Tag: Celiac Disease

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Guide to Gluten-Free Dining at Panera Bread

bowl of soup and two silver spoons

Are you on a gluten-free diet and wondering what your options are at Panera Bread? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know about the gluten-free menu at Panera Bread, from soups and salads to breakfast items and more.

Gluten-Free Soups at Panera Bread

Panera Bread offers several gluten-free soups that are both delicious and satisfying. Some of the gluten-free soups include:

  1. Summer Corn Chowder
  2. Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup
  3. Baked Potato Soup
  4. Vegetarian Creamy Tomato Soup (make sure to order without croutons)

Gluten-Free Salads at Panera Bread

If you’re looking for a lighter option, Panera Bread also offers a variety of gluten-free salads. Some popular choices include:

  1. Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
  2. Greek Salad
  3. Seasonal Greens Salad
  4. Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken
  5. Modern Greek Salad with Quinoa
  6. Tomato Basil Cucumber Salad
  7. Southwest Chile Lime Ranch Salad with Chicken

Remember to omit croutons and any other gluten-containing ingredients to ensure your salad is gluten-free.

Gluten-Free Breakfast at Panera Bread

Start your day right with Panera Bread’s gluten-free breakfast options. The Steel Cut Oatmeal With Strawberries And Pecans requires no adjustments to be gluten-free. You can also treat yourself to all three oatmeal options, including the Apple Chips & Pecans and Almonds, Quinoa & Honey varieties. Another gluten-free breakfast option is the Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries Parfait, but be sure to omit the granola as it may contain wheat.

Gluten-Free Sides and Snacks at Panera Bread

Don’t forget about the sides and snacks! Panera Bread offers gluten-conscious options like the Triple Chocolate Cookie with Walnuts, Monster Cookie with Nuts, and the Summer Fruit Cup. For beverages, you can enjoy a variety of gluten-free options such as coffee, cold brew, tea, lattes, espresso drinks, frozen drinks, and smoothies.

Gluten-Free Bread at Panera Bread

Unfortunately, Panera Bread does not currently offer gluten-free bread. However, they have a good amount of gluten-free options on the rest of their menu including soups, salads, and some other snacks.

While Panera Bread doesn’t offer gluten-free bread for their sandwiches, there are still plenty of options to choose from. So, whether you’re looking for a hearty soup, a fresh salad, or a sweet treat, Panera Bread has got you covered with their gluten-free menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Does Panera Bread offer gluten-free bread? Unfortunately, Panera Bread does not currently offer gluten-free bread.
  2. What soups at Panera Bread are gluten-free? Some of the gluten-free soups include the Summer Corn Chowder, Southwest Chicken Tortilla Soup, Baked Potato Soup, and the Vegetarian Creamy Tomato Soup (make sure to order without croutons).
  3. What salads at Panera Bread are gluten-free? Some popular choices include the Strawberry Poppyseed Salad, Greek Salad, Seasonal Greens Salad, and the Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken.
  4. What breakfast items at Panera Bread are gluten-free? The Steel Cut Oatmeal With Strawberries And Pecans requires no adjustments to be gluten-free. You can also treat yourself to all three oatmeal options, including the Apple Chips & Pecans and Almonds, Quinoa & Honey varieties.

Remember, always check with the restaurant for the most up-to-date allergen information. Enjoy your gluten-free dining experience at Panera Bread!

Blog Tags: Gluten-Free Dining, Panera Bread, Gluten-Free Menu, Gluten-Free Soups, Gluten-Free Salads, Gluten-Free Breakfast, Gluten-Free Sides and Snacks, Gluten-Free Beverages, Gluten-Free Diet, Celiac Disease, Gluten Sensitivity, Gluten Allergy, Healthy Eating, Dining Out Gluten-Free, Gluten-Free Lifestyle.

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All About Gluten: Sensitivity, Diet, and More

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Gluten – a term that has gained notable prominence in the dietary and health world. This protein found in certain grains is associated with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which lead to a myriad of questions. What causes gluten sensitivity? What is gluten made of? What foods are high in gluten? What does gluten intolerance feel like? This comprehensive guide will answer all these questions and more, aiding your journey toward understanding and navigating a gluten-related condition or a gluten-free diet.

Understanding Gluten: Its Composition and Effects

Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. It is made up of two main proteins, glutenin and gliadin, with gliadin being responsible for most of the negative health effects.

Despite a common misconception, gluten is not made of pork or any other meat product. The name “gluten” stems from its glue-like properties when mixed with water. Gluten’s elasticity and ability to trap air make it vital in baking, leading to the light, fluffy texture we enjoy in bread and pastries.

For those with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause symptoms ranging from digestive problems to joint pain. The latter, often described as a dull, continuous ache, can be quite debilitating.

The Spectrum of Gluten-Related Disorders

  1. Celiac Disease: This is an autoimmune condition where ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and even joint pain.
  2. Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS): Individuals with NCGS experience symptoms similar to celiac disease but without accompanying intestinal damage. The precise cause of NCGS is still under study, but it appears to be an immune response to gluten in the diet.
  3. Wheat Allergy: This is an allergic reaction to proteins in wheat, not just gluten. Symptoms might include skin rash, nausea, nasal congestion, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
  4. Gluten Ataxia: A rare, neurological autoimmune condition in which the consumption of gluten leads to the damage of nerve tissue, resulting in problems with muscle control and voluntary muscle movement.

Going Gluten-Free: What Does It Mean?

Going gluten-free means eliminating foods containing gluten from your diet. This includes obvious sources like bread, pasta, and baked goods made with wheat, rye, or barley. It also includes less apparent sources where gluten is used as a thickener or filler, like in sauces, gravies, and processed meats.

For people with celiac disease or NCGS, going gluten-free can relieve symptoms, promote intestinal healing, and overall, improve quality of life. However, anyone considering this dietary shift should consult with a healthcare professional, as it can lead to deficiencies in nutrients like fiber, iron, and B vitamins.

Gluten-Free Foods: From Global to Indian Cuisine

There is an array of naturally gluten-free foods that include fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, seafood, dairy, beans, legumes, and nuts. Additionally, there are grains and starches that can be part of a gluten-free diet, such as rice, quinoa, corn, tapioca, and potatoes.

In the realm of Indian cuisine, many dishes are inherently gluten-free or can be easily modified to be so. Foods made with rice, lentils, and potatoes, like dosas, idlis, and aloo gobi, are generally gluten-free. However, dishes containing asafoetida (hing), a common spice in Indian cooking, may contain wheat as a filler, so should be avoided or replaced with a gluten-free version.

Navigating Gluten-Free Baking with GF Flour

The rise of gluten-free diets has led to the creation of a range of gluten-free flours for baking. GF flour can be a single type of flour like rice or almond flour or a blend of several flour and starches. The latter often provides a better texture and taste, mimicking the properties of wheat flour more closely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten

1. What causes gluten sensitivity? While the exact cause of non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is not fully understood, it appears to be an immune response to gluten in the diet. It affects people who don’t have celiac disease but still react poorly to gluten.

2. What is gluten made of? Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley. It’s primarily composed of two proteins: glutenin and gliadin.

3. Is gluten made of pork? No, gluten is not made of pork or any other meat product. It’s a plant-based protein found in certain grains.

4. What foods are high in gluten? Foods high in gluten include bread, pasta, cereals, baked goods, beer, and anything else made with wheat, rye, or barley. Gluten can also be found in some processed foods as a thickener or filler.

5. What does gluten intolerance feel like? Symptoms of gluten intolerance can include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, stomach cramps, fatigue, and in some cases, joint pain. These symptoms typically appear after consuming gluten and improve when it’s removed from the diet.

6. What foods contain gluten? Gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye, so any food or drink made from these grains will contain gluten. This includes most breads, pastas, cereals, and beers. It can also be found in processed foods like sauces, sausages, and ready meals.

7. What is a gluten-free diet? A gluten-free diet involves avoiding all foods and drinks containing wheat, barley, rye, and any ingredients derived from these grains. This includes checking labels for hidden sources of gluten in processed foods.

8. What does ‘GF’ in GF flour mean? “GF” stands for “gluten-free.” GF flour is a type of flour that does not contain any gluten proteins.

9. What can a gluten-free and dairy-free person eat? People who follow both a gluten-free and dairy-free diet can enjoy a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, and grains like rice and quinoa. For dairy substitutes, they can opt for plant-based milks, cheeses, and yogurts.

10. What Indian foods are gluten-free? Many Indian foods are naturally gluten-free or can be easily modified to be so. Dishes made with rice, lentils, or potatoes, like dosas, idlis, and aloo gobi, are generally gluten-free. However, certain spices like asafoetida (hing) may contain wheat as a filler, so it’s important to check the ingredients.

By answering these commonly asked questions, we hope to have shed some light on the topic of gluten and gluten-free diets.

Conclusion

Navigating a gluten-free diet, especially for those with gluten-related disorders, can be challenging but absolutely feasible. Knowing what foods to avoid and understanding how to replace them is key. Remember, while eliminating gluten can help manage symptoms and promote better health for some individuals, it’s not necessary for everyone. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before making significant dietary changes.

Tags: Gluten, Gluten Sensitivity, Gluten-Free Diet, Celiac Disease, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, Gluten-Free Foods, Indian Cuisine, GF Flour, Wheat Allergy, Gluten Ataxia.