Panera Bread
Flavor:
Baja Bowl with Chicken
Ingredients:
Brown Rice & Quinoa Blend (Cooked Rice Quinoa Blend (Water, Long Grain Brown Rice, White Quinoa, Red Quinoa, Sea Salt), Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cilantro), Black Bean And Corn Salsa (Cooked Black Beans (Water, Black Beans), Yellow Corn, Lime Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Ancho Chile Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Granulated Garlic, Granulated Onion, Cumin, Black Pepper, Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum), Tomatoes, Avocado, Fully Cooked Seasoned Chicken (Chicken Breast Meat With Rib Meat, Water, Rice Starch, Vinegar, Seasoning [Salt, Rice Starch, Potato Starch, Dextrose And Natural Flavor], Sea Salt, Dextrose, Garlic Powder, And Black Pepper), Salsa Verde (Canola Oil, Cilantro, Water, Garlic, Lime Juice, Jalapeno Peppers, Sea Salt, Distilled Vinegar, Black Pepper, Xanthan Gum), Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt (Cultured Pasteurized Non-Fat Milk, Cream, Contains Live Active Cultures S. Thermophilus, L. Bulgaricus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Casei, L. Paracasei, L. Rhamnosus), Pickled Red Onions (Red Onions, Sugar, Water, White Wine Vinegar, Distilled Vinegar, Calcium Chloride, Salt), Feta Cheese (Cultured Pasteurized Part-Skim Milk And Milk, Salt, Cheese Cultures, Microbial & Animal Enzymes, Potato Starch And Powdered Cellulose To Prevent Caking, Natamycin [Mold Inhibitor]), Cilantro
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Panera Bread Baja Bowl with Chicken receives the lowest possible score on our green leaf scale, indicating serious concerns for those seeking cleaner food options. The bowl is not an organic product, which detracts from its potential health benefits. Furthermore, the inclusion of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) raises red flags for consumers prioritizing natural ingredients.
The product contains added sugars, specifically sugar and dextrose, which contribute to its low rating. These sweeteners are often criticized for their negative impact on health when consumed in excess. Additionally, the presence of “natural flavor” and “flavor” in the ingredient list is problematic. These terms are ambiguous and may hide a range of unspecified additives that could be of concern to health-conscious consumers.
Xanthan gum, another additive found in the bowl, is commonly used as a thickening agent but is sometimes questioned for its necessity in food products. Canola oil, which is present in the salsa verde, is categorized as a harmful oil due to its processing methods and potential health implications.
The bowl’s content of non-organic and GMO ingredients, added sugars, ambiguous flavorings, xanthan gum, and canola oil all contribute to its minimal green leaf rating. The product’s composition does not align with the standards of those seeking cleaner, more naturally derived foods. For consumers prioritizing health and ingredient transparency, it is recommended to seek alternative options that better meet these criteria. The Panera Bread Baja Bowl with Chicken, as it stands, does not fit the bill for a wholesome, clean-eating food choice.
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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