Panera Bread recently announced that it will begin serving 'clean bacon' that is completely free from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and sweeteners. While many brands have begun removing artificial ingredients from their products, Panera Bread is taking this measure to the extreme in an attempt to cater to changing consumer preferences.
Panera Bread's new clean bacon will reportedly taste exactly the same as traditional bacon, however it will be completely free of artificial ingredients. The move is part of a company-wide commitment to removing 81 chemicals, additives, colors and preservatives from the menu. The idea is to demonstrate how more natural food is not only healthier, but also boasts a better flavor, texture and aroma. As Panera Bread's CEO and founder Ron Shaich explains, "We’re not just offering clean bacon; it’s bacon that has been elevated in every way."
All-Natural Restaurant Bacon
Panera Bread's New Clean Bacon is Free from Artificial Ingredients
Trend Themes
1. Clean Label Bacon - Panera's introduction of 'clean bacon' highlights the demand for natural and transparent ingredients in the food industry.
2. Artificial Ingredient Removal - Other food brands may follow in Panera's footsteps to remove artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners from their products.
3. Natural Food Preference - Consumer preference for natural food products will continue to push the food industry towards cleaner and more transparent ingredients.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food - Fast food companies will have to adapt to changing consumer preferences for natural and clean ingredients in their menu offerings.
2. Meat Processing and Production - Meat processors may need to develop new ways of producing bacon without the use of artificial additives and preservatives.
3. Food Retail - Food retailers may consider promoting and marketing all-natural and clean-label bacon to cater to consumer demand for transparency and natural ingredients.