Panera Bread, a popular bakery-cafe chain in the United States, uses a specially crafted granola blend for their delicious menu items. The brand of granola used by Panera is their own in-house blend, developed to provide a unique taste and texture that perfectly complements their baked goods, salads, and yogurt parfaits.
The Ingredients
Panera’s granola is made using a combination of high-quality ingredients. The blend typically includes:
- Whole grain oats
- Almonds
- Pecans
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Canola oil
- Cinnamon
- Salt
This thoughtfully crafted mix ensures a delightful balance of flavors and provides a crunchy texture that elevates the overall taste of their dishes.
How It’s Made
Panera prepares their granola in their bakery-cafes every day to ensure freshness. The process involves:
- Mixing the oats, nuts, and spices together in a large bowl.
- Drizzling honey and canola oil over the mixture.
- Sprinkling brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt on top.
- Tossing everything together until well-coated.
- Spreading the mixture onto baking sheets in an even layer.
- Baking the granola in the oven until golden brown and fragrant.
- Allowing it to cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
This meticulous process ensures that each batch of Panera’s granola is made with care and attention to detail.
A Versatile Addition to the Menu
Panera’s granola is a versatile ingredient that enhances the taste and texture of various menu items. Here are some popular uses:
- Granola Parfait: Panera’s granola adds a delightful crunch to their yogurt parfaits, which are made with creamy Greek yogurt and a medley of fresh fruits.
- Salad Topping: Sprinkling granola over Panera’s salads adds a nutty and satisfying element to the greens, making them even more enjoyable.
- Bakery Items: Panera incorporates their granola into various bakery items like muffins and cookies, providing a unique twist to classic treats.
By using their own brand of granola, Panera ensures that their menu items stand out from the crowd, offering customers a memorable and satisfying dining experience.
Nutritional Information
While Panera’s granola is undeniably delicious, it’s important to be aware of its nutritional content. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving:
Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Sugar (g) | Fiber (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
200 | 5 | 10 | 23 | 8 | 3 |
These values may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
Conclusion
Panera Bread takes pride in using their own specially crafted granola blend across their menu. With a unique combination of wholesome ingredients and a meticulous preparation process, this granola adds a delightful crunch and flavor to a wide range of dishes. Whether it’s adorning a yogurt parfait, enhancing a salad, or incorporated into bakery items, Panera’s granola is a testament to their commitment to quality and exceptional taste.