Panera Bread
Flavor:
Brownie
Ingredients:
Brownie (Brownie (Sugar, Eggs, Brown Sugar, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Sugar, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin, Natural Vanilla Flavor, Milk), Soybean And/Or Canola Oil, Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Cocoa Processed With Alkali, Butter (Cream [Milk], Salt), Water, Egg Yolks, Natural Vanilla Flavor With Other Natural Flavors, Palm Oil, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Yellow Corn Flour, Wheat Starch), Powdered Sugar)
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Panera Bread Brownie is a product that falls short on our scale for cleaner food options. This brownie is not certified organic and does not use non-GMO ingredients, factors that significantly impact its rating on our website. It includes added sugars, specifically brown sugar and sugar, which contribute to its low score.
Moreover, the ingredient list reveals the presence of potentially harmful additives. Natural flavors, although common in processed foods, are a concern due to their vague composition and the lack of transparency regarding their source. Enriched flour, while fortified with vitamins, often comes from refined grains that lack the nutritional value of their whole counterparts. Soy lecithin is another additive used as an emulsifier, and while it is generally recognized as safe, it is often derived from soybeans that are commonly genetically modified.
The brownie also contains oils that are deemed harmful by our criteria. Canola and palm oils are included, and these are often processed using methods that raise health concerns. The production of palm oil, in particular, is associated with environmental issues such as deforestation and habitat destruction. The use of palm oil also raises ethical considerations due to the impact on indigenous communities and wildlife.
The Panera Bread Brownie’s low rating reflects its composition, which does not align with the goal of offering cleaner food options. The inclusion of non-organic, GMO ingredients, added sugars, and questionable additives and oils contribute to its minimal score of 1/5 green leaves. Our assessment advises consumers to avoid this product in favor of healthier, more transparent, and environmentally responsible food choices.
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