Nutrition Diet: What Kind of Oil Does Panda Express Use in Their Cooking?

October 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to former employees and reports, the primary oil used at Panda Express is 100% pure soybean oil for both stir-frying and deep-frying, with sesame oil often added for flavor. Understanding what kind of oil does Panda Express use can shed light on the nutritional profile of your favorite Chinese-American fast-food dishes.

Quick Summary

Panda Express relies on soybean oil for most of its cooking, valuing its mild flavor profile for preserving the bold tastes of its sauces and spices. Some dishes are finished with sesame oil, adding a nutty aroma. This article explores the nutritional implications of soybean oil and how to navigate the Panda Express menu for healthier options.

Key Points

Primary Oil is Soybean: Panda Express uses refined soybean oil for the majority of its cooking processes, including stir-frying and deep-frying.
Flavor is Key: Soybean oil's neutral flavor is chosen specifically to avoid interfering with the bold, savory, and complex tastes of the sauces and spices.
Sesame Oil for Finishing: Many dishes, such as fried rice and chow mein, are finished with a drizzle of sesame oil to add a distinct aroma and nutty flavor.
Nutritional Considerations: Soybean oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, and while essential, should be consumed in balance with omega-3s. Fast food, in general, should be enjoyed in moderation.
Healthier Menu Navigation: To improve nutritional balance, opt for 'Wok Smart' entrées and Super Greens instead of fried rice or chow mein, which are higher in calories and sodium.
Allergen Concerns: While refined soy oil may not cause a reaction in those with soy protein allergies, cross-contamination from shared cooking equipment is a risk for anyone with severe food allergies.
Sustainability Initiative: Panda Express recycles its used cooking oil through a partnership with Darling Ingredients, converting it into renewable diesel fuel.

Panda Express's Primary Cooking Oil: Soybean Oil

The cornerstone of Panda Express's cooking, for both the woks and deep fryers, is refined soybean oil. This choice is primarily due to its neutral flavor, which allows the intricate and savory sauces of the American Chinese menu to be the star of each dish. The mild taste ensures that the oil does not overpower the distinct seasonings in classics like Kung Pao Chicken or Beijing Beef. Its high smoke point also makes it suitable for the high-heat stir-frying and deep-frying methods common in commercial kitchens.

The Role of Soybean Oil in Your Diet

Refined soybean oil is a vegetable oil known for being high in polyunsaturated fats, specifically omega-6 fatty acids. While omega-6s are essential for health, many nutritionists point out that the typical Western diet includes a disproportionately high amount of these fatty acids compared to omega-3s. Maintaining a balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is key for managing inflammation in the body. For individuals with soy protein allergies, refined soybean oil is generally safe to consume because the refining process removes the allergenic proteins. However, it is always wise to consult with a medical professional if you have concerns.

More Than Just Soybean Oil: The Finishing Touches

While soybean oil is the primary cooking medium, it isn't the only oil used. For many of the signature dishes, like fried rice and chow mein, Panda Express chefs also finish with a drizzle of nutty-flavored sesame oil to enhance the aromatic profile. Some entrees, including Orange Chicken and Honey Sesame Chicken Breast, incorporate sesame oil into their sauces. This combination of oils contributes to the distinctive and recognizable taste of Panda Express's cuisine.

Navigating the Panda Express Menu for Healthier Choices

Not all Panda Express menu items are created equal from a nutritional standpoint. The cooking oil plays a role, but so does the preparation method and ingredients. For a more balanced approach to dining at the chain, consider these tips:

Opt for Wok Smart dishes: These entrées contain 300 calories or less per serving and at least 8 grams of protein. Examples include Broccoli Beef, Mushroom Chicken, and Black Pepper Angus Steak. These are typically not deep-fried.
Choose a healthier side: Instead of chow mein or fried rice, both of which are high in calories and sodium, select the Super Greens. This side of cabbage, kale, and broccoli is a low-calorie, high-fiber alternative. Steamed white or brown rice are also better options than the fried versions.
Beware of deep-fried entrées: Favorites like Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef are deep-fried and coated in sugary sauces, making them high in calories, fat, and sugar. Enjoy these in moderation.

Comparison of Common Fast-Food Cooking Oils


Feature	Soybean Oil (Panda Express)	Canola Oil (Alternative)	Peanut Oil (Alternative)
Flavor	Neutral, mild taste	Neutral, light flavor	Strong, nutty flavor
Fat Profile	High in omega-6 polyunsaturated fats	High in monounsaturated fats; better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio	High in monounsaturated fats
Smoke Point	High, suitable for frying	High	High, suitable for high-heat cooking
Cost	Generally affordable for commercial use	Affordable	Often more expensive
Allergen Risk	Safe for most with soy protein allergies after refining	Low allergen risk	High risk for peanut allergy sufferers

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

So, what kind of oil does Panda Express use in their cooking? The answer is primarily soybean oil, supplemented with sesame oil for flavor. This knowledge empowers consumers to make more informed decisions about their meals. While the mild-flavored soybean oil serves as a workhorse in their kitchens, it contributes to the overall nutritional composition of the dishes, particularly in fried items. Eating at a fast-casual restaurant like Panda Express doesn't have to derail a healthy eating plan. By selecting Wok Smart options, prioritizing vegetable sides like Super Greens, and consuming fried dishes sparingly, you can enjoy a tasty meal while still considering your nutritional goals. Balancing fast-food meals with homemade, nutritious food and staying mindful of overall intake is the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

If you're interested in more details about balancing meals and making informed choices when eating out, you can explore guides on healthy eating in fast-casual restaurants.

Used Cooking Oil Recycling

In a sustainability effort, Panda Express has partnered with Darling Ingredients to recycle its used cooking oil. The oil is converted into sustainable products, such as cleaner-burning renewable diesel. This initiative shows a commitment to reducing waste and its environmental footprint.

Food Allergies and Cross-Contamination

For those with food allergies, especially to soy, cross-contamination is a significant concern at any fast-food restaurant. Despite the oil's refining process, shared woks and utensils can transfer allergenic particles. Customers with severe allergies should always exercise caution or inform staff of their concerns, as most of Panda Express's menu items contain ingredients that could be subject to cross-contact with major allergens like soy, wheat, and sesame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Panda Express uses 100% pure soybean oil for its deep-frying and stir-frying needs across its menu.

Plain steamed white rice at Panda Express is made with just rice and water and contains no oil. However, their steamed brown rice does include soybean oil.

No, Panda Express does not use peanut oil for cooking. They primarily use soybean oil. However, some items like Kung Pao Chicken contain peanuts as an ingredient, so cross-contamination is still a risk for those with allergies.

Refined soybean oil contains polyunsaturated fats, including omega-6s, which are part of a balanced diet. However, fast food is generally high in calories, sodium, and fat, and should be consumed in moderation, regardless of the oil.

The majority of Panda Express's cooked dishes, including fried entrees and sides like fried rice and chow mein, are prepared with soybean oil. However, certain items, like plain steamed white rice and cream cheese rangoons, may be made without it.

According to former and current employees, Panda Express restaurants typically filter their cooking oil daily and change it weekly at a minimum to maintain quality.

Yes, due to shared cooking equipment and woks, there is a risk of cross-contamination at Panda Express. Those with severe food allergies to ingredients like soy, wheat, or sesame should be aware of this risk.