Panda Express, the largest Asian fast-food chain in the U.S., has become incredibly popular in recent years. With its bright orange signs and delicious Chinese delicacies, it’s no wonder that millions of Americans are drawn to this restaurant. However, when it comes to nutrition, many people are skeptical about the health benefits and calorie intake of Panda Express meals.
In this blog article, we will discover the surprising facts about Panda Express nutrition, from its nutritional values to the quality and sources of its ingredients. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of the nutritional profile of your favorite Panda Express dishes.
Calorie Count and Nutritional Facts
Panda Express claims that it offers fresh and healthy ingredients, but how healthy are their meals exactly? According to their website, the average meal at Panda Express has 1,300 calories, which is more than half of a person’s recommended daily calorie intake. In addition to that, the sodium content of their dishes is relatively high. For instance, their orange chicken has 510 mg of sodium per serving, and their kung pao chicken has up to 2,190 mg of sodium per serving. These figures may come as a surprise to many who believe that their meals are healthier than typical fast-food chains.
Ingredients and Sustainability
Panda Express also prides itself on using fresh and high-quality ingredients, but where do they source their ingredients from? As per their website, they use vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, and green beans in their dishes, along with white and brown rice. While they claim that they source their ingredients locally if possible, they don’t provide any concrete details about the sustainability of their ingredients.
On the other hand, Panda Express does use some ingredients that are less-than-ideal. For example, the chain uses partially hydrogenated soybean oil, which is high in trans fats. Panda Express has also been criticized for its use of monosodium glutamate (MSG), which is known to cause adverse effects on some people.
Healthy Alternatives
Luckily, Panda Express has introduced healthier options that cater to customers’ health needs. For instance, the chain has introduced Wok Smart items that contain 300 calories or less per serving. These meals come with steamed vegetables and lean proteins such as grilled chicken and shrimp.
Another healthy option would be to customize your meal by choosing healthier options for your main course and reducing the amount of rice. You could also opt for brown rice instead of white rice to benefit from its higher nutrient and fiber content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Panda Express meals may not be as healthy as they seem, but the chain is taking steps to improve its nutritional profile. It is up to the customers to make informed choices about what they eat. We hope this article has provided you with surprising facts about Panda Express nutrition and has helped you make healthier choices at this restaurant.
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