Panda Express is a popular choice for American Chinese fast food. For those following a vegan diet, finding suitable options can be tricky. However, the chain has increased its plant-based offerings, notably with the Beyond The Original Orange Chicken, which is often available for a limited time. Finding out which items are vegan and their availability is important.
The Resurgence of Beyond The Original Orange Chicken
Panda Express initially tested its plant-based orange chicken, in collaboration with Beyond Meat, in 2021. It was highly successful, leading to wider, limited-time rollouts in 2022 and 2024 due to customer demand.
The Beyond The Original Orange Chicken uses Beyond Meat's plant-based chicken and is coated in the same signature orange sauce. It has returned to many U.S. locations for a limited time in late 2024; customers can check local availability online.
A Nutritional Breakdown: Vegan vs. Original
The Beyond The Original Orange Chicken is similar in flavor to the original but has some nutritional differences. Here's a comparison based on reported serving sizes:
| Nutritional Aspect | Beyond The Original Orange Chicken (4.75 oz) | Original Orange Chicken (5.7 oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 440 | 490 |
| Total Fat | 22 g | 23 g |
| Sodium | 810 mg | 820 mg |
| Total Carbs | 47 g | 51 g |
| Protein | 13 g | 25 g |
Key differences include lower protein in the plant-based version, though it is cholesterol-free. Both dishes are fried and have a high sugar sauce.
Other Vegan-Friendly Options at Panda Express
Besides the vegan orange chicken, Panda Express offers several other plant-based choices.
- Chow Mein: Eggless noodles make this side dish vegan.
- Super Greens: A mix of steamed broccoli, kale, and cabbage.
- Steamed Rice: White and brown rice are vegan bases.
- Eggplant Tofu: Tofu and eggplant in a sauce, but availability varies by region.
- Sauces: Many sauces like chili, soy, hot mustard, and sweet and sour are vegan.
A Note on Cross-Contamination for Strict Vegans
Strict vegans should be aware that Panda Express uses shared cooking equipment, meaning there is a risk of cross-contamination with meat products.
Conclusion: Navigating the Menu as a Vegan
In summary, Panda Express features a Beyond The Original Orange Chicken, but its availability is limited in time and location. It's a tasty choice for those on a plant-based nutrition diet, but confirming availability is essential. Additionally, reliable vegan items like Chow Mein, Super Greens, and steamed rice are available, with Eggplant Tofu sometimes offered regionally. While shared cooking surfaces mean it's not fully vegan-friendly, Panda Express has expanded its plant-based menu considerably.
For the most current information on the limited-time availability and participating locations, you can find details on the official {Link: Beyond Meat update https://www.beyondmeat.com/en-US/whats-new/beyond-the-original-orange-chicken-is-back-at-panda-express}.
