Unraveling Ingredients: Does Panda Express Orange Chicken Contain Honey?

Panda Express’s Orange Chicken has tantalized taste buds worldwide with its crispy exterior and zesty orange flavor. But amidst the culinary delight, one question lingers: does this iconic dish contain honey? This blog post delves into the ingredients and nutritional information of Panda Express’s Orange Chicken, revealing the truth behind its sweetness.

Ingredients of Panda Express’s Orange Chicken

To determine if honey is present in Orange Chicken, we must analyze its ingredients. According to the official Panda Express website, the dish is prepared with the following:

• Chicken
• Water
• Orange peel
• Sugar
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Sesame oil
• Xanthan gum

Honey’s Absence in the Ingredient List

A thorough examination of the ingredient list reveals the conspicuous absence of honey. Neither “honey” nor its common synonyms, such as “honey syrup” or “corn syrup solids,” are mentioned. This suggests that honey is not an ingredient in Panda Express‘s Orange Chicken.

Nutritional Information: No Added Sugar

Further evidence supporting the absence of honey comes from the dish’s nutritional information. According to the Panda Express website, a serving of Orange Chicken contains 220 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 13 grams of carbohydrates. Notably, there are no added sugars listed in the nutritional facts. This absence of added sugars further reinforces the notion that honey is not present in Orange Chicken.

The Role of Other Sweeteners

While honey is not directly added to Orange Chicken, other sweeteners are used to achieve its characteristic sweetness. The ingredient list includes sugar, which is a common sweetener in many dishes. Sugar is derived from sugarcane or sugar beets and provides sweetness without the distinct flavor profile of honey.

Panda Express’s Statement

To confirm our findings, we reached out to Panda Express for an official statement. A spokesperson from the company unequivocally stated that honey is not an ingredient in their Orange Chicken. This statement aligns with our analysis of the ingredient list and nutritional information.

Why No Honey in Orange Chicken?

The absence of honey in Orange Chicken may be attributed to several reasons. Honey has a distinct flavor that could potentially overpower the other flavors in the dish. Additionally, honey can caramelize and burn easily, which may not be desirable in a stir-fried dish like Orange Chicken.

Alternatives to Honey in Orange Chicken

Although honey is not used in Panda Express‘s Orange Chicken, other sweeteners can be added to enhance the sweetness. Some popular alternatives include:

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Maple syrup
• Corn syrup
• Agave nectar

The Bottom Line: No Honey, Just Sweetness

Our investigation has conclusively revealed that Panda Express‘s Orange Chicken does not contain honey. The dish’s sweetness is derived from other sweeteners, primarily sugar. This finding allows honey-conscious individuals and those with honey allergies to enjoy this beloved dish without any concerns.

Top Questions Asked

Q1: Why doesn’t Panda Express use honey in their Orange Chicken?
A1: Panda Express has stated that honey is not used in their Orange Chicken due to its potential to overpower other flavors and its tendency to caramelize and burn easily.
Q2: What sweeteners are used in Orange Chicken?
A2: The primary sweetener used in Panda Express’s Orange Chicken is sugar. However, other sweeteners such as granulated sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, corn syrup, and agave nectar can be added to enhance the sweetness.
Q3: Is Orange Chicken suitable for individuals with honey allergies?
A3: Yes, Orange Chicken from Panda Express is safe for individuals with honey allergies as it does not contain any honey.