Consumer Reports' Highest-Rated Fast Food Breakfast Item Isn't From McDonald's Or Wendy's

Fast food breakfasts are as ubiquitous as burgers and chicken sandwiches these days. Many major chains offer morning menus that span from eggs and bacon to oatmeal, smoothies, and more. Not all fast food morning lineups are created equal, so Consumer Reports tested and ranked 48 quick-serve breakfast items to determine which are worth buying. Surprisingly, the highest-rated pick isn't from McDonald's or Wendy's, but Panera Bread.

According to the nonprofit organization, Panera Bread is one of the fast food chains with some of the highest-quality breakfast sandwiches on the market. The brand accounts for four of CR's top-10 spots, with the number one choice being the avocado, egg white, and spinach sandwich on a sprouted grain bagel flat. The bagel flat includes wheat and malted barley flours, sprouted wheat, spelt, rye, and oats. It also has honey and brown sugar for a touch of sweetness, plus rolled oats on top for texture. Inside, egg whites are layered with salt and pepper, fresh tomato slices, spinach, avocado, and aged white cheddar cheese. 

Fast food giants ranked lower on the list, if at all. Wendy's and Burger King didn't make the cut. McDonald's is the only burger joint represented in the category — its Egg White Delight was the highest-ranked menu item, placing just outside the top 10. Chains that fared well alongside Panera include Jamba Juice, Au Bon Pain, and Starbucks.

Consumer Reports considered nutrition, price, sensory experience (flavor and texture), and serving size when ranking each fast food breakfast item. The indie nonprofit found Panera Bread's avocado, egg white, and spinach sandwich fresh-tasting and flavorful. A nod from Consumer Reports is major. Its published findings are based on meticulous research and product tests without the outside influence of advertisers.

In our ranking of popular Panera menu items, the chain's winning breakfast sandwich placed fourth — and fans are likely unsurprised. "Even with the cheese, it's very light ... They just needed to season their egg whites a little bit more, and it'd be pretty darn good ... The bread makes it; good bread, good sandwich," attests one YouTube reviewer. "It's not as salty as most breakfast sandwiches are. It's a lot healthier," another YouTuber says. 

Several other Panera breakfast items made Consumer Reports' list. Two steel-cut oatmeals took second and third place, one with strawberries and pecans and another with almonds, quinoa, and honey. Also in the ranking were Greek yogurt with mixed berries and a ham, egg, and cheese on whole-grain bread. For the ultimate breakfast, pair any option with Consumer Reports' highest-rated coffee, Intelligentsia's house blend.