Understanding Panera's Menu: Does Panera Have Gluten-Free Bread?

October 4, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 3 million Americans follow a gluten-free diet, a number that continues to grow, making the demand for safe dining options critical. For those navigating this lifestyle, a common question arises when visiting the popular fast-casual chain: does Panera have gluten-free bread?

Quick Summary

This article explores Panera Bread's policy on gluten-free offerings, confirming they do not carry certified gluten-free bread and discussing the significant risk of cross-contamination. It also details specific menu items that are wheat-free by ingredients but prepared in a shared kitchen.

Key Points

No Certified Gluten-Free Bread: Panera Bread does not offer certified gluten-free bread or any baked goods made without gluten.
High Cross-Contamination Risk: All Panera menu items are prepared in a shared kitchen, meaning there is a significant risk of gluten cross-contamination.
Unsafe for Celiacs: Due to cross-contamination, Panera's menu is generally considered unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities.
'Gluten Conscious' is Not Certified: The term "gluten conscious" means an item's ingredients are wheat-free, but does not guarantee the product is free from gluten exposure during preparation.
Wheat-Free Alternatives Exist: For those with mild sensitivity, salads without croutons, specific soups, and fruit cups are viable options.
Modify Your Order: To minimize risk, order simple items and customize them carefully, such as getting a sandwich without the bread.
Consult a Manager: Always speak with a manager about your allergy concerns to ensure the staff takes extra precautions with your order.

Panera Bread and the Gluten-Conscious Menu

For individuals needing to avoid gluten for medical reasons, dining out can be difficult. Panera Bread, a bakery-cafe, presents particular challenges due to the pervasive presence of wheat. While Panera offers a “Gluten Conscious” menu, it is important to note this is distinct from certified gluten-free.

The Truth About Gluten-Free Bread at Panera

Panera Bread does not offer certified gluten-free bread. This means no gluten-free loaves, rolls, or baked goods prepared to avoid gluten exposure. Sandwiches must be ordered without bread to be considered wheat-free.

The High Risk of Cross-Contamination

Panera explicitly states that due to shared kitchen space and equipment, they cannot guarantee any item is free of allergens, including gluten. This is a significant concern for those with celiac disease, as trace gluten can cause reactions. The environment in a Panera kitchen is high-risk for strict gluten avoidance.

Navigating the Menu: Safer Options

Individuals with less severe gluten sensitivity who accept cross-contamination risks can find options whose ingredients are wheat-free. It is crucial to consult the online allergen menu and inform staff of dietary needs.

Gluten-Conscious Menu Choices (2025):

Salads: Many salads are wheat-free if croutons are omitted and the dressing is gluten-free.
- Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken
- Greek Salad
- Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken
- Ranch Cobb Salad
- Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
Soups: Some soups are made without wheat ingredients, but cross-contamination from croutons is a risk.
- Baked Potato Soup
- Black Bean Soup
- Autumn Squash Soup
- Creamy Tomato Soup (verify in-store)
Breakfast: Certain breakfast items are naturally wheat-free, but prepared with shared equipment.
- Scrambled Eggs
- Hard Boiled Eggs
- Fruit Cup
Sides & Beverages: These generally have lower risk, but caution is still needed.
- Kettle Cooked Potato Chips
- Apples or Bananas
- Smoothies (many flavors)

Gluten-Free Alternatives vs. High-Risk Panera Items


Category	Panera Items Made Without Gluten (with caution)	Panera Items to Avoid (due to gluten)
Bread	Order sandwiches breadless	All breads, bagels, rolls, and flatbreads
Baked Goods	N/A	Cookies, muffins, croissants, pastries, brownies
Salads	Fuji Apple Salad, Greek Salad, Green Goddess Cobb (no croutons)	Any salad with croutons unless removed manually
Soups	Baked Potato, Black Bean, Autumn Squash, Creamy Tomato (verify)	Broccoli Cheddar, Bistro French Onion, Chicken Noodle, Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice
Pasta	N/A	Mac & Cheese, all pasta dishes
Other	Kettle Chips, Fruit Cup, Smoothies	Sandwiches, bread bowls

The Panera 'Gluten Conscious' vs. Certified Gluten-Free

A certified gluten-free establishment meets strict standards to guarantee products contain minimal gluten (under 20 ppm). Panera's environment, with flour and shared equipment, prevents such a guarantee. The term "gluten-conscious" reflects that ingredients are wheat-free, but not the entire preparation process. For those with celiac disease, cross-contamination is a serious concern. While options exist for those without medical necessity to avoid trace gluten, understanding the risks is key.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Order

Panera Bread does not offer gluten-free bread, which is a critical point for individuals with celiac disease or significant gluten sensitivities. Although wheat-free ingredient options are available, the high risk of cross-contamination in their shared kitchen makes Panera unsafe for those requiring a strictly gluten-free diet. For strict dietary needs, restaurants with dedicated gluten-free kitchens are preferable. For those with milder sensitivities, being informed and cautious, ordering simple customizable items, and consulting Panera's official allergen guide are recommended. The official guide can be found here: https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/menu/nutritious-eating/allergen-and-nutrition-information.html.

Being aware of the risks allows individuals to make informed choices when dining at Panera based on their specific dietary needs and tolerance for potential cross-contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Panera's menu is not considered safe for individuals with celiac disease. All items are prepared in a shared kitchen, and the risk of cross-contamination with gluten is too high to be safely managed for a strict gluten-free diet.

The term 'gluten-conscious' signifies that a menu item's ingredients do not contain gluten. However, because preparation occurs in a shared kitchen with abundant gluten, it does not mean the item is free from cross-contamination.

No, Panera does not offer gluten-free bread for sandwiches. You can, however, order a sandwich with all the ingredients but no bread, essentially creating a salad.

Some soups are made without gluten ingredients, such as Baked Potato Soup, Black Bean Soup, and Autumn Squash Soup. However, due to the shared environment and the risk of cross-contamination with croutons or other ingredients, they are not guaranteed to be gluten-free.

The primary risk is cross-contamination. Since Panera is a bakery-cafe, there is a high volume of flour and other gluten-containing products, increasing the chance of gluten transferring to otherwise gluten-free items.

Safer side options include the Kettle Cooked Potato Chips, a seasonal fruit cup, a hard-boiled egg, or a whole apple or banana. These items typically have a lower risk of contact with gluten during preparation.

To reduce risk, communicate your dietary needs clearly, order simple and customizable options like salads with no croutons, and stick to pre-packaged items like chips or whole fruit. It is always wise to inform a manager.