No, the teriyaki chicken at Panda Express is not gluten-free. While Panda Express offers a variety of options for those with dietary restrictions, unfortunately, their teriyaki chicken contains gluten ingredients. If you are following a gluten-free diet, it’s important to be aware of the ingredients in the dishes you consume to avoid any potential health issues or discomfort.
What is Gluten?
Before delving into the specifics of Panda Express’s teriyaki chicken, let’s first explore what gluten is. Gluten is a mixture of proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. It gives elasticity to dough, helps it rise, and provides a chewy texture in baked goods. However, for individuals with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergies, consuming gluten can lead to various health problems and discomfort.
Panda Express’s Teriyaki Chicken Ingredients
If you have dietary restrictions, it is crucial to thoroughly examine the ingredients of any dish you are considering. When it comes to Panda Express’s teriyaki chicken, here are the ingredients to be aware of:
- Chicken Breast
- Soybean Oil
- Water
- Rice Wine
- Sugar
- Soy Sauce
- Rice Starch
- Salt
- Modified Food Starch
- Spices
- Garlic
- Wine
- Vinegar
- Chicken Stock
- Corn Starch
- Autolyzed Yeast Extract
- Chicken Flavor
- Onion Powder
- Xanthan Gum
- Glucose
As we can see from the ingredients list, soy sauce and modified food starch are included, both of which typically contain gluten. Therefore, individuals on a gluten-free diet should avoid Panda Express’s teriyaki chicken.
Gluten-Free Options at Panda Express
While the teriyaki chicken is not gluten-free, Panda Express does offer other options for individuals with dietary restrictions. Here are some gluten-free choices you can enjoy at Panda Express:
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
- Mushroom Chicken
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Mandarin Chicken
- String Bean Chicken Breast
- Eggplant Tofu
- Broccoli Beef
- Black Pepper Chicken
- Honey Walnut Shrimp
- Veggie Spring Rolls
It’s always a good idea to communicate your dietary restrictions to the Panda Express staff to ensure they take the necessary precautions when preparing your meal.
Cross-Contamination and Gluten-Free Safety
While Panda Express strives to provide gluten-free options, it’s important to note that cross-contamination can still occur in their kitchen. Cross-contamination happens when gluten-containing foods come into contact with gluten-free foods, compromising their safety. Panda Express does its best to minimize the risk, but individuals with severe gluten allergies or celiac disease should be cautious.
Here are some measures you can take to further minimize the risk of cross-contamination:
- Specify your dietary needs to the Panda Express staff.
- Ask for separate utensils and cooking surfaces to be used.
- Monitor food preparation to ensure the staff follows your instructions.
- Consider visiting during non-peak hours to reduce the chances of cross-contamination.
By taking these precautions, individuals with gluten restrictions can enjoy their meal at Panda Express with peace of mind.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the teriyaki chicken at Panda Express contains gluten, there are still plenty of gluten-free options available. It’s important to be mindful of the ingredients in the dishes you choose and communicate your dietary restrictions to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience. By making informed choices, individuals following a gluten-free diet can savor the delicious offerings at Panda Express without compromising their health.