# Panera Asian Sesame Dressing > Health and ingredient intelligence for a real grocery product. Source: Supermarket Puzzle (Grocery Intelligence Index). Not a shop. ## Snapshot - **Brand:** Panera Bread - **Retailer listed:** Foodtown - **Category:** Produce - **Size:** 12 foz - **Human page:** https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/panera-bread-asian-sesame-dressing-12-oz - **Slug:** `panera-bread-asian-sesame-dressing-12-oz` ## NOVA classification **NOVA 4** - Ultra-processed foods This product is an industrially formulated dressing containing additives like xanthan gum and a non-nutritive sweetener (stevia extract) alongside multiple processed ingredients, consistent with NOVA group 4 (ultra-processed foods). The presence of stabilizers, sweeteners, and a multi-ingredient manufactured emulsion supports the classification. ## Review Panera Asian Sesame Dressing is a café-branded bottled dressing that reads like a shortcut to a restaurant-style salad. In a typical American grocery it's found in the refrigerated salad dressing section or near refrigerated grab-and-go salads and sandwich spreads, and sometimes shelved with other specialty bottled dressings near the produce or deli area. It fits shopping trips where buyers want a quick pantry upgrade for weeknight bowls, weekend brunch salads, or last-minute sandwich accoutrements. The Panera Bread name positions it as an upscale, bakery-café product — aimed at shoppers seeking a slightly premium, restaurant-inspired convenience rather than budget store brands. Label styling tends to be simple and crafted (Panera logo, descriptive flavor name), evoking freshness and café credibility; it usually lacks child-oriented characters, and it’s not typically marketed as organic. The ingredient list and inclusion of xanthan gum and stevia put it in the realm of industrially made emulsified dressings. Sensory-wise the dressing pours as a smooth, glossy emulsion with a balanced tang from vinegar, a faint toasted sesame aroma, light sweetness, and a subtly oily mouthfeel from soybean and sesame oils. Packaging is a 12 fl oz plastic bottle or jar with a screw or flip-top cap for easy drizzling; typical use rituals include shaking, then drizzling over mixed greens, grain bowls, or using as a dip for raw veggies and chicken strips. It lives in American grocery culture as a convenient, slightly adventurous flavor shortcut for people who want café-style salads at home without making a dressing from scratch. ## Diet flags - Vegetarian - Gluten-free - Dairy-free ## Nutrition - **Serving size:** 2.0 tbsp - **Servings per container:** 12 - **Calories:** 50 - **Total fat:** 4.5g (6% DV) - **Saturated fat:** 0.5g (3% DV) - **Sodium:** 160mg (7% DV) - **Total carbs:** 3g (1% DV) - **Total sugars:** 3g - **Added sugars:** 3g (6% DV) - **Protein:** 0g ## Ingredients Water, Distilled Vinegar, Soybean Oil, Sugar, Sesame Oil, Contains Less than 2% of: Black Pepper, Dried Onion, Dried Parsley, Xanthan Gum, Salt, Stevia Leaf Extract, Rosemary Extract. ## Flagged ingredients - **Soybean Oil** (seed-oil): Seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids - **Soybean Oil** (emulsifier): Processed emulsifier ## Context tags - **Occasions:** meal-prep-sunday, weekend-brunch, game-day-prep - **Vibes:** convenient, adventurous, practical ## FAQ ### Is the Panera Asian Sesame Dressing healthy? The healthiness of the Asian Sesame Dressing really depends on your dietary goals. With 50 calories and 4.5 grams of fat per serving, it's a flavorful way to add some zing to your salads or grilled veggies. Just keep in mind that it does have added sugars, so if you’re watching your sugar intake, you might want to use it sparingly. ### Is the Panera Asian Sesame Dressing vegan? Nope, the Asian Sesame Dressing isn’t vegan. It contains soybean oil, which is plant-based, but it also has other ingredients that may not align with a strict vegan lifestyle. So, if you're avoiding all animal products, you might want to look for a different dressing. ### Is the Panera Asian Sesame Dressing gluten-free? Yes, you’re in luck! The Asian Sesame Dressing is gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. You can drizzle it on your favorite dishes without worrying about gluten sneaking in. ### Does the Panera Asian Sesame Dressing contain seed oils? Yes, it does contain soybean oil, which is a type of seed oil. Seed oils can have a bad rap sometimes, but they’re widely used in dressings for their neutral flavor and ability to blend well with other ingredients. Moderation is key, and if you're not consuming them in excess, they can fit into a balanced diet. ### Does the Panera Asian Sesame Dressing contain artificial sweeteners? Nope, there are no artificial sweeteners in this dressing! Instead, it uses stevia leaf extract and sugar to achieve its sweetness. So, if you’re looking for a dressing without those chemical sweeteners, this one fits the bill. ### Is the Panera Asian Sesame Dressing high in sugar? It’s not exactly high in sugar, but it does contain 3 grams of added sugars per serving. If you're keeping an eye on your sugar intake, just be mindful of how much you use. It’s all about balance, right? ### What are healthier alternatives to the Panera Asian Sesame Dressing? If you're looking for healthier alternatives, consider making a homemade dressing with ingredients like fresh ginger, olive oil, and rice vinegar. This way, you can control the sweetness and oil content. There are also plenty of brands that offer lower-sugar or organic dressings if that’s your jam! ### Can kids eat the Panera Asian Sesame Dressing? Absolutely! Kids can enjoy the Asian Sesame Dressing, but as with any condiment, moderation is key. It adds a fun flavor to salads or chicken dishes, but you might want to keep an eye on the sugar content if they’re having it regularly. ### Is the Panera Asian Sesame Dressing good for weight loss? It can be part of a weight-loss journey if used thoughtfully! At 50 calories per serving, it won’t break the calorie bank, but be cautious with portion sizes, especially since it does have added sugars. Pair it with lots of veggies for a satisfying meal. ### Is the Panera Asian Sesame Dressing ultra-processed? While it’s not the most natural option out there, it’s not exactly ultra-processed either. It contains a few additives like xanthan gum for texture, but many dressings have similar ingredients. If you're enjoying it in moderation, it can fit into a balanced diet without too much worry! ## Related products - [Litehouse Freeze Dried Garlic Herb](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/litehouse-freeze-dried-garlic-herb-158-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/litehouse-freeze-dried-garlic-herb-158-oz - [Bolthouse Farms Cilantro Avocado Yogurt Dressing](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/bolthouse-farms-farms-cilantro-avocado-yogurt-dressing-12-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/bolthouse-farms-farms-cilantro-avocado-yogurt-dressing-12-oz - [Marie's® Creamy Italian Garlic Dressing 12 fl oz Plastic Jar](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/maries-creamy-italian-garlic-dressing-12-fl-oz-plastic-jar-12-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/maries-creamy-italian-garlic-dressing-12-fl-oz-plastic-jar-12-oz - [Litehouse Freeze Dried Chives Herb](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/litehouse-freeze-dried-chives-herb-025-oz) (NOVA 1) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/litehouse-freeze-dried-chives-herb-025-oz - [Litehouse Dip Gingerbread Caramel](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/litehouse-dip-gingerbread-caramel-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/litehouse-dip-gingerbread-caramel-16-oz - [Tofurky Italian Sausage](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/tofurky-italian-sausage-14-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/tofurky-italian-sausage-14-oz - [La Mexicana Hot Salsa](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/la-mexicana-hot-salsa-16-oz) (NOVA 4) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/la-mexicana-hot-salsa-16-oz - [Nasoya Eggroll Wrap](https://supermarketpuzzle.com/product/nasoya-eggroll-wrap-1-lb) (NOVA 3) | markdown: https://supermarketpuzzle.com/__a2/md?path=/product/nasoya-eggroll-wrap-1-lb ## For agents Prefer this markdown sheet over scraping the HTML page. 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