Panda Express Gluten Free Menu
Are you a fan of fast-casual Chinese food but need to follow a gluten-free diet? Panda Express has your back! Whether you’re dealing with celiac disease or simply prefer to avoid gluten, you’ll be happy to know that the popular chain offers a variety of gluten-free menu items. Let’s dive deep into Panda Express’s gluten-free options, explore cross-contamination concerns, and provide you with tips on how to make the best choices when dining out gluten-free.
Panda Express Gluten Free Menu
Panda Express Gluten-Free Options
Panda Express is known for its bold flavors and hearty portions, so it’s great to know that there are gluten-free choices that won’t leave you feeling deprived. While the Panda Express A’ la carte menu is not entirely gluten-free, they do offer several dishes that are safe for people with gluten sensitivities.
Here are some of the most popular gluten free menu options available at Chinese Panda Express:
| Panda Gluten Free Menu | Calories | 1 Bowl Price |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Breast | 180 kcal | $6.50 |
| Beijing Beef (Gluten-Free Version) | 330 kcal | $7.00 |
| Kung Pao Chicken (Gluten-Free Version) | 290 kcal | $6.50 |
| Steamed Rice | 380 kcal | $2.50 |
| Chow Mein (Hold the Noodles) | 110 kcal (Veggies & Sauce Only) | $5.00 |
1. Grilled Chicken Breast
One of the simplest and healthiest choices, Panda Express’s Grilled Chicken Breast is a lean, flavorful option. The chicken is marinated and grilled to perfection without any gluten-containing ingredients, making it a safe bet for gluten-free diners.
2. Beijing Beef (Gluten-Free Version)
A favorite for many, Beijing Beef is available in a gluten-free version upon request. This dish features crispy beef stir-fried with bell peppers and onions in a savory and slightly sweet sauce. The gluten-free version uses a different sauce that doesn’t contain any wheat products.
3. Kung Pao Chicken (Gluten-Free Version)
Kung Pao Chicken is a popular stir-fry dish made with chicken, peanuts, and a spicy-sweet sauce. Panda Express has a gluten-free adaptation of this dish, which is perfect for those craving a little heat. Just ask for the gluten-free sauce option when you order.
4. Steamed Rice
For a side dish, Panda Express offers steamed rice, which is naturally gluten-free. It’s a perfect accompaniment to any of their main dishes and gives you that comforting carb fix without the gluten.
5. Chow Mein (Hold the Noodles)
While the Chow Mein noodles at Panda Express contain gluten, you can still enjoy the flavor by ordering the veggies and sauce without the noodles. It’s a great way to get the taste of the dish without the gluten.
Panda Express Gluten-Free Sauces
When it comes to sauces, it’s crucial to know which ones are gluten-free. Panda Express uses some gluten-free sauces in their dishes, but not all are safe for people with gluten sensitivity. Here are the gluten-free sauces you can enjoy at Panda Express:
- Sweet & Sour Sauce
- Orange Sauce
- Teriyaki Sauce (Check if gluten-free at your location)
- Soy Sauce (GF version available)
If you’re craving a flavorful sauce but aren’t sure about its gluten content, it’s always a good idea to double-check with the staff. Panda Express is typically accommodating and can offer gluten-free versions of sauces where needed.
What About Dessert? Are There Any Gluten-Free Desserts at Panda Express?
Unfortunately, Panda Express does not offer any gluten-free dessert options at this time. However, if you’re craving something sweet after your meal, consider enjoying a piece of fruit or another gluten-free treat from another restaurant or food establishment nearby
Panda Express and Gluten-Free Meal Customization
One of the great things about Panda Express is that you can often customize your order. If you’re looking to avoid gluten completely, try modifying your dish by swapping out the sauce or removing gluten-containing ingredients. You can also ask for steamed rice instead of fried rice and ensure that all the sauces are gluten-free.
Cross-Contamination: A Concern for Gluten-Free Dining
While Panda Express offers several gluten-free menu items, it’s important to be aware of potential cross-contamination. In any busy kitchen, there’s always a chance that gluten-free items could come into contact with gluten-containing ingredients. If you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, it’s best to speak directly with the staff to ensure that your meal is prepared in a gluten-free environment.
Tips for Safe Dining at Panda Express:
- Choose grilled options: Grilled chicken or other proteins are typically safer than battered or fried foods.
- Inform the staff: Always let the restaurant know you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity. You can view the Allergen menu for complete overview.
- Ask about preparation: Confirm that your meal is made in a separate area or on clean equipment.
Final Thoughts on Panda Express Gluten-Free Dining
While Panda Express isn’t a fully gluten-free restaurant, it does offer several tasty gluten-free dishes that can accommodate gluten-sensitive diners. From grilled chicken breast to flavorful versions of Beijing Beef and Kung Pao Chicken, there are plenty of delicious choices to enjoy without worrying about gluten. Just be mindful of cross-contamination and speak with the staff about your dietary needs to ensure a safe and enjoyable meal.
Next time you’re craving some Chinese food, you don’t have to worry about missing out. Panda Express offers enough gluten-free options to keep your taste buds satisfied while staying true to your dietary preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Panda Express have a gluten-free menu?
Yes! Panda Express offers a variety of gluten-free options, including grilled chicken, Beijing Beef (gluten-free version), and Kung Pao Chicken (gluten-free version). However, it’s important to be mindful of potential cross-contamination, so always inform the staff about your dietary needs.
What items are gluten-free at Panda Express?
Panda Express offers the following gluten-free options:
Grilled Chicken Breast
Beijing Beef (Gluten-Free Version)
Kung Pao Chicken (Gluten-Free Version)
Steamed Rice
Chow Mein (Hold the Noodles)
Be sure to ask for gluten-free sauces, such as Sweet & Sour, Orange, or Gluten-Free Soy Sauce, to pair with your meal.
Is there a gluten-free soy sauce at Panda Express?
Yes! Panda Express offers a gluten-free soy sauce option. Be sure to ask for it when ordering, as their regular soy sauce contains gluten.
Can I customize my meal to make it gluten-free?
Yes, you can customize many dishes at Panda Express to be gluten-free. For example, you can order the Kung Pao Chicken or Beijing Beef with a gluten-free sauce, and substitute steamed rice for fried rice. Always communicate your dietary needs with the staff to ensure your meal is prepared without any gluten-containing ingredients.
How does Panda Express handle cross-contamination for gluten-free orders?
While Panda Express offers gluten-free options, cross-contamination may occur because their kitchens handle both gluten and gluten-free items. If you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, it’s important to speak with the staff about your concerns. They will take extra precautions to minimize cross-contact but cannot guarantee complete separation.
Does Panda Express offer gluten-free dessert options?
Unfortunately, Panda Express does not offer any dedicated gluten-free desserts. However, you can enjoy a fruit cup or other gluten-free options from other nearby food establishments.
Are Panda Express gluten-free options safe for people with celiac disease?
While Panda Express offers gluten-free options, they do not have a completely gluten-free kitchen. Therefore, cross-contamination is possible, and those with celiac disease should exercise caution and communicate their dietary needs to the staff to minimize risk.
