Does Panda Express have vegans?

December 20, 2025 •

3 min read

In recent years, responding to a surge in demand for plant-based alternatives, Panda Express has expanded its menu to include several vegan-friendly items. This shift has made it possible for those on a plant-based diet to find a satisfying meal at the popular fast-food chain. So, does Panda Express have vegans? Yes, it does—and this guide will show you how to navigate the menu.

Quick Summary

This guide details the vegan options available at Panda Express, including entrees, sides, and sauces, noting the potential for cross-contamination due to shared cooking equipment. It also covers what to avoid and addresses common questions for vegan diners.

Key Points

Expanded Menu: Panda Express has added several vegan-friendly items, including the popular Beyond The Original Orange Chicken and Eggplant Tofu.
Vegan Sides: Safe side options include Chow Mein, Super Greens, Steamed Brown Rice, and Steamed White Rice.
Sauce Selection: Most sauces are vegan, including Sweet and Sour, Teriyaki, and Chili Sauce, but it's always wise to double-check.
Cross-Contamination Warning: All food is prepared on shared equipment, meaning strict vegans or those with allergies should be aware of potential cross-contact.
Items to Avoid: Not all vegetable dishes are vegan; avoid the Fried Rice (contains egg) and Cream Cheese Rangoons.

Navigating the Vegan Menu at Panda Express

For many years, finding a truly vegan meal at Panda Express was a challenge, as most items, including vegetable dishes, were prepared with animal-derived ingredients like chicken broth. However, significant pressure from consumers led to a menu overhaul, and the landscape for plant-based eating at the chain has changed dramatically. Today, several menu items are free of animal products, though diners should be mindful of the company's disclaimer regarding shared cooking surfaces.

Vegan Entrées

While the menu is primarily meat-focused, Panda Express now offers specific entrée options that are entirely plant-based. These are your best bet for a main course that avoids animal products.

Beyond The Original Orange Chicken: A collaboration with Beyond Meat, this fan-favorite entrée features crispy plant-based chicken pieces tossed in Panda Express's iconic sweet and tangy orange sauce. While its availability may vary by location, it is frequently featured on the menu due to popular demand.
Eggplant Tofu: This dish combines lightly browned tofu and tender eggplant with red bell peppers in a sweet and spicy sauce. A confirmed vegan option, it is a delicious staple at many locations, though it is not available at every restaurant.

Vegan Sides and Appetizers

Filling up on sides is a classic strategy for vegan diners at fast-food restaurants, and Panda Express offers several solid choices.

Chow Mein: In 2019, Panda Express removed chicken-based seasoning from its Chow Mein recipe, making it a vegan-friendly option. It features stir-fried wheat noodles with onions, celery, and cabbage.
Super Greens: This side is a nutritious mix of steamed broccoli, kale, and cabbage, a perfect and simple addition to any meal.
Steamed White or Brown Rice: Both plain white and brown rice are vegan, serving as an excellent base for building a meal.
Vegetable Spring Rolls: These crispy appetizers are filled with cabbage, celery, carrots, green onions, and noodles. They are vegan, though they are fried in the same oil as non-vegan items.

Vegan Sauces

Enhance your meal with one of these sauces, which are all confirmed as vegan.

Chili Sauce
Hot Mustard Sauce
Plum Sauce
Potsticker Sauce
Soy Sauce
Sweet and Sour Sauce
Teriyaki Sauce

Navigating Cross-Contamination

For those with strict dietary requirements or allergies, it's crucial to understand Panda Express's preparation process. The company explicitly states that all items are prepared in shared facilities and on shared equipment, which means there is a risk of cross-contamination. The woks used for meat dishes may also be used to cook vegetable and plant-based items. If this is a concern, it's best to inquire with staff or consider if this level of cross-contact aligns with your personal vegan standards.

What to Avoid at Panda Express

Not all vegetarian-appearing items are vegan, and some contain hidden animal products. Be sure to avoid the following:

Fried Rice: Contains egg.
Cream Cheese Rangoons: Contain cream cheese.
Apple Pie Roll: Often fried in shared oil and may contain non-vegan ingredients.

Vegan Options Comparison


Item	Vegan Status	Notes
Beyond Original Orange Chicken	Vegan (Entrée)	Availability may vary by location.
Eggplant Tofu	Vegan (Entrée)	Availability varies; check with your local store.
Chow Mein	Vegan (Side)	Made without chicken broth since 2019.
Super Greens	Vegan (Side)	Mix of broccoli, kale, and cabbage.
Steamed White/Brown Rice	Vegan (Side)	Pure rice, no added animal products.
Vegetable Spring Rolls	Vegan (Appetizer)	Fried in shared equipment with non-vegan items.
Fried Rice	Not Vegan	Contains egg.
Cream Cheese Rangoons	Not Vegan	Contains cream cheese.

Conclusion

So, does Panda Express have vegans-friendly options? The answer is a clear yes. The chain has made significant strides in accommodating plant-based diets, moving away from using chicken broth in its Chow Mein and collaborating with Beyond Meat to create a vegan version of its signature Orange Chicken. While the risk of cross-contamination from shared cooking equipment is a factor to consider, there are now several dedicated, animal-free items available. With options like Eggplant Tofu, Super Greens, and plenty of vegan sauces, assembling a tasty vegan meal at Panda Express is more possible than ever before.

For more detailed information on ingredients and nutritional facts, consider visiting the official Panda Express website. Learn more about Panda Express Nutrition

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the traditional Orange Chicken is not vegan. However, Panda Express offers a plant-based alternative called "Beyond The Original Orange Chicken" in partnership with Beyond Meat, which is vegan.

Yes, as of 2019, the Chow Mein at Panda Express is vegan. The company removed the animal-based seasonings, making the noodles and vegetables entirely plant-based.

Yes, the Fried Rice at Panda Express contains egg and is therefore not vegan.

Yes, the Vegetable Spring Rolls are vegan. However, they are fried in the same oil as other items, so strict vegans concerned about cross-contamination should take note.

Yes. Panda Express uses shared cooking equipment for all its dishes, so there is a risk of cross-contamination with meat and other animal products.

No, the Eggplant Tofu dish is a regional item and not consistently available at all locations. It is best to check with your specific Panda Express restaurant.

Generally, no. The fortune cookies are the only dessert option confirmed to be vegan, though many drinks are also plant-based.