Panera Bread: What’s Vegetarian Editorial Review

Panera Bread gives vegetarians a real meal to build, even after the menu got leaner in 2024. Soups, the Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich, grain salads, and a long bread and bagel lineup all give you something to work with beyond the bakery case.

What to order at Panera Bread

The Ten Vegetable Soup and Black Bean Soup are both vegetarian, made with vegetable broth rather than chicken stock. The Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich goes fully vegan once you drop the feta and pick a vegan bread. Classic Avocado Toast on sourdough, Steel Cut Oatmeal with strawberries and pecans, and the Tropical Green Smoothie are all vegan as served, and hummus is a safe side to add anywhere. The Sourdough Bread Bowl, French Baguette, and the full lineup of bagels are vegan too, so there’s always a filling carb option even on a busy day.

What to watch out for

Guides disagree on whether the soups count as strictly vegan. PETA and VegNews list both the Black Bean and Ten Vegetable soups as vegan, while other trackers don’t, since broth formulations can shift by season. If that distinction matters to you, ask staff to check the in-cafe ingredient binder. Broccoli Cheddar and Creamy Tomato soups are vegetarian only, thanks to dairy, and the Classic Mac and Cheese and Tomato Basil Bread fall the same way. Most smoothies besides the Tropical Green use Greek yogurt, so check before you order one.