How Many Calories Are in Combination with Lo Mein? A Nutritional Deep Dive

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

A standard restaurant order of combination lo mein can easily surpass 1,000 calories, often containing nearly half the daily caloric needs for many adults. This makes understanding how many calories are in combination with lo mein a crucial step for managing dietary goals.

Quick Summary

The calories in combination lo mein vary significantly, ranging from 800 to over 1,050 for a large portion, depending heavily on the amount of oil, noodles, protein, and sauce used. Factors like protein choice and preparation method dictate the final nutritional value.

Key Points

High Calorie Content: A single, large restaurant serving of combination lo mein often contains over 800 calories, sometimes exceeding 1,000.
Key Calorie Drivers: The dish's high calorie count is mainly driven by the noodles, generous use of oil for stir-frying, and the sodium and sugar-rich sauces.
Portion Sizes Vary: Be mindful that a takeout container of lo mein often contains more than one serving, so the total calories can be deceptive.
Healthier Ordering: Opt for extra vegetables, request less oil, or choose a steamed alternative to reduce the calorie count.
Control at Home: Preparing lo mein yourself allows for better control over ingredients like oil, sugar, and sodium, creating a healthier meal.
Comparison with Other Dishes: Combination lo mein is often significantly higher in calories and fat compared to simpler options like steamed chicken and broccoli.

What is Combination Lo Mein?

Combination lo mein is a popular dish at American Chinese restaurants, featuring soft egg noodles tossed with a mix of proteins and vegetables in a savory sauce. The "combination" typically includes a mix of meats, often chicken, beef, pork, and shrimp. While delicious and comforting, its nutritional profile can be a surprise for those unaware of the cooking methods and ingredients that contribute to its total calorie count.

The Factors That Drive the Calorie Count

The caloric density of combination lo mein is not solely due to the noodles, but a combination of several key components and cooking techniques. Understanding these factors is the first step toward making more informed choices.

Noodles

The noodles are a primary source of carbohydrates and a significant contributor to the dish's overall calories. Lo mein uses thick, soft wheat-based egg noodles that are boiled and then tossed with the other ingredients. For example, noodles alone can contribute a few hundred calories, depending on the portion size.

Oil

Stir-frying is a key cooking method for lo mein, and restaurants often use a liberal amount of oil to cook the noodles, proteins, and vegetables. The type of oil used and the quantity can dramatically increase the dish's fat and calorie content.

Proteins

Combination lo mein features multiple proteins, but their preparation matters. While lean chicken and shrimp are included, fattier cuts of pork and beef are also common. Sometimes, the chicken or shrimp is breaded and fried before being added, further spiking the calorie count.

Sauces

The savory, soy-based sauce that coats the ingredients is packed with flavor but also often high in sodium and sugar. Oyster sauce, sesame oil, and other additions contribute to both the taste and the caloric value.

A Typical Nutritional Breakdown

To provide a concrete example, a large serving of combination lo mein from a popular chain like P.F. Chang's can contain approximately 1050 calories, 33 grams of fat, and 132 grams of carbohydrates. Independent and local restaurants may have slightly different recipes and portion sizes, but the overall high-calorie trend remains consistent. Here is a breakdown of how the calories add up:

Noodles: The core of the dish, contributing a large portion of the carbohydrates.
Oil: The method of stir-frying with oil adds substantial fat and calories.
Proteins: The mixed meats provide protein, but also fat, especially if not lean cuts.
Sauce: The savory, often sweet, sauce contributes to the sodium and sugar content.

Combination Lo Mein vs. Other Chinese Takeout: A Comparison


Dish	Typical Calories (Large Entree)	Protein (g)	Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)
Combination Lo Mein	800–1050+	40–55	25–40	1900–3400+
Steamed Chicken & Broccoli	~400–500	~40	~10	~1000
Vegetable Lo Mein	~600–700	~20	~10–15	~1500

Tips for a Lighter Lo Mein

Even when craving lo mein, you can take steps to reduce its caloric impact. Here are some strategies:

Order extra vegetables: Ask for a higher ratio of vegetables to noodles to boost fiber and nutrients while reducing carb intake.
Request less oil: Ask the restaurant to use less oil during the stir-frying process.
Choose a leaner protein: Opt for a single lean protein like chicken or shrimp instead of a mixed combination with fattier meats.
Portion control: A large takeout container is often more than one serving. Try splitting the dish into smaller portions and saving the rest for later.
Request sauce on the side: If possible, ask for the sauce on the side to control how much you use.

The Homemade Advantage

Cooking combination lo mein at home gives you complete control over the ingredients and preparation. You can use whole wheat noodles for added fiber, reduce the amount of oil used, and create a lighter sauce with low-sodium soy sauce. This method allows you to significantly cut down on calories and sodium without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

The calorie content of combination lo mein varies greatly depending on the restaurant and portion size, but it is generally a high-calorie dish due to its rich noodles, oil, and sauce. Typical large restaurant portions can range from 800 to over 1,050 calories. However, by understanding the key factors contributing to its caloric density and applying simple ordering strategies or preparing it at home, you can enjoy this classic meal in a way that better fits your dietary needs. Making informed choices is the best way to indulge without overdoing it.

For more information on making healthier choices when eating out, consult this guide on healthy takeout options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Combination lo mein is a Chinese-American noodle dish featuring soft egg noodles stir-fried with a mix of proteins, such as chicken, shrimp, and pork, along with assorted vegetables in a savory sauce.

The calorie count for a large restaurant-style combination lo mein can vary, but it often ranges from 800 to over 1,050 calories per serving, depending on portion size, ingredients, and preparation.

Its high caloric content is primarily due to the dense wheat egg noodles, the generous amount of oil used for stir-frying, and the calorie-dense sauces.

According to nutrition guides, both lo mein and fried rice are high in calories and fat, but they are often among the less healthy Chinese food choices. Choosing steamed alternatives is generally a better option.

To reduce calories, ask for extra vegetables, request less oil, or order a single, lean protein like chicken or shrimp instead of the combination. You can also practice portion control or make it at home.

A restaurant serving is often a large takeout container, which can easily be two or more standard servings. It is wise to portion it out to avoid excessive calorie intake.

Healthier alternatives include steamed dishes like chicken and broccoli, moo goo gai pan, or steamed dumplings. These options are typically lower in calories and fat.