Panera Bread is a popular bakery-cafe chain that offers a variety of breads, sandwiches, salads and other menu items. One of their signature baked goods is the crisp, French-style baguette that often accompanies sandwiches and meals. For customers with dietary restrictions like lactose intolerance or vegan diets, an important question arises: are Panera’s baguettes dairy free?
Short Answer
The short answer is: yes, Panera’s original baguettes are dairy free. According to the company’s allergen information, their classic baguettes do not contain milk, butter or any other dairy ingredients. However, some of Panera’s other baguette varieties and menu items do contain dairy, so it’s important to check ingredient information carefully.
Examining Panera’s Baguette Ingredients
Panera Bread publishes allergen and nutrition data for all of its menu items online. Checking the company’s website reveals that the ingredients for their original baguette include:
- Unbleached, enriched wheat flour (flour, malted barley flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid)
- Water
- Yeast
- Salt
- Dough conditioner (wheat flour, malted barley flour, ascorbic acid, enzymes)
Panera’s classic baguette contains no milk, cream, butter, cheese or any other dairy ingredients. The primary ingredients are simply flour, water, yeast and salt, making these baguettes dairy free and vegan.
Checking Other Baguette Options on the Menu
While the original baguettes are dairy free, Panera does offer some other baguette varieties and menu items that may contain dairy:
- Asiago Cheese Baguette: Contains asiago cheese made from cow’s milk
- Chipotle Chicken Panini on Asiago Cheese Baguette: Contains dairy through the asiago baguette
- Steak & White Cheddar Panini on Asiago Cheese Baguette: Contains dairy through the asiago baguette and white cheddar cheese
- Tuna Salad Sandwich on Asiago Cheese Baguette: Contains dairy through the asiago baguette
Any sandwich served on Panera’s Asiago Cheese Baguette will contain dairy. Customers with dairy restrictions need to request the sandwich be served on the original dairy free baguette instead. Some of Panera’s cream-based soups may also contain dairy ingredients.
How to Order a Dairy Free Meal
Here are some tips for ordering a dairy free meal at Panera with a dairy free baguette:
– Check the menu carefully and look for the dairy free icon next to menu items. This indicates they are free of milk, cheese and other dairy products.
– Ask for your sandwich to be served on the original baguette, not the Asiago Cheese Baguette.
– Select soups that are plant-based or made with broth rather than cream. The Garden Vegetable Soup is one dairy free option.
– Avoid bakery items like cinnamon rolls, danishes and muffins as these likely contain butter or other dairy.
– For salads, avoid those with cheese or creamy dressings. The Green Goddess Cobb Salad contains feta so ask for it without.
– Explain any dairy restrictions to staff when ordering so they can help suggest dairy free preparations.
Being aware of the menu options and carefully customizing your order is key to getting a dairy free meal at Panera with their classic baguette.
Conclusion
Panera’s original French-style baguettes only contain four basic ingredients: flour, water, yeast and salt. According to the company’s published allergen and nutrition information, their classic baguettes do not contain any dairy ingredients like milk, butter or cheese. However, some of Panera’s other baguette varieties and menu items do contain dairy from ingredients like cheese. Customers need to check each menu item carefully to determine if it is suitable for a dairy free diet. By choosing the original baguette, dairy free sandwiches, soups and salads, as well as communicating with staff, people who are avoiding dairy can enjoy a meal at Panera. With the right choices and customizations, it’s possible to order dairy free at Panera and still enjoy their signature baguettes.
Nutrition Information for Panera’s Baguettes
For those monitoring their nutritional intake, here are the nutrition facts for Panera’s original baguettes:
| Serving Size | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 baguette (107g) | 260 | 1g | 52g | 8g |
The classic baguette provides 260 calories and 8g of protein per serving. It is also low in fat, with just 1g per baguette. The main nutrient is carbohydrates from the wheat flour, providing 52g per serving which represents about 43% of the daily value.
Understanding the nutrition content can help customers fit the baguette into their dietary needs and plan the rest of their Panera meal. Those limiting carbs may want to consume just half a baguette or opt for a lettuce wrap instead of a sandwich on the full baguette. Knowing the nutrition numbers is power when building your ideal dairy free meal at Panera.
Comparing Panera’s Baguette to Other Bakery Chains
Panera is not the only popular bakery-cafe chain. How does their classic baguette compare to the breads at other dining establishments?
Starbucks
Like Panera, Starbucks serves their sandwiches and meals on freshly baked baguettes and breads. However, most of Starbucks’ baguettes contain dairy ingredients like butter, milk and cheese. So Panera offers more baguette options for customers avoiding dairy.
Atlanta Bread Company
This chain’s menu features several breads like ciabatta, tomato basil and honey wheat. Their traditional French baguettes appear to be vegan and dairy free. So Atlanta Bread Company provides similar dairy free baguette options to Panera.
Corner Bakery
Corner Bakery lists their classic demi-baguette online as being dairy free and vegan, containing water, flour, sea salt and yeast. Their ingredient list mirrors Panera’s standard dairy free baguette.
Le Pain Quotidien
This bakery and bistro chain based in Belgium offers organic, vegan French baguettes among its specialty bread selection. Their traditional baguette ingredients also appear dairy free.
Among most major bakery chains, plain and original baguette selections tend to be vegan and dairy free. However, specialty cheese or garlic bread baguettes may contain dairy, so check menus carefully when dining at any restaurant with dietary restrictions.
Tips for Baking Your Own Dairy Free Baguettes at Home
While Panera provides a convenient option for enjoying dairy free baguettes, it’s also easy to make them from scratch in your own kitchen by following these steps:
Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) bread flour or unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, instant yeast and salt.
- Add in the warm water and oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn dough onto a floured work surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let rise for 1-2 hours until doubled in size.
- Punch down risen dough to release air bubbles. Divide into 3 equal pieces.
- Roll and shape each piece into a 15-inch baguette. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment.
- Cover baguettes loosely with plastic wrap. Let proof for 30-60 minutes until puffy.
- Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425°F.
- Using a sharp knife or lame, make 5 diagonal slashes across top of each baguette.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Cool before slicing.
Add fresh herbs, garlic, olives or roasted veggies to make flavored baguettes. Slice and enjoy your homemade dairy free baguettes!
Dairy Free Baguette Recipes
Baked fresh baguettes not only make great sandwich bread but also serve as the base for easy appetizers and snacks. Here are 2 dairy free baguette recipes to try:
1. Roasted Garlic Baguette with Tomatoes and Basil
- 1 prepared homemade or store-bought plain dairy free baguette
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Slice baguette lengthwise to open up and place on a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic with the olive oil. Brush this garlic oil over the inside surfaces of the baguette.
- Toast baguette halves in the oven for 5 minutes until lightly browned.
- Remove from oven and top with sliced tomatoes.
- Sprinkle with chopped basil and season with salt and pepper.
- Slice and serve warm.
2. Avocado Toast Baguette Bites
- 1 avocado, mashed
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 plain dairy free baguette, cut into slices
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 1 plum tomato, thinly sliced
Directions:
- In a small bowl, mash together the avocado, lime juice, chili powder and salt until smooth.
- Toast the baguette slices until lightly browned.
- Spread the avocado mixture over each toasted baguette slice.
- Top with pumpkin seeds and tomato slices.
Get creative with mix-ins like red onion, microgreens or hot sauce on these open-faced toasts. Dairy free baguettes make the perfect base for quick and easy appetizers.
Is a Gluten Free Baguette Possible?
For those avoiding both gluten and dairy, a gluten free baguette is the ideal carb. But is it possible to recreate the crunchy, flaky texture and mouthfeel of a traditional baguette without gluten?
There are a few challenges to keep in mind when developing a gluten free baguette recipe:
- Gluten provides structure. Replacing it requires a blend of flours and starches.
- The dough may be stickier and less cohesive without gluten.
- Gluten free breads often bake up denser rather than light and airy.
- They may also brown faster due to different protein content.
However, there are some solutions to improve texture and crumb:
- Use a blend of flours like rice flour, tapioca starch, sorghum flour, teff flour.
- Add xanthan gum to help bind the dough.
- Include psyllium husk to give more structure.
- Proof the dough longer to allow moisture to fully hydrate the flours.
- Add protein powders like pea protein to mimic the effects of gluten.
- Use a long, skinny shape to give a baguette appearance.
With careful recipe development and testing, it is possible to create a gluten free baguette that achieves a similar taste and texture to the real thing. Going dairy free and gluten free does limit the diet significantly, but tasty baked treats like baguettes can still be enjoyed.
The Verdict
In summary, Panera Bread’s classic French baguette made simply with flour, yeast, salt and water is both vegan and dairy free. Customers who avoid milk need to take care when ordering at Panera, being sure to choose the plain baguette and looking out for hidden dairy ingredients in soups, salads and sandwiches. With special ordering, the right customizations and clear communication of dietary needs, those sensitive to dairy can delight in Panera’s signature baguettes. For maximum flexibility, baking your own dairy free baguettes at home gives you control over all the ingredients for perfect bread every time.
