Panera Bread
Flavor:
Mediterranean Veggie
Ingredients:
Tomato Basil Miche (Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Enzyme [Corn], Folic Acid), Tomatoes (Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Juice, Citric Acid, Calcium Chloride), Water, Salt, Roasted Garlic (Garlic, Water), Crumb Topping (Brown Sugar, Enriched Wheat Flour [Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Palm Oil, Sugar, Cinnamon, Honey, Natural Vanilla Flavor, Salt), Yeast (Yeast, Sorbitan Monostearate, Ascorbic Acid), Dried Basil, Enzyme Blend (Enriched Wheat Flour [Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid], Microbial Enzymes), Tomatoes, Hummus (Cooked Chickpeas (Chickpeas, Water), Tahini Paste (Sesame Seeds), Canola Oil, Garlic, Sea Salt, Citric Acid, Cumin, Xanthan Gum), Cucumber, Red Onion, 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]), Emerald Greens (Green Leaf Lettuce Blend), Peppadew (Sweet Piquante Peppers, Water, White Sugar, Vinegar, Salt, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Chloride), Sea Salt And Black Pepper Blend (Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Canola Oil)
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rating: 1/5 Green Leaves
The Panera Bread Mediterranean Veggie consists of a Tomato Basil Miche, topped with a variety of vegetables, hummus, and cheese. It falls short of achieving a higher green leaf rating due to several factors related to its ingredients and their sourcing.
This product is not organic, a deficiency that leads to a lower score on our scale. Organic foods are often preferred for their environmentally friendly farming practices and reduced exposure to pesticides. Additionally, the Mediterranean Veggie does not use non-GMO ingredients, which is another expectation for cleaner food options.
Added sugars are present in the form of brown sugar and sugar, which contribute to the product’s lower rating. Excessive sugar intake is linked to numerous health issues, including obesity and heart disease, and thus, products with added sugars are scored less favorably.
The ingredient list includes potentially harmful additives, such as flavors and various forms of enriched flour, which are often processed and stripped of their natural nutrients. Enriched flours are typically seen as a less healthy option compared to their whole grain counterparts. Xanthan gum, which is commonly used as a thickener or stabilizer, is also flagged in our assessment for its potential to cause digestive issues in some individuals.
Furthermore, the presence of oils such as canola and palm oil contributes to the product’s low rating. These oils are often processed and may contain trans fats, which are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. The environmental impact of palm oil production, which includes deforestation and habitat destruction, is also a significant concern.
The Mediterranean Veggie from Panera Bread is rated at the lowest end of our green leaf scale due to its non-organic status, use of GMO ingredients, added sugars, potentially harmful additives, and the inclusion of harmful oils. Consumers seeking cleaner food options are advised to consider these factors when making their 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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