Panera Bread
Flavor:
Hot Chocolate
Ingredients:
Reduced Fat Milk (Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D3 Added), Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce (Corn Syrup, Sugar, Vegetable Glycerin, Water, Alkalized Cocoa, Sweetened Condensed Milk [Milk, Sugar], Natural Flavor, Salt, Carrageenan, Chocolate, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid), Whipped Cream (Cream, Skim Milk, Cane Sugar, Sorbitan Monostearate, Carrageenan, Dextrose, Natural Vanilla Flavoring), Caramel Sauce (Sweetened Condensed Milk [Milk, Sugar], Corn Syrup, Cane Sugar, Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Light Brown Sugar, Butter [Cream, Salt], Heavy Cream, Natural Flavors, Salt, Sunflower Lecithin)
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Awarded a 1/5 green leaf rating, the Panera Bread Hot Chocolate is not recommended according to our criteria for cleaner food options. This product fails to meet several standards that are essential for a healthier choice.
The hot chocolate is not organic, which detracts significantly from its score as we prioritize organic products to limit exposure to pesticides and other chemicals. It also does not use non-GMO ingredients, further reducing its rating. GMOs are often avoided by those seeking cleaner foods due to concerns over environmental impact and potential health risks.
A considerable issue with this product is its high content of added sugars, which include brown sugar, regular sugar, and citric acid. Excessive sugar intake is linked to various health problems, such as obesity and diabetes. The situation worsens with the presence of more harmful sugars like dextrose, cane sugar, and corn syrup, which are detrimental to maintaining a balanced diet and can lead to further health complications.
The inclusion of potentially harmful additives also impacts the product’s rating negatively. Natural flavors, while seemingly benign, are often processed and can contain undisclosed chemical mixtures. Xanthan gum and glycerin, although common in processed foods, may be associated with digestive issues and are not ideal for those looking for pure, unadulterated food options.
Most concerning is the presence of carrageenan, a known harmful additive. Carrageenan is controversial due to its potential inflammatory properties and its use is a critical factor in lowering the product’s score. Additionally, the product contains palm oil, which is not only environmentally damaging due to deforestation practices but also is considered less healthy compared to other oils.
The Panera Bread Hot Chocolate, with its non-organic status, GMO ingredients, high added sugar content, and inclusion of potentially harmful additives and oils, receives the lowest possible score on our scale. It is strongly advised that consumers seeking cleaner, healthier food options avoid this product.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
Alternatives
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How We Rate
Every company today has a responsibility to be a net positive for the planet,
for society, and for our ecosystem