Panera Bread
Flavor:
Caesar Salad
Ingredients:
Romaine Lettuce, Caesar Dressing (Soybean Oil, Water, Worcestershire Sauce [Distilled Vinegar, Molasses, Sugar, Water, Salt, Onion, Onion Juice (Onion Juice, Salt), Anchovy, Garlic, Spice, Tamarind Extract, Natural Flavors, Chili Pepper Extract], Egg Yolks, Red Wine Vinegar, Garlic Puree (Garlic, Water), Garlic Juice, Egg Yolk Solids, Salt, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Distilled Vinegar, Sugar, Corn Syrup. Anchovy, Black Pepper, Xanthan Gum, Mustard Seed, Garlic Powder, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Citric Acid, Nisin And Natamycin (To Preserve Freshness), Celery Seed), Grated Parmesan (Pasteurized Part Skim Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Microbial Enzymes), Black Pepper Focaccia Croutons (Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Enzyme [Corn], Folic Acid), Water, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Olive Oil Blend (Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Canola Oil), Sunflower Oil With Rosemary Extract, Sprouted Grain Blend (Sprouted Wheat, Sprouted Spelt, Sprouted Rye, Sprouted Oats), Salt, Bread Base (Enriched Pregelatinized Wheat Flour [Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Wheat Fiber, Wheat Gluten, Malted Wheat Flour, Ascorbic Acid, Microbial Enzymes), Yeast (Yeast, Sorbitan Monostearate, Ascorbic Acid), Sea Salt, Ground Black Pepper)
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Panera Bread Caesar Salad falls short of ideal standards for cleaner food options. This rating reflects a product that heavily relies on non-organic ingredients and includes genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The presence of added sugars, such as molasses and sugar, along with the more concerning corn syrup, further diminishes its standing. The salad also contains a variety of potentially harmful additives, including natural flavors and xanthan gum, which contribute to its low score.
The Caesar dressing is a significant concern due to its base of soybean oil, a commonly used oil that is not considered a healthy option by many nutrition experts. The dressing also includes ingredients like egg yolk solids and various extracts that raise questions about their impact on overall health. The parmesan cheese, while a common element in Caesar salads, does not elevate the product’s rating since it is not organic.
The inclusion of black pepper focaccia croutons introduces enriched flour into the mix, another ingredient that typically signifies a lower level of nutritional value compared to whole grain alternatives. The croutons, although they may add texture, are made with oils that are not in line with cleaner eating principles. The use of sprouted grains within the croutons could be seen as a positive aspect, but it is overshadowed by the other less desirable ingredients.
For consumers seeking healthier, cleaner food options, the Panera Bread Caesar Salad does not meet the criteria set by the scoring system. Its composition of non-organic, GMO, and additive-laden ingredients place it at the lowest end of the rating scale. Those looking for salads that support a clean eating lifestyle should consider alternatives that prioritize organic produce, natural ingredients without added sugars or harmful oils, and whole grain components free from enrichment processes.
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
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