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18 Plant-Based Options — Prices & Modifications
Panera is a bread-and-cheese company, which makes eating vegan there harder than it should be. But it is not impossible. This guide covers every vegan-friendly option including modifications, the items that look vegan but are not, and the exact dressings and breads that are plant-based safe.
18
Vegan Items
2
Vegan Soups
3
Vegan Breads
5
Traps to Avoid
Hummus, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, arugula, lemon tahini dressing. The best vegan option at Panera.
Same fillings on vegan Sourdough bread. Remove feta. Hummus provides the creamy base. Filling and satisfying.
Butternut squash, pumpkin, apple, curry. Naturally vegan with no modifications needed. Lightest soup on the menu.
Romaine, tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, pepperoncini with Greek dressing. Simple, clean vegan salad.
These trip up vegans at Panera more than anything
Contains cream and cheddar cheese. Not even close to vegan.
Contains butter and dairy in the dough and topping.
Contains dairy. Use oil & vinegar or balsamic instead.
Contains milk and butter. Swap to Sourdough or French Baguette.
Contains parmesan and anchovy. Use Asian sesame or balsamic instead.
Yes. Panera has roughly 18 items that are vegan or can be made vegan through modifications. The strongest categories are salads (remove cheese, swap dressing), soups (Vegetarian Autumn Squash and Cream of Tomato are both vegan), and sides (apple, baguette, chips). Sandwiches require removing cheese and swapping bread in some cases.
No. Broccoli Cheddar Soup contains dairy (cream, cheddar cheese) and is not vegan. The two vegan soups are Vegetarian Autumn Squash (170 cal) and Cream of Tomato (230 cal — note: Panera's tomato soup does not contain cream despite the name in some versions; verify with your location).
The French Baguette, Sourdough bread, and Country Rustic bread are vegan-friendly. The brioche, ciabatta, and flatbread contain dairy or eggs. Always verify when ordering sandwiches — some bread types look similar but have different ingredients.
The Mediterranean Veggie Salad (remove feta), Greek Salad (remove feta), and Fuji Apple Salad (remove gorgonzola, pecans are vegan) can all be made vegan. Use oil & vinegar, balsamic vinaigrette, or Asian sesame dressing — the Caesar and Green Goddess contain dairy.
Most Panera bagels contain dairy or eggs. The Plain Bagel and Sesame Bagel are the safest options for vegans. Avoid the Cinnamon Crunch (contains dairy), Asiago (contains cheese), and Chocolate Chip (contains dairy). Always check current ingredient lists as formulas can change.
Yes. Hot coffee, iced coffee (unsweetened), hot tea, iced tea, and the fruit smoothies (without yogurt) are vegan. The Charged Lemonades are vegan. Ask for oat milk or almond milk for lattes. Fountain drinks and sparkling water are vegan.
Almost. Remove the feta cheese and it becomes vegan — hummus, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, pepperoncini, and arugula with lemon tahini dressing. The dressing is vegan. This is arguably the best vegan entree at Panera.
The Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich can be made vegan by removing the feta cheese and swapping to Sourdough or French Baguette bread. The result is hummus, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, and onions. It works, but the options are limited compared to other chains.
No. All Panera cookies, muffins, scones, and pastries contain dairy and/or eggs. There are no vegan baked goods on the current menu. The closest vegan treat is a fresh apple from the sides menu.
Yes. The Vegetarian Autumn Squash Soup is vegan — it contains butternut squash, pumpkin, apple, and curry spice. No dairy, no eggs, no honey. At 170 calories per cup, it is also the lightest soup on the menu.
Ingredient lists verified against Panera's 2026 allergen data
All vegan designations in this guide are based on Panera's published ingredient lists. Cross-contamination is possible in a shared kitchen. If you have severe allergies, inform the staff. Updated May 2026.
It is harder than it should be. But 18 options is enough to build a solid meal.
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