P.F. Chang’s Kids Lo Mein Price: $8.45 | Calories: 700 Cal
Every parent knows the struggle: finding a restaurant meal that is both appealing to a picky eater and somewhat nutritionally sound. P.F. Chang’s Kids Lo Mein often emerges as the top pick, promising soft noodles and a mild flavor. But as the highest-calorie item on the kids’ menu, it demands a closer look.
The Kids Lo Mein at P.F. Chang’s is a fun and hearty noodle dish designed for younger guests. This entrée features soft stir-fried noodles tossed with chicken, vegetables, and a mild soy-based sauce, making it flavorful yet approachable for kids. It is the highest-calorie option on the kids’ menu, offering an energy-packed meal compared to lighter items such as the Kids Avocado Roll or Baby Buddha’s Feast.
Taste & Kid-Appeal: Why It’s a Popular Win
The success of this dish lies in its straightforward, approachable profile that aligns perfectly with a child’s palate.
- Texture & Flavor: It features soft, easy-to-chew egg noodles and tender diced chicken in a mild, savory soy-based sauce. The vegetables (carrots, cabbage) are cooked until soft, avoiding any challenging crunch that might deter a picky eater.
- The “Safe Choice” Factor: For kids who enjoy foods like buttered pasta or chicken nuggets, this dish feels familiar and safe, just with an Asian-inspired twist. It’s consistently a hit because it doesn’t introduce any spicy or sour notes.
What’s in the Kids Lo Mein?
- Stir-fried egg noodles
- Diced chicken pieces
- Carrots, cabbage, and scallions
- Light soy-based seasoning
- Kid-friendly mild flavor
Nutrition Facts – Kids Lo Mein
| Nutrient | Amount | Our Parent-Focused Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 700 Cal | Substantial. This is a very high calorie count for a child’s meal, often representing 35-50% of a child’s daily needs. It’s best for very active older children or teens. |
| Protein | 28 g | Excellent. The high protein content from the chicken is a major plus, aiding in growth and helping your child feel full and satisfied. |
| Sodium | 1,250 mg (54% DV) | The Biggest Concern. This provides over half a day’s recommended sodium for a child in a single meal, which is a significant amount. |
| Total Fat | 24 g (31% DV) | Moderate. |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g (35% DV) | High. This is a notable amount of saturated fat for a child’s entrée. |
| Carbohydrates | 95 g (32% DV) | High, providing the energy that makes this dish so filling. |
*%DV = Percent Daily Value, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Ingredients
- Egg noodles
- Chicken breast pieces
- Mixed vegetables (carrots, cabbage, scallions)
- Soy sauce blend
- Light stir-fry seasoning
Allergen & Dietary Guide: What Parents Need to Know
Navigating allergies is critical when dining out.
- Contains: Wheat (noodles, sauce), Soy (sauce), and Egg (noodles). This is a triple-allergen dish.
- May Contain: Sesame due to shared kitchen equipment.
- Gluten-Free? No. The soy sauce and noodles contain wheat.
- Vegetarian/Vegan? No. It contains chicken.
Better Allergen-Friendly Choice: For gluten-free needs, the Steamed Rice with a side of fruit or edamame is a safer bet. For a vegetarian option, the Baby Buddha’s Feast is the best choice.
Dietary Suitability
- ✅ Kid-Friendly
- ❌ Not Vegetarian
- ❌ Not Vegan
- ❌ Not Gluten-Free
Pairings & Related Kids Menu Items
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Kids Orange Chicken | $8.45 | 490 Cal |
| Kids Teriyaki Chicken | $8.45 | 440 Cal |
| Kids Honey Chicken | $8.45 | 500 Cal |
| Kids Teriyaki Beef | $8.45 | 480 Cal |
| Kids Chicken Fried Rice | $8.45 | 650 Cal |
| Kids Lo Mein | $8.45 | 700 Cal |
| Baby Buddha’s Feast (Stir-Fried or Fried) | $7.45 | 400 Cal |
| Kids Avocado Roll | $7.45 | 250 Cal |
Smart Ordering Tips for a Healthier Meal
You can easily make this meal work better for your family with a few simple strategies.
Don’t Force a Clean Plate: The portion is large. Let your child listen to their body and stop when they’re full. Taking leftovers home is always a great option.
Share the Portion: The Lo Mein is an ideal dish to split between two younger children. This instantly halves the calorie and sodium intake for each.
Add a Side of Steamed Veggies: Order an extra side of steamed broccoli or snap peas. Mixing it into the lo Mein or serving it on the side adds volume and nutrients without significant calories.
Balance the Rest of the Meal: If your child orders this, choose lower-sodium starters like edamame and encourage water instead of sugary drinks to help balance the meal.
FAQs about P.F. Chang’s Kids Lo Mein
Is this too much food for a 7-year-old?
It can be. The 700-calorie count is substantial. We recommend sharing the dish or planning on leftovers, especially for younger children.
What is the healthiest kids’ meal at P.F. Chang’s?
The Baby Buddha’s Feast is the clear winner for its lower calories, lower sodium, and high vegetable content.
Can you make the Kids Lo Mein vegetarian?
You can ask to remove the chicken, but the dish will still contain the soy-based sauce and egg noodles. The Baby Buddha’s Feast is a much better and guaranteed vegetarian alternative.
Final Thoughts
The Kids Lo Mein is a popular noodle dish that combines chicken, vegetables, and soft stir-fried noodles for a balanced and filling meal. With 700 calories, it’s the most substantial option on the kids’ menu, perfect for growing appetites. Families can pair it with soups like the Wonton Soup or sides such as the Korean Style Cauliflower for a well-rounded meal.
Order it if: Your primary goal is a filling, protein-rich meal that your child will happily eat, and you’re aware of the high sodium and calories.
Choose something else if: Your child is a light eater, you are strictly monitoring sodium intake, or they have allergies to wheat, soy, or egg.
It serves its purpose perfectly as a hearty, kid-pleasing dish, but parents should be aware of its indulgent nature and order strategically.
