Navigate food allergies safely with our complete allergen information for every menu item
Living with food allergies requires constant vigilance, especially when dining out. Panda Express, like most Chinese-American restaurants, uses many common allergens in their cooking including soy, wheat, peanuts, and shellfish. This comprehensive guide helps you navigate the menu safely and make informed choices.
Cross-contamination is possible. Panda Express prepares food in a shared kitchen where allergens are present. If you have severe allergies, always inform staff and consider the risk of cross-contact. This guide is informational only - always verify with restaurant staff before ordering.
Panda Express menu items may contain these major allergens:
Here's a detailed breakdown of allergens in popular Panda Express items:
| Menu Item | Soy | Wheat | Peanuts | Tree Nuts | Shellfish | Eggs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Chicken | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Beijing Beef | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Kung Pao Chicken | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| String Bean Chicken | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Broccoli Beef | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Super Greens | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Chow Mein | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Fried Rice | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| White Steamed Rice | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Avoid: Kung Pao Chicken (contains peanuts)
Safe Options: Most other entrees are peanut-free, but always verify as cross-contamination is possible in shared cooking equipment.
Major Challenge: Almost all Panda Express items contain soy sauce, which contains wheat. There are very limited gluten-free options.
Safest Option: White Steamed Rice is the only truly gluten-free item on the menu.
Panda Express does NOT offer gluten-free soy sauce or dedicated gluten-free preparation areas. If you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, Panda Express may not be a safe dining option.
Avoid: Honey Walnut Shrimp, any shrimp dishes
Caution: Cross-contamination possible from shared cooking equipment and utensils.
Avoid: Honey Walnut Shrimp (contains walnuts)
Safe Options: Most menu items are tree nut-free, but always verify ingredients as recipes can change.
Avoid: Fried Rice, Orange Chicken, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Cream Cheese Rangoons
Safe Options: White Steamed Rice, Brown Rice, Chow Mein, Super Greens, most entrees except those listed above
Good News: Most Panda Express items are dairy-free! Chinese cuisine typically doesn't use dairy products.
Caution: Cream Cheese Rangoons contain dairy. Always verify with staff as recipes may change.
Tell the person taking your order about your allergy before ordering. Ask to speak with a manager if you have severe allergies.
Request to see the ingredient list or allergen menu. Panda Express locations should have this information available.
Ask staff to use clean utensils and change gloves to minimize cross-contamination risk.
Visit during slower times when staff can give more attention to your special request and there's less risk of mistakes.
Order plain items when possible. White Steamed Rice with plain grilled chicken (if available) is safer than complex sauced dishes.
Always have your EpiPen or antihistamines with you when dining out, even if you've ordered carefully.
Understanding cross-contamination is crucial for severe allergies:
Most items don't contain peanuts except Kung Pao Chicken. However, cross-contamination is possible. Always inform staff of your allergy and assess your personal risk tolerance.
White Steamed Rice is the only truly gluten-free item. All sauces and most entrees contain soy sauce with wheat. Panda Express is not recommended for those with celiac disease.
No. Soy is in almost every item due to soy sauce and soybean oil. White Steamed Rice is the only soy-free option.
Yes, but avoid all shrimp dishes and inform staff of your allergy. Most chicken and beef dishes don't contain shellfish, but cross-contamination is possible.
Panda Express states they add no MSG to their food. However, some ingredients may naturally contain glutamates.
Super Greens, Chow Mein, and White/Brown Rice can be vegan, but verify preparation methods as some may use chicken stock or animal-based ingredients.
Ask any Panda Express location for their allergen menu, or visit the official Panda Express website for downloadable allergen information.
This guide is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Recipes and ingredients can change. Always verify current allergen information with restaurant staff before ordering. If you have severe allergies, consult with your doctor about the safety of eating at restaurants with shared cooking equipment.