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Vonkorey toothless/Updated January 19, 2021 at 4:45 PM. m. ITS T
One of the best things to come out of modern inventions is the creation of the fast casual restaurant chain. Being able to quickly eat a quality meal without sitting in a crowded restaurant or spending a ton of money is like a dream come true for many diners. places likechipotleor Panera bread help make this dream come true. Panera bread particularly prides itself on being convenient and delicious, claiming it's packedhealthy and clean food.
But is it really healthy? Or clean? Or even fresh? It depends on. While Panera Bread is certainly a healthier option than a burger and fries, there are some menu items that are best left unorganized. Unfortunately, this applies to some of Panera's most popular menu items, which you might not expect. In fact, the things you definitely shouldn't ask forbread crumbsIt might surprise you, and there is more than you think.
Sodium free soup for everyone at Panera Bread

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One of the largest menu sections at Panera Bread is soup. The chain restaurant offers everything from chicken noodle soup to vegetable soups and much more. But as delicious and warm and comforting as a bowl of soup sounds, at Panera they're not quite fresh.ohealthy.
A Reddit userexplained something rather sinister about the soup at Panera. "The soups come frozen bagged in boxes with the word 'Institution Food' written on the side," they wrote. "We would throw them into a kettle of hot water that would take them from frozen blocks to near-scalding hot bags." Delicious? But that is not all. A former Panera employee saidMy recipesthat their manager gave them ominous advice regarding the soup: "Never recommend soup to seniors. The sodium is too high." oops! If a manager tells him to avoid soup, then he probably should avoid soup.
Every pasta is a no-go at Panera Bread
Panera Bread's menu has obviously undergone some changes over the years, but while the chain has seemingly always served mac and cheese, they've discontinued their other pasta offerings. Don't worry, because that might be for the best. Pasta not only got pretty bad reviewsGore, but the way the pasta is prepared at Panera makes it a real no-go.
Notably, none of the pasta at Panera is made fresh in the store. Instead, it arrives frozen and is then reheated to serve. Obviously, that doesn't sound appetizing, but despite this uncomfortable reality, Panera stands by its guarantee of quality. A Panera spokesperson saidHOYthat "Mac and Cheese is made externally to our own recipe, developed by our chefs and using our ingredients that meet our standards for our clean menu offerings." the pasta at Panera, including the beloved mac and cheese, is not as fresh or homemade.
This panera cheese should be avoided
Listen, anytime a restaurant, especially one that needs to serve food relatively quickly like Panera, offers a ton of different dishes, things get messy in the kitchen. So really, it's not like Panera Bread or any of their employees.halfto mix some orders. are employees of Paneraunder a lot of pressure, from fast-paced prep lines to ever-changing menus. However, with this type of cheese, you have to keep your hands off it. In particular, the feta that is available for some menu items is not always safe to order, for a really serious reason.
A former Panera Bread employee took to Reddit to explain some dirty little secrets about the restaurant chain. They revealed a little fact that really stood out, and not for a good reason. "Anything with feta," the user wrote.noorder from Panera (viaSo delicious). "I accidentally served several customers moldy feta thinking a piece of gorgonzola cheese had just slipped in."
The pastries at Panera Bread aren't that great either
There really is nothing like a good cup of coffee with a cake on the side, right? Whether you're craving something sweet with your caffeine or want to feel like you're in Paris, it's an absolutely classic combination. But at Panera Bread, not all baked goods are as delicious or hot and fresh.
A Panera Bread employee agreedRedditto clear up some misconceptions about the restaurant chain. One reveal is particularly shocking, especially since the menu item in question is in the Panera headline, so to speak.offense,So you would expect your baked goods to be special and delicious. Unfortunately they are not all. "The muffins and coffee cakes are definitely thawed only, but ALL OTHER baked goods are made fresh every day," the clerk explains. It's very unfortunate that muffins and coffee cake aren't as fresh as bagels or muffins, but at least now you know what to stay away from.
Even the bread at Panera isn't as fresh as you think.
Have you gone to Panera Bread if you haven't left with at least one serving of bread? Not precisely. After all, Panera's bread is pretty iconic to the chain's customers. Whether on a baguette, in a sandwich or inhigh-calorie shell shape, always goes to the point. On the right?
Unfortunately, like some of the baked goods at Panera Brotthey are not fresh, nor the famous bread itself. As delicious as bread can taste, not all stores make it fresh, at least not in the way you might imagine. The truth is, there isn't a master baker at every Panera Bread location who makes the perfect amount of bread dough by hand.Sal,Yeast, and tender care.
By contrast, a Panera Bread employee gained weightRedditexplaining exactly how bread is made in the shops and it was a bit daunting. "The dough is delivered fresh every night from a local farm," they explained, adding that the bread is usually "baked fresh every night for the next day." Although the bread can be baked in the store, it is not made fresh from scratch in the store. This downright sneaky loophole might not be worth it to you.
This panera sandwich is so unhealthy
Obviously, one of the main reasons people frequent Panera Bread is that the chain presents itself as a healthy alternative to most other fast food restaurants. However, not everything on the Panera menu is so healthy. In fact, there's one sandwich you should never order, at least if you're trying to take care of your health. The culprit in question is the chain.modern caprese sandwiches, made with mozzarella, Parmesan and white bean purée, all topped with a delicious confit of smoked tomatoes, basil and a balsamic glaze.
In fact, registered dietitian Natalie Rizzo saideat this not thatthat modern Caprese is deceptively unhealthy. "With 19 grams of saturated fat and more than half the amount of sodium you should be getting in a day, Modern Caprese is something to avoid," Rizzo said. Couldverhealthy without meat and some vegetables, but this sandwich is very high in fat and sodium, so it is something to eat with great caution.
Panera's shakes can be pretty gross
Soups, salads and sandwiches aren't the only items on the Panera Bread menu. As it turns out, the chain's drink menu is pretty impressive. Panera serves everything handmadeCaféto a variety of teas, sodas, and juices, but apparently it's the smoothies that should be avoided. They may look refreshing and healthy, but they really are.a lot of sugarand some kind of scam. Seriously, once you know what's really in a Panera bread shake, you'll likely never waste your time with one again.
According to a Panera Bread employeeReddit, the shakes at the establishment are something to seriously avoid. "STAY AWAY FROM THE SHAKES," they warned. "It's literally 2 tablespoons of vanilla yogurt, 'fruit puree,' that comes frozen and we thaw it in half-gallon milk jugs and ice cream." Yeah, that's not exactly the picture of perfect health, but the employee wasn't done. They added that the shakes are extremely expensive for something that does not contain fresh fruit.
This salad should be avoided with Panera Bread
If you want something light and healthy for lunch or dinner, a nice big salad will suffice. And Panera Bread certainly has plenty of salads on the menu, including the always delicious Caesar salad (it's not italian, By the way). But before you order one for dinner, make sure you make the best choice on the menu, because there's a salad at Panera that the workers don't order. Could they be into something you don't know?
A former Panera Bread employee took to Reddit to answer questions about the chain, and when someone asked what not to order, the former employee was downright honest. While you may not think much of it, they said the Caesar salad was something everyone should leave behind the counter. “You pay the same as for the classic salad (tomato, onion, etc.), but they only give you croutons and a tablespoon of Parmesan.”they explained, adding that "there were no other vegetables except lettuce. Talk about a waste of money!" In all honesty, a Caesar salad is one of the easiest salads to make anyway, so don't waste your hard-earned money on a mediocre Panera.
Panera Bread's Chicken Can Be Dodgy
Chicken is one of the most commonly available forms of protein, especially at fast-casual chains like Panera Bread. But whether in a salad or on a sandwich, the chicken at Panera really is something not to mess with, as it tends to be pretty iffy. People have not only complained about its appearance and taste, but Panera Bread workers themselves have advised against ordering it due to how popular it is.
AsTripAdvisor reviewergave a particularly horrible review of the chicken at a Panera Bread location in Tampa, Florida, writing, "Looked like 'chainsaw chicken,' joints, knuckles, all those rejected parts of chicken that most people don't want to eat." Unfortunately, that makes sense given how the chicken is or isn't made at Panera. A former Panera Bread employee saidReddituser that "the chicken comes pre-cooked in bags," which means it's anything but fresh or gourmet. Apparently, there can also be less-than-desirable cuts. The chicken at Panera Bread should definitely be avoided, especially if you're already a picky meat eater.
Fountain sodas are a waste of money at Panera Bread
If you're going out for a late-night lunch or dinner, the mere thought of ice cold lemonade might be enough to make you order one. And honestly, no one could blame you. Whether you're more of a Dr. Pepper or a Sprite type, sometimes a lemonade is just what you need. Still, no matter how much you want one, the fountain sodas at Panera are a waste of money and not even what the chain is known for.
But EinsRedditThread, a former Panera Bread employee, explained that there is a shocking article that they would not advise anyone to spend money on. "It's crazy and the profit margin is substantial," the former employee wrote about what Panera typically charges customers. “Even the lemonades from the fountain! They are about 5 cents and they charge about $3 for a large one.” Of course you can't get a 5 cent soda anywhere, but there are plenty of places that only charge a dollar or so for a large bottle instead of what Panera charges customers. Really, you're better off staying in the open water.
Panera Bread Bagels may not taste as good
Whether you grew up ordering breakfast sandwiches on bagels or learned to appreciate them later in life, a fresh bagel isalwaysa good idea. Panera Bread is a bit famous for its bagels, but should the restaurant chain really be credited for these baked goods? While the bagels are freshly baked and perfectly tasty for most guests, that doesn't mean they're worth the price. Especially since there are times when the taste isoh reallyand you have no way of knowing if you will get exactly what you ordered.
AndReddit, a Panera Bread employee took the time to answer a few questions about the chain and its fresh baking practices. When another user asked why their Cinnamon Crunch bun always tasted like onions, the employee was honest. "The baker could have baked them on the same tray as the bagels, or they could have forgotten to change their gloves," he explained. Look, Panera bagels are obviously delicious, but who wants a cinnamon bagel with them?itor onion served along with your coffee? Nobody, that's who.
FAQs
How unhealthy is Panera Bread? ›
That's reason enough to steer clear of them. Bread: With 590 calories, 118 grams of carbs, and 1,210 milligrams of sodium—the bread bowl alone will set you back 30% of your daily recommended calories and 53% of your daily recommended sodium.
Where does Panera get their soup? ›Blount Fine Foods, formerly Blount Seafood, is a prepared foods and soup manufacturer that produces wholesale frozen and fresh soups under the Blount brand as well as Panera Bread and Legal Sea Foods.
What did Panera take off their menu? ›- Chipotle Chicken Panini. ...
- Crispani. ...
- Sierra Turkey Sandwich. ...
- Red Velvet Crinkle Cookie. ...
- Asian Sesame Chicken Salad. ...
- Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Cheese. ...
- Butternut Squash Ravioli. ...
- Black Bean Soup.
However, unlike most other chicken sandwiches out there, Panera's aren't fried. Instead, the chicken is seared in a pan, then sous-vide cooked, according to a spokesperson.
Are Panera eggs real? ›Panera Bread: The Bacon, Egg & Cheese and most of the chain's other breakfasts are made with a real egg. Some contain a few additives such as citric acid and soybean oil.
What is the healthiest sandwich to get at Panera? ›- Tuna Salad Sandwich on Honey Wheat (Half) ...
- Roasted Turkey & Avocado BLT on Sourdough (Half) ...
- Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich on Tomato Basil (Half) ...
- Roasted Turkey & Caramelized Kale (Half) ...
- Smart Sides: ...
- Fat Free Poppyseed Dressing (Half-Portion) ...
- 1 Apple. ...
- Panera Baked Crisps (1 Bag)
Panera is ditching animal products to make way for additional vegan options. In an interview with Business Insider, Panera CEO Niren Chaudhary said that the company plans to make at least 50 percent of its menu plant-based.
What is the best soup at Panera Bread? ›- Broccoli cheddar.
- Chicken noodle.
- Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice Soup.
- Bistro French Onion Soup.
- Ten Vegetable Soup.
- Turkey Chili.
That's why we donate our unsold baked goods to local non-profits at the end of the night through our Day-End Dough-Nation® program. We partner with over 3,300 charities nationwide, including food pantries, veteran services and youth shelters, to provide bread and bakery items to those in need and reduce food waste.
What salad did Panera get rid of? ›Power Kale Caesar Salad
Sadly, Panera took it off the menu. Sure, there is still a chicken Caesar on the menu, but it just doesn't have the same, well, power as the kale version.
What is Panera most famous for? ›
The Word Panera Means Bread Bowl
But considering the chain is famous for its bread bowls, it seems obvious what the intended meaning is.
Panera Bread competitors include Dine Brands Global, Starbucks, Chipotle, McDonald's and Au Bon Pain. Panera Bread ranks 5th in CEO Score on Comparably vs its competitors.
Do you throw away your plate at Panera? ›1. Leave trays on the table. If you've ever been to Panera, you know that it's very obvious that there is a place to dispose of your food and place your empty tray. Yet, some people still don't follow this restaurant protocol and expect Panera employees to clean up after them — which isn't how it works.
Does Panera just microwave their food? ›Panera workers reveal that every pasta dish is heated up in a microwave before it's served. "It's all microwaved, this includes mac and cheese," says one employee.
Does Panera Use real food? ›Here's what a nutritionist wants you to know about the chain's popular menu items. As a company, Panera Bread, like Chipotle, says it's committed to freshly-prepared food made from high-quality, responsibly-sourced ingredients.
Is Panera chicken real chicken? ›A juicy quarter pound of 100% all-white meat chicken breast filet is marinated with rich chicken flavor and seasoned with Panera's signature spice blend. The filet is seared golden brown and then finished sous vide to lock in flavor, tenderness, and juiciness.
Does Panera use real bacon? ›Panera's clean bacon is made with six simple ingredients: pork, water, sea salt, sugar, celery powder and thyme extract. The clean bacon: Is cured without artificial additives.
Are Panera bagels real? ›We sure think so. Since our very beginnings, Panera has been committed to sourcing and serving high quality ingredients that people feel good about eating. We have removed all artificial preservatives, sweeteners and flavors, as well as colors from artificial sources from our U.S. food menu.
What should I wear to my first day at Panera? ›Black crew-cut t-shirt, tucked-in with dark-blue/black jeans, and black slip-resistant shoes. No logos of any kind. Full uniform. you are provided with a shirt and supply your own pants and non-slip sneakers.
What is the healthiest salad at Panera Bread? ›Panera Caesar Salad and the Caesar Salad With Chicken. The Panera Caesar Salad is the salad with the least amount of calories on the Panera menu. It has only 330 calories and 25 g of fat, 620 mg of sodium, 19 g of carbohydrates, 4 g of fiber, and 10 grams of protein.
Is Panera processed food? ›
How to create a healthy meal at Panera. A flatbread pizza at Panera isn't any healthier than a pizza you get somewhere else. It's still made with ultra-processed refined grains and has nearly a day's worth of saturated fat. That's no health bargain.
Is Panera getting rid of potato soup? ›One fateful day last month, Panera took their delicious baked potato soup off the menu — my go-to order since I was six.
What mayo does Panera use? ›The next time you visit Panera, you can be sure that you'll be getting a delicious and healthy meal – complete with the perfect mayonnaise to compliment each dish. It's not like it's anything new at other cafes; ours is Kraft mayonnaise.
What kind of bread does Panera use for sandwiches? ›“I like the rich flavors of Panera's Whole Grain Baker's Grains Sliced Bread for my sandwiches, but my kids go crazy for the smooth 100% Whole Wheat variety.” Panera at Home offers five whole grain sliced breads, all with 13-21 grams of whole grain per slice.
What is the No 1 soup in the world? ›The Filipino sour soup is voted as The Best Soup in The World with a 4.63 out of 5 rating. MANILA, Philippines – Are we even soup-rised at this point? Sinigang has been named the Best Soup in the World by Taste Atlas – and rightfully so – during the international food database's annual 2021 Awards!
What is the new soup at Panera? ›Panera bolsters its lineup of soups with the introduction of new Chicken Tikka Masala Soup for winter 2023. Chicken Tikka Masala Soup features a hearty blend of chicken, black lentils, butternut squash and kale in a curried tomato broth, finished with tamarind, coconut milk and classic Indian spices.
Does Panera do free refills? ›Your subscription includes one (1) cup of any flavor drip hot coffee, hot tea, iced coffee, iced tea, Charged Lemonade, lemonade, or fountain beverage every two (2) hours during regular bakery-cafe hours, including free refills of the same beverage at any participating U.S. Panera Bread bakery-cafes.
Does Panera give free food to employees? ›Panera Perks:
Competitive pay: $15.96-$17.50 an hour. Eligible for quarterly increases based on performance. Free Meals on shifts. Career Growth Opportunities.
A natural wax coating is applied to our apples to help maintain freshness & are washed before being served.
What is Panera new salad? ›Romaine and a blend of chopped broccoli, green cabbage, carrots, and kale tossed with edamame, pickled red onions, and fresh cilantro in tangerine soy ginger dressing and topped with warm seared chicken thigh meat, crispy carrots, and a teriyaki drizzle.
Why did Panera discontinue French onion soup? ›
First, it removed the French Onion Soup, a staple on the menu for over 20 years, to make room for seasonal menu items in June. Then, it was revealed the brand was heating up frozen dishes. In a change from their previous social media reactions to public outcry, the St.
What happened to Panera's cream cheese? ›We have likewise ceased all manufacturing in the associated cream cheese facility,” said Panera president and CEO Blaine Hurst in the statement. “Only one variety of two-ounce cream cheese from a single day yielded the positive result. Our intent is to go above and beyond for our guests.”
Is Panera owned by Mcdonald's? ›The company, which until 2021 also owned Au Bon Pain, is owned by JAB Holding Company which is, in turn, owned by the Reimann family of Germany. Panera offers a wide array of pastries and baked goods, such as bagels, brownies, cookies, croissants, muffins, and scones.
What did Panera used to be called? ›Panera began in 1987 as St. Louis Bread Company, a humble community bakery founded with a sourdough starter from San Francisco and a dream of putting a loaf of bread in every arm.
What does the Italian word Panera mean? ›Part of the new name, Panera, is a word that has roots meaning “bread basket” in Latin. If you love bread bowls as much as we do, here's how to make a copycat Panera bread bowl at home.
What are Panera's busiest hours? ›The drop back off after breakfast ends. 12pm-1pm is our busiest times at our store. Then we are slow again until around 6-7pm. It's an easy job once you get to know everything about the job.
Is Panera Coke or Pepsi? ›Loyalty360 - Panera Partners with PepsiCo to Offer First Unlimited Self-Serve Beverage Subscription.
Do I have to wear my Panera hat? ›Yes, but the hat is provided for you. Yes you do have to wear a hat.
How long can I sit in a Panera? ›Whether you want to come in and enjoy a coffee and our complimentary Wi-Fi , or order online using Rapid Pick-Up so you can grab something quickly, Panera Bread Cambridge is here with warmth and welcome. Panera Bread. Food as it should be. You can sit there all day!
Do you have to tip at Panera? ›Its entirely up to the customer, they can tip you from their credit card when they pay for their order online or they can tip you in cash when you deliver their food. Sometimes, tips are not required. It depends entirely on the customer. They can tip from their credit card or in cash when you deliver.
Does Panera allow facial hair? ›
Facial hair is allow but must be stubble. If it is full beard, must be covered with a beard cover. It is preferred that you keep facial hair trimmed low because you will be working with a lot of open food.
What meat does Panera use? ›This includes chicken, turkey and pork raised without antibiotics; grass-fed and grass-finished steak; and sows raised in group housing once pregnancy is confirmed. We believe these practices are not only better for the animals, but also result in better tasting ingredients.
How does Panera cook their eggs? ›Previously, the company hard-fried its eggs in a circular template on the grill to firmly cook the egg and shape it to better fit within the sandwich. Now, it's cracking extra large pasteurized eggs right on the flattop, cooking them over-easy and serving them on a brioche bun nice and runny.
Are Panera scrambled eggs real? ›Panera says their sandwiches use only freshly cracked eggs or egg whites with no additives. Plenty of chains offer egg sandwiches and egg products as part of their morning menus, but they often contain hard-to-pronounce fillers or stabilizers.
Does Panera Bread wash their salads? ›Cindy CelliPanera Bread
They don't wash their lettuce.
Triple-patty burgers and cheese-draped chicken, bacon, ranch sub sandwiches, often provide more than the recommended daily allowance of saturated fat and sodium, and contain between 800 and 1,000 calories.
Is Panera Bread meat processed? ›Review of Panera Bread. Description: From focusing on quality, clean ingredients to serving our food to you in a warm and welcoming environment, Panera Bread is committed to being an ally to our guests.