The Discontinuation of the Ten Vegetable Soup
For several years, Panera's Ten Vegetable Soup was the one consistent answer for vegans searching for a plant-based hot meal at the restaurant. The savory and hearty broth, packed with vegetables like carrots, peppers, and spinach, alongside grains and chickpeas, was a reliable choice. However, citing menu changes and updates, Panera removed this item from its permanent menu sometime in 2023. This move was met with disappointment from the vegan and vegetarian communities who relied on it as a quick and easy option. While the company occasionally experiments with limited-time offerings, there is currently no regular vegan soup available to replace it. For those who miss it, many online recipes offer copycat versions to recreate the experience at home.
Why Most Panera Soups Are Not Vegan
For many, it might seem simple to assume that a vegetable or tomato-based soup is vegan. However, Panera’s menu includes several popular vegetarian options that contain animal products, primarily dairy. The Creamy Tomato Soup, for example, is made with cream, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet. Similarly, the ever-popular Broccoli Cheddar Soup is explicitly non-vegan, containing both chicken broth and dairy cheese. Other soups, even if they appear broth-based, may contain non-vegan ingredients. This highlights the critical importance of checking the ingredient list before ordering, as a soup's name can often be misleading.
Panera At Home vs. In-Store Soup Offerings
It is important to distinguish between the soups sold in Panera cafes and those available for purchase in grocery stores under the Panera At Home™ brand. For instance, the Panera at Home Black Bean Soup is labeled as vegetarian and dairy-free on its packaging. Its ingredients, such as black beans, vegetable base, onions, and spices, are plant-based. However, this item's availability in the cafe is inconsistent and often seasonal, and its vegan status for in-store preparation is not guaranteed due to potential variations and processes. Therefore, while a grocery store version may be a safe bet, do not assume the cafe will offer the same vegan product at all times.
Alternative Vegan and Adaptable Options at Panera
Despite the lack of vegan soup, Panera still provides a variety of menu items that can be ordered vegan with modifications. Always specify your dietary needs when ordering to ensure accuracy. Here are some options:
- Salads: Several salads can be customized. For the Greek Salad, order without feta. For the Fuji Apple with Chicken Salad, ask for no chicken and no gorgonzola. For the Citrus Asian Crunch Salad with Chicken, remove the chicken and wontons. Many of their dressings, like Balsamic Vinaigrette and Asian Sesame Vinaigrette, are vegan.
- Sandwiches: The Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich can be made vegan by omitting the feta cheese and ensuring it's served on vegan-friendly bread like the Artisan Ciabatta, Sourdough, or French Baguette.
- Breads: A variety of Panera's classic breads are vegan, including the Sourdough, Artisan Ciabatta, French Baguette, and Black Pepper Focaccia. You can also get a Sourdough Bread Bowl for a modified salad.
- Bowls: The Mediterranean Grain Bowl can be customized by holding the chicken, feta, and Greek yogurt. The Baja Bowl requires modifications to remove chicken, feta, and the specific dressing to be made vegan.
- Breakfast & Sides: Vegan options include the Plain and Everything bagels, Steel Cut Oatmeal (verify toppings), and fresh fruit cups. Sides like the French Baguette, plain bagels, and Kettle Chips are also safe.
Cross-Contamination and Ingredient Awareness
For those with severe allergies or strict vegan dietary practices, it's crucial to be aware of Panera's allergen policy. The company explicitly states that because they use shared equipment and handle common allergens throughout their supply chain, they cannot guarantee that any menu item is free of allergens, including milk. This means there is a risk of cross-contamination, even with items that are made with vegan ingredients. For the safest dining experience, check the most up-to-date allergen information on Panera's website directly or speak to a manager at the cafe.
Comparison of Common Panera Soups
| Soup Name | Vegan? | Reason (if not) |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy Tomato Soup | No | Contains dairy cream. |
| Broccoli Cheddar Soup | No | Contains chicken broth and dairy cheese. |
| Bistro French Onion Soup | No | Contains dairy and often beef broth. |
| Homestyle Chicken Noodle | No | Contains chicken broth and chicken meat. |
| Ten Vegetable Soup | Discontinued | Formerly vegan, but no longer on the permanent menu. |
| Black Bean Soup (In-Cafe) | Seasonal/No | Often seasonal, status unconfirmed, and potential for cross-contamination. |
A Final Word on Vegan Soup at Panera
Unfortunately, as of 2025, there are no regular vegan soup options on Panera's menu. The beloved Ten Vegetable Soup was discontinued, and the other standard offerings contain dairy or meat products. However, vegan diners can still enjoy a wide array of customized salads, sandwiches, and sides by being mindful of ingredient modifications. For the most current and accurate information, especially concerning allergens, consult the official Panera website or inquire with a staff member at the cafe. Knowledge is your best tool for navigating the menu and enjoying a satisfying plant-based meal. For more detailed allergen information, visit Panera's official guide: Allergen and Nutrition Information | Panera Bread.
Steps for a Confident Vegan Order at Panera
- Check online: Look up the current menu on Panera's website before you go.
- Review the Allergen Guide: Always consult the official allergen guide, which is regularly updated.
- Specify modifications: Clearly state that you want items without cheese, meat, or specific dressings.
- Confirm the bread: Ensure your sandwich is on vegan-friendly bread like sourdough or ciabatta.
- Be aware of seasonal items: Don't rely on past seasonal vegan options, as they may not return.
Smart Panera Vegan Choices Beyond Soup
- The Mediterranean Grain Bowl (modified)
- The Greek Salad (modified)
- The Baja Bowl (modified)
- Breads (Sourdough, Ciabatta, French Baguette)
- Sides (Chips, Apple, Fruit Cup)
Quick Summary for Vegan Panera Orders
- No regular vegan soups are currently on the menu.
- Most soups contain dairy or chicken broth.
- The Ten Vegetable Soup was discontinued.
- Customizing salads and sandwiches is the best approach.
- Vegan breads like Sourdough and Ciabatta are available.
- Be mindful of cross-contamination for strict vegans.
What to Remember for Your Next Panera Visit
While the search for a vegan soup at Panera may come up empty on the current menu, the restaurant still provides thoughtful options for plant-based diners. By being proactive and understanding the menu, you can still enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. The key is to embrace customization and double-check ingredients, especially for cross-contamination concerns. Always be informed and communicate your dietary needs clearly with the staff to have the best possible dining experience. Your delicious, plant-based Panera meal is still very much within reach, even without a bowl of soup.
