Panera Bread was founded in 1981, and has long been synonymous with good bread.  More than just bakery products, it has evolved into a chain of bakery-café all over the US and Canada. Its menu now offers more than just bakery, but already includes beverages, soups and sandwiches.  It advocates clean food, without artificial additives or ingredients not needed. It also informs you of calorie content.

This fall, Panera will create a healthier version of its pumpkin spice latte, which is highly popular for the season.  Earlier, Panera-rival Starbucks already issued a notice it would change the way it prepares its fast-selling beverage. Meanwhile, Panera reiterated that since they introduced the drink a decade ago, they have already been using real pumpkins. Its new version, set to debut on September 9, will be healthier, with lesser artificial preservatives. 

This move is part of its 'No No 'campaign, where they listed ingredients to be removed from their menu. Their new beverage line will include cold-pressed beet and green juices, coconut water and bottled sodas.

Since its café side offers assorted coffee-based and non-coffee beverages, Panera wants to use 'clean' versions of vanilla, caramel and chocolate syrups. Some food aficionados, though, have pointed out that Panera offers choices from Pepsi, which are drinks filled with sugar. Panera claims it is under negotiation with soda companies to develop carbonated drinks that are healthier.

"We aren't food police, but we want to give people real options for clean food," Founder and CEO Ron Shaich said in an interview earlier this year. "We don't hold ourselves up as perfect but we think we are making progress and will continue to."

The bottom-line is, Panera is transparent about what you eat and drink.They offer healthier versions, but at the end of the day,  you make your personal choice.  It hopes it is an educated choice.