Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp is a popular menu item at the American Chinese fast food restaurant chain. For those watching their calorie intake or managing their weight, the calorie count of dishes can be an important factor in making menu selections. So how many calories are actually in Panda Express’s crispy walnut shrimp entree?
Quick Answer
A single serving of Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp contains approximately 770 calories, according to the Panda Express nutrition information. This is based on the standard entree size of 7.5 oz (213g).
Serving Size & Calorie Count Breakdown
Here is a more detailed look at the calorie count breakdown for Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp:
- Serving size: 7.5 oz (213g)
- Calories per serving: 770
- Calories from fat: 390
The full nutritional information is provided by Panda Express on their website. It shows that for the 7.5 oz serving size there are 770 total calories, with 50% of those calories coming from fat. Specifically, there are 43g of total fat in each serving.
The calorie count comes from the combination of the crispy walnut shrimp pieces coated in batter and sauce, along with the white steamed rice that the entree comes with. The walnut shrimp makes up about two-thirds of the calories, while the rice accounts for the remaining third.
Honey Walnut Shrimp Calories vs Other Menu Items
How does the 770 calories in Panda Express’s Honey Walnut Shrimp compare to some of their other popular menu choices?
Here is a calorie comparison of a few different Panda Express entrees in a standard serving size:
| Menu Item | Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | 7.5 oz (213g) | 770 |
| Orange Chicken | 7.5 oz (213g) | 930 |
| Kung Pao Chicken | 7.5 oz (213g) | 640 |
| Chow Mein | 7.5 oz (213g) | 490 |
| String Bean Chicken | 7.5 oz (213g) | 480 |
As the data shows, Honey Walnut Shrimp is somewhat mid-range in terms of calorie content compared to other popular Panda Express dishes.
Options like Chow Mein and String Bean Chicken are lower in calories, coming in under 500 calories for the standard serving size. Meanwhile, customer favorites like Orange Chicken are higher in calories, hitting over 900 calories for a full entree.
So at 770 calories per serving, Honey Walnut Shrimp provides a pleasant balance of the signature crispy walnut shrimp and a lighter calorie count compared to some other menu choices.
Factors Affecting Calorie Count
When determining the calorie count of any Panda Express menu item, keep in mind that several factors can affect the nutritional information:
- Serving size – The standard entree serving size at Panda Express is 7.5 oz (213g). Consuming a larger portion will increase the calories.
- Add-ons – Adding extra sauces, toppings, or sides like Crab Rangoon will add extra calories.
- Dietary needs – Patrons seeking lower calorie options can request steamed rice and sauce on the side.
- Preparation – Slight variations in how the food is prepared in each restaurant can affect calorie totals.
- Ingredients – Ingredients and recipe tweaks over time may change nutrition information.
To get the most accurate understanding of calories and nutrients, it is always advisable to check the latest nutrition data for any menu item directly from the restaurant’s website.
Nutrients in Honey Walnut Shrimp
Beyond just calories, Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp contains a variety of nutrients, making it a flavorful option that can fit into a balanced diet. Here is an overview of some of the key vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients:
- Protein – 14g per serving. Provides energy and helps repair and build muscle tissue.
- Carbohydrates – 84g per serving. The walnut shrimp batter and steamed rice provide a complex carbohydrate fuel source.
- Fiber – 2g per serving. Supports digestive health and gut function.
- Sugars – 4g per serving. Naturally occurring sugars from sauce ingredients.
- Fat – 43g per serving. Mix of unsaturated and saturated fat from walnuts, batter, and oil used in cooking.
- Sodium – 930mg per serving. Used for flavor in the sauces and cooking process.
- Iron – 10% DV per serving. Helps transport oxygen and supports metabolism.
- Calcium – 8% DV per serving. Essential for bone health and muscle function.
- Vitamin A – 15% DV per serving. Key for immune function, cell growth, and vision health.
Overall Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp provides a number of important micronutrients. For those monitoring sodium, the 930mg per serving accounts for about 40% of the daily recommended limit, so that is one nutrient to be mindful of.
Tips for Reducing Calories
For customers looking for ways to lighten up their Honey Walnut Shrimp meal, here are some tips that can help reduce the calorie count:
- Request steamed rice and sauce on the side – Pour the desired amount rather than it coming pre-sauced.
- Swap steamed rice for a veggie like steamed broccoli.
- Order a smaller size entree or kid’s meal.
- Split a full entree with a friend or take half home for later.
- Load up on lower calorie starter soups like Egg Drop Soup.
- Skip higher calorie add-ons like Crab Rangoon.
- Use lower calorie dipping sauces like mustard instead of sweet & sour.
- Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of sodas or juices.
Getting creative with simple substitutions and downsizing portions can reduce the calorie intake while still allowing you to enjoy the signature sweet, nutty flavor of Honey Walnut Shrimp from Panda Express.
Low Calorie Entree Options at Panda Express
In addition to customizing existing dishes, Panda Express has some lower calorie entree options for those seeking better-for-you choices:
- Steamed Chicken Breast – 180 calories
- Mixed Veggies – 70 calories
- Broccoli Beef – 190 calories
- Eggplant Tofu – 220 calories
Pairing these lower calorie entree options with steamed rice instead of fried rice can create a meal under 500 calories. For a vegetarian low calorie meal, opt for steamed or sautéed veggies and tofu.
Conclusion
Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp contains a moderate 770 calories in a standard 7.5 oz serving. This popular menu item provides crispy, saucy shrimp with nutty flavor accents from the signature walnuts. While higher in calories than some lighter menu choices, there are many ways to tweak your order of Honey Walnut Shrimp to reduce the calorie count. With a few simple substitutions and smart customizations, you can still enjoy the sweet honey walnut flavors while maintaining your dietary goals.
