Panera Gluten Free Menu Guide 2026
Navigating Panera Bread without gluten can be tricky. We have compiled the complete list of gluten-conscious salads, soups, bowls, and breakfast items to help you order safely and deliciously.
Crucial Context on Cross-Contamination: Panera Bread uses the term “Gluten Conscious” rather than “Gluten-Free.” Because they bake fresh bread in-house daily, their kitchens are highly exposed to flour. Panera explicitly states they do not recommend their food for individuals with Celiac disease or severe wheat allergies. These options are best for those with mild sensitivities or dietary preferences.
Top 4 Panera Gluten Free Menu Picks
If you are overwhelmed by the menu, here are the absolute best, most popular, and most reliable gluten-conscious options at Panera Bread right now. These items offer great flavor without the wheat.
Gluten-Friendly Salads & Dressings
Salads are generally your safest bet at Panera. Most of their signature salads are naturally gluten-free as long as you request them without croutons and without a side baguette (opt for an apple or Panera potato chips instead).
| Salad Option | Required Modification | Calories | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuji Apple Salad with Chicken | None (Naturally GF) | 580 cal | $11.99 |
| Greek Salad | Order WITHOUT Croutons | 400 cal | $9.99 |
| Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken | Order WITHOUT Croutons | 500 cal | $10.49 |
| Strawberry Poppyseed & Chicken Salad | None (Naturally GF) | 360 cal | $12.49 |
| Mediterranean Veggie Salad | Remove Farro/Ancient Grain Blend | 450 cal | $10.29 |
| Caesar Salad (w/ or w/o Chicken) | Order WITHOUT Croutons | 330 cal | $8.99 |
| Spicy Thai Chicken Salad | Remove Wonton Strips, Thai Chili Vinaigrette & Peanut Sauce | 400 cal | $12.29 |
Yes, you are in luck! Most of Panera’s popular dressings are gluten-free, including: Asian Sesame Vinaigrette, Balsamic Vinaigrette, Caesar, Fuji Apple Vinaigrette, Greek, Green Goddess, Ranch, and Honey Mustard.
Soups & Warm Bowls
Soups can be deceiving, as many restaurant soups use wheat flour as a thickener. Panera specifically labels certain soups as “Gluten Conscious.” Never order these in a bread bowl.
Soups to STRICTLY AVOID: Bistro French Onion, Chicken Noodle, Cream of Chicken & Wild Rice, and New England Clam Chowder (standard recipes usually contain wheat).
Breakfast, Sides & Beverages
Panera’s bakery case (bagels, breads, pastries) is entirely off-limits for a gluten-free diet. However, you can still piece together a satisfying morning meal or snack.
| Category | Gluten-Free Options | Est. Calories | Est. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast Proteins | Scrambled Eggs, Hard Boiled Eggs | 140 cal | Varies |
| Fruit & Yogurt | Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries (Skip oats if highly sensitive) Seasonal Fruit Cup |
240 cal 80 cal |
$5.99 $1.29 |
| Meal Sides | Panera Potato Chips Fresh Whole Apple |
150 cal 80 cal |
Included |
| Smoothies | Strawberry Banana, Mango, Tropical Green, Peach & Blueberry | 200-260 cal | $6.49 |
| Beverages | Coffee, Cold Brew, Teas, Lemonades, Signature Hot Chocolate (NO marshmallows) | 0-300 cal | Varies |
Tips for Ordering with Sensitivities
If you are ordering from Panera with a gluten sensitivity, follow these best practices to minimize the risk of cross-contact:
- Tell the cashier about your allergy/sensitivity before you start ordering.
- Ask the employee to change their gloves before preparing your meal.
- Remind them not to include the side piece of baguette with your meal (choose an apple or chips).
- Double-check that croutons are removed from salads.
- Use the Panera app to customize orders; it makes it very easy to remove specific ingredients (like grain blends or croutons) without miscommunication.