Panera To Post Added Sugar In Beverages

(RTTNews) - Panera Bread has announced that the fast-casual chain will provide information in the fountain area about the added sugar and calories in each beverage, starting April 5.

Panera says that it is the first national restaurant company to post this nutritional information. This information would help customers to make healthier decisions when purchasing food and drink items.

"With up to 75 grams of sugar—just one 20 oz. soft drink contains more than the recommended daily amount of added sugar," Ron Shaich, Panera founder, chairman and CEO, said. "While we won't tell people what they should drink, we want to provide real options and real transparency—and we're challenging the industry to join us."

For alternatives, Panera is launching a new line of non-carbonated teas, lemonades and frescas, which are made using fresh daily and with less sugar. The new beverages include Iced Black Tea and Plum Ginger Hibiscus, Tea Prickly Pear Hibiscus Fresca, Passion Papaya Green Tea, Blood Orange Lemonade and Agave Lemonade.

The new beverages are free from sweeteners, preservatives, flavors or colors from artificial sources.