Is Panera a Good Dining Choice When Following Whole30?

Can you eat Whole30 at Panera? Whole30 Panera choices are available, but you do have to be a bit selective in order to stay on the plan. Why? Because none of their meals are perfectly suited to be Whole30 compliant. So, let’s take a look at what is possible.

Whole30 Panera Options

There’s a good chance you won’t find your favorite meal in this section. But remember, you’re making sacrifices for the betterment of your health, so maybe you can give these options a try.

Green Goddess Cobb Salad

This is one of the restaurant’s most popular salads for good reason. It offers meat, veggies and a yummy dressing. Unfortunately, you have to forego a few of those tasty ingredients. The chicken, bacon and the Green Goddess dressing all have added sugars, so those are a no-go. Panera does have turkey that is Whole30 compliant, so you could substitute that for the meat. Then, you’ll have yourself an easy, enjoyable meal while dining out.

Simple Garden Salad

We know, it’s boring. But it is compliant, and that’s what we are looking for here. But again, you can’t jazz it up with one of their tasty dressings. You just have to stick with oil, vinegar and maybe a few shakes of black pepper.

Power Steak Lettuce Wrap

This one is a bit tricky because you won’t find it on the menu. At one time, it was known to be on Panera’s “secret menu.” Nonetheless, just know it is still an option at most locations. This wrap includes sliced steak, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and a squeeze of lemon juice. How’s that for a little change?

Greek Chicken Salad

Typically, everyone loves their Greek salads because of the feta cheese that’s just so good. However, you have to eliminate the feta from this one along with the Greek dressing. Once you make the adjustment to using oil and vinegar though, you may never turn back.

Breakfast Egg Bowl

Here’s another option from Panera’s “secret menu.” Still, don’t be shy just because you just have to ask for it. This one includes eggs, steak, tomato and avocado. You could even smash up the avocado and lather it on your other bowl ingredients.

Other Whole30 Restaurant Meal Options

If the Panera meals above didn’t do the trick for you, there are other options available if you plan to dine out.

1. Zoe’s Kitchen: Chicken, shrimp or salmon kabobs, roasted veggies, potato salad
2. In N Out Burger: Meat patty with mustard, pickles and onions
3. Starbucks: That’s It! fruit bars, Squirrel Brand Classic Almonds, Peter Rabbit squeeze purees
4. Chipotle: Whole30 salad bowl (Yes, it’s a real thing!)
5. Cracker Barrel: Eggs, tomato slices, side of fruit

No matter where you go, modifications will be necessary as you can see.

Final Word

So, is Whole30 at Panera worth the effort? Well, that’s really up to you to decide. It does take quite a bit of tweaking to get your meal just the way it needs to be, but it’s definitely doable. On the other hand, if you decide you’d rather stick to your own Whole30 plan and eat Whole 30 meals at home, that’s understandable, too.  Sometimes, it just isn’t worth the temptation of going out and ruining your progress on Whole30.