What To Know
- Based on Panera Bread’s official stance and the potential for cross-contamination, we advise that individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance avoid consuming the BBQ Chicken Salad at Panera Bread.
- Can I order the BBQ Chicken Salad without the BBQ Sauce to make it gluten-free.
- Is the BBQ Sauce used in the BBQ Chicken Salad the same as the BBQ Sauce sold separately by Panera Bread.
For those navigating the complexities of gluten-free living, dining out can be a daunting task. But what about a beloved chain like Panera Bread? Is the BBQ Chicken Salad a gluten-free haven or a potential dietary pitfall? Let’s delve into the details to uncover the truth.
Panera’s Gluten-Free Policy
Panera Bread takes gluten-free concerns seriously. They have a dedicated gluten-free menu and train their staff to handle gluten-free orders with care. However, it’s important to note that their facilities do process gluten-containing ingredients, so cross-contamination is always a possibility.
Ingredients Analysis
To determine if the BBQ Chicken Salad is gluten-free, let’s scrutinize its ingredients:
- Chicken: Gluten-free
- BBQ Sauce: May contain gluten (see below)
- Red Grapes: Gluten-free
- Celery: Gluten-free
- Carrots: Gluten-free
- Cucumbers: Gluten-free
- Red Onion: Gluten-free
BBQ Sauce: The Glutenous Culprit?
The key ingredient to consider is the BBQ Sauce. Panera Bread uses a proprietary BBQ Sauce, which isn’t labeled gluten-free. This raises concerns about potential gluten contamination.
Panera’s Response
When contacted about the gluten-free status of their BBQ Chicken Salad, Panera Bread stated that it is not considered gluten-free. They recommend consulting with their healthcare provider before consuming this item if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance.
Alternatives for Gluten-Free Enjoyment
If you’re craving a gluten-free BBQ Chicken Salad fix, here are some alternatives to consider:
- Homemade BBQ Chicken Salad: Prepare your own BBQ Chicken Salad using gluten-free BBQ sauce.
- Gluten-Free BBQ Chicken Salad at Other Restaurants: Check with other restaurants that offer gluten-free BBQ Chicken Salad options.
- Panera’s Gluten-Free Salads: Panera Bread offers several gluten-free salad options, such as the Greek Salad and the Asian Sesame Chicken Salad.
Final Thoughts: Proceed with Caution
Based on Panera Bread‘s official stance and the potential for cross-contamination, we advise that individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance avoid consuming the BBQ Chicken Salad at Panera Bread. However, if you have a milder gluten intolerance or are willing to take the risk of cross-contamination, you may proceed with caution.
Top Questions Asked
1. Is the BBQ Chicken Salad at Panera Bread certified gluten-free?
No, it is not certified gluten-free.
2. Can I order the BBQ Chicken Salad without the BBQ Sauce to make it gluten-free?
Panera Bread does not recommend this, as the BBQ Sauce is an integral part of the dish.
3. Are there any other gluten-free salad options at Panera Bread?
Yes, they offer several gluten-free salads, including the Greek Salad and the Asian Sesame Chicken Salad.
4. Can I assume that all salads at Panera Bread are gluten-free?
No, always check with your server or consult the gluten-free menu to confirm.
5. Is the BBQ Sauce used in the BBQ Chicken Salad the same as the BBQ Sauce sold separately by Panera Bread?
No, the BBQ Sauce used in the salad is a proprietary blend.
