Does PF Chang's lo mein have dairy?

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the ingredient list for the P.F. Chang’s frozen chicken lo mein skillet meal, the recipe does not contain dairy, but it does include eggs. For dine-in customers, the question of whether P.F. Chang's lo mein has dairy is more complex due to shared cooking surfaces and cross-contamination risks.

Quick Summary

PF Chang's lo mein is made without milk-based products, though egg is used in the noodles. In-restaurant preparation involves shared cooking surfaces, and the restaurant cannot guarantee allergen-free items.

Key Points

Dairy-Free by Recipe: The recipe for P.F. Chang's lo mein, including the retail frozen version, does not contain dairy.
Egg Allergen Present: The noodles in the lo mein are made with egg, making it unsuitable for vegan diets.
High Cross-Contamination Risk: P.F. Chang's uses shared cooking surfaces and explicitly warns that items are not guaranteed to be allergen-free.
Communicate with Staff: Diners with severe dairy allergies should always inform their server to discuss preparation methods and potential risks.
Consider the Frozen Product: The Home Menu frozen lo mein is a safer choice for those avoiding dairy, as its ingredients are clearly listed on the packaging.
Not Vegan-Friendly: The lo mein contains animal products like egg (in noodles) and chicken broth/oyster sauce (in sauce), so it is not suitable for vegans.

A Deeper Look at PF Chang's Lo Mein Ingredients

When examining whether P.F. Chang's lo mein contains dairy, it's essential to differentiate between the retail Home Menu frozen product and the dish prepared in their restaurants. The frozen meal ingredients provide a clear, static reference point, indicating a dairy-free recipe. However, restaurant preparation introduces additional variables.

Frozen Home Menu Chicken Lo Mein

Looking at the ingredients for the P.F. Chang's Home Menu Chicken Lo Mein, the recipe is free from dairy components. A detailed list shows:

Cooked Lo Mein Noodles: Water, wheat flour, soybean oil, and sodium carbonate. The noodles contain no dairy, but they do contain egg (listed under the chicken seasoning).
Sauce: A savory blend of soy sauce, chicken broth, canola oil, sugar, garlic, ginger, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. None of these core ingredients are dairy-based.
Protein: The chicken includes seasoning with dried egg whites, but no dairy.
Vegetables: Standard stir-fry vegetables are used, including carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms.

In-Restaurant Preparation and Cross-Contamination

For those dining in, P.F. Chang's explicitly warns that they cannot guarantee any item is completely free of allergens due to shared cooking and preparation areas. This means that while the lo mein recipe does not call for dairy, there is a risk of cross-contamination. Kitchen tools, woks, and surfaces are used for preparing various dishes, including those containing dairy, potentially transferring trace amounts of milk proteins to the lo mein.

Managing Dietary Restrictions: In-Restaurant vs. At-Home

Navigating dietary restrictions requires careful communication when dining out. Here’s how the experience differs:


Consideration	In-Restaurant (P.F. Chang's)	At-Home (P.F. Chang's Home Menu)
Dairy Presence	Recipe is typically dairy-free, but cross-contamination is a significant risk.	Recipe is dairy-free based on packaging, but always check the label.
Other Allergens	Potential for cross-contamination with allergens like milk, peanuts, fish, and shellfish exists.	Clearly lists specific allergens such as wheat, soy, and egg on the packaging.
Customization	Possible, but never guaranteed. Requires clear communication with the server to manage risks.	Not possible. What is in the package is what you get.
Guarantee	No guarantee can be made for allergen-free items due to shared kitchen.	No cross-contamination risk from shared restaurant equipment for packaged foods.

Steps to Take for Dairy Concerns

If you have a dairy sensitivity or allergy, follow these steps to reduce risk when ordering lo mein:

Always inform your server about your dietary restriction, specifying the severity.
Ask about kitchen protocols for handling allergies. While not foolproof, it indicates if a restaurant is prepared to handle the request.
Consider alternative dishes or modifications. The restaurant may suggest other items or substitutions. For instance, vegans can request rice noodles instead of egg noodles and extra vegetables instead of meat.
Utilize the online allergen menu provided by P.F. Chang's as a starting point for discussion, but understand it's not a guarantee of a safe meal.

In conclusion, P.F. Chang's lo mein is not made with dairy ingredients in its standard recipe. However, due to the nature of restaurant kitchens and the high risk of cross-contamination, individuals with a dairy allergy should exercise caution when ordering. The frozen Home Menu version offers a clearer picture of ingredients, confirming the absence of dairy in the recipe, but those with severe allergies should always err on the side of caution and discuss their needs with restaurant staff. For the most authoritative information, consulting the official allergen notice on the P.F. Chang's website is the best course of action.

Conclusion: Dairy-Free by Recipe, Risky in Practice

While the core recipe for P.F. Chang's lo mein is free of dairy, the potential for cross-contamination in their restaurant kitchens makes it unsafe for individuals with severe dairy allergies. The frozen retail product offers a dairy-free option based on its ingredient list, but it still contains other allergens like egg and wheat. Ultimately, communicating with staff and assessing your personal risk tolerance is crucial when dining at the restaurant with dietary restrictions. For those seeking an entirely safe option, avoiding the shared kitchen environment or preparing a copycat recipe at home is the most reliable path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on ingredient lists for the retail frozen meals, the recipe for PF Chang's lo mein does not contain dairy, relying on ingredients like soy sauce, chicken broth, and oil instead.

No. While the recipe itself is typically dairy-free, P.F. Chang's officially states they cannot guarantee that any menu item is free of allergens due to shared kitchen environments and the high risk of cross-contamination.

The noodles are made with wheat flour, water, and other ingredients, but not dairy. However, they do contain egg and are therefore not vegan.

Common allergens found in P.F. Chang's lo mein typically include wheat, soy, and egg. The sauce also contains oyster extract, which is a shellfish allergen.

Due to the high risk of cross-contamination in a shared kitchen, individuals with severe dairy allergies should be very cautious. It is crucial to communicate your allergy to your server, who can advise you on the risks.

No, the lo mein is not suitable for a vegan diet. The noodles contain egg, and the sauce often includes chicken broth or oyster sauce, all of which are animal-derived.

Always inform your server about your allergy so they can take precautions. However, it is important to remember that they cannot guarantee a dairy-free meal due to the risk of cross-contamination in the kitchen.