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Panera challenges industry to be more transparent about food ingredients

October 16, 2018

Panera Bread has launched a campaign to disclose the whole grain content of breads on its menu. On all breads that are made up of 50 percent whole grain, Panera now labels servings of whole grain per slice, roll or bagel, as well as the whole grain percentage, so guests know exactly what they are eating, according to a company press release.

The labeling commitment coincides with the launch of "Food Interrupted," Panera's digital platform aimed at providing increased transparency.  Each episode follows leaders in the food world as they meet everyday heroes who have dedicated their lives to changing America's food system. The platform launches today with "Grains Interrupted," in which chef Marcus Samuelsson and Weiser Family Farms' Jon Hammond discuss the importance of ancient grains and their role in the future of food. "Food Interrupted" is now streaming on Facebook Watch.

At our size and scale, we believe it's part of our job to help revolutionize the food industry from the inside out — challenging the way things have always been done. From the whole grain in our breads to the ingredients in our food — we will be relentless, leading by example and committed to increased transparency," CEO Blaine Hurst said in the release. "But we can't do it alone. People deserve to know more about their food and how it makes its way to their plate. Together, we can make a real change in the food system."

Challenging restaurantsusing 'confusing' whole grain names
Although the U.S.D.A. recommends whole grains make up at least half of all grains eaten in a day, more than half of the country's top restaurant chains do not offer a single whole grain option on their menu, according to Panera. Those that do may use vague terms like "multigrain," "nine grain," or "made with whole grains" that may create an undue health halo for their bread offerings. By law, a bread can only be called whole grain if it offers 50 percent or more whole grain content. Panera offers a wide range of whole grain offerings, including its new Farmstyle Loaf, made with 55 percent whole grain and offering 1.2 servings of whole grain per slice, according to the company

"Upcoming Food Interrupted episodes include:

•  Oct. 22: "Plants Interrupted"
  Kevin Curry (@fitmencook) and firefighter turned cookbook author Rip Esselstyn visit a firehouse to discuss the benefits of a more plant-based diet. 
• Oct. 29: "Sugar Interrupted"
  Chef Sam Talbot, a Type1 Diabetic, discusses managing sugar intake and explores emerging technology that could be a potential game changer for those struggling with diabetes.
• Nov. 5:  "Eggs Interrupted"
  New York Times Best-Selling author and food enthusiast, Hannah Hart, visits an egg farm to learn what makes an egg 100 percent real and discusses what some "eggs" are really made of.
• Nov. 12: "Meat Interrupted"
  Chef Chris Cosentino visits a cattle ranch to learn about groundbreaking, humane technology helping to track animal health.
• Nov. 19:  "Clean Interrupted"
  Actor Rainn Wilson, in pursuit of his own clean food journey, explores cutting-edge crop sharing among urban gardeners.

"At Panera, we've always tried to do what's right, regardless of what our industry has accepted as efficient or good enough," Sara Burnett, director of Wellness, said in the release. "Interestingly, multiple whole grain options available at grocers through our Panera at Home bread business helped remind us what really matters in bread and inspired us to translate their progress into our restaurants.  Guests deserve real, measurable information, but also options — and we offer more whole grain options than any other national restaurant chain. When we combine our own actions with consumer education in our new 'Food Interrupted' series, we believe we can create real demand for better food."

This isn't the first challenge issued by Panera; the chain, last year, announcedthat its entire U.S. food menu and portfolio of Panera at Home products are free from flavors, preservatives, sweeteners and colors from artificial sources as defined by the company's No No List. It includes 96 separate ingredients and additive classes.