Panda Express Allergen Menu: Detailed Nutrition [Info]

panda express allergen menu gives quick, practical facts so you can plan an order with confidence. In short: this guide lists which items may contain common allergens and links to official nutrition information.

This page explains what the guide covers and what it does not promise. It shows allergens, nutrition facts, and safer ordering steps. Ingredients and supplier practices change, and kitchens use shared equipment, so no dish is guaranteed free from cross-contact.

How to use this page: (1) identify your allergen concern, (2) cross-check the item list, (3) confirm cross-contact risk, (4) use nutrition info to compare meals. The guide points you to official resources on Panda Express for up-to-date details.

Quick nutrition tip: build a lighter plate by pairing steamed rice or veggies with leaner entrees. If you have severe food allergies, ask a manager and carry emergency medication like epinephrine as prescribed.

Allergens at Panda Express: What Guests in the U.S. Need to Know Right Now

Understanding how ingredients and shared cooking areas interact helps you choose safer items at this restaurant. Read this short guide to see which major allergens are used, where cross-contact happens, and why plain steamed rice is the most reliable gluten-free choice.

Major FDA allergens to watch

The company confirms it uses ingredients that include: milk, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and sesame. Sesame is listed alongside the other FDA allergen groups.

Contains vs. may be present — why it matters

Even if a recipe does not list a specific item, shared woks and utensils can introduce traces. This is true for both declared and undeclared exposures and increases cross-contamination risk.

Typical shared-equipment risk points

Woks and frying oil used for multiple entrees
Shared tongs, ladles, and prep stations
Ingredient bins at the make-line where sauces and proteins are nearby

Item	Likely allergen presence	Cross-contact risk
Wok-fired entrees	soy, wheat, nuts	High — shared cooking equipment
Fried sides	wheat	Medium — shared fryers
Plain steamed rice	none declared	Lowest — safest gluten-free option

If you have severe allergies, ask for manager-level confirmation about specific ingredients and shared cooking practices before ordering. For celiac diners, plain steamed rice is the only consistently reliable gluten-free choice; sauces, breading, and noodles commonly contain wheat and soy.

panda express allergen menu: Quick Guide by Allergen Concern

Choose your allergen below to see where it usually appears and how to lower exposure when ordering.

Wheat and soy — where they hide

Wheat and soy show up in breading, noodles, and most sauces. That makes them very common across entrees and sides. Plain steamed rice remains the only consistently gluten-free choice.

Peanut alert

Peanuts are primarily flagged for Kung Pao Chicken. Ask staff whether the same wok or utensils were used after cooking any peanut-containing chicken. Watch for spillover from nearby dishes.

Milk and egg flags

Items labeled with milk include some sauces and creamy sides. Verify recipes since formulations change. Most non-dairy items are free of eggs, but Fried Rice and Hot & Sour Soup list eggs as exceptions.

Fish and shellfish

Fish and shellfish (shrimp) risk comes from shared fryers, tongs, and splatter during service. Confirm handling practices if you have a severe allergy.

Ask these questions: What oil is used? Can a fresh wok/pan be used? Do sauces or binders contain my allergen?

Allergen	Common sources	In-store risk	Quick ask
Wheat + soy	Breading, noodles, sauce	High — almost everywhere	Can plain rice be prepared separately?
Peanuts	Kung Pao Chicken	Medium — spillover/wok use	Was the wok used for peanut dishes?
Milk	Creamy sauces, some breading	Medium — ingredient changes	Does this dish list milk ingredients?
Fish / Shellfish	Shrimp, fish entrees	Medium — shared fryers/tongs	Were fryers or tongs shared?

Allergen-Friendly Menu Options by Category (U.S. Menu)

Start here for a concise, category-by-category list of safer choices on the U.S. lineup.

Steamed rice “safe bets”

White Steamed Rice and Brown Steamed Rice are listed as soy-free in the Jan 2026 dairy-free guide. They are the closest thing to a dependable base.

Keep in mind shared woks and utensils can still pose cross-contact risk.

Sides and appetizers to watch

Chow Mein (wheat/soy), Fried Rice (egg exception), and Super Greens are common side choices. Chicken Potstickers and Vegetable Spring Rolls vary by location—verify ingredients at your local store.

Soups, proteins, and kid meals

Hot & Sour Soup often lists egg and can be high-risk due to shared ladles and steam-table splashes.

Chicken entrees to consider include Black Pepper Chicken, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, Honey Sesame Chicken Breast, Mushroom Chicken, and String Bean Chicken Breast. Kung Pao Chicken contains peanuts; watch for cross-contact.

SweetFire Chicken Breast is labeled soy-free in the updated guide, but refined soy oil or sauce changes may apply. Beijing Beef, Broccoli Beef, Black Pepper Sirloin Steak, Wok-Fired Shrimp, and Steamed Ginger Fish are listed but confirm current ingredients.

Kid-friendly Cub Meals include Broccoli Beef Cub Meal and Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Cub Meal.

Items to double-check for milk

Double-check Orange Chicken, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Cream Cheese Rangoon, and Chicken Egg Roll for milk before ordering.

Item	Price	Calories	Vegan/Keto/Gluten-Free	Allergens
White Steamed Rice	Pull local price	Pull nutrition	Vegan (check prep)	None declared (shared-kitchen risk)
Fried Rice	Pull local price	Pull nutrition	Not vegan (contains egg)	Egg, soy, wheat
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken	Pull local price	Pull nutrition	Not keto	Soy, wheat (verify)
Kung Pao Chicken	Pull local price	Pull nutrition	Not vegan	Peanuts, soy, wheat

Nutrition Information and Dietary Breakdown: How to Compare Meals

Compare dishes side-by-side with published nutrition data to build a lower-calorie plate.

How to use official nutrition information to build a lean, protein-forward meal

Start by viewing the brand’s online nutrition information for calories, protein, sodium, and sugar. Use those numbers to compare entrees and sides instead of guessing.

Pick a base like steamed rice, add a protein-forward dish, and skip sauce-heavy options that spike calories and sodium. Remember that a lower-calorie choice can still contain common allergens.

Label limits and proprietary ingredients

Ingredient lists may omit proprietary flavor blends. However, declared allergens and allergen information are required and should guide your choices.

“Contains” means the ingredient is in the recipe. “May contain” flags cross-contact risk from shared woks, oil, or utensils.

Quick comparison template

Item	Price	Calories	Vegan/Keto/Gluten-Free Options	Allergens
White Steamed Rice	Varies by location	Short check official info	Vegan (check prep)	None declared; shared-kitchen risk
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken	Varies by location	Short check official info	Not keto	Soy, wheat (verify)
Super Greens	Varies by location	Short check official info	Vegan	None declared; verify

How to Order More Safely at Panda Express Locations

A short, focused check with staff can cut your risk of cross-contamination before you order. Ask specific questions about current ingredients and how cooking stations are managed at that location.

What to ask staff or a manager

State the allergen you need to avoid, then ask to see the current ingredient/allergen chart for the items you want.
Ask whether woks, fryers, and other shared cooking equipment are used for shrimp, chicken, or nut-containing dishes.
Confirm if utensils are swapped between items and whether sauces are pre-batched or added per order.

Best practices for severe food allergies

Visit during slower hours so staff can pay closer attention. Avoid peak lunch and dinner rushes when cross-contact risk rises.

Use clear order notes: list the specific allergen (for example, milk or peanuts), request fresh gloves, and ask for clean utensils where possible. Always confirm the final item before leaving the counter.

Medical note: people with severe food allergies should carry an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed and should not rely solely on verbal assurances.

Where to find official allergen and nutrition information before you go

Preview ingredient and nutrition information online via PandaExpress.com or the brand app. Checking these resources helps you target which items to double-check in-store—Orange Chicken is commonly flagged for milk, so confirm its current ingredients and sauce formulation.

Quick script	What to confirm
“I have a severe [allergen]. Can I review the current ingredient list?”	Ingredients, cross-contact procedures, shared cooking equipment
“Can you prepare my item with fresh gloves and clean utensils?”	Glove/utensil change, separate prep if possible
“Is the sauce pre-batched or added to order?”	Sauce ingredients and handling

Decision rule: if staff cannot confidently answer ingredient and shared-equipment questions at a location, choose a simpler option like steamed rice or consider a different restaurant.

Conclusion

Here’s a compact takeaway to help you choose safer dishes and ask the right questions at the counter.

The panda express allergen menu is a useful filter, but shared cooking and sauces mean verification matters. Major allergens appear across this menu, so treat each dish as a possible risk.

Most common realities: soy and wheat are widespread. Milk and eggs show up in specific items. Peanuts are the callout for Kung Pao; cross-contact is possible.

Quick checklist: pick plain rice, confirm entree ingredients, ask about shared pans and utensils, and use official nutrition information to compare meals.

Dietary note: vegan, keto, and gluten-free needs need extra scrutiny. For gluten-free, plain steamed rice is the most reliable choice.

FAQ

Q: Does this restaurant have a gluten-free menu? A: No dedicated list — rice is the safest option, but shared-kitchen risk remains.

Q: What’s the top peanut risk item? A: Kung Pao Chicken — confirm wok and utensil use.

Q: Are there dairy-free options? A: Yes, many items are dairy-free; verify that Orange Chicken and Honey Walnut Shrimp do not contain milk.

Q: Is Fried Rice egg-free? A: No — Fried Rice is an egg exception; always verify.

Q: Where is the official allergen chart? A: Find current information on PandaExpress.com or the app, and ask in-store.

Order informed, not assumed. Ask clear questions, carry meds if needed, and choose simpler options when in doubt. Enjoy your cuisine with care.

FAQ

What are the major FDA-recognized allergens used across the menu?

Major FDA allergens present include milk, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, and sesame. Specific dishes list ingredients that may contain one or more of these, and formulations can change, so always check the brand’s current ingredient list before ordering.

How big is the cross-contamination risk from shared cooking equipment?

The risk is real because cooks commonly use the same woks, fryers, and prep surfaces for multiple dishes. Shared oil, utensils, and heat sources can transfer trace proteins. If you have a severe allergy, inform staff and ask about procedures for using separate equipment—then decide based on their ability to accommodate you.

Are any items reliably gluten-free?

Plain steamed white or brown rice is the most reliable gluten-free choice because it’s prepared without wheat-based sauces or breading. Most other items contain wheat or are at risk of cross-contact from shared cooking areas, so confirm ingredient lists and cross-contact controls first.

Where do wheat and soy most commonly appear on the list?

Wheat and soy show up frequently in breading, noodles, marinades, and signature sauces. Stir-fries, chow mein, and many sauced entrees commonly contain soy and wheat-derived ingredients like soy sauce and wheat starch.

Which dishes commonly contain peanuts or may have peanut exposure?

Kung Pao-style dishes and some salads or sauces may contain peanuts. Even if a dish doesn’t list peanuts, nearby menu items that use peanuts can increase cross-contact risk. Ask staff about peanut use in the kitchen before ordering.

Which menu items commonly contain milk or may have dairy cross-contact?

Items frequently reported to contain milk include Orange-style entrees, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Cream Cheese Rangoon, and some egg rolls. Dairy ingredients can also appear in sauces and glazes, so verify ingredient lists for each dish.

Are eggs used in any prepared side items or soups?

Yes. Egg is commonly used in fried rice and may be present in some soups and appetizers. If you have an egg allergy, avoid fried rice unless staff can confirm a safe preparation, and double-check soups like Hot & Sour for egg content.

How should someone with fish or shellfish allergies decide what to order?

Shrimp and fish entrees are obvious risks. Beyond those dishes, cross-contact can occur in shared woks and oil. If you’re allergic to shellfish or fish, avoid seafood items and ask management if separate cooking methods are available.

Which sides are safer or riskier for allergy-conscious diners?

Safer sides include plain steamed white or brown rice. Riskier options are chow mein and fried rice due to soy, wheat, and egg. Vegetable sides like Super Greens can be safe but may contact shared equipment—confirm preparation details before ordering.

Are appetizers and soups consistent across locations for allergen content?

Recipes can vary by location and over time. Common appetizers—Chicken Potstickers, Vegetable Spring Rolls, Cream Cheese Rangoon—and soups like Hot & Sour often contain soy, wheat, or dairy. Always verify the current ingredient list at the location you plan to visit.

Which chicken entrees are typically lower risk for nuts and dairy?

Grilled teriyaki-style and some black pepper or string bean chicken preparations often lack nuts, but they may still contain soy and wheat. Items labeled with honey or walnut, and some crispy/breaded entrees, are more likely to include dairy or nuts. Confirm each recipe before ordering.

Is Kung Pao Chicken a definitive peanut-containing item?

Yes, Kung Pao-style dishes typically include peanuts or a peanut-based garnish. Even if peanuts aren’t obvious on the plate, the preparation area may be used for peanut-containing items, so treat it as a high-risk choice for peanut-allergic guests.

Can any items be considered soy-free in practice?

Few items are guaranteed soy-free because soy derivatives like soy oil, soy sauce, and soybean-based emulsifiers appear in many components. Some grilled entrees might be soy-free depending on the sauce used, but always request ingredient confirmation from staff.

Which beef and seafood entrees should be checked for allergen updates?

Beef dishes such as Beijing Beef or Broccoli Beef and seafood items like Wok-Fired Shrimp or Steamed Ginger Fish can have changing recipes or sauces that introduce allergens. Check the brand’s online ingredient updates or ask staff before ordering.

Are the smaller “Cub Meal” options any safer for allergens?

Cub Meals use the same ingredients and cooking surfaces as full entrees, so cross-contact risk remains. Options like Broccoli Beef Cub Meal or Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Cub Meal follow the same allergen considerations as their full-size counterparts.

Which foods should customers double-check for milk content?

Double-check Orange-style entrees, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Cream Cheese Rangoon, and some egg rolls. These items frequently contain milk-based ingredients or creams and are worth confirming before ordering.

How can nutrition info help build a lower-calorie, higher-protein meal?

Use the brand’s nutrition facts to choose lean protein entrees and pair them with steamed rice and vegetable sides. Swap fried or breaded items for grilled options, and watch portion sizes to lower calories while keeping protein high.

What does “may contain” versus listed ingredients mean?

Listed ingredients confirm what’s intentionally included. “May contain” warnings indicate potential cross-contact during manufacturing or preparation. Both matter for allergy safety; treat “may contain” as a risk for severe allergies.

What should you ask staff or a manager about when ordering with allergies?

Ask which dishes contain specific allergens, whether separate woks or fryers are available, and how orders are tracked to reduce cross-contact. Request ingredient lists and, if you have a severe allergy, ask to speak with a manager about accommodations.

What are best practices for people with severe food allergies when ordering?

Inform staff of the severity, ask about separation procedures, consider ordering items that are less processed (like steamed rice and plain grilled proteins), avoid peak times to reduce errors, and always carry emergency medication such as an epinephrine auto-injector.

Where can you find official ingredient and nutrition information before visiting?

Official ingredient lists and nutrition facts are available on the brand’s website and in-store upon request. Check online resources before you go, and call the location if you need clarification about current formulations or allergy controls.