Panda Express Allergen Menu: Complete Allergy & Safety Guide

Many customers search for the Panda Express allergen menu before ordering because food allergies can directly affect health and safety. Whether you’re avoiding gluten, dairy, soy, peanuts, shellfish, or other allergens, understanding what’s inside Panda Express menu items is essential.

This guide explains the Panda Express allergen menu in a clear and honest way. You’ll learn about common allergens, gluten-free considerations, vegan and vegetarian options, cross-contamination risks, and how to order more safely at Panda Express locations.

Panda Express Allergen Information Overview

The Panda Express menu contains several common allergens due to its sauces, marinades, and cooking methods. Most dishes are prepared fresh in shared kitchen spaces, which means cross-contact is possible even when an item doesn’t directly contain a specific allergen.

Allergen	Found In
Gluten (Wheat)	Chow Mein, soy sauce, many entrées
Soy	Most sauces and marinades
Sesame	Sesame chicken dishes, some sauces
Dairy	Cream cheese rangoon, some sauces
Eggs	Fried rice, battered items
Peanuts	Kung Pao Chicken
Tree Nuts	Honey Walnut Shrimp
Shellfish	Shrimp-based entrées

This table reflects the most common concerns users have when checking the Panda Express allergen menu.

To view full menu visit: Panda Express Menu with Guide

Gluten-Free Options at Panda Express

Many people search for gluten free Panda Express options, but it’s important to understand the limitations.

What to know:

• Panda Express does not offer certified gluten-free meals
• Soy sauce used in most dishes contains wheat
• Cross-contamination is likely in shared woks

Lower-gluten choices (not gluten-free):

• Steamed White Rice
• Super Greens
• Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (sauce contains soy/wheat)

If you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, Panda Express may not be a safe option despite these lower-gluten items.

Dairy, Egg & Soy Allergens Explained

Dairy

Dairy is mainly found in:

• Cream Cheese Rangoon
• Some dessert items

Most entrées do not contain milk directly, but cross-contact is possible.

Eggs

Eggs are present in:

• Fried Rice
• Battered chicken and shrimp items

Soy

Soy is one of the most widespread allergens on the Panda Express menu. Nearly all sauces and marinades contain soy or soy derivatives, making soy avoidance especially difficult.

Peanut, Tree Nut & Shellfish Warnings

Peanuts

• Kung Pao Chicken contains peanuts
• Risk of cross-contact exists in shared kitchens

Tree Nuts

• Honey Walnut Shrimp contains walnuts

Shellfish

• Shrimp entrées are prepared in the same cooking areas as other proteins

For severe nut or shellfish allergies, caution is strongly advised when relying on the Panda Express allergen menu.

Vegan & Vegetarian Allergen Considerations

People searching for Panda Express vegan or vegetarian options should note that vegan does not always mean allergen-free.

Plant-based friendly items:

• Super Greens
• Steamed White Rice
• Chow Mein (contains wheat & soy)

Beyond Meat items have appeared as limited tests in the past, but they are not part of the regular menu and may still involve allergen risks.

Cross-Contamination & Kitchen Safety

Panda Express prepares food in open kitchens using shared equipment, oils, and utensils. Because of this:

• Cross-contamination cannot be fully avoided
• Allergen-free guarantees are not provided
• Customers with severe allergies should speak directly with staff before ordering

This is an important detail often overlooked when reviewing the Panda Express allergen menu.

How to Order More Safely at Panda Express

To reduce allergen risk:

• Review the official allergen information before visiting
• Avoid dishes containing your specific allergen
• Choose simpler items like rice and vegetables
• Ask staff about ingredients and preparation methods
• Use the Panda Express app for ingredient transparency

Final Thoughts

The Panda Express allergen menu helps customers make more informed choices, but it’s not designed for strict allergen avoidance. Soy, wheat, nuts, and shellfish are common across the menu, and cross-contact is possible in all locations.

If you have mild sensitivities, careful selection may help. For severe allergies, it’s best to consult staff or consider alternative dining options.

FAQ’s