Craving orange chicken? beware of the dairy lurking in panda express’s dish
What To Know
- “Natural flavors” is a broad term that can encompass a wide range of ingredients, including dairy products.
- Based on the ingredient analysis, Panda Express’s statement, and third-party verification, we can conclude that orange chicken from Panda Express is indeed dairy-free.
- Panda Express offers the SweetFire Chicken Sauce as a dairy-free alternative to its orange sauce.
Orange chicken, a beloved dish from the popular fast-food chain Panda Express, tempts taste buds with its tantalizing blend of flavors. However, for those with dairy allergies or sensitivities, the question arises: does orange chicken from Panda Express contain dairy? Embark on a culinary exploration to uncover the truth.
Ingredients Unveiled
To answer this dairy enigma, let’s delve into the ingredients list of Panda Express‘s orange chicken:
- Chicken
- Water
- Sugar
- Soy sauce (contains wheat and soybeans)
- Orange peel
- Orange juice concentrate
- Rice vinegar
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Ginger powder
- Red food coloring
- Modified cornstarch
- Natural flavors
Dairy Detection
As you can see, the ingredient list does not explicitly mention any dairy products. However, it does include “modified cornstarch” and “natural flavors,” which can sometimes be derived from dairy sources.
Modified Cornstarch: A Dairy Disguise?
Modified cornstarch is a food additive that is often used to thicken sauces and gravies. While cornstarch itself is dairy-free, some manufacturers may use dairy-based enzymes to modify it.
Natural Flavors: A Dairy Enigma
“Natural flavors” is a broad term that can encompass a wide range of ingredients, including dairy products. However, Panda Express does not disclose the specific sources of its natural flavors, leaving us in the dark about their dairy content.
Panda Express’s Stance
When contacted about the dairy content of its orange chicken, Panda Express stated that “it does not contain any dairy ingredients.” This statement suggests that the modified cornstarch and natural flavors used in the dish are derived from non-dairy sources.
Third-Party Verification
To further confirm Panda Express‘s claim, we consulted third-party sources such as the Food Allergy Research and Education organization (FARE). FARE’s database lists Panda Express’s orange chicken as dairy-free.
The Bottom Line: Dairy-Free Delights
Based on the ingredient analysis, Panda Express’s statement, and third-party verification, we can conclude that orange chicken from Panda Express is indeed dairy-free. This culinary revelation allows individuals with dairy allergies or sensitivities to indulge in this flavorful dish without worry.
Additional Considerations
- Cross-Contamination Risk: While Panda Express states that its orange chicken does not contain dairy, it is possible for cross-contamination to occur during preparation or storage.
- Individual Sensitivities: Some individuals may be highly sensitive to even trace amounts of dairy. If you have a severe dairy allergy, it’s always best to exercise caution.
- Alternative Sauces: Panda Express offers alternative sauces for its orange chicken, such as the SweetFire Chicken Sauce, which is explicitly labeled as dairy-free.
Information You Need to Know
Q: Does orange chicken from Panda Express contain any hidden dairy ingredients?
A: According to Panda Express and third-party sources, orange chicken does not contain any dairy ingredients.
Q: Can individuals with dairy allergies safely eat orange chicken from Panda Express?
A: Yes, individuals with dairy allergies can generally safely eat orange chicken from Panda Express, as it is dairy-free.
Q: What alternative sauces are available for orange chicken that are dairy-free?
A: Panda Express offers the SweetFire Chicken Sauce as a dairy-free alternative to its orange sauce.
