The Surprising Truth About Orange Chicken From Panda Express – Does It Have Dairy?

For those who savor the tantalizing flavors of Panda Express’s Orange Chicken, a lingering question often arises: does it contain dairy? This blog post delves into the depths of this culinary enigma, exploring the ingredients and nutritional information of this beloved dish to determine its dairy status.

Ingredients and Nutritional Information

The official Panda Express website lists the ingredients for Orange Chicken as:

• Chicken
• Water
• Sugar
• Soy sauce (water, soybeans, wheat, salt)
• Orange peel
• Orange juice concentrate
• Modified corn starch
• Vegetable oil
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Salt
• Paprika
• Red chili pepper

A review of the nutritional information provided by Panda Express reveals that Orange Chicken contains:

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 15g

Dairy-Free Ingredients

A careful examination of the ingredients list and nutritional information suggests that Orange Chicken from Panda Express does not contain dairy. All ingredients are either dairy-free or do not contain dairy derivatives.

• No Milk or Milk Products: The ingredient list does not mention any milk, cream, cheese, or other dairy products.
• No Lactose: The nutritional information does not list lactose, the primary sugar found in milk.
• No Casein or Whey: These dairy proteins are not present in the ingredients list or nutritional information.

Cross-Contamination Considerations

While the ingredients themselves do not contain dairy, it is important to consider the potential for cross-contamination. Panda Express restaurants may use shared cooking equipment or utensils that have come into contact with dairy products. Therefore, individuals with severe dairy allergies or sensitivities should exercise caution when consuming Orange Chicken.

Orange Sauce Analysis

The Orange Sauce that accompanies Orange Chicken is also dairy-free. The ingredients for the sauce include:

• Orange peel
• Orange juice concentrate
• Sugar
• Modified corn starch
• Water
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Salt

None of these ingredients contain dairy or dairy derivatives.

Final Thoughts

Based on the available information, it is evident that Orange Chicken from Panda Express does not contain dairy. However, individuals with severe dairy allergies or sensitivities should be aware of the potential for cross-contamination.

Questions You May Have

1. Does Orange Chicken from Panda Express contain any hidden dairy ingredients?
No, Orange Chicken does not contain any hidden dairy ingredients.

2. Is the Orange Sauce dairy-free?
Yes, the Orange Sauce is dairy-free.

3. Can individuals with dairy allergies safely consume Orange Chicken?
Yes, individuals with dairy allergies can safely consume Orange Chicken, provided they are not severely allergic or sensitive to cross-contamination.

4. What other dairy-free dishes are available at Panda Express?
Other dairy-free dishes include:

• Broccoli Beef
• String Bean Chicken Breast
• Shanghai Angus Steak
• Super Greens
• Fried Rice

5. How can I reduce the risk of cross-contamination?
To reduce the risk of cross-contamination, inform the restaurant staff about your dairy allergy and request that your food be prepared separately.