Does General Tso's Chicken contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains gluten from wheat flour and soy sauce. It also contains dairy in the form of nonfat dry milk.

Is General Tso's Chicken good for weight loss?

No, due to the frying process and high sugar content in the sauce, it is high in calories and not suitable for a calorie-restricted diet.

Where can I buy General Tso's Chicken?

This product is widely available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon in the frozen food section.

Is General Tso's Chicken safe for kids?

While it is safe for general consumption, it is high in sugar and sodium. Parents should be mindful of the caffeine content if serving with tea, but the chicken itself is generally kid-friendly flavor-wise.

Is General Tso's Chicken Gluten Free?

No, General Tso's Chicken is not gluten-free. While the main protein is chicken, the breading and the signature sauce are packed with gluten-containing ingredients that make it unsafe for anyone with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. If you are looking for a safe meal option, you will need to look elsewhere or make a homemade version using specific substitutions.

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, looking at the ingredient label for this General Tso's Chicken reveals a 'perfect storm' of gluten sources. It isn't just one hidden ingredient; it is multiple components working together. Let's look at the specific culprits.

The primary offender is found in the bleached enriched flour. This is explicitly listed as wheat flour. This ingredient is used in the breading mixture along with cornstarch to create that crispy coating. Because it is wheat-based, it contains high levels of gluten. Additionally, the batter contains dextrin, which is often derived from wheat, further cementing the gluten status of the breading.

The sauce is equally problematic. The soy sauce used in the recipe contains water, wheat, and soybeans. Traditional soy sauce relies on fermented wheat as a base, meaning it is not safe for a gluten-free diet. Furthermore, the sauce lists hydrolyzed corn, wheat and soy protein. The inclusion of hydrolyzed wheat protein adds texture and flavor but introduces a concentrated source of gluten.

Finally, there is the issue of cross-contamination. While the ingredients list doesn't explicitly state 'may contain,' the use of shared equipment for frying and processing often leads to trace amounts of gluten. However, with the explicit wheat ingredients present, the cross-contamination risk is secondary to the fact that the product is intentionally formulated with gluten.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

wheat

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this General Tso's Chicken is a high-calorie, high-sugar indulgence. A standard serving contains a significant amount of fat, largely due to the vegetable oil used for frying and the chicken fat added to the sauce for richness.

The sauce is the main source of added sugar. Ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, and dextrose contribute to a high glycemic load. This means that while it provides a quick burst of energy, it can lead to a sugar crash later. For those monitoring their sugar intake or managing diabetes, this dish is not a suitable option.

Regarding protein, the chicken breast meat offers a decent amount, but it is heavily outweighed by the sodium content. Between the soy sauce, salt, and preservatives like sodium benzoate, the sodium levels are quite high. If you are watching your blood pressure or heart health, this dish should be consumed sparingly, if at all.