Do Panera everything bagels have dairy?

Quick Answer

Yes, Panera everything bagels do contain dairy. The main sources of dairy in Panera everything bagels are milk, whey, and cheese.

Ingredients in Panera Everything Bagels

The ingredients list for Panera everything bagels includes:

  • Unbleached enriched wheat flour (flour, malted barley flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
  • Water
  • Sugar
  • Yeast
  • Salt
  • Vegetable oil (soybean and/or canola)
  • Malt syrup (from barley)
  • Dough conditioners (wheat flour, malted barley flour, ascorbic acid, enzymes)
  • Sesame seeds
  • Poppy seeds
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Caraway seeds
  • Sea salt
  • Whey (milk)
  • Cheese culture
  • Ascorbic acid
  • Enzymes

The key dairy ingredients are:

– Whey (milk)
– Cheese culture

Whey is a protein extracted from milk during the cheesemaking process. It contains lactose, the naturally occurring sugar in milk.

Cheese culture contains bacteria that are used to ferment milk into cheese. These cultures are grown in a dairy medium.

So the whey and cheese culture confirm that Panera everything bagels contain dairy ingredients.

Why Do Bagels Contain Dairy?

There are a few reasons why most bagel recipes call for dairy ingredients:

  • For texture – Dairy ingredients like whey help improve the texture of bagels. Whey adds moisture and flexibility to the dough, resulting in a chewier interior and crisper crust.
  • For flavor – Cheese and whey provide a subtle creamy, tangy flavor to bagels. This gives them a more complex, savory taste compared to plain bread.
  • For browning – Milk proteins and milk sugar lactose help bagels achieve that signature brown exterior when boiled and baked. The milk solids caramelize, enhancing the color and flavor.
  • For fermentation – Cultured dairy products like whey and cheese contain bacteria that produce gases during fermentation. This gives bagels their characteristic hole and chewy texture.

So in short, dairy is an important component in achieving the ideal bagel texture, flavor, appearance, and overall quality. Most bagel shops and brands opt to include some type of dairy in their everything bagel recipe.

Other Panera Bagels with Dairy

While this article is focused on Panera everything bagels, it’s important to note that most other varieties of Panera bagels also contain dairy.

This includes fan favorites like:

  • Asiago Cheese Bagels
  • Cheddar Cheese Bagels
  • Cinnamon Crunch Bagels
  • French Toast Bagels

The main dairy ingredients found in these other Panera bagel flavors are:

  • Asiago cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Cream cheese filling
  • Whey
  • Butter
  • Milk
  • Yogurt

So those with dairy allergies or avoiding dairy for other reasons should be aware that most standard Panera bagel options contain some form of dairy.

Non-Dairy Bagel Options at Panera

For customers wishing to avoid dairy, Panera does offer some non-dairy bagel flavors.

These specialty options are made without milk, cheese, whey or other dairy ingredients:

  • Blueberry Bagels
  • Chocolate Chip Bagels
  • Cinnamon Sugar Raisin Bagels
  • Plain Bagels

So if you require a dairy-free bagel, one of these varieties would be your best bet at Panera. Some additional tips:

  • Request your bagel to be prepared in a clean cooking area and avoid cross-contact with dairy
  • Ask for a non-dairy cream cheese alternative like hummus or avocado spread instead of regular cream cheese
  • Opt for non-dairy toppings like blueberries, cinnamon sugar, or toasted nuts instead of cream cheese-based spreads
  • Let the staff know you have a dairy allergy so they can take extra precautions

Taking these steps will help ensure you receive a dairy-free Panera bagel tailored to your dietary needs.

Does Panera Have Vegan Bagels?

Panera bagels are not vegan, as they contain milk-derived ingredients like whey and cheese cultures. However, some varieties can be made vegan by requesting special preparation:

  • Blueberry, chocolate chip, cinnamon sugar raisin, and plain bagels are dairy-free
  • Ask for no cream cheese or have the bagel prepared away from dairy contamination
  • Substitute dairy-based toppings for hummus, avocado, nut butter, jam, etc.

So with some modifications, it is possible to enjoy a tasty vegan bagel at Panera. But in general, Panera bagels are not specifically marketed as vegan. Always check ingredients and notify staff of allergen precautions for the best results.

Nutrition Information for Panera Everything Bagels

Here is the nutrition information for a standard Panera everything bagel (not low-fat or flat versions):

Nutrition Facts Serving Size 1 bagel (104g)
Calories 260
Total Fat 4g
Saturated Fat 0.5g
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 530mg
Total Carbohydrates 49g
Dietary Fiber 2g
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 9g

As you can see, a single Panera everything bagel provides 260 calories, 4g of fat, 49g of carbs, and 9g of protein.

The bagel offers some nutritional benefits like being low in saturated fat and containing 2g of fiber. However, the carb and calorie counts are quite high for one bagel.

Those watching their carb or calorie intake may want to split a bagel, opt for a flat or mini bagel, or pair with protein like eggs. But overall, while not the healthiest choice, Panera everything bagels can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Cost of Panera Everything Bagels

Panera everything bagels typically cost:

  • Single bagel: $1.99 – $2.79 depending on location
  • Half dozen: $11.99 – $12.99
  • Baker’s dozen (13 bagels): $23.99 – $25.99

Add-ons like cream cheese, avocado spread, or lox can be an additional $0.50 – $2 per bagel.

Reduced fat, flat, and mini bagels may be slightly cheaper than the standard everything bagel.

Panera frequently offers promotions like bagel packs and rewards programs that can help you save money on their bagels as well. Overall, their bagel prices are fairly average for a nationwide bakery-cafe chain.

Where to Buy Panera Everything Bagels

You can purchase Panera everything bagels:

  • In-store at any Panera bakery-cafe location
  • Online through Panera’s website or app for delivery or rapid pickup
  • Select grocery stores like Whole Foods may carry Panera baked goods including everything bagels
  • Food delivery services like UberEats, DoorDash, or GrubHub can deliver Panera bagels in some areas

If a bagel craving strikes and you don’t live near a Panera, check their online catering menu – many locations offer nationwide shipping on bagel packs and breakfast trays.

This allows you to enjoy Panera’s signature everything bagels no matter where you live across the US.

Copycat Panera Everything Bagel Recipe

Can’t get to a Panera but want to recreate that flavorful everything bagel experience at home? Try this top-rated copycat recipe:

Ingredients

  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 1/4 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/4 cups warm water
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp melted butter or olive oil
  • 2 tbsp malt syrup or molasses
  • Toppings:
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 1/4 cup dried minced onion
  • 1/4 cup dried minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp coarse sea salt
  • 2 tsp caraway seeds

Steps

  1. Combine the bread flour, sugar, yeast and salt in a large bowl. Form a well in the center.
  2. Pour the warm water, honey, and melted butter into the well. Mix until a shaggy dough begins to form.
  3. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
  5. Punch down risen dough to release air. Divide into 8 equal pieces and shape into balls.
  6. Create a hole in the center of each ball by poking a finger through and rotating the dough. Stretch dough balls to about 5 inches wide.
  7. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Reduce to a simmer and drop in bagels 2-3 at a time, cooking 1 minute per side.
  8. Remove boiled bagels to a parchment lined baking sheet. Top with your desired everything bagel toppings, pressing gently to adhere.
  9. Bake at 425F for 15 minutes until deep golden brown. Enjoy!

Making these homemade copycat Panera everything bagels ensures you get that delicious flavor whenever you want. Customize them to your taste by adjusting the toppings as desired.

Conclusion

Panera’s everything bagels do contain common dairy ingredients like whey and cheese culture. For those with dairy allergies or dietary restrictions, specialty flavors like blueberry, chocolate chip, cinnamon raisin, or plain provide non-dairy bagel options.

Overall, Panera’s everything bagels offer a tasty on-the-go breakfast or snack full of flavorful seeds and toppings. Just be aware that their classic recipe relies on components like whey and cheese to achieve that perfect tender, chewy texture and savory taste.

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