Panda Express Chow Mein Calories & Nutrition Info
Discover the calorie count and full nutritional facts for Panda Express Chow Mein. Make informed choices with our detailed diet breakdown.
Panda Express’s Chow Mein is a favorite for its tasty flavor and soft noodles. It’s a mix of vegetables stir-fried with noodles. This article will dive into the calories and nutrition of this dish.
Knowing the calories in Panda Express Chow Mein helps you make better food choices. It’s key to understanding the nutritional values of this dish. This way, you can pick meals that fit your health goals.
Key Takeaways
- A typical 9.4-ounce serving of Chow Mein contains over 500 calories.
- The dish offers 20 grams of fat, 80 grams of carbohydrates, and 13 grams of protein.
- Vegetarian servings can have as few as 264 calories with lower fat content.
- Each serving has around 776 mg of sodium, which is essential to consider for dietary restrictions.
- Incorporating protein, like chicken, can increase the nutritional profile significantly.
Introduction to Panda Express Chow Mein
Panda Express Chow Mein has been a hit since 1983. It’s a favorite among fans of panda express noodle dishes. The mix of egg noodles, onions, celery, and cabbage offers a unique taste that goes well with many dishes.
This dish is more than just a side; it’s a comfort food for many. The crispy veggies and savory noodles make it a great choice for any meal. Knowing what’s in panda express chow mein can make your meal even better. It lets you enjoy your food while keeping an eye on its nutritional value.
Panda Express Chow Mein Calories
Panda Express Chow Mein is a tasty side dish at the popular fast-food chain. Knowing the panda express chow mein calorie count helps you choose wisely for your diet.
Caloric Content Breakdown
Each serving of Panda Express Chow Mein is about 9.4 ounces and has 510 calories. This comes from different nutrients:
- Calories from Fat: 200
- Calories from Carbohydrates: 294
- Calories from Protein: 46
The nutrients show that 33% of calories are from fat, 58% from carbs, and 9% from protein. With 22.4 grams of fat, you can see how it fits into your daily fat needs.
Comparison with Other Sides
When comparing panda express chow mein calories to other sides, Chow Mein is between Fried Rice and Super Greens. Here’s a quick look:
| Menu Item | Calories | Total Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Panda Express Chow Mein | 510 | 22.4 |
| Fried Rice | 520 | 15 |
| Super Greens | 90 | 0 |
| Chow Fun | 410 | 17 |
This comparison shows how panda express chow mein calories compare to other dishes. It helps you choose based on your nutritional needs. Each dish has its own profile, so think about what else you’re eating for a balanced meal.
Nutritional Information Overview
Knowing the nutritional facts of Panda Express Chow Mein helps you make better food choices. Each serving is about 9.4 ounces. It has key information for that size.
Serving Size and Weight
A single serving of Panda Express Chow Mein has 510 calories. It’s a filling part of your meal. This size is a big part of your nutrition.
Daily Values Percentage
Panda Express Chow Mein nutrition shows daily values for a 2,000-calorie diet. It has 20g of total fat, which is 26% of what you need daily. Carbohydrates are 80g, making up 29% of your daily intake.
Looking closer, we see 6g of dietary fiber. This is 21% of your daily value. It’s good for your digestive health.
By knowing these numbers, you can add Panda Express Chow Mein to your diet. It helps you stay on track with your daily values and nutrition goals.
Complete Calorie Count for Panda Express Chow Mein
Knowing the calorie count of Panda Express Chow Mein is key to making smart choices. This dish packs a lot of calories, so it’s important to understand where they come from. Looking at the calorie breakdown helps us see its nutritional value.
Total Calories
A standard serving of Panda Express Chow Mein is 9.4 ounces. It has 510 calories. This is a big chunk of calories, which is important to remember, even on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Caloric Sources: Carbs, Fats, and Proteins
The calorie breakdown shows what makes up this dish:
| Macronutrient | Amount (g) | % of Total Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | 80 | 58% |
| Fat | 20 | 33% |
| Protein | 13 | 9% |
This breakdown shows that carbs are the main part of the dish. Knowing this helps us plan our meals better. It ensures we get the right balance of nutrients when we enjoy this Chinese favorite.
Panda Express Chow Mein Nutrition Facts
Panda Express Chow Mein is a balanced meal with a good mix of nutrients. It’s a favorite among many. Knowing the nutrition facts helps you see how it fits into your diet.
Fat Content Breakdown
The fat in Panda Express Chow Mein is 20 grams per serving. This is about 26% of what you should eat daily. Of this, 3.5 grams are saturated fats, which is 18% of your daily limit.
Carbohydrate Composition
Carbohydrates make up 80 grams of the dish, which is 58% of its calories. It also has 6 grams of dietary fiber. This is 21% of what you should eat daily.
Protein Levels
The protein in Panda Express Chow Mein is 13 grams per serving. While it’s a small part of your daily intake, it’s still good for your diet.
Panda Express Chow Mein Ingredients
The ingredients of panda express chow mein make it taste great. It has egg noodles, made from wheat flour, water, and eggs. It also has cabbage, carrots, onions, and celery for texture and taste.
More ingredients like soy sauce and spices are added to boost the flavor. These ingredients mix to give a savory and slightly sweet taste. Many people love this mix.
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Egg Noodles | Main component; made from wheat flour, water, and eggs. |
| Cabbage | Adds crunch and contrasts with soft noodles. |
| Carrots | Infuses sweetness and vibrant color. |
| Onions | Provides aromatic flavor. |
| Celery | Contributes a fresh, crisp texture. |
| Soy Sauce | Adds a savory umami flavor. |
| Spices | Enhances complexity of the flavor profile. |
Knowing what’s in panda express chow mein is helpful. It’s good for those with dietary needs or likes. Each part works well together, making the dish tasty and fulfilling.
Health Considerations
Looking at the health of Panda Express Chow Mein, we see its nutritional value and how it affects diet goals. It’s tasty but high in sodium. With 860 milligrams of sodium per serving, it’s about 37% of what we should eat daily. This is a worry for those watching their sodium intake.
Finding a balance between taste and health is hard, mainly for those who care about their diet.
Is Panda Express Chow Mein Healthy?
Panda Express Chow Mein can be part of a healthy diet. It tastes good but lacks some nutrients found in other dishes. Compared to super greens or grilled teriyaki chicken, it has fewer calories and less nutritional value.
Enjoying it is okay, but eating it in moderation is key to staying healthy.
Potential Dietary Restrictions
For those with dietary restrictions, Panda Express Chow Mein can be tricky. It’s made with wheat noodles, which is a problem for those with gluten sensitivity. People with food allergies or intolerances should check the ingredients carefully.
Health-conscious diners might want to look for other options on the Panda Express menu. These should better fit their dietary needs.
| Item | Calories | Sodium (mg) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panda Express Chow Mein | 420 | 860 | 9 |
| Super Greens | 90 | 240 | 6 |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | 340 | 470 | 36 |
| Mushroom Chicken | 220 | 840 | 13 |
Panda Express Chow Mein Dietary Facts
Panda Express Chow Mein is a favorite dish that’s good to know about for those watching their diet. Knowing what’s in it helps you choose wisely when eating out.
Gluten and Allergens
This dish has gluten because it includes wheat flour in the egg noodles. People with gluten issues or celiac disease should skip it. Soy is also in the soy sauce, which is another allergen. Always check the nutrition info and talk to staff about allergens to make sure your meal fits your diet.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (9.4 oz) | Daily Value Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 510 | – |
| Total Fat | 20.00g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 3.500g | 18% |
| Cholesterol | 0mg | – |
| Sodium | 860mg | 37% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 80.00g | – |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.0g | – |
| Sugars | 9.00g | – |
| Protein | 13.00g | – |
How to Incorporate Panda Express Chow Mein into Your Diet
It’s easy to enjoy Panda Express Chow Mein while watching your diet. Knowing how to mix it with other foods can make meals better and help you reach your health goals. Here are some tips for adding panda express chow mein to your diet.
Portion Control Tips
Controlling how much you eat is crucial. A normal serving of this dish has 510 calories, mostly from carbs and fats. To keep calories in check, start with a smaller portion. Add a lean protein like grilled chicken or fish to make it more filling without adding too many calories.
Balancing with Other Nutritional Foods
To make your meal even healthier, add different veggies. Try pairing panda express chow mein with steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots. These veggies add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This mix makes the dish a better part of your diet, all while keeping its tasty flavors.
Panda Express Chow Mein Carbs Analysis
Panda Express Chow Mein is loved for its tasty flavor and texture. But, it’s key to know its carb content. Each serving has about 45 grams of carbohydrates. This can greatly affect your daily carb intake, which is a big deal if you’re on a low-carb or keto diet.
This carb amount is about 29% of what an average adult should eat in a day. It’s important to keep track of this for your diet.
Knowing what’s in this dish helps you make better food choices. For those who watch their macros, here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Item | Calories | Carbohydrates (g) | Fat (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chow Mein | 500 | 45 | 61 | 18 |
| Fried Rice | 530 | 82 | 15 | 13 |
| Orange Chicken | 420 | 43 | 21 | 15 |
| Beef Beijing | 690 | 57 | 40 | 26 |
| SweetFire Chicken Breast | 440 | 53 | 18 | 17 |
While Chow Mein from Panda Express is great for a filling side, it’s crucial to watch its carbs. This is key for balanced nutrition, no matter your dietary needs or goals.
Preparation and Cooking Style
Making panda express chow mein is easy and quick. It involves stir-frying, which cooks food fast over high heat. This keeps the flavors and textures of the ingredients just right. You can have this meal ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a fast dinner.
When you make panda express chow mein, cut veggies like celery, white onion, and cabbage the same size. This ensures they cook evenly in the 1-2 minute sauté. High heat cooking is key, as it adds a nice char and smokiness that people love.
The sauce is a mix of light soy sauce, brown sugar, shaoxing wine, white pepper, sesame oil, and chicken broth. You can also add MSG for extra flavor. This sauce gives the dish a rich taste.
Use a carbon steel wok for the best results. It’s perfect for high-heat cooking, just like in a restaurant. Stir-fry the noodles for 2-3 more minutes. They should be a bit undercooked, as they’ll finish cooking in the wok.
Leftover panda express chow mein can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s great for meal prep. It also goes well with other Chinese dishes like Beef and Broccoli, Orange Chicken, and Fried Rice. This makes for a tasty themed meal.
Alternative Menu Choices at Panda Express
Exploring Panda Express’s menu can lead to tasty dishes that are also good for you. If you want to try something new, there are many options beyond Chow Mein. Each dish has its own flavor and health benefits, making it easy to find a favorite.
Comparing Other Sides and Entrees
Panda Express offers a wide range of tasty sides and entrees. Here’s a quick look at some popular ones:
| Menu Item | Calories | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fried Rice | 570 | 22 | 900 | 86 | 13 |
| Super Greens | 90 | 3 | 260 | 10 | 6 |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | 340 | 13 | 630 | 14 | 41 |
| Broccoli Beef | 150 | 7 | 520 | 13 | 9 |
| Mushroom Chicken | 220 | 14 | 840 | 10 | 13 |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | 360 | 24 | 590 | 27 | 11 |
Adding these options to your meal plan can make your dining experience better. They offer variety and are low in calories and sodium. Exploring these dishes can help you eat well and enjoy your meals.
Conclusion
The Panda Express Chow Mein has a lot of calories, mostly from carbs. This makes it a filling side dish. Knowing this helps you plan your meals better.
Eating other healthy foods and controlling your portions is key. This way, you can still enjoy Chow Mein without overdoing it. It’s good to think about your diet when choosing what to eat at Panda Express.
It’s possible to eat well at Panda Express. They offer many dishes, including Wok Smart options. By choosing wisely, you can enjoy tasty food while watching your calories.
FAQ
How many calories are in a serving of Panda Express Chow Mein?
A standard serving of Panda Express Chow Mein has about 510 calories.
What is the nutritional information for Panda Express Chow Mein?
Panda Express Chow Mein has 20 grams of fat, 80 grams of carbs, and 13 grams of protein per serving.
Is Panda Express Chow Mein healthy?
While tasty, Chow Mein is high in carbs and sodium. It’s not great for low-carb or low-sodium diets.
What ingredients are in Panda Express Chow Mein?
The main ingredients are egg noodles, cabbage, carrots, onions, and celery. It also has soy sauce and spices for flavor.
Does Panda Express Chow Mein contain gluten?
Yes, it has gluten because of the wheat flour in the egg noodles. This might not be good for those with gluten intolerance.
How can I balance my meal if I choose Panda Express Chow Mein?
To balance your meal, pair Chow Mein with lean proteins like grilled chicken. Add more veggies on the side too.
Can I find lower-calorie alternatives to Panda Express Chow Mein?
Yes, Super Greens is a healthier, lower-calorie option. Fried Rice has a similar calorie count to Chow Mein.
What is the carb content in Panda Express Chow Mein?
Each serving of Panda Express Chow Mein has 80 grams of carbs. It’s a carb-heavy side option.
How should I manage portion sizes when enjoying Panda Express Chow Mein?
Manage your calorie intake by practicing portion control. Limit serving sizes and add nutritious options to your meal.
What are the fat content details in Panda Express Chow Mein?
Panda Express Chow Mein has 20 grams of total fat. Of that, 3.5 grams are saturated fat.
