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Things are looking grainy at Panera Bread

Panera's Baja Bowl

September 18, 2019

Panera is getting in on the grain trend, launching two grain bowls featuring whole grains, greens, vegetables and protein infused with internationally inspired flavors and sauces, according to a company press release. The bowls come in two varieties — Baja and Mediterranean — and fit into a flexitarian diet, meaning guests can have them with no meat or add chicken.

"With the launch of our Baja and Mediterranean warm Grain Bowls, Panera is at the forefront of bringing on-trend bowls to consumers across America, at scale," Dan Wegiel, the brand's EVP and chief growth and strategy officer, said in the release. "Interest in bowls that feature an abundance of nutrient-dense, fresh, layered ingredients, lean protein, veggies, grains and flavorful sauces is on the rise. We believe this product is the best example of what we stand for when we say 'good and good for you.'  Panera's warm Grain Bowls deliver on consumer demand for options that are both hearty and nutritious, that they can feel good about, without compromise."

The Baja Grain Bowl is made with cilantro-lime long grain brown rice, a mix of red and golden quinoa, grilled citrus pepper chicken raised without antibiotics, black bean and corn salsa, house-made salsa verde, red grape tomatoes, fresh avocado, feta crumbles and whole milk Greek yogurt. 

The Mediterranean Grain Bowl features cilantro-lime long grain brown rice, a mix of red and golden quinoa on a bed of fresh arugula, layered with grilled citrus pepper chicken raised without antibiotics, red grape tomatoes, kalamata olives, diced cucumbers, hummus, lemon tahini dressing, feta crumbles and whole milk Greek yogurt with a squeeze of lemon. 

"Our new grain bowls come to life with globally-inspired flavors that are both bold and complex — crafted with layers of fresh, authentic ingredients sourced from our extensive pantry of more than 400 clean ingredients," Sara Burnett, Panera VP of wellness and food policy, said in the release. "When we create a new menu item, the most important consideration for Panera is taste. It has to be delicious and crave-worthy, but we never lose sight of the good-for-you element."