Does Panera Have a Gluten Free Bagel? What Celiacs Need to Know

November 20, 2025 •

3 min read

As of 2025, Panera Bread does not offer a certified gluten-free bagel on its menu. The popular bakery-cafe, known for its bread-centric offerings, explicitly states that all baked goods are prepared in a shared kitchen, which makes cross-contamination a significant risk for those with sensitivities.

Quick Summary

Panera Bread does not offer any gluten-free bagels or baked goods due to high risk of cross-contamination in their shared kitchen environment, making it unsafe for those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.

Key Points

No Certified Bagels: Panera does not offer any certified gluten-free bagels or baked goods.
High Cross-Contamination Risk: All Panera food is prepared in a shared kitchen, making it unsafe for those with celiac disease.
"Gluten-Conscious" is Not "Gluten-Free": Panera's menu uses the term "gluten-conscious" for items without gluten ingredients but does not guarantee them to be free of cross-contact.
Best to Avoid All Baked Goods: For those on a strict gluten-free diet, all items from the bakery, including bagels, pastries, and sandwiches, should be avoided.
Alternatives Exist: Several reputable brands and dedicated bakeries offer delicious and certified gluten-free bagels that are safe for celiacs.
Minimal Safe Options: For those with low sensitivity, some salads (without croutons) and packaged sides like chips may be viable options, but always communicate your allergy clearly.

The Short Answer: No Gluten-Free Bagels at Panera

To be clear, Panera Bread does not sell a certified gluten-free bagel or any dedicated gluten-free baked goods. Their business is built around bread and pastries, making their bakery-cafes high-risk for gluten-free diners. Panera's allergen statements indicate their kitchens are not set up to prevent cross-contamination from flour in the air. For individuals with celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, all bakery items, including bagels, should be avoided.

Understanding Panera's "Gluten-Conscious" Approach

Panera uses the term "gluten-conscious" for items without gluten ingredients, a key difference from "gluten-free". A "gluten-conscious" item is made without wheat, barley, or rye, but in a shared kitchen with shared equipment. This term is for those avoiding gluten for personal reasons with less sensitivity, not for medical conditions like celiac disease where trace amounts are harmful.

The Critical Risk of Cross-Contamination

Cross-contamination is a major concern for those with celiac disease. Panera's environment has many potential sources of gluten transfer.

Why Panera Is a High-Risk Environment

Shared Surfaces: Counters, boards, and prep areas are used for both regular bread and gluten-conscious items.
Flour in the Air: As a bakery, flour is constantly airborne and can land on any food or surface.
Shared Utensils: Utensils may transfer gluten from items like croutons to gluten-conscious dishes.
Employee Protocols: While glove changes are advised, human error is possible in a busy setting.

The Problem with Shared Equipment

Shared equipment also poses risks. Panera's allergen statement warns against guaranteeing any item is allergen-free due to shared equipment and handling.

What About Other Panera Gluten-Free Options?

While bagels are not an option, those with minor sensitivities may find some items, but extreme caution is advised.

Potentially Safer Items for Low Sensitivity (Always Specify Allergy):

Salads (specify no croutons and gluten-free dressing)
Fruit cup
Kettle chips (packaged)
Some smoothies and bottled drinks

Items to Absolutely Avoid (Contain Gluten):

All breads, bagels, and pastries
All sandwiches and flatbread pizzas
Soups with wheat flour thickeners, such as Broccoli Cheddar and Chicken Noodle
Mac and Cheese

Gluten-Free Alternatives for Your Bagel Fix

For safe, gluten-free bagels, consider these brands and options:


Brand	Availability	Best For	Notes
Modern Bread & Bagel	NYC, LA, nationwide shipping	Authentic NYC-style bagel	100% gluten-free facility. Highly rated.
Canyon Bakehouse	Major grocery stores (e.g., Walmart)	Reliable and accessible option	Pre-sliced, freezes well, various flavors.
Trader Joe's	All Trader Joe's stores	Budget-friendly and convenient	Affordable, but taste varies. Everything bagels popular.
The Greater Knead	Nationwide shipping	Flavor variety	Over a dozen flavors. Dedicated gluten-free facility.

Safe Ordering Practices at Panera (For Mild Sensitivity)

If you have a mild intolerance and accept cross-contamination risks, take these steps:

Communicate Clearly: Inform staff of your allergy; ask for glove changes and fresh utensils.
Order Packaged Items: Choose items like packaged chips or sealed drinks.
Use the App: Note your allergy in the app for a visual cue for staff.
Assess Your Comfort: Decide if the cross-contact risk is acceptable for you. For celiacs, it is not recommended.

Conclusion: Is Panera Safe for Celiacs?

In conclusion, Panera Bread does not offer a gluten-free bagel or any certified gluten-free items. The high risk of cross-contamination makes Panera unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities. For truly safe bagels, look for dedicated gluten-free bakeries, certified brands in grocery stores, or bake your own. For those with low-level gluten avoidance choosing to eat at Panera, stick to carefully selected and modified items, understanding the inherent risks. More information on celiac-safe dining can be found through resources like Celiac.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Panera Bread does not offer any gluten-free bread options. All of their signature breads contain wheat and are prepared in a bakery environment, posing a high risk of cross-contamination.

No, Panera's food is not considered safe for people with celiac disease. The company uses shared kitchen equipment and cannot guarantee that any item is free from cross-contamination.

The term 'gluten-conscious' indicates that an item is prepared without gluten-containing ingredients. However, it does not mean the item is certified gluten-free or safe from cross-contact during preparation in their shared kitchen.

Yes, some options do not contain gluten ingredients, such as salads (without croutons), fruit cups, certain smoothies, and packaged chips. However, the risk of cross-contamination always exists.

Several soups at Panera are made without gluten-containing ingredients, but some popular ones like Broccoli Cheddar and Bistro French Onion are not. You should always check the allergen menu for the most up-to-date information and order without any bread or croutons.

For individuals with a severe allergy or celiac disease, ordering a salad is risky due to potential cross-contamination. If you have a mild sensitivity, you must explicitly request no croutons and ask staff to change gloves and use clean utensils.

Safe, certified gluten-free bagel brands include Modern Bread & Bagel, Canyon Bakehouse, Trader Joe's (for their specific GF varieties), and The Greater Knead.