Panda Express Nutrition Facts: Panda Express meals have around 150 to 520 calories each. Healthier choices are Broccoli Beef, Super Greens and Grilled Chicken while Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef have more calories and sugar.
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A Quick Look at Panda Express
Founded in 1983 in Glendale, California Panda Express was created by Andrew and Peggy Cherng. The restaurant’s mission has always been to make Chinese-inspired dishes more accessible to everyone. Today it operates over 2,300 locations worldwide.
While it is categorized as a fast-food restaurant Panda Express allows customers to customize their meals offering a mix of proteins, sides and veggies to suit various diets.
Panda Express Nutrition Facts Breakdown
Here is a detailed look at the nutritional content of some of the most popular Panda Express menu items (based on one serving size):
| Menu Item | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) |
| Orange Chicken | 490 | 25 | 51 | 23 | 820 |
| Beijing Beef | 470 | 15 | 46 | 27 | 890 |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | 490 | 13 | 45 | 26 | 590 |
| Kung Pao Chicken | 290 | 16 | 14 | 19 | 970 |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | 300 | 36 | 14 | 13 | 530 |
| Broccoli Beef | 150 | 9 | 13 | 7 | 520 |
| String Bean Chicken Breast | 190 | 14 | 13 | 9 | 830 |
| Mushroom Chicken | 220 | 13 | 10 | 14 | 840 |
| Chow Mein | 510 | 13 | 80 | 20 | 860 |
| Fried Rice | 520 | 12 | 85 | 16 | 850 |
| Steamed White Rice | 380 | 7 | 85 | 0 | 0 |
| Brown Steamed Rice | 420 | 9 | 87 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Super Greens | 90 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 260 |
Note: Nutritional values may vary slightly based on portion size and preparation.
Healthiest Choices at Panda Express
If you are trying to eat light or healthy has plenty of options. Here are a few nutrient-friendly picks:
- Broccoli Beef: Only 150 calories per serving, packed with protein and veggies.
- String Bean Chicken Breast: 190 calories, low in fat, and rich in lean protein.
- Super Greens: A healthy side of kale, broccoli, and cabbage with just 90 calories.
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: 300 calories with 36g protein, a great muscle-building choice.
Tip: Pair a lean protein dish with Super Greens instead of Fried Rice or Chow Mein for a lighter meal.
High Calorie Items to Enjoy Occasionally
While everything at Panda Express tastes great, some dishes are higher in calories and sugar. Here are a few to enjoy occasionally:
- Orange Chicken: Delicious but high in calories and sugar.
- Honey Walnut Shrimp: Contains added sugar and fats from the creamy sauce.
- Beijing Beef: Deep fried beef with a sweet glaze makes it calorie-dense.
If you are craving these, try half portions or share with a friend.
Panda Express Sauces and Their Nutrition
Sauces can secretly add calories and sodium to your meal. Here is what to know:
| Sauce | Calories (per serving) | Sodium (mg) | Sugar (g) |
| Teriyaki Sauce | 70 | 690 | 10 |
| Sweet & Sour Sauce | 80 | 100 | 18 |
| Chili Sauce | 10 | 190 | 2 |
| Soy Sauce (packet) | 5 | 460 | 0 |
| Hot Mustard | 15 | 55 | 1 |
Tip: Ask for sauces on the side so you can control how much you add.
Panda Express and Dietary Preferences
Panda Express offers a range of options for different diets:
High Protein Diet
Go for Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, String Bean Chicken Breast, or Broccoli Beef. Pair them with Super Greens for a balanced, protein-packed meal.
Low Carb or Keto Friendly Diet
Stick to meat and veggie-based dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken (no rice/noodles) or Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Super Greens.
Vegetarian Friendly Choices
While limited, you can combine Super Greens, Chow Mein, and Eggplant Tofu (available at select locations) for a vegetarian-friendly meal.
Panda Express Kids Meal Nutrition
Panda Express offers a smaller portion size for kids that helps with portion control. A typical kid’s meal includes:
- 1 entrée (like Grilled Chicken or Broccoli Beef)
- 1 side (White Rice, Brown Rice, or Super Greens)
- 1 drink (Water, Milk or Juice)
It is a balanced, portion-friendly meal averaging 400 to 500 calories.
Panda Express Nutrition for Fitness Enthusiasts
If you are an athlete or trying to meet specific fitness goals Panda Express can still work for you:
- For Muscle Gain: Choose Grilled Teriyaki Chicken or Kung Pao Chicken with Fried Rice.
- For Weight Loss: Go for Broccoli Beef or String Bean Chicken Breast with Super Greens.
- For Balanced Energy: Combine Mushroom Chicken with Brown Rice for sustained energy.
Tracking your meal through the Panda Express Nutrition Calculator helps you stay within your daily goals.
Panda Express Nutrition Calculator
The official Panda Express website offers a nutrition calculator that lets you:
- Customize meals with different sides and entrees
- Check calories, fat, carbs and sodium in real time
- Filter for allergens and dietary restrictions
You can access it on their website or mobile app making meal planning much easier.
Allergen Information
Panda Express dishes may contain or come in contact with soy, wheat, eggs, peanuts, milk, tree nuts, fish or shellfish.
If you have allergies check the Allergen Guide on their official site before ordering.
Expert Tip: Balancing Flavor and Health
You do not need to give up your favorite Chinese dishes. The key is portion control and smart substitutions:
- Replace Chow Mein or Fried Rice with Super Greens.
- Pick grilled instead of fried items.
- Choose sauces on the side.
- Drink water or green tea instead of soda.
These small changes can make your meal healthier without losing flavor.
FAQ’s
1. Does Panda Express use MSG in their food?
No, Panda Express doesn’t add MSG to their food, but some ingredients may naturally contain it from suppliers.
2. Are there any gluten-free options at Panda Express?
Panda Express doesn’t have certified gluten-free dishes, but you can choose Super Greens or Steamed Rice for fewer gluten ingredients.
3. Is Panda Express food cooked in peanut oil?
No, Panda Express uses soybean oil, not peanut oil, which makes it safer for people with peanut allergies.
4. How much sodium is in a typical Panda Express meal?
A regular Panda Express plate can have 1,500–2,500 mg of sodium, depending on your food choices.
5. Can I track my Panda Express meal on fitness apps?
Yes! You can find Panda Express dishes on MyFitnessPal and similar apps to track your calories and nutrients easily.
Conclusion:
Panda Express offers tasty Chinese-American meals for everyone. By knowing the nutrition facts, you can make smarter and healthier choices without giving up flavor. Enjoy your favorite dishes wisely and stay balanced. Keep visiting us for more helpful food guides and healthy eating tips.
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