Is Panera Bread’s Turkey Chili Really Gluten Free?

Gluten-free eating has become increasingly popular over the recent years. Approximately [1.4%] of Americans now follow a gluten-free diet for medical reasons or by choice. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, sticking to a strict gluten-free diet is a must. But for the rest of us, going gluten-free can provide potential benefits like reduced inflammation or more energy.

Whatever your reasons for eating gluten-free dining out while avoiding gluten can prove tricky. Cross-contamination is a constant concern. Many restaurants offer gluten-free menus, but the likelihood of trace amounts of gluten remaining makes some establishments riskier than others for those extremely sensitive.

Panera Bread has emerged as a go-to gluten-free friendly option for many. But questions still abound regarding precisely how safe Panera is for gluten avoiders. In particular, frequent customers often ask: Is Panera Bread’s turkey chili really gluten-free? Let’s take a look at what the experts say.

What The Experts Recommend on Panera’s Gluten-Free Status

While Panera offers a range of [salads, bowls, and other dishes] marketed as gluten-free, experts urge caution regarding the “gluten-free” label. As Panera’s own website states, their menu items are not certified gluten-free. The same equipment and facilities are used to produce both gluten-containing and gluten-free foods.

On their website Panera confirms:

“Our kitchen operations involve shared cooking and preparation areas and cross-contact with other foods is possible Accordingly, we cannot guarantee that any menu item is completely free from allergens”

This means trace amounts of gluten could sneak into foods labeled gluten-free. Someone with celiac disease or an extreme allergy could potentially get sick from eating dishes from the gluten-free menu, including the turkey chili.

So is Panera’s turkey chili 100% gluten-free? Probably not, if we’re being completely honest. But for those with minor sensitivities or who are just avoiding gluten by choice, it’s likely a reasonably safe bet.

What The Turkey Chili Is Made Of

To understand why Panera’s turkey chili has a likelihood of being contaminated, let’s first look at the ingredients. According to Panera’s website, the Turkey Chili contains:

• Turkey
• Pinto Beans
• Red Kidney Beans
• Jalapeño Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Green Peppers
• Chicken Stock
• Spices like Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Cumin, and Oregano

Panera states that the chili contains no wheat, barley, rye or oats. So by ingredients alone, the turkey chili appears gluten-free. But again, due to shared kitchen equipment, cross-contamination during preparation is highly likely.

Why Panera Turkey Chili May Contain Traces of Gluten Anyway

While the turkey chili has no gluten ingredients, here are some ways gluten could sneak in:

• Shared sinks, utensils, pots/pans, etc used for multiple menu items
• Airborne flour particles landing in the chili
• Use of the same spoons to taste-test both gluten and gluten-free dishes
• Flour-dusted hands prepping the turkey chili

Since staff use the same work spaces and tools for all menu items, the chances of cross-contact seem quite high.

Who Can Safely Eat Panera’s Turkey Chili?

For those with celiac disease or wheat allergies, experts recommend avoiding Panera’s turkey chili, along with all other gluten-free labeled foods. The shared kitchen poses too much risk of reaction.

People with minor gluten sensitivity can likely eat the chili without issue, but should still exercise some caution. If you start experiencing symptoms, you may wish to avoid Panera altogether.

Those avoiding gluten by choice will probably be fine with the turkey chili as an option. But again, monitor yourself for any reaction just to be safe.

Tips for Ordering the Turkey Chili Gluten-Free

If you decide to give their turkey chili a try, here are some tips for minimizing exposure:

• Opt for a bowl rather than a bread bowl
• Request a new spoon to stir and taste the chili
• Ask that it be prepped away from any gluten-containing areas
• Tell them you have an allergy so they’re extra careful
• Check for any croutons or bread garnish that may be added

And if you start to have a reaction, stop eating it. Your body knows best if cross-contamination occurred.

Other Potentially “Gluten-Free” Options at Panera

Along with the turkey chili, other menu items Panera labels as gluten-free include:

• Salads with dressings like the Green Goddess Cobb Salad
• Bowls like the Mediterranean Power Bowl
• Smoothies made with fruits and veggies
• Hot oatmeal without add-ins that contain gluten
• Yogurt parfaits and fresh fruit

Again, while these are all likely reasonably safe options for minor sensitivities, none can be guaranteed 100% gluten-free.

The Bottom Line

Is Panera Bread’s turkey chili gluten-free? While it contains no gluten ingredients, trace amounts of gluten could potentially sneak in during preparation and cooking.

Those with celiac disease or wheat allergies should steer clear, as even tiny amounts of cross-contamination could trigger a reaction. People with minor sensitivities can likely eat it, but should take precautions and monitor themselves for any symptoms.

The same guidance applies to Panera’s entire line of foods marked “gluten-free.” While many menu items don’t contain gluten originally, the shared work spaces create risk of exposure. Careful diners may be able to enjoy Panera gluten-free with caution, but it certainly requires an extra level of care and awareness.

At the end of the day, you know your own body best. Pay attention to how you feel after eating Panera menu items, even those labeled gluten-free. You may decide it’s a chance worth taking, or that your health is better off avoiding Panera’s turkey chili and other gluten-free labeled foods entirely.