Panera Bread

Awarded a rating of 1/5 green leaves, the Panera Bread Chai Tea Latte falls significantly short of the cleaner food options our website endorses. The product is not organic and contains genetically modified ingredients, which detracts from its overall score. Furthermore, the inclusion of added sugars, such as sugar and citric acid, raises concerns about the healthfulness of the beverage.

A closer examination of the ingredients list reveals the presence of potentially harmful additives. The term ‘natural flavor’ often encompasses a range of undisclosed substances, and its use in this product leads to a deduction in our scoring system. Similarly, ‘flavor’ is a nondescript term that does not provide transparency about the ingredient’s origin or composition. The latte also contains xanthan gum, an additive that, while generally recognized as safe, can cause digestive issues for some individuals.

The chai tea latte’s score is further impacted by the presence of palm, which is associated with environmental concerns and is often processed in a way that can result in harmful trans fats. Our criteria penalize the use of such oils due to their negative implications for both human health and the planet.

Given these considerations, our assessment of the Panera Bread Chai Tea Latte is clear. The product’s ingredient profile does not align with our standards for clean eating. The non-organic status, use of GMOs, added sugars, ambiguous additives, and the inclusion of palm oil contribute to its low rating. As a result, we advise consumers to steer clear of this product in favor of cleaner, more wholesome alternatives that better support a healthy lifestyle and the environment.