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General Tso vs Orange Chicken - Nutrition & Health impact comparison

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Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian by Jack Yacoubian | Last updated on May 19, 2023
Medically reviewed by Ani Harutyunyan Article author photo Ani Harutyunyan
Orange chicken
vs
General tso's chicken

Summary

General Tso’s and Chinese orange chicken are popular Chinese American dishes with high amounts of carbs and sodium. However, they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. Consuming these foods in moderation is essential since they increase metabolic and cardiovascular disease mortality risks.  

Introduction

This article is a comparison between 2 American Chinese dishes, General Tso's chicken and Chinese orange chicken.

General Tso’s chicken is a dish that originated in Taiwan and was later brought to the US.  In comparison, Chinese orange chicken is also an American Chinese dish, which is claimed to be a variation of General Tso’s chicken recipe. 

Ingredient differences

It is essential to understand the main ingredients in each dish. The base is chicken. However, there exists a difference in the preparation of the chicken. 
General Tso’s chicken is made from chicken thigh cutsbreaded, and fried. In comparison, orange chicken is chicken breast fried till golden crispy. 

The other main difference is the sauce in that the chicken gets drizzled.

General Tso’s chicken tangy sauce contains rice vinegar, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chili flakes, pepper, and cornstarch. It is usually served with rice, vegetables, Chinese noodles, and salads. 

In comparison, orange chicken contains orange juice, sugar, orange peel, cornstarch, soy sauce, spices, garlic, and ginger.  It is best served with rice, egg, egg noodles, and steamed broccoli. 

From the ingredients of the sauce, we can differentiate the taste also. The orange chicken will have a sweet and savory flavor, whereas General Tso’s chicken will give a milder, spicier, and more savory flavor. 

Nutritional content comparison 

In this section, we will be considering 100g servings of each. In the infographic below, you can see that both of them contain nearly the same amounts of water. However, General Tso's chicken is slightly higher in carbs and fats. 

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Protein +12.1%
Contains more Other +23.1%
Contains more Fats +29%
Equal in Carbs - 23.99
Equal in Water - 45.15
14% 13% 22% 48% 2%
Protein: 14.46 g
Fats: 12.68 g
Carbs: 22.46 g
Water: 48.43 g
Other: 1.97 g
13% 16% 24% 45%
Protein: 12.9 g
Fats: 16.36 g
Carbs: 23.99 g
Water: 45.15 g
Other: 1.6 g
Contains more Protein +12.1%
Contains more Other +23.1%
Contains more Fats +29%
Equal in Carbs - 23.99
Equal in Water - 45.15

Carbs

They contain high amounts of carbs. Their carb content is nearly similar, 24g for General Tso’s chicken and 23g for orange chicken. Both contain nearly the same amount of dietary fiber. 

General Tso's chicken is higher in starch due to additional cornstarch used in its preparation. Orange chicken is richer in sucrose. 

Carbohydrate type comparison

Carbohydrate type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains more Sucrose +17.6%
Contains more Fructose +31.4%
Contains more Starch +12.7%
Equal in Glucose - 0.62
44% 51% 3% 3%
Starch: 10.5 g
Sucrose: 12.3 g
Glucose: 0.63 g
Fructose: 0.67 g
Lactose: 0 g
Maltose: 0 g
Galactose: 0 g
51% 45% 3% 2%
Starch: 11.83 g
Sucrose: 10.46 g
Glucose: 0.62 g
Fructose: 0.51 g
Lactose: 0 g
Maltose: 0 g
Galactose: 0 g
Contains more Sucrose +17.6%
Contains more Fructose +31.4%
Contains more Starch +12.7%
Equal in Glucose - 0.62

Calories

General Tso's chicken and Orange chicken are high in calories. General Tso’s chicken contains nearly 300 calories. In comparison, orange chicken is lower in calories: it contains about 260 calories. 

Proteins

Orange chicken contains higher amounts of proteins than General Tso’s chicken, at 15g for orange chicken and 13g for General Tso’s chicken. Orange chicken has a leaner cut which is chicken breast. 

Fats

General Tso’s chicken contains higher amounts of fats compared to orange chicken. General Tso’s chicken contains 16g of fat, whereas orange chicken has 12g. 

General Tso's chicken is comparably richer in unsaturated fats. Orange chicken contains 8mg more cholesterol. 

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Contains less Saturated Fat -12.2%
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +11.7%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +23.3%
20% 29% 51%
Saturated Fat: 2.422 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.474 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 6.086 g
20% 27% 53%
Saturated Fat: 2.76 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.879 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 7.501 g
Contains less Saturated Fat -12.2%
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +11.7%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +23.3%

Minerals

Both these dishes are very high in sodium. In comparison, orange chicken contains higher amounts of sodium than general Tso’s chicken. 

General Tso’s chicken is richer in iron. In contrast, Chinese orange chicken is richer in selenium and phosphorus. 

Below we can visualize their mineral profiles. 

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Contains more Calcium +16.7%
Contains more Magnesium +11.1%
Contains more Manganese +16%
Contains more Selenium +18.8%
Contains more Iron +23.4%
Contains less Sodium -21.3%
Contains more Zinc +15%
Equal in Magnesium - 18
Equal in Phosphorus - 127
Equal in Potassium - 201
Equal in Copper - 0.046
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 5% 36% 15% 56% 19% 73% 31% 14% 12% 94%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 4% 44% 13% 55% 18% 57% 36% 16% 10% 79%
Contains more Calcium +16.7%
Contains more Magnesium +11.1%
Contains more Manganese +16%
Contains more Selenium +18.8%
Contains more Iron +23.4%
Contains less Sodium -21.3%
Contains more Zinc +15%
Equal in Magnesium - 18
Equal in Phosphorus - 127
Equal in Potassium - 201
Equal in Copper - 0.046

Vitamins

General Tso’s chicken is richer in vitamins K and E. Chinese orange chicken is richer in vitamins B2, B3, B5, and B6. 

Below we can visualize their vitamin profiles. 

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
:
Contains more Vitamin A +180.9%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +59.3%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +86.4%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +25.8%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +62.1%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +13.9%
Contains more Vitamin E +13.1%
Contains more Vitamin D +100%
Contains more Vitamin C +77.8%
Contains more Vitamin K +56.6%
Equal in Folate - 11
Equal in Vitamin B12 - 0.22
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 16% 22% 3% 3% 11% 51% 68% 60% 54% 8% 25% 61%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 6% 25% 6% 6% 7% 28% 54% 38% 47% 9% 28% 96%
Contains more Vitamin A +180.9%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +59.3%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +86.4%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +25.8%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +62.1%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +13.9%
Contains more Vitamin E +13.1%
Contains more Vitamin D +100%
Contains more Vitamin C +77.8%
Contains more Vitamin K +56.6%
Equal in Folate - 11
Equal in Vitamin B12 - 0.22

Health impacts

Cardiovascular diseases

High-sodium foods increase the risk of hypertension and mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases. One of these foods' major significant health impacts is their high sodium intake. In this case, Chinese orange chicken poses a higher risk since it contains higher amounts of sodium. 
Consume these foods in moderation and at lower frequencies. (1)

Metabolic diseases

Since these foods are high in carbs, consuming high-carb foods increases the risks of several metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. It is also important to remember that these foods are primarily associated with white rice, which increases carbohydrate intake. (2)  

Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian
Education: Haigazian Medical University
Last updated: May 19, 2023
Medically reviewed by Ani Harutyunyan

Infographic

Orange chicken vs General tso's chicken infographic
Infographic link

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Orange chicken General tso's chicken
Rich in minerals ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in Cholesterol ok
Lower in Glycemic Index Equal
Lower in price Equal
Rich in vitamins Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Orange chicken General tso's chicken Opinion
Net carbs 21.66g 23.09g General tso's chicken
Protein 14.46g 12.9g Orange chicken
Fats 12.68g 16.36g General tso's chicken
Carbs 22.46g 23.99g General tso's chicken
Calories 262kcal 295kcal General tso's chicken
Starch 10.5g 11.83g General tso's chicken
Fructose 0.67g 0.51g Orange chicken
Sugar 13.6g 11.6g General tso's chicken
Fiber 0.8g 0.9g General tso's chicken
Calcium 14mg 12mg Orange chicken
Iron 0.94mg 1.16mg General tso's chicken
Magnesium 20mg 18mg Orange chicken
Phosphorus 130mg 127mg Orange chicken
Potassium 209mg 201mg Orange chicken
Sodium 553mg 435mg General tso's chicken
Zinc 1.13mg 1.3mg General tso's chicken
Copper 0.042mg 0.046mg General tso's chicken
Manganese 0.087mg 0.075mg Orange chicken
Selenium 17.1µg 14.4µg Orange chicken
Vitamin A 264IU 94IU Orange chicken
Vitamin A RAE 75µg 11µg Orange chicken
Vitamin E 1.07mg 1.21mg General tso's chicken
Vitamin D 5IU 6IU General tso's chicken
Vitamin D 0.1µg 0.2µg General tso's chicken
Vitamin C 0.9mg 1.6mg General tso's chicken
Vitamin B1 0.043mg 0.027mg Orange chicken
Vitamin B2 0.22mg 0.118mg Orange chicken
Vitamin B3 3.59mg 2.853mg Orange chicken
Vitamin B5 1mg 0.617mg Orange chicken
Vitamin B6 0.23mg 0.202mg Orange chicken
Folate 10µg 11µg General tso's chicken
Vitamin B12 0.2µg 0.22µg General tso's chicken
Vitamin K 24.4µg 38.2µg General tso's chicken
Tryptophan 0.113mg 0.142mg General tso's chicken
Threonine 0.576mg 0.552mg Orange chicken
Isoleucine 0.576mg 0.564mg Orange chicken
Leucine 1.001mg 1.026mg General tso's chicken
Lysine 1.058mg 1.089mg General tso's chicken
Methionine 0.34mg 0.332mg Orange chicken
Phenylalanine 0.51mg 0.563mg General tso's chicken
Valine 0.614mg 0.607mg Orange chicken
Histidine 0.359mg 0.333mg Orange chicken
Cholesterol 61mg 53mg General tso's chicken
Trans Fat 0.053g 0.09g Orange chicken
Saturated Fat 2.422g 2.76g Orange chicken
Omega-3 - DHA 0.005g 0.005g
Omega-3 - EPA 0.001g 0.005g General tso's chicken
Omega-3 - DPA 0.003g 0.006g General tso's chicken
Monounsaturated Fat 3.474g 3.879g General tso's chicken
Polyunsaturated fat 6.086g 7.501g General tso's chicken
Omega-6 - Eicosadienoic acid 0.008g 0.011g General tso's chicken
Omega-6 - Linoleic acid 5.284g 6.47g General tso's chicken
Omega-6 - Gamma-linoleic acid 0.028g 0.005g Orange chicken
Omega-3 - ALA 0.619g 0.84g General tso's chicken
Omega-3 - Eicosatrienoic acid 0g 0.001g General tso's chicken
Omega-6 - Dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid 0.01g 0.01g

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Orange chicken General tso's chicken
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Calories diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet Equal

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
32%
Orange chicken
29%
General tso's chicken
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
35%
Orange chicken
33%
General tso's chicken

Comparison summary

Which food is richer in minerals?
Orange chicken
Orange chicken is relatively richer in minerals
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Orange chicken
Orange chicken is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 0.338g)
Which food is lower in Sugar?
General tso's chicken
General tso's chicken is lower in Sugar (difference - 2g)
Which food contains less Sodium?
General tso's chicken
General tso's chicken contains less Sodium (difference - 118mg)
Which food is lower in Cholesterol?
General tso's chicken
General tso's chicken is lower in Cholesterol (difference - 8mg)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
?
The foods have equal glycemic indexes ()
Which food is cheaper?
?
The foods are relatively equal in price ($)
Which food is richer in vitamins?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Orange chicken - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167679/nutrients
  2. General tso's chicken - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/167675/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.