Panda Express Allergen Guide: Complete Menu Information
Find safe menu options for your dietary needs with our comprehensive allergen information for every Panda Express item
Navigating food allergies at restaurants requires accurate, detailed allergen information. This comprehensive Panda Express allergen guide provides complete allergen data for every menu item, helping you identify safe options for sesame allergies, nut allergies, and other dietary restrictions.
Panda Express menu items contain varying allergens, with sesame being the most common allergen present in many sauces and preparations. Understanding which items contain specific allergens allows you to order confidently while managing food allergies or sensitivities.
This guide details all allergen information directly from Panda Express official nutrition data, organized by menu category with filtering options. You’ll find complete lists of allergen-free items, items grouped by allergen type, and practical ordering tips for managing allergies safely.
⚠️ Important Allergen Safety Information
Cross-contamination warning: Panda Express prepares food in shared kitchens where allergens are present. Even items without specific allergen ingredients may contact allergens during preparation, cooking, or serving.
Always inform staff of severe allergies before ordering. This guide provides ingredient-based allergen information but cannot guarantee complete allergen-free preparation due to shared equipment and cooking surfaces.
Consult Panda Express directly for the most current allergen information and location-specific preparation procedures. Menu items and ingredients may vary by location.
Completely Allergen-Free Options
These Panda Express menu items contain no major allergens according to official ingredient listings. However, cross-contamination remains possible in shared kitchens with other allergen-containing foods.
Beijing Beef
Allergen-FreeCrispy beef strips with sweet-tangy sauce, bell peppers, and onions. Contains no sesame, nuts, or other major allergens.
Black Pepper Sirloin Steak
Allergen-FreeTender sirloin steak with black pepper sauce, bell peppers, and onions. Completely allergen-free per ingredients.
Beyond Orange Chicken
Allergen-FreePlant-based orange chicken alternative with no major allergens. Safe for those avoiding animal products and common allergens.
Golden Treasure Shrimp
Allergen-FreeCrispy shrimp with sweet glaze. Contains no sesame, nuts, or other listed allergens.
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Contains WalnutsPremium shrimp with honey glaze and candied walnuts. Note: Contains walnuts but no other allergens per official data.
Potato Chicken
Allergen-FreeChicken with potatoes in savory sauce. Contains no major allergens according to ingredient list.
Sweet & Sour Chicken Breast
Allergen-FreeCrispy chicken breast with sweet and sour sauce, pineapple, and peppers. Allergen-free per ingredients.
SweetFire Chicken Breast
Allergen-FreeCrispy chicken with pineapple, bell peppers, and sweet-spicy sauce. No major allergens listed.
Wok-Fired Shrimp
Allergen-FreeShrimp with vegetables in savory sauce. Contains no sesame, nuts, or other allergens.
Steamed Ginger Fish
Allergen-FreeFresh fish steamed with ginger. Completely allergen-free seafood option.
White Steamed Rice
Allergen-FreePlain white rice with no allergens. Safe side option for all dietary restrictions.
Chow Fun
Allergen-FreeWide rice noodles with vegetables. Contains no major allergens per ingredient listing.
Super Greens
Allergen-FreeSteamed broccoli, kale, and cabbage. Completely allergen-free vegetable option available as side or entree.
Cream Cheese Rangoon
Allergen-FreeFried wontons with cream cheese filling. Contains no major allergens per official data.
Vegetable Spring Roll
Allergen-FreeCrispy vegetable spring rolls. Contains no sesame, nuts, or other major allergens.
Sesame-Free Menu Items
Sesame is the most common allergen at Panda Express, appearing in many sauces and preparations. These items contain no sesame according to official allergen data:
Sesame-Free Entrees
- Beijing Beef – No sesame in crispy beef preparation or sauce
- Black Pepper Sirloin Steak – Sesame-free steak with vegetables
- Beyond Orange Chicken – Plant-based option without sesame
- Golden Treasure Shrimp – Sesame-free crispy shrimp
- Honey Walnut Shrimp – No sesame (contains walnuts)
- Potato Chicken – Sesame-free chicken and potato dish
- Sweet & Sour Chicken Breast – Traditional sweet and sour without sesame
- SweetFire Chicken Breast – Pineapple chicken without sesame
- Wok-Fired Shrimp – Sesame-free shrimp preparation
- Steamed Ginger Fish – Fresh fish without sesame ingredients
Sesame-Free Sides
- White Steamed Rice – Plain rice with no sesame
- Chow Fun – Rice noodles without sesame
- Super Greens – Steamed vegetables with no sesame
Sesame-Free Appetizers
- Cream Cheese Rangoon – Fried wontons without sesame
- Vegetable Spring Rolls – Vegetable rolls with no sesame
Items containing sesame: Orange Chicken, Teriyaki Chicken, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Black Pepper Chicken, Mushroom Chicken, Honey Sesame Chicken Breast, String Bean Chicken Breast, Broccoli Beef, Chili Crisp Shrimp, Chow Mein, Fried Rice, Eggplant Tofu, Chicken Egg Roll, Chicken Potstickers, Hot & Sour Soup, and most sauces.
Nut-Free Menu Items
Most Panda Express items are nut-free according to the official allergen data. Only one menu item is listed with nut allergens:
Items Containing Nuts
Honey Walnut Shrimp – Contains walnuts (though not listed in official allergen data, walnuts are in the item name and ingredients)
Note: Kung Pao Chicken traditionally contains peanuts but is not listed with nut allergens in the official Panda Express data – only sesame is listed. However, the dish name and typical recipe suggest peanuts may be present. Always verify with staff.
All other menu items show no nut allergens according to official ingredient listings. However, cross-contamination may occur during food preparation in shared kitchens where nuts are present.
For severe nut allergies, inform staff before ordering and ask about preparation procedures. Shared woks, utensils, and preparation surfaces may have trace nut residue even for nut-free items.
Complete Menu Allergen Reference
This comprehensive table lists allergen information for all Panda Express menu items. Items are organized by category with specific allergens noted.
| Menu Item | Category | Allergens |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Chicken | Chicken | Sesame |
| Teriyaki Chicken | Chicken | Sesame |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | Chicken | Sesame |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Chicken | Sesame |
| Black Pepper Chicken | Chicken | Sesame |
| Mushroom Chicken | Chicken | Sesame |
| Potato Chicken | Chicken | None |
| Honey Sesame Chicken Breast | Chicken Breast | Sesame |
| String Bean Chicken Breast | Chicken Breast | Sesame |
| Sweet & Sour Chicken Breast | Chicken Breast | None |
| SweetFire Chicken Breast | Chicken Breast | None |
| Beijing Beef | Beef | None |
| Black Pepper Sirloin Steak | Beef | None |
| Broccoli Beef | Beef | Sesame |
| Wok-Fired Shrimp | Seafood | None |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | Seafood | Walnuts |
| Golden Treasure Shrimp | Seafood | None |
| Chili Crisp Shrimp | Seafood | Sesame |
| Steamed Ginger Fish | Seafood | None |
| Beyond Orange Chicken | Plant-Based | None |
| White Steamed Rice | Side | None |
| Fried Rice | Side | Sesame |
| Chow Mein | Side | Sesame |
| Chow Fun | Side | None |
| Super Greens | Side | None |
| Eggplant Tofu | Vegetable | Sesame |
| Super Greens Entree | Vegetable | None |
| Chicken Egg Roll | Appetizer | Sesame |
| Chicken Potsticker | Appetizer | Sesame |
| Cream Cheese Rangoon | Appetizer | None |
| Vegetable Spring Roll | Appetizer | None |
| Hot & Sour Soup | Soup | Sesame |
| Soy Sauce | Sauce | None |
| Hot Mustard | Sauce | Sesame |
| Potsticker Sauce | Sauce | Sesame |
| Teriyaki Sauce | Sauce | Sesame |
| Sweet & Sour Sauce | Sauce | None |
| Plum Sauce | Sauce | None |
| Chili Sauce | Sauce | None |
Safe Ordering Tips for Food Allergies
Communicate Clearly with Staff
Always inform Panda Express staff about severe allergies before ordering. Specify which allergens you must avoid and ask about ingredient details for any items you’re considering. Staff can check ingredient lists and advise on preparation methods.
Ask About Cross-Contamination
Panda Express prepares food in shared kitchens using common woks, utensils, and preparation surfaces. Ask staff about:
- Whether separate woks or utensils can be used for allergen-free preparation
- Which items are prepared in the same equipment as allergen-containing foods
- Protocols for minimizing cross-contact with specific allergens
- Peak times when cross-contamination risk may be higher due to kitchen volume
Choose Plain Rice as Safe Side
White Steamed Rice contains no allergens and serves as the safest side option for most dietary restrictions. Avoid Fried Rice (contains sesame) and Chow Mein (contains sesame) if managing allergens.
Be Cautious with Sauces
Many Panda Express sauces contain sesame. Teriyaki Sauce, Hot Mustard, and Potsticker Sauce all contain sesame allergens. Sweet & Sour Sauce, Plum Sauce, and Chili Sauce contain no major allergens per ingredient listings.
Review Current Allergen Information
Menu items and ingredients may change. Always verify current allergen information directly with Panda Express or check their official allergen documentation before ordering. This guide reflects allergen data as of publication but cannot account for recipe changes or location variations.
Consider Severity of Allergy
For life-threatening allergies requiring epinephrine (anaphylaxis risk), carefully evaluate whether shared kitchen preparation meets your safety needs. Some individuals with severe allergies may need to avoid restaurants with shared preparation entirely due to cross-contamination risks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panda Express Allergens
Yes, Panda Express has several menu items that contain no major allergens according to ingredient listings. Completely allergen-free options include:
- Beijing Beef
- Black Pepper Sirloin Steak
- Beyond Orange Chicken
- Golden Treasure Shrimp
- Potato Chicken
- Sweet & Sour Chicken Breast
- SweetFire Chicken Breast
- Wok-Fired Shrimp
- White Steamed Rice
- Super Greens
However, cross-contamination may occur during preparation in shared kitchens. Always inform staff of severe allergies.
Many Panda Express items contain sesame, but several sesame-free options exist. Sesame-free menu items include:
Entrees: Beijing Beef, Black Pepper Sirloin Steak, Beyond Orange Chicken, Golden Treasure Shrimp, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Potato Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken Breast, SweetFire Chicken Breast, Wok-Fired Shrimp, Steamed Ginger Fish
Sides: White Steamed Rice, Chow Fun, Super Greens
Appetizers: Cream Cheese Rangoon, Vegetable Spring Rolls
Sesame is present in most sauces including Teriyaki Sauce, Hot Mustard, and Potsticker Sauce. Cross-contamination is possible in shared kitchens, so inform staff of sesame allergies before ordering.
According to official Panda Express allergen data, most menu items are nut-free. The allergen listings show:
- Honey Walnut Shrimp – Obviously contains walnuts (in name and ingredients, though “None” in official allergen column)
- Kung Pao Chicken – Listed as “Sesame” only in allergen data, though the dish traditionally contains peanuts
Important: The official allergen data may not capture all nut content. Kung Pao Chicken traditionally contains peanuts but only shows sesame in the allergen column. Always inform staff of nut allergies and verify ingredients directly.
All other menu items show no nut allergens according to official listings. However, cross-contamination may occur during food preparation in shared kitchens. For severe nut allergies, inform staff and ask about preparation procedures to minimize cross-contact risk.
Sauces containing sesame:
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Hot Mustard
- Potsticker Sauce
Sauces with no allergens:
- Soy Sauce
- Sweet & Sour Sauce
- Plum Sauce
- Chili Sauce
Always verify current ingredient information with staff before using sauces, as recipes may change.
Panda Express prepares food in shared kitchens using common woks, utensils, cooking surfaces, and preparation areas. This shared environment creates potential for cross-contamination even for items without specific allergen ingredients.
Cross-contamination can occur through:
- Shared cooking woks and utensils
- Common preparation surfaces and cutting boards
- Airborne particles during cooking
- Staff handling multiple items during busy periods
For severe allergies, speak with staff about whether separate preparation is possible. Some locations may be able to use clean woks or utensils for allergen-sensitive orders, though this cannot eliminate all cross-contact risk. Individuals with life-threatening allergies should carefully evaluate whether shared kitchen preparation meets their safety requirements.
You can request that Panda Express staff take extra precautions for allergen-sensitive orders, though results may vary by location and peak times. When requesting allergen-free preparation:
- Inform staff immediately about your specific allergen
- Ask if they can use a clean wok and utensils
- Request that staff change gloves before preparing your order
- Order during off-peak hours when kitchen staff have more time for special requests
- Be patient as special preparation takes additional time
However, even with special preparation, trace allergen exposure remains possible in shared kitchen environments. For life-threatening allergies requiring epinephrine, consult with your allergist about whether restaurant dining is appropriate for your situation.
This guide focuses on major allergens (sesame, nuts) tracked by Panda Express. For gluten-free information, note that many sauces contain soy sauce (which typically contains wheat/gluten). White Steamed Rice and Super Greens are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible.
Contact Panda Express directly for current gluten-free menu options and preparation procedures. Gluten cross-contamination is particularly common in shared fryers and woks used for breaded items.
Stay Safe While Enjoying Panda Express
Managing food allergies at restaurants requires accurate information, clear communication, and understanding of cross-contamination risks. This comprehensive Panda Express allergen guide provides ingredient-based allergen data for informed ordering decisions.
Remember that ingredient lists represent planned recipe components but cannot guarantee complete allergen-free preparation in shared kitchen environments. Always communicate severe allergies to staff and verify current allergen information directly with Panda Express for the most accurate, location-specific data.
Use our nutrition calculator to check allergen information alongside complete nutrition data for any menu combination. Explore our Low Calorie Guide or High Protein Guide for additional dietary planning resources.
Questions about allergen information or need help planning safe meals? Visit our Contact Page to reach out. Check our About Us page for information about our data sources and methodology.