Eating out with food allergies can be stressful, but Potbelly Sandwich Works makes it easier with a clearly defined allergen menu that outlines which of their items contain common allergens. Whether you’re allergic to gluten, dairy, nuts, soy, or eggs, this comprehensive 2025 guide breaks down the Potbelly menu item-by-item.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the updated allergen information for all Potbelly categories: sandwiches, soups, salads, sides, desserts, shakes, and breakfast items.
We’ll also explain:
- How to customize orders to avoid allergens
- The difference between cross-contact and contamination
- FAQs for allergic diners
- Gluten-free and dairy-free menu options
Let’s make your next Potbelly visit safer and stress-free.
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Potbelly Allergen Policy
Potbelly’s allergen policy is transparent. They provide a downloadable allergen guide online and in-store upon request. Allergen data is based on ingredients provided by suppliers and may vary based on preparation techniques or regional ingredients.
Here are some quick facts:
- Potbelly does not offer a certified allergen-free kitchen.
- Cross-contact is possible, especially for gluten and nuts.
- You should always inform the staff of any allergy before placing your order.
Common Allergens Tracked by Potbelly
Potbelly tracks the following eight major allergens:
| Allergen | Tracked? |
|---|---|
| Milk | Yes |
| Eggs | Yes |
| Peanuts | Yes |
| Tree Nuts | Yes |
| Fish | Yes |
| Shellfish | Yes |
| Soy | Yes |
| Wheat | Yes |
They also include gluten, although gluten is not classified as a top 8 allergen by the FDA.
Allergen-Friendly Menu Categories at Potbelly
Let’s break down Potbelly’s allergen menu by category.
1. Sandwiches
Note: All regular sandwiches come on wheat bread, which contains gluten, wheat, and possibly soy.
| Sandwich | Contains Gluten | Contains Dairy | Contains Soy | Contains Eggs | Contains Nuts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Wreck | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Turkey Breast | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Chicken Salad | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Mediterranean | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Grilled Chicken | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Allergy Tip: Ask for salad format or lettuce wrap to remove bread-based allergens.
2. Salads
Many Potbelly salads can be customized for dairy-free or gluten-sensitive diners.
| Salad | Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free | Nut-Free | Egg-Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Mediterranean | No (contains pita chips) | Yes (without feta) | Yes | Yes |
| Farmhouse | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Powerhouse | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Dressing Notes:
- Buttermilk Ranch: Contains dairy and eggs
- Vinaigrette: Usually vegan, but confirm ingredients in-store
3. Soups
| Soup | Gluten | Dairy | Soy | Egg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken Enchilada | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Garden Vegetable | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Broccoli Cheddar | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Soups are not ideal for gluten-free diners due to thickeners or pasta.
4. Sides & Chips
| Side | Gluten-Free | Nut-Free | Dairy-Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zapp’s Chips (varieties) | Yes (most) | Yes | Yes |
| Pickles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coleslaw | Yes | Yes | No (contains mayo) |
5. Desserts
Most desserts contain gluten, dairy, and eggs.
| Dessert | Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free | Nut-Free |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie | No | No | No |
| Sugar Cookie | No | No | No |
| Dream Bar | No | No | No |
| Brownie | No | No | No |
Potbelly does not currently offer allergen-friendly desserts.
6. Breakfast Items
| Item | Gluten | Dairy | Egg | Soy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Egg & Cheddar | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bacon & Egg | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mushroom Melt | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Request your breakfast as a bowl to reduce gluten exposure.
Cross-Contact & Allergen Safety Tips
Potbelly makes sandwiches on shared surfaces, so cross-contact is a risk for:
- Celiac disease
- Nut allergies
- Soy intolerance
What You Can Do:
- Ask for a clean knife and glove change
- Request a wrapped sandwich (some locations oblige)
- Choose bagged chips and drinks for safest options
Gluten-Free Options at Potbelly
Although not certified gluten-free, you can customize for a gluten-sensitive diet:
- Salads without croutons or pita chips
- Soups like Garden Veggie (with caution)
- Zapp’s Potato Chips
- Lettuce-wrapped sandwiches
- Pickles & coleslaw
Dairy-Free Choices
Dairy is widespread in:
- Cheeses
- Ranch/mayo-based dressings
- Desserts
Go dairy-free by:
Vegan & Vegetarian Considerations
Vegetarian menu is easier to manage. Vegan options are limited.
Vegan-friendly choices:
Ask for ingredient lists when unsure.
Potbelly Allergen Menu PDF
For full details, request or download the Potbelly Allergen Menu PDF (2025) at:
https://www.potbelly.com/nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does Potbelly have gluten-free bread?
No, Potbelly does not offer gluten-free bread in 2025.
2. Are Potbelly cookies safe for nut allergies?
No. Cookies are made in a facility that processes nuts.
3. Can I get a dairy-free sandwich?
Yes, ask for no cheese or dairy-based sauces.
4. Is Potbelly safe for someone with celiac disease?
Potbelly does not guarantee a gluten-free environment, so cross-contact is possible.
5. Do Potbelly salads have allergens?
Yes. Feta (dairy), dressing (eggs), and pita chips (gluten) are common triggers.
6. Which chips at Potbelly are allergy-friendly?
Most Zapp’s Chips are gluten- and nut-free.
7. Are Potbelly shakes allergy safe?
No. They contain milk and are blended in shared equipment.
8. Can I get vegan food at Potbelly?
Limited options. Garden Salad (no cheese) and chips are safest.
9. What should I do before ordering with allergies?
Inform staff, ask for clean prep, and avoid risky categories like desserts.
10. Do Potbelly brownies contain nuts?
They may contain traces due to shared baking equipment.
11. Does Potbelly use peanut oil?
No, but products may be processed in facilities with peanuts.
12. Is the coleslaw dairy-free?
No. It includes mayo which contains egg and dairy.
13. Does Potbelly have an official allergen sheet?
Yes. It is available online and in stores.
14. What time of day is safest for allergy orders?
Morning and non-rush hours allow staff to be more cautious.
15. Can I call ahead for allergy info?
Yes. Potbelly encourages allergy-sensitive guests to call the store directly.
Final Thoughts
Potbelly isn’t a certified allergy-safe restaurant, but with smart customization, clear communication, and a strong understanding of their allergen guide, you can dine safely. Stick to simple items like salads, lettuce wraps, Zapp’s Chips, and avoid desserts or shakes.
If you have life-threatening allergies, always use an EpiPen, carry medical ID, and eat at your own risk.
For the full Potbelly experience with allergy precautions, this guide ensures you’re equipped with the knowledge to dine smart in 2025.