Apple Pie Roll
Apple Pie Roll at Panda Express is a popular dessert item that offers a sweet, crispy finish to your meal. It’s a deep-fried pastry filled with a sweet apple filling and dusted with cinnamon sugar, creating a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey interior. This dessert is a twist on traditional apple pie and has become a favorite at Panda Express locations for its combination of flavors and texture.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Apple Pie Roll at Panda Express, including its calories, ingredients, nutritional information, allergens, and recommendations.
Calories
A typical serving of Apple Pie Roll (one roll) contains about 160 calories. This is fairly moderate for a dessert, though it’s still a fried item, so the calorie count can be significant when paired with other high-calorie menu items. If you’re looking for a quick, sweet treat to finish off your meal, this dessert provides a balance of sweetness and crunch without being overly indulgent.
Ingredients
The Apple Pie Roll is made from a few key ingredients:
- Apple Filling (typically diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of other flavorings)
- Flour (used for the pastry wrapper)
- Canola Oil (for frying the roll until crispy)
- Cinnamon Sugar (for dusting the finished roll to give it extra sweetness and flavor)
- Cornstarch (may be used in the filling to help thicken the apple mixture)
- Water (used in the dough and filling)
The filling inside is primarily apple, combined with sugar and cinnamon to create that signature apple pie flavor. The wrapper is a flour-based dough, and it’s deep-fried until golden and crispy. The cinnamon-sugar dusting on top adds a sweet touch, reminiscent of the finish on a traditional apple pie.
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving)
Here’s an estimated breakdown of Apple Pie Roll at Panda Express, based on one roll (about 65g):
- Calories: 160
- Protein: 1g
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates**: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Vitamin A: 0% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 2% of the DV
- Calcium: 2% of the DV
- Iron: 2% of the DV
Key Nutritional Highlights
- Moderate in calories (160 per serving), making it a relatively small indulgence.
- Low in protein (1g), as it’s a dessert.
- Moderate in fat (7g), mainly from the oil used in frying.
- High in sugars (14g), typical of most dessert items, with the sugar content coming from both the apple filling and the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Low in sodium (25mg), which is not surprising for a dessert item.
Allergens
The Apple Pie Roll contains several common allergens. These are:
- Wheat (from the pastry wrapper)
- Soy (from the oil used in frying, which may contain soy)
- Eggs (potentially in the dough, depending on how it’s made)
It does not contain dairy (making it a dairy-free dessert), but as always, be mindful of cross-contact in the kitchen. It is not gluten-free due to the wheat-based dough, and it contains soy (from the frying oil), so it may not be suitable for individuals with soy or gluten sensitivities.
Recommendation
For a Light Sweet Treat: The Apple Pie Roll is a relatively light dessert, with 160 calories per roll, making it a good choice if you’re craving something sweet but not wanting to overindulge. It’s a great way to finish off a meal without being too heavy or calorie-laden.
For Those Watching Fat or Sugar Intake: If you’re watching your fat or sugar intake, this dessert does contain 7g of fat and 14g of sugar, which is moderate for a fried dessert. You might want to skip it if you’re aiming to reduce fat or sugar consumption, or consider splitting it with someone to reduce the serving size.
For Gluten-Free or Vegan Diets: The Apple Pie Roll contains gluten and likely contains eggs in the dough, so it is not suitable for those on gluten-free or vegan diets. If you’re avoiding gluten or animal products, this dessert would not be recommended.
For Moderate Calorie Lovers: If you’re looking for a moderate-calorie dessert, the Apple Pie Roll offers a reasonable option at 160 calories. It’s a manageable indulgence, especially if paired with lighter entrée choices.
Pairing with Lighter Meals: If you’re trying to balance your meal, you might want to pair this dessert with a lighter main course, such as Grilled Chicken or a side of Super Greens, to avoid overloading on calories.
For Nut Allergy Sufferers: The Apple Pie Roll does not contain nuts, so it’s safe for individuals with nut allergies. However, as with all restaurant food, cross-contamination can occur, so it’s a good idea to confirm with the staff if you have specific concerns.
Please Note: Prices may vary by location, size, and local pricing policies. Generally, you can expect it for a standard size. For the most accurate pricing, it’s best to check the Panda Express Mobile App or visit a local store.
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