein). Some nitrosamines are considered probable carcinogens. However, the risk is generally much lower for nitrates derived from vegetables, as these foods contain protective compounds like Vitamin C, which inhibit nitrosamine formation. Panera's meat suppliers likely incorporate similar inhibitors during processing.
Comparison: Panera Meats vs. Conventional Deli Meats
| Feature | Panera Bread Meats (Post-2017) | Conventional Processed Deli Meats |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrates/Nitrites Used? | No artificial nitrates/nitrites. May contain naturally occurring ones from celery powder or similar sources. | Commonly use synthetic nitrates/nitrites, like sodium nitrite (E250) or sodium nitrate (E251). |
| Labeling | Labeled 'uncured' with a statement about the source of naturally occurring nitrates. | Typically labeled 'cured' and must list preservatives on the ingredient label. |
| Associated Nitrosamine Risk | Lower risk due to natural sources and protective ingredients, but high-heat cooking still poses a minor risk. | Higher potential risk, especially when cooked at high temperatures, without added inhibitors. |
| Flavor and Preserving Agent | Natural agents like celery powder and sea salt are used for curing and flavor. | Synthetic chemicals provide preservative effects and characteristic flavor and color. |
| Sourcing | Committed to responsibly raised proteins, with an emphasis on animal welfare. | Varies widely by brand and price point. |
Panera's Transparency and Evolving Standards
Panera's 'Clean for Good' initiative represents a significant move toward menu transparency, a trend that resonates with modern consumers. However, reports have indicated that the company, like many others, faces challenges in its commitment, including supply chain issues and reevaluating some of its sourcing standards. The company's transparency commitment allows consumers to stay informed about its evolving food policies.
Conclusion
In summary, Panera Bread does not use artificial nitrates or nitrites in its food. Since 2017, the company has adhered to its 'No No List' to eliminate these and other synthetic additives. However, consumers should be aware that meats labeled 'uncured' may contain naturally occurring nitrates sourced from plant-based ingredients. For those strictly avoiding all forms of added nitrates, checking the ingredients list or asking for preparation details is the safest approach, though Panera's efforts offer a significant step up from conventional processed meats.
For more information on Panera's food philosophy and sourcing practices, visit their official corporate responsibility page.
