⚠️ UNOFFICIAL GUIDE: This is an independent informational site, not affiliated with Panera Bread.
More Panera Bread Guides
Discover more helpful guides and insider tips for your Panera Bread dining experience.
Dining with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity? Discover safe gluten-conscious options including fresh-prepared salads, hearty soups, warm bowls, and delicious sides!
Panera Bread is a popular destination for those who enjoy fresh-baked artisan breads, hearty soups, and vibrant salads. However, for guests with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, finding safe menu options can be a concern.
The good news is that Panera understands these dietary concerns and offers a variety of gluten-conscious options that allow guests to enjoy their meal with confidence. In this guide, we'll explore what gluten is, and provide a comprehensive overview of the gluten-free options available at Panera, helping you make informed choices when dining out.
Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. While harmless for most people, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity must avoid it. It can cause adverse health effects and is commonly found in bread, pasta, baked goods, and many processed foods.
Safety First: **Always inform your server** about your gluten-free needs. While Panera Bread offers gluten-conscious options, cross-contamination can occur in a shared kitchen environment. Ask about preparation methods and request that your meal be prepared separately if you have severe celiac disease.
| Menu Item | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Poppyseed Salad | Fresh-prepared with chicken, romaine, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and pecans. | $11.89 - $14.59 |
| Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken | Chicken, mixed greens, tomatoes, red onions, pecans, gorgonzola and apple chips. | $10.99 - $13.99 |
| Greek Salad | Romaine, tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, salt and pepper and greek dressing. | $8.49 - $10.99 |
| Green Goddess Cobb Salad | Chicken, arugula, romaine, baby kale, red blend, tomatoes, onions, eggs and avocado. | $11.29 - $14.59 |
| Mediterranean Bowl | Chicken, cilantro lime brown rice and quinoa, arugula, tomatoes, cucumbers and feta. | $11.99 - $14.89 |
| Baja Bowl with Chicken | Chicken, brown rice, black bean and corn salsa, salsa verde and avocado. | $11.99 - $14.89 |
Fresh-prepared with chicken, romaine, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and pecans.
Chicken, mixed greens, tomatoes, red onions, pecans, gorgonzola and apple chips.
Romaine, tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, and greek dressing.
Chicken, arugula, romaine, baby kale, tomatoes, eggs and avocado.
Pro Tip: All Panera salads and bowls marked as 'Gluten-Conscious' are naturally prepared with safe ingredients! Enjoy with confidence - just avoid adding croutons or bread sides.
Seasonal blend of fresh grapes, pineapple, and strawberries.
A crisp, whole Fuji or Gala apple. Naturally gluten-free.
Panera Sea Salt Kettle Cooked Chips (Check packaging for allergen labels).
Traditional crunchy pickle spear served with most sandwiches.
Protein-packed side option (usually found in protein boxes).
Vinegar-based dressing with fresh tomatoes and cucumbers.
Avoid: French Baguettes, Sprouted Grain Rolls, croutons, and any breaded side items. Cookies and pastries are also NOT gluten-free.
Safe Choice: Fresh fruit cups, whole apples, and Panera Sea Salt Chips are your most reliable gluten-conscious side options!
| Salad | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Salad | Fresh greens topped with gluten-free grilled chicken and seasonal veggies. | $11.99 |
| Grilled Salmon Salad | Salmon served over crisp greens with gluten-free toppings and light vinaigrette. | $14.99 |
| Steakhouse Filet Salad | Tender steak filet medallions over mixed greens (Request NO croutons). | $15.99 |
| House Salad | Fresh garden salad (No croutons, gluten-conscious dressing). | $5.99 |
Fresh greens topped with gluten-free grilled chicken.
$11.99Salmon over crisp greens with gluten-free toppings.
$14.99Tender filet medallions over mixed greens.
$15.99Remember: Request "no croutons" and ask for gluten-free dressing options. Vinaigrettes are typically your safest bet!
A simple, tender grilled chicken portion—naturally gluten-free.
Chobani Organic Greek Yogurt tubes or cups (Check labels).
Standard kids side options that are naturally gluten-free.
Simple greens with a safe dressing (Request NO croutons).
Always tell your server about your gluten-free needs immediately. The Panera team can guide you to safe preparation methods.
Many Panera salads are naturally gluten-conscious but come with croutons by default. Explicitly ask to remove them.
Since Panera is a bakery, flour can be in the air. If you have severe celiac disease, ask if your meal can be prepared in a clean area.
Some dressings may contain hidden gluten thickeners. Stick to Panera's Greek dressing or Vinaigrettes for maximum safety.
Panera meals often come with a baguette. Don't forget to swap it for an apple, fruit cup, or chips!
Panera offers a "Gluten-Conscious" menu rather than a strictly gluten-free one. While many items are made without gluten ingredients, shared kitchen equipment means cross-contamination is possible.
No, Panera's signature Mac & Cheese is made with wheat-based pasta and is not gluten-free. There is currently no gluten-free pasta option available.
Safety depends on seasonal rotation, but the Vegetarian Autumn Squash (without croutons) and select Turkey Chili versions are often safe. Always check the daily allergen guide.
Many celiac diners eat at Panera by sticking to salads (no croutons) and fruit sides. However, due to the high volume of flour in the bakery area, those with severe sensitivities should exercise extreme caution.
Yes! The Fuji Apple Salad is one of the safest options at Panera when ordered as-is. It features chicken, pecans, and apple chips which are all naturally gluten-free.
Yes, the Panera Kettle Cooked Sea Salt Chips are gluten-free. They are an excellent safe alternative to the side baguette.
Currently, Panera Bread does not offer a gluten-free bread or bun option for sandwiches. Guests are encouraged to order "warm grain bowls" or "salads" instead.
No. Panera's Broccoli Cheddar soup contains flour as a thickener and is NOT gluten-free. It is a common "hidden gluten" item to avoid.
Most Panera bakery items are loaded with gluten. However, they occasionally offer pre-packaged gluten-free cookies or brownies (like the Triple Berry Mini Scones in some locations)—always check for specific labels.
Request that the staff change their gloves and use a clean cutting board/utensils when preparing your salad or bowl. Most Panera locations are happy to accommodate "Allergy Protocol" requests.
Dining out with gluten sensitivity doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. Explore Panera's fresh menu today!
Get Latest Prices & OrdersDiscover more helpful guides and insider tips for your Panera Bread dining experience.
Share your Panera Bread experience with fellow fans!
Fetching feedback...