Craving some Panda Express takeout? If you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, be sure to check out this post before heading out.
Remember, menus change often, so this is not guaranteed to be accurate. Always check with your server.
Generally speaking, Chinese food can be very difficult to make gluten free. They often contain gluten and wheat flour products, especially in all their sauces. See my guide here to Gluten Free Chinese Food.
Panda Express History
Panda Express, an American fast food restaurant chain, specializes in serving American Chinese cuisine. It was established in the United States in October 1983 by Andrew and Peggy Cherng. Presently, the company's headquarters are located in Rosemead, California, with a primary mission of bringing people together to relish the finest Americanized Chinese dishes in a relaxed and low-key ambiance.
Panda Express is well known for its delectable Orange Chicken, crafted by its talented chef, Andy Kao. Additionally, the chain offers a variety of other Asian-inspired signature dishes, including Kung Pao Chicken, Beijing Beef, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, General Tso's Chicken, and Firecracker Chicken Breast.
They even sell some of their more famous sauces on Amazon and in stores.
Is There Gluten Free Food at Panda Express
It's probably best to avoid Panda Express if you have celiac disease or are super sensitive to gluten and cross-contamination. They use many products that contain gluten in their cooking, such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Most dumplings, noodles, egg rolls, wonton wrappers, and lo mein noodles contain wheat and must be avoided if you. have celiac disease.
Gluten Free Menu Items at Panda Express
Side Dishes
Steamed White Rice
Steamed Brown Rice
Tree Top Apple Crisps (comes in the Panda Cub Meal)
Sauces
Sweet and Sour Sauce
Chili Sauce
Hot Mustard
Plum Sauce
Drinks
All drinks are gluten free.
What to Ask For That May Be Gluten Free
If you have an accommodating Panda Express, you may be able to ask for a grilled chicken dish without any sauce and a side of plain rice. Or perhaps they could steam vegetables with no sauce and serve with a side of white rice.
As always, I say proceed with caution. Cross-contamination can occur when they do not use separate cooking utensils for gluten free dishes.
You can make Chinese food at home! Here are a few of my favorite gluten free Chinese recipes that my family loves.
Gluten Free Kung Pao Chicken
Instant Pot Sesame Chicken
Instant Pot Orange Chicken
If you have celiac disease it is probably best to avoid Panda Express and make your own Chinese food at home!
Resources Used:
https://www.bidmc.org/-/media/files/beth-israel-org/centers-and-departments/digestive-disease-center/celiac-center/celiacnow/celiac-center-gf-chinese-dining-guide-123120.pdf
https://www.pandaexpress.com/nutritioninformation
JessieM says
hey Karen Kelly, do u know if the gluten free kung pao chicken is also free of other common allergens? my son has a pretty sensitive stomach and we're always on the lookout for new options that won't upset it. thnx!
Melissa82 says
Does anyone know if the gluten free menu at Panda Express is also good for kids? We're trying to introduce more gluten free foods to them but it's hard to find options they'll enjoy.
HealthNutMom says
We’ve tried their gluten free sides & the kids loved them! Definitely recommend giving it a shot.
GFadvocate says
Yeah, it's pretty kid-friendly, my niece loves the rice.
T-Bone75 says
finally, a place where i can grab some gluten free grub after hitting the weights, gotta keep that diet clean and lean, am i right or am i right?
FitFam4ever says
You're so right! It's a game changer for sure. Love seeing more options for us clean eaters.
Spicy_Food_Lvr says
Panda express gluten free kung pao!! That sounds like a game changer for sure. Wonder how spicy they make it tho.
ciara_tea says
Curious about the drinks section. Are we talkin' standard soda and water, or has Panda Express got some unique gluten free teas and stuff?
SkepticalSandy says
Gluten free at a fast food joint? Sounds like a marketing gimmick to me. How can we even be sure they're actually sticking to gluten free prep methods?
JJSparkles says
Instant pot orange chicken??? Gluten free??? That's awesome!!! Have to try this next time. Thanks, Karen Kelly for the info!!!
Mike372 says
so, they got any budget-friendly options in that gluten free menu? Being gluten intolerant and broke is no joke.
JaydenK says
I'm skeptical about fast food chains providing truly gluten-free options. Cross-contamination is a huge risk, especially with how busy places like Panda Express get. Has anyone experienced issues?
Gary-the-Gluten-Free says
It's pretty rad to see Panda Express stepping up their game with gluten-free options. Makes eating out a lot less stressful for folks like me!
CeliacSarah says
Absolutely, Gary! It's about time more big chains took this seriously. Can't wait to try their menu.
GFreeGal says
This is such great news! Finally, more safe options for us. Kudos to Panda Express.
dave_the_rave says
if i told my buddies i wanna eat gluten free they'd laugh but hey panda express could be onto something couldnt it
BuddyNo1 says
dude gluten free? whats next, going vegan? lol
TechieGourmet says
Really curious about the Instant Pot recipes mentioned for Sesame and Orange Chicken. Wonder if they taste similar to the restaurant ones? Anyone tried replicating it at home?