Are you a fan of Panera’s breakfast sandwiches?
Do you ever wonder what kind of meat is in their sausage?
With Panera’s recent commitment to using only gestation crate-free animals for its pork products, it’s natural to question the origins of their sausage.
In this article, we’ll explore the ingredients in Panera’s Sausage, Egg & Cheese Sandwich and take a closer look at the company’s animal welfare policies.
Join us as we delve into the world of Panera’s breakfast offerings and answer the question on everyone’s mind: Is Panera Sausage Pork?
Is Panera Sausage Pork?
The short answer is yes, Panera’s sausage is made from pork. But what kind of pork?
As mentioned earlier, Panera has committed to using only gestation crate-free animals for its pork products. This means that the pigs used for their sausage are not confined to small crates during their pregnancy and are able to move around freely.
In addition, the pigs are fed a vegetarian diet, which aligns with Panera’s overall focus on clean and healthy ingredients.
But what about the nutritional content of the sausage itself? According to Panera’s website, their sausage contains pork, water, salt, spices, sugar, and natural flavors. It is also free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors.
While the exact nutritional information for the sausage alone is not readily available, we can look at the nutrition facts for the Sausage, Egg & Cheese Sandwich as a whole. This sandwich contains 560 calories, 29 grams of fat, and 45 grams of carbohydrates.
So, is Panera Sausage Pork? Yes. But it’s pork that comes from animals raised in a humane and responsible way, and it’s part of a breakfast sandwich that uses high-quality ingredients.
The Ingredients In Panera’s Sausage, Egg & Cheese Sandwich
The Sausage, Egg & Cheese Sandwich from Panera Bread is made with a variety of ingredients that come together to create a delicious and satisfying breakfast option.
First and foremost, the sandwich features Panera’s pork sausage, which we now know is made from gestation crate-free pigs that are fed a vegetarian diet. The sausage is seasoned with spices, sugar, salt, and natural flavors to give it a savory and slightly sweet taste.
In addition to the sausage, the sandwich includes a freshly cracked egg and a slice of Vermont white cheddar cheese. The egg is cooked to order and provides a good source of protein, while the cheese adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the sandwich.
All of these ingredients are then served on a freshly baked brioche bun, which is soft and buttery with a slightly sweet flavor.
While the sandwich does contain 560 calories and 29 grams of fat, it also provides 20 grams of protein and is free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors. Overall, the Sausage, Egg & Cheese Sandwich from Panera Bread is a tasty breakfast option made with high-quality ingredients.
Panera’s Commitment To Animal Welfare
Panera Bread has made a strong commitment to animal welfare in its supply chain. The company has eliminated the use of antibiotics and inhumane confinement practices for farm animals in both its Panera Bread and St. Louis Bread Company bakery-cafes.
Panera has also made a commitment to using only gestation crate-free animals for its pork products. This means that pregnant sows are not confined to small crates during their pregnancy and are able to move around freely. The company has also eliminated the use of antibiotics in its entire pork supply, which amounts to approximately 3.6 million kilograms (8 million pounds).
In addition, Panera has made significant progress in sourcing other animal products from responsible and humane sources. For example, 91% of the pork used by Panera received no antibiotics ever and was sourced from farms where pregnant sows are able to roam freely in group housing. 80% of the beef served by Panera was grass-fed and 18% of the eggs used came from laying hens raised in cage-free environments.
Panera’s commitment to animal welfare extends beyond just its sourcing practices. The company is also committed to transparency and providing information to consumers about where their food comes from and how it is produced.
The Impact Of Gestation Crate-Free Pork On The Environment
The use of gestation crates in pig farming has been a topic of controversy for years. These small crates are used to confine pregnant sows, limiting their movement and causing stress and discomfort. However, Panera has committed to using only gestation crate-free pigs for their pork products, which has a positive impact on the environment.
By allowing pigs to move around freely, they are able to exercise and maintain better health. This means they require fewer antibiotics and veterinary treatments, reducing the amount of medication that enters the environment through manure and waste runoff.
In addition, a vegetarian diet for pigs means less dependence on feed that contains animal products, which can contribute to deforestation and other environmental issues. By using more sustainable feed sources, Panera is reducing its impact on the environment.
Furthermore, the commitment to using only gestation crate-free pigs sets a standard for other food retailers and producers to follow. As more companies make similar commitments, the demand for gestation crate-free pork will increase, leading to more humane and sustainable farming practices.
Alternatives To Pork Sausage At Panera
For those who do not consume pork, Panera offers alternatives for their sausage. One option is their turkey sausage, which is made from turkey raised without antibiotics and is used in their Turkey Sausage, Egg White & Spinach Breakfast Power Sandwich.
Another option is their vegetarian sausage, which is made from a blend of wheat protein, egg whites, and soy protein. This sausage is used in their Vegetarian Breakfast Sandwich and can also be added to any other breakfast sandwich as a substitute for pork sausage.
It’s worth noting that while these alternatives may be suitable for those who avoid pork for dietary or religious reasons, they may not be suitable for those with allergies or sensitivities to wheat or soy. As always, it’s important to check the ingredients and nutrition information before making a decision.
