The Origins of Panera Bread Kettle Chips
Panera Bread, known for its freshly baked breads, hearty soups, and sandwiches, entered the snack food market in 2017 with the launch of its line of kettle chips. Made with simple, high-quality ingredients like sunflower and olive oil and sea salt, Panera Bread kettle chips aim to appeal to health-conscious consumers looking for a tasty, yet better-for-you salty snack.
What Sets Panera Bread Kettle Chips Apart
Panera took a thoughtful approach when developing its kettle chip recipes, carefully selecting ingredients to meet the company's clean food standards. The chips are made without artificial preservatives, flavors, sweeteners, and synthetic colors. They are also non-GMO verified and kosher certified.
Additionally, Panera Bread kettle chips are cooked in small batches in kettles to ensure even cooking and crisp texture without being greasy. This artisanal approach sets them apart from mass-produced potato chips and aligns with Panera's mission to bring high-quality food to the masses.
Four Crave-Worthy Flavors
Panera Bread launched their kettle chips line with four on-trend flavors:
- Sea Salt
- Avocado Lime
- Barbecue
- Roasted Garlic and Parmesan
The sea salt option appeals to those who enjoy the simple salt and crunch of a classic potato chip. The avocado lime kettle chips bring a creaminess and bright, fresh flavor to the snack category, while the barbecue variety offers sweet and smoky notes. Finally, the roasted garlic and parmesan chips provide a savory, umami experience.
Nutrition Profile of Panera Bread Kettle Chips
At first glance, chips made from potatoes may not seem like the healthiest option. However, Panera Bread found innovative ways to upgrade the nutrition profile of their kettle chip recipes.
Key Differences From Traditional Potato Chips
Panera Bread kettle chips stand out from typical potato chips in a few key ways:
- They're made with non-GMO potatoes and cooked in olive and sunflower oils, rather than less healthy oils like palm, soybean, or canola.
- The chips are thicker cut for hearty crunch vs. ultra-thin and brittle traditional mass market chips.
- Panera Bread doesnt use artificial flavors or synthetic colors.
Calories, Fat, and Sodium Numbers
A serving size of 21 chips or 1 ounce clocks in at:
- 150 calories
- 9 grams of fat and 18% DV for saturated fat
- 6% DV for sodium, lower than typical for potato chips
- 2 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per 1 ounce serving
While not the lowest calorie, this places Panera Bread kettle chips as a decent lighter snacking option satisfying salty, crunchy cravings in sensible portion sizes.
Perfect Pairings with Panera Bread Kettle Chips
The crave-worthy crunch and unique flavors of Panera Bread kettle chips make them an ideal accompaniment for many foods and beverages. Keep reading to discover tasty ways to work these better-for-you chips into snack time.
Lean Protein for Contrasting Textures
Panera Bread kettle chips pair nicely with lean proteins. The crunch of the chips next to slices of turkey, roast beef, grilled chicken, or tofu sandwiches adds satisfying contrast.
For easy snacking, enjoy the kettle chips with hummus, Greek yogurt dip, cottage cheese, hard boiled eggs, or nuts. The chips stand up well to creamy, protein-packed dips and spreads without getting soggy.
Fresh Produce for Bright Flavors
The flavors of fresh fruits and veggies make vibrant tasting companions for Panera's kettle chips. Try dipping the sea salt chips in guacamole or pairing the lime ones with salsa.
Thinly sliced apples or pears would also make crisp, sweet counters to the salty chips. For an easy snack platter, arrange kettle chips alongside grape tomatoes, carrot sticks, sliced bell peppers, and broccoli florets for scooping or dipping.
Savory Soups for Satisfying Contrasts
Enjoy Panera Bread's kettle chips on the side of hearty soups. The crunch plays perfectly against creamy tomato soup, broccoli cheddar chowder, or lentil soup.
For tailgating or parties, position kettles of chips next to crockpots or chafing dishes boiling over with hot stew, chili, or spinach artichoke dip to allow guests to scoop and savor.
Bold Beverages to Balance Flavors
Given their thicker cut, Panera Bread kettle chips hold up well when paired with beverages from wine to craft beer to fountain sodas. The simple sea salt variety works with nearly any drink from iced tea to lemonade to milk.
The lime chips complement fruity cocktails or Mexican beers. Barbecue kettle chips stand up to malty brews, while garlic parmesan pairs nicely with red wine or sparkling water for a fancy feel.
Storing Panera Bread Kettle Chips
To best maintain freshness and prevent staleness of Panera Breads kettle chips, be sure to properly store any leftovers or unopened bags.
Opened Bags
For opened bags where chips were exposed to air, squeeze excess air out of the bag before tightly rolling or clipping it closed. This protects the chips by limiting oxygen exposure.
Then, place the opened bag of Panera Bread kettle chips in an airtight container or food storage bag. Glass or hard plastic containers work best.
Unopened Bags
Unopened, sealed bags of chips can be stored in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight. Avoid storage spaces that experience major temperature fluctuations.
When stored properly in a pantry, unopened bags of Panera Breads kettle chips typically stay fresh for 1-2 months past the best by date printed on the packaging.
Are Panera Bread Kettle Chips Healthy?
While no chips can be considered a health food, Panera Breads kettle chip recipes make smart ingredient choices to create a better-for-you salty snack. By selecting non-GMO oils, avoiding artificial additives, and keeping sodium in check, these chips aim to provide indulgent flavor with a little less guilt.
Enjoyed in sensible single serving portion sizes alongside nutritious proteins, produce, or soups, Panera Bread kettle chips can be part of a balanced diet. Their satisfying crunch makes them a smart swap for greasier, more heavily processed conventional potato chips.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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