ICYMI: Panera Ranks in Top 5 Healthiest Chain List: Survey

WATERTOWN, MA — With growing demands from the public, restaurants - including chains - are tweaking its menus to make the offerings more kid and health friendly. Gluten-free, organic, local, fresh and low fat and low salt options are now more common, even at the most fastest of the fast foods.

With healthy resolutions at the top of many people's New Year's list, Restaurant Business recently reported on the Top 5 Healthiest Chains in the country. Taking data from Technomic's recent Consumer Brand Metrics Survey, they came up with the five that offer the best all around healthy options.

"All five of the chains on this list offer seasonal menu items," writes Restaurant Business, "and 38 percent of consumers find seasonal fare healthy, according to Technomic’s Healthy Eating Consumer Trend Report.

Of the five, the chain that can be found around these parts is Panera Bread, ranking at number 4.

There is a Panera Bread at 321 Arsenal St. in Watertown.

According to recent customers, here are the top five healthiest restaurant chains, nationwide:

1. Jamba Juice
2. Jason's Deli
3. Seasons 52
4. Panera Bread
5. McAlister's Deli

Photo Credit: Panera Bread

Story by Charlene Arsenault (Patch Staff)

Story originally published Jan. 10.