Introduction
If you’re a vegan or plant-based eater, you know the struggle of finding delicious, high-quality substitutes for dairy products. While there are plenty of plant-based milk alternatives on the market, the options for vegan cream cheese have been limited. That is, until now. In 2023, Panera Bread announced the launch of their new vegan cream cheese, and it’s already taking the plant-based world by storm.
What is Panera Vegan Cream Cheese?
Panera’s vegan cream cheese is made with a blend of soy milk, coconut oil, and other plant-based ingredients. It’s free of dairy, eggs, and other animal products, making it a great option for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to reduce their consumption of animal products. The cream cheese is also gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
How Does it Taste?
The big question on everyone’s mind is, of course, how does the vegan cream cheese taste? According to early reviews, it’s pretty darn good. The texture is smooth and creamy, just like traditional cream cheese, and the flavor is rich and tangy. Some reviewers have noted that it has a slightly “coconutty” taste, but overall, it’s a great substitute for dairy-based cream cheese.
How to Use Panera Vegan Cream Cheese
One of the great things about Panera’s vegan cream cheese is that it can be used in a variety of ways. Spread it on a bagel or toast for a quick breakfast, or use it as a dip for crackers or veggies. You can also use it in recipes that call for cream cheese, like cheesecake or frosting. Panera even offers a vegan cream cheese and veggie sandwich on their menu, which is sure to be a hit with plant-based eaters.
Why Panera’s Vegan Cream Cheese is a Game-Changer
Panera’s vegan cream cheese is a game-changer for the plant-based community for a few reasons. First and foremost, it’s a high-quality, delicious substitute for dairy-based cream cheese. It’s also a great example of a mainstream restaurant chain catering to the growing demand for plant-based options. By offering a vegan cream cheese, Panera is making it easier for people to make ethical and environmentally-friendly food choices.
The Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet
Choosing a plant-based diet has a number of benefits, both for your health and the environment. Studies have shown that a plant-based diet can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. It can also help with weight loss and improve overall digestion. From an environmental perspective, plant-based diets have a lower carbon footprint and require fewer resources than meat-based diets.
Other Vegan Options at Panera
If you’re excited about Panera’s vegan cream cheese, you’ll be happy to know that they offer a number of other plant-based options on their menu. They have a variety of vegan soups, salads, and sandwiches, as well as a vegan black bean soup that’s a fan favorite. They also offer a “You Pick Two” option, which allows you to choose two smaller portions of different menu items, making it easy to customize your meal.
Where to Find Panera Vegan Cream Cheese
Panera’s vegan cream cheese is currently available at select locations, but the chain has plans to roll it out nationwide in the coming months. You can check the Panera website or app to see if it’s available at a location near you. If you can’t find it at your local Panera, don’t worry – there are plenty of other delicious vegan cream cheese options on the market.
Conclusion
Panera’s new vegan cream cheese is a welcome addition to the plant-based food scene. With its delicious taste and versatile uses, it’s sure to become a staple for vegans and non-vegans alike. Plus, it’s a great example of a major restaurant chain taking steps to offer more plant-based options, which is a win for animals, the environment, and our health.