Is General tso’s Gluten Free?
No, General tso's is not gluten-free. A close look at the ingredient label reveals that wheat is a primary component of the soy sauce used in the recipe. If you are avoiding gluten, this is a dish you should skip.
The Ingredient Breakdown
When analyzing a sauce-heavy dish like General tso's, the primary suspect for gluten is almost always the soy sauce. Standard commercial soy sauce is traditionally brewed using fermented soybeans and roasted WHEAT. In this specific product, the ingredient list explicitly lists WHEAT inside the parentheses of the SOY SAUCE entry, confirming its presence.
While the other ingredients—such as WATER, SUGAR, and MODIFIED CORN STARCH—are naturally gluten-free, the inclusion of wheat-based soy sauce makes the entire product unsafe for those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It is important to note that even if the breading on the chicken (if this were a frozen meal) was gluten-free, the sauce itself would still contaminate the dish.
Nutritional Value
General tso's is typically a high-calorie, high-sugar dish. Based on the ingredients, SUGAR is the second ingredient listed by volume, indicating a very high glycemic load. The addition of ORANGE JUICE CONCENTRATE further contributes to the sugar content.
The dish also contains MODIFIED CORN STARCH, which acts as a thickener but adds carbohydrates without significant fiber. While the RED PEPPER and GINGER offer trace antioxidants, the overall profile is high in sugar and sodium due to the SOY SAUCE. It is generally not considered a 'health food' and should be eaten in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does General tso’s contain dairy or gluten?
Is General tso’s good for weight loss?
Where can I buy General tso’s?
Is General tso’s safe for kids?
General tso’s
Gluten Free Analysis
We recommend searching for certified Gluten Free alternatives.
Pro Tip
Always double-check the label. Manufacturers change ingredients frequently without notice!