Last Updated on February 5, 2025 by Karen
Explore Panda Express gluten-free options with our detailed menu guide, featuring safe dish recommendations, customization tips, and popular gluten-free choices.
Panda Express is one of the most well-known fast-food chain that brings a taste of American Chinese cuisine to customers across the United States. As the demand for gluten-free options grows, Panda Express menu offers a variety of gluten-free dishes for those with dietary restrictions, including gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, or a general preference for a gluten-free diet. Whether you’re craving their popular orange chicken or looking to try a gluten-free alternative for Chinese food, Panda Express has menu options that can satisfy your taste buds without worrying about gluten.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore all the gluten-free options at Panda Express, including how to customize your meal and what to watch out for when trying to avoid gluten. From savory signature dishes like kung pao chicken to gluten-free sides such as super greens, we’ve got you covered on all the gluten-free items you can enjoy a delicious experience at Panda Express.
Is there a Panda Express Allergen Menu?
Yes, Panda Express provides an allergen menu to help customers with dietary restrictions or allergies make informed choices. You can find this menu on their official website, where they list the common allergens in their menu items, including gluten, soy, dairy, eggs, and more. The allergen menu is a helpful resource for individuals with gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, or other food allergies.
You can access the Panda Express allergen menu here. This menu outlines the major allergens in their food and provides guidance for creating a meal that fits your dietary needs.
If you have any specific allergies or dietary concerns, it’s always a good idea to ask the staff at your local Panda Express location for further assistance and information on how they handle cross-contamination with shared cooking equipment.
What Gluten-Free Dishes Are Available at Panda Express?
The Chinese restaurants Panda Express offers a selection of gluten-free options that cater to those with gluten sensitivities or gluten intolerance. These dishes are made without gluten-containing ingredients, the only thing is there’s always a risk of cross-contamination due to the use of shared cooking equipment. It’s a good idea to check on the Panda Express website for nutritional details or inform the restaurant staff at your local Panda Express location of your dietary needs to ensure safe meals.
Here’s a look at some of the most popular dishes for gluten-free meals:
Sweet Fire Chicken Breast
This dish features crispy chicken bites tossed in a spicy orange sauce with red bell peppers and onions. It’s a great choice for anyone avoiding gluten and is one of the gluten-free alternatives to the classic orange chicken. The sauce thickened with corn starch offers a tangy, sweet kick without the worry of traces of gluten.
Grilled Chicken Breast
If you’re looking for a simple, safe choice, the grilled chicken breast is a good choice for a gluten-free meal option. Tender, juicy chicken grilled to perfection, it’s perfect for pairing with your favorite sides. Be sure to check with the restaurant staff to ensure the chicken isn’t cross-contaminated with gluten.
Broccoli Beef
A Panda Express favorite, the broccoli beef is a satisfying dish made with tender beef and fresh broccoli in a savory sauce. This dish is naturally gluten-free and makes for a flavorful and filling meal without the need for any substitutions.
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao chicken is made with chicken, peanuts, vegetables, and a spicy sauce. The peanuts add a satisfying crunch, while the chili peppers offer a kick of spice. This dish is naturally gluten-free and is a great choice for anyone craving something with a little heat.
Super Greens
For a healthier side, Super Greens is an excellent gluten-free and vegan options. Made with stir-fried broccoli, kale, and green beans, this dish provides a nutrient-packed and flavorful side. It pairs perfectly with any of the main dishes, giving you a balance of vegetables.
Beyond Orange Chicken (Check Availability)
Panda Express has introduced Beyond Orange Chicken, a plant-based alternative to the original. While not available at all Panda Express locations, this gluten-free option delivers the same crispy, tangy flavor as the signature dish but without the gluten. If available, it’s an excellent choice for those avoiding gluten and animal products.
What to Avoid When Choosing Gluten-Free Dishes
While Panda Express offers several gluten-free dishes, some menu items contain soy sauce, which traditionally includes wheat as an ingredient and is a common allergen. Other items, such as fried rice, egg rolls, and the popular Orange Chicken, contain food allergen due to their flour-based breading, wonton wrappers, or sauces.
Items to avoid if you’re following a gluten-free diet:
- Orange Chicken: Contains a gluten-filled batter and soy sauce.
- Beijing Beef: Typically made with gluten-containing sauces.
- Fried Rice: Often contains soy sauce, which may have wheat.
- Egg Rolls: The wrapper contains gluten.
- Cream Cheese Rangoons: The crispy wonton wrapper contains gluten.
- Chow Mein: Chinese noodles contains wheat and soy sauce.
Always ask the staff to verify ingredients or possible cross-contamination, especially if you’re highly sensitive to gluten.
How to Customize Your Gluten-Free Meal
You can customize your meal on the Panda Express Gluten-Free Menu to ensure it meets your dietary needs. Here are a few tips for creating a gluten-free meal:
- Choose rice or Super Greens as a side: Opt for steamed white rice or brown rice instead of fried rice.
- Swap soy sauce for gluten-free sauces: Ask if Panda Express has a gluten-free soy sauce option, or use their teriyaki sauce or sweet-and-sour sauce when available.
- Customize your protein: Many proteins, like the grilled chicken breast or Sweet Fire Chicken Breast, are gluten-free by default, so you can easily build a meal around them.
Is Panda Express Healthy?
Many of Panda Express’ gluten-free options are healthy, especially dishes like Super Greens and Grilled Chicken Breast. However, like any fast food, some menu items may be higher in calories or sodium, so it’s important to consider portion sizes and overall nutritional content when customizing your meal.
Panda Express has made strides in offering more gluten-free options and accommodating various dietary needs. Whether you’re gluten-sensitive or simply trying to avoid wheat-based ingredients, you can enjoy a tasty meal without sacrificing flavor.
Popular Gluten-Free Choices at Panda Express
- SweetFire Chicken Breast
- Grilled Chicken Breast
- Broccoli Beef
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Super Greens
- Beyond Orange Chicken (Check Availability)
Panda Express Copycat Recipes for Non-Gluten-Free Versions:
Panda Express Copycat Orange Chicken (with gluten)
Panda Express Copycat Beijing Beef (with gluten)
Next time you visit Panda Express, feel free to customize your meal with the variety of gluten-free options available. You can even ask the restaurant staff to help ensure your meal is prepared safely to avoid any risk of cross-contamination with gluten. Whether you’re enjoying your meal in-store or placing an online order, Panda Express has plenty of safe choices for those following a gluten-free diet or living with gluten sensitivities.
