QSR Magazine: Panera Issues a Soda Challenge to the Fast Food Industry

Panera Bread is challenging the entire fast food industry with a new initiative. According to a recent QSR Magazine article, the brand will be the first major chain to list the calories and added sugars for fountain beverages at all U.S. locations.

“With up to 75 grams of sugar—just one 20-ounce soft drink contains more than the recommended daily amount of added sugar,” said Panera founder, chairman, and CEO Ron Shaich. “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.”

Not only will the brand list the calories and added sugars, it will also introduce 100 percent clean, non-carbonated craft beverages made with no artificial sweeteners, preservatives, flavors or colors from artificial sources as an alternative to fountain sodas.