Deciphering the Calorie Count of Panda Express’ Sweet and Savory Honey Walnut Shrimp

As a food blogger with a passion for Asian cuisine, I’m always eager to indulge in Panda Express’ signature Honey Walnut Shrimp. The crispy, wok-fried shrimp coated in a sweet honey sauce and crunchy walnuts is hard to resist! However, being health and nutrition focused, I also pay close attention to calories and want to enjoy this treat in moderation.

In this article we’ll break down the full nutrition facts and calorie count for Panda Express’ Honey Walnut Shrimp. My goal is to provide the details you need to make informed choices about how to fit this tasty menu item into your overall healthy diet.

An Overview of Calories in Honey Walnut Shrimp

First, let’s look at the big picture calorie count according to Panda Express’ posted nutrition information:

• A single order of Honey Walnut Shrimp contains 360 calories in 3.7 oz serving size.

That lands on the higher end for a single menu item, but certainly less than a full multi-item meal. As we analyze further, we’ll see where those 360 calories come from.

Analyzing the Honey Walnut Shrimp Nutrition Facts

To better understand the sources of the calories we can break down the Honey Walnut Shrimp nutrition facts

• Total fat: 24g – Contributing 200 of the 360 calories (56%)
• Saturated fat: 3.5g – 18% of daily recommended value
• Cholesterol: 60mg – 20% of recommended daily limit
• Sodium: 590mg – 26% of daily recommended value
• Total carbohydrates: 27g – Providing 97 calories (27% of total)
• Dietary fiber: 1g – Just 4% of daily needs
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 11g – A moderate protein amount with 44 calories (12% of total)

With 56% of calories coming from total fat, the honey walnut shrimp definitely skews high on the fat content. But the 27% of calories from carbs and 12% from protein provide a bit more nutritional balance.

How the Honey Glaze and Walnuts Impact Calories

Two of the signature ingredients – the sweet honey glaze and crunchy walnuts – play key roles in contributing calories

• Honey – Just a tsp of honey contains 22 calories, so the glaze drives up the calorie density.

• Walnuts – High in healthy fats, walnuts provide about 185 calories per ounce, so just a small amount adds calories.

The combined impact of the honey glaze and walnut pieces helps explain why the fat and carb content is on the high side for this dish.

Comparing Honey Walnut Shrimp to Other Menu Items

To put the Honey Walnut Shrimp calories in context, we can compare to a few other popular Panda Express menu items:

• Original Orange Chicken – 330 calories
• Kung Pao Chicken – 260 calories
• Broccoli Beef – 200 calories
• Vegetable Spring Roll (2 pieces) – 70 calories

The honey walnut shrimp comes in on the higher end, driven by the glaze and walnuts. Choosing lighter options like broccoli beef or spring rolls can help balance out the meal.

Strategies to Fit Honey Walnut Shrimp into a Healthy Lifestyle

Despite the moderately high 360 calorie count, there are ways to integrate Panda’s Honey Walnut Shrimp into an overall healthy diet:

• Watch portion size – Stick to a single 3.7 oz serving to control calories.

• Pair with lower calorie sides – Balance it out with steamed veggies, broth-based soup or a side salad.

• Split between two meals – The shrimp can make a satisfying protein topping on a salad for lunch the next day.

• Share with a friend – Splitting the order can help control portion size.

• Balance with physical activity – Plan a workout like a bike ride or swim to offset the extra calories.

• Treat yourself only occasionally – Enjoy this indulgence in moderation as a special splurge.

The Verdict on Panda’s Honey Walnut Shrimp

While the 360 calories are on the higher end compared to other menu choices, Panda Express’ Honey Walnut Shrimp remains an appetizing option when enjoyed sensibly. By carefully watching portions, pairing with lighter sides and saving for an occasional treat, we can satisfy cravings for the sweet honey glaze and crunchy walnuts while still sticking to healthy nutrition habits overall. Moderation and balance is key to fitting this indulgent menu item into your diet!