How many calories are in a Panda cub meal?

January 12, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Panda Express, the Panda Cub Meal is designed to have less than 600 calories, but the exact total depends heavily on your selection of entree and side. A Panda cub meal includes a junior entree, a junior side, and a drink, and the calorie counts can vary significantly between different choices. For example, the Orange Chicken entree alone has more calories than the Broccoli Beef option.

Quick Summary

The total calories in a Panda Express cub meal vary widely depending on the choice of entree and side. While the total is kept under 600 calories, selecting options like Orange Chicken versus Broccoli Beef can lead to a difference of hundreds of calories, impacting the overall nutritional value.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The total calories in a Panda cub meal depend on the entree and side selected, with the restaurant aiming for under 600 calories for certain combinations.
Orange Chicken is Highest: The Orange Chicken entree is one of the highest-calorie options within the Cub Meal, contributing significantly to the final total.
Healthiest Choices: Lean options like Broccoli Beef or Grilled Teriyaki Chicken paired with the Super Greens side result in the lowest-calorie meals.
Side Dishes Impact: Sides like Chow Mein and Fried Rice can add a substantial number of calories, sometimes more than the entree, so choosing Super Greens is key for a lighter meal.
Customizable Nutrition: Understanding the calorie counts of individual components allows parents to customize a cub meal to be either more indulgent or more nutritionally balanced.

Breakdown of a Panda Cub Meal's Calories

The Panda Cub Meal is a popular choice for children, offering a customizable and portion-controlled meal from Panda Express. The total number of calories is not a single, fixed number because it is the sum of the individual components: one junior entree and one junior side, plus a drink like water or juice. The most significant variables affecting the total calorie count are the entree and side dishes selected. For parents aiming to monitor their child's caloric intake, understanding the specific values for each option is essential. The menu offers a range of choices from heartier, higher-calorie dishes to lighter, vegetable-based alternatives.

Popular Entree Choices and Their Calories

Let's examine some of the most common entree choices for a Panda cub meal and their approximate calorie counts, based on data from various nutritional sources. Note that these figures are for the junior-sized portion included in the Cub Meal.

Orange Chicken (Cub Meal portion): Approximately 370 calories. This is one of the highest-calorie options due to its breading and sweet sauce.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (Cub Meal portion): Around 250 calories. A lower-calorie choice as it is not breaded.
Broccoli Beef (Cub Meal portion): Approximately 110 calories. This is one of the leanest and lowest-calorie entree choices.
Kung Pao Chicken (Cub Meal portion): About 220 calories. Provides a moderate calorie count with a bit of spice.
Mushroom Chicken (Cub Meal portion): Approximately 170 calories. Another of the healthier chicken options.

Popular Side Choices and Their Calories

Just like the entrees, the side dishes also have varying calorie counts that will impact the final meal total. The most common junior side options include chow mein, fried rice, and super greens.

Chow Mein (Cub Meal portion): About 270-280 calories. A noodles-based side that adds a significant amount of carbohydrates and fats.
Fried Rice (Cub Meal portion): Approximately 350 calories. This rice side is one of the highest-calorie choices available.
Super Greens (Cub Meal portion): Around 60 calories. This is the lowest-calorie side and a healthier choice for balancing the meal.

Comparing Different Panda Cub Meal Combinations

To better illustrate the range of possibilities, here is a comparison table showing the total calories for different entree and side combinations. The calorie counts are based on the junior portions and do not include the drink or apple crisps.


Entree Choice	Side Choice	Approximate Total Calories
Orange Chicken	Chow Mein	370 + 270 = 640*
Orange Chicken	Fried Rice	370 + 350 = 720*
Orange Chicken	Super Greens	370 + 60 = 430
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken	Chow Mein	250 + 270 = 520
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken	Fried Rice	250 + 350 = 600
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken	Super Greens	250 + 60 = 310
Broccoli Beef	Chow Mein	110 + 270 = 380
Broccoli Beef	Fried Rice	110 + 350 = 460
Broccoli Beef	Super Greens	110 + 60 = 170

*Note: Combinations marked with an asterisk may exceed the restaurant's stated "less than 600 calories" guideline due to variation in portions or side options. Always check the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date nutritional information.

Making Healthier Choices

When ordering a Panda cub meal, it's possible to manage the calorie count by selecting wisely. The greatest impact comes from the entree and side. For instance, pairing a lower-calorie entree like Broccoli Beef with the Super Greens side results in a very low total. In contrast, pairing the higher-calorie Orange Chicken with Fried Rice or Chow Mein will yield a much higher calorie count.

Here are some tips for building a healthier cub meal:

Lean on Leaner Entrees: Opt for grilled or steamed chicken and beef options over fried choices. The Grilled Teriyaki Chicken and Mushroom Chicken are good examples.
Choose the Greens: The Super Greens side is the healthiest option, adding vegetables and fiber for a minimal calorie increase.
Consider a Different Side: Instead of rice or noodles, some parents may opt for just an entree and a drink, or choose a lighter side from elsewhere.
Prioritize Protein: The protein-rich options like Grilled Teriyaki Chicken can provide more satiety, which is beneficial for kids.

Conclusion

To determine how many calories are in a Panda cub meal, you must look at the specific entree and side selections. While Panda Express works to keep the meals under a certain caloric threshold, combinations like Orange Chicken with Fried Rice can push the total higher than other, more balanced pairings. The lowest-calorie cub meals are generally those built around lean, sauced entrees and a vegetable-based side. By being mindful of these choices, you can better manage the nutritional content of the meal and align it with dietary goals for your family.

The Panda Express Commitment to Balanced Options

Panda Express is transparent about its cub meal offerings, noting that options are developed based on USDA dietary recommendations. This means that healthier options are intentionally provided for parents who want them. When ordering, consulting the Panda Express website directly is the most accurate way to verify the nutritional information for the specific location and offerings.

Source: Panda Express Nutrition Info: https://www.pandaexpress.com/cub-meal

Frequently Asked Questions

A Panda cub meal is generally designed to contain less than 600 calories, though the specific combination of entree and side will determine the exact count.

Yes, the Orange Chicken entree typically has the highest calorie count among the cub meal entree options due to its breading and sauce.

The Super Greens side dish is the lowest-calorie option for a cub meal, providing vegetables and fiber with minimal calories.

Yes, by choosing a lean entree like Broccoli Beef or Mushroom Chicken and pairing it with the Super Greens side, you can create a cub meal with a low total calorie count.

Beverage choice can affect the calorie count. Choosing bottled water instead of a juice will keep the calorie and sugar content lower.

For the most accurate information, it is best to check the official Panda Express website or use an in-store kiosk, as menu options and nutrition can sometimes vary by location.

The nutritional balance depends on the selections made. Choosing lean proteins and the Super Greens side offers a more balanced meal, while fried entrees and heavier sides will skew the nutritional profile.