Panda Express Seed Oil Report Card
Based on our menu research, Panda Express cooks with: soybean oil (most entrees, wok cooking, chow mein, fried rice). Across the 49 menu items we analyzed, it averages 8.1g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
Safest Orders at Panda Express
| Steamed White Rice (1 serving) | 0.0g PUFA |
| White Steamed Rice | 0.0g PUFA |
| Fountain Soda | 0.0g PUFA |
| Bottled Water | 0.0g PUFA |
| Panda Crafted Refresher - Watermelon Mango | 0.0g PUFA |
What to Avoid at Panda Express
| Bigger Plate (1 side + 3 entrees) | 25.0g PUFA |
| Panda Plate (1 side + 2 entrees) | 20.0g PUFA |
| Plate (2 entrees + side) | 18.0g PUFA |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | 15.0g PUFA |
| Panda Bowl (1 side + 1 entree) | 15.0g PUFA |
Frequently asked
Does Panda Express use seed oils?
Based on our menu research, Panda Express cooks with: soybean oil (most entrees, wok cooking, chow mein, fried rice). Across the 49 menu items we analyzed, it averages 8.1g estimated PUFA per item, earning a seed-oil grade of C (High Risk).
What oil does Panda Express cook with?
Our research indicates: soybean oil (most entrees, wok cooking, chow mein, fried rice). Preparation can vary by location, so treat PUFA numbers as estimates.
Does Panda Express use beef tallow?
No. Our research indicates Panda Express cooks with soybean oil (most entrees, wok cooking, chow mein, fried rice), not beef tallow. For chains that fry in tallow or other real fats, see Tallow Watch.
Is Panda Express seed oil free?
No. Our research indicates Panda Express cooks with soybean oil (most entrees, wok cooking, chow mein, fried rice), which includes seed oils. See the lower-PUFA orders above for the cleanest picks.
What is the safest thing to order at Panda Express?
Steamed White Rice (1 serving) is the lowest-PUFA item we analyzed at Panda Express, at an estimated 0.0g PUFA. See the Safest Orders list on this page for more options.
What should I avoid at Panda Express?
Bigger Plate (1 side + 3 entrees) is the highest-PUFA item we analyzed at Panda Express, at an estimated 25.0g PUFA. Fried items and creamy, mayo-based sauces are usually the heaviest.
What are seed oils?
Seed oils — canola, soybean, sunflower, corn, and similar vegetable oils — are extracted from seeds using high heat and chemical solvents. They are very high in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs), which are unstable at cooking temperatures and can oxidize easily. Many health-conscious eaters choose to minimize seed oils and prefer foods cooked in beef tallow, butter, coconut oil, or olive oil instead. This page shows estimated PUFA grams per menu item to help you make more informed choices. These are estimates — actual values vary by preparation and location. Curious why people avoid them? Read the evidence.
Compare other chains
Paisano's Italian Restaurant · Pal's Sudden Service · Pancheros Mexican Grill · Panda Express (Bowl) · Panera Bread · Papa Gino's
See where Panda Express lands on the full Seed Oil Index, or check which chains cook in real fats on Tallow Watch.