Panera Bread to post added sugars and calories for self-serve drinks

Since 2010, Panera has voluntarily posted calories on its menu boards, and posting added sugars and calories in beverages is the next step in the company’s progressive effort to improve transparency. Image: Panera Bread Twitter

ST. LOUIS -- To coincide with a new range of beverage offers, Panera Bread announced that beginning April 5, the fast-casual chain will post signage in the fountain area that states the added sugar and calories in each beverage.

Also read, Calorie counts in chain restaurant menus criticized.

Panera says that it is the first national restaurant company to post this nutritional information at the point of pour, and a full-page ad in Friday’s Washington Post urges the beverage and restaurant industries to join the company in its effort to provide increased transparency to customers.

Since 2010, Panera has voluntarily posted calories on its menu boards, and posting added sugars and calories in beverages is the next step in the company’s progressive effort to improve transparency.

“With up to 75 grams of sugar—just one 20 oz. soft drink contains more than the recommended daily amount of added sugar,” Ron Shaich, Panera founder, chairman and CEO, said. “While we won’t tell people what they should drink, we want to provide real options and real transparency—and we’re challenging the industry to join us.”

Panera’s new line of non-carbonated teas, lemonades and frescas will launch this month in select cities and become available nationwide by September. Made fresh daily and with less sugar than current drink offerings, the new beverages are:

• Iced Black Tea and Plum Ginger Hibiscus Tea 
• Prickly Pear Hibiscus Fresca 
• Passion Papaya Green Tea, Blood Orange Lemonade and Agave Lemonade

The new beverages are free from sweeteners, preservatives, flavors or colors from artificial Sources, all listed on the company’s “No No List,” which is inclusive of 96 separate ingredients and additive classes.

“We believe people deserve to know exactly what’s in their drink so they can make the best choice for their lifestyle,” said Sara Burnett, director of wellness, Panera Bread. “We know more and more guests are looking to reduce their added sugar consumption, and we’re providing an increased number of real, clean options.”

SOURCE The Association for Convenience & Fuel Retailing