Panda Express Menu with Prices, Calories and Popular Items
Panda Express is America’s premier Chinese-American fast-food chain, famous for its wok-fired entrees, signature Sweet & Spicy Orange Chicken, and customizable combo plates. Whether you are looking to build a high-protein bowl for a post-workout meal, find kid-friendly options, or feed a large group with a family feast, navigating the panda express menu efficiently can help you get the most food for your dollar.
If you are a fan of quick, Asian-inspired takeout like you might find on the Hibachi Express menu or when browsing the Tokyo Express menu prices, Panda Express offers a highly standardized, predictable, and fast alternative. This comprehensive guide provides the most up-to-date national average prices, calorie counts, allergen alerts, and smart ordering hacks. Because Panda Express uses a unique "Combo Tier" pricing structure rather than charging solely a la carte (much like you'll see on the China Star menu guide), understanding how to build your plate can save you up to 30% per visit.
Disclaimer: Panda Express prices and item availability vary significantly by location, regional supply chains, and delivery platforms. Always check your local restaurant or the official Panda Express app for precise local pricing.
Menu Snapshot: Quick Answer
The Panda Express menu revolves around customizable combo meals where diners select a base side (like rice or noodles) and pair it with 1, 2, or 3 wok-fired entrees. A standard Plate with two entrees averages around $10.00, though premium items incur an extra charge, and prices vary by location.
Official Source Verification
Official Source Verification
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can vary by location, delivery platform, and time. LatestMenus checks official restaurant sources where available and marks uncertain information clearly.
Latest Panda Express Menu Prices
Panda Express primarily utilizes a "Combo Tier" system. You select your meal size, choose your sides, and pick your entrees. All prices below are estimated national averages. Check your local restaurant or official app for exact local pricing.
Note: Premium entrees marked with an asterisk (*) require an additional upcharge of approximately +$1.50.
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bowl | Combo Meal | $8.50 (Varies by location) | 500 – 1,010 | Quick individual lunch | Includes 1 Side & 1 Entree |
| Plate | Combo Meal | $10.00 (Varies by location) | 650 – 1,500 | Hungry diners | Includes 1 Side & 2 Entrees |
| Bigger Plate | Combo Meal | $11.50 (Varies by location) | 800 – 1,990 | Maximum meat value | Includes 1 Side & 3 Entrees |
| Kid's Meal (Cub Meal) | Kids Menu | $6.90 (Varies by location) | 290 – 600 | Children | Jr Side, Jr Entree, Apple Crisps, Drink |
| Family Meal | Family Deals | $35.00 (Varies by location) | 2,500 – 5,500 | Groups of 4-5 | 2 Large Sides & 3 Large Entrees |
A La Carte Entrees
If you prefer just a box of meat without a side, entrees can be purchased individually in Small, Medium, or Large sizes.
| Menu Item | Category | Small / Medium / Large Price | Calories (Per Serving) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Original Orange Chicken® | Chicken | $5.25 / $8.50 / $11.50 | 490 | Crispy, sweet & slightly spicy |
| Beijing Beef® | Beef | $5.25 / $8.50 / $11.50 | 470 | Crispy beef with bell peppers |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp* | Seafood | $6.75 / $10.00 / $13.50 | 360 | Premium upcharge applies |
| Black Pepper Angus Steak* | Beef | $6.75 / $10.00 / $13.50 | 180 | Premium upcharge applies |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | Chicken | $5.25 / $8.50 / $11.50 | 300 | Served with sauce on the side |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Chicken | $5.25 / $8.50 / $11.50 | 290 | Spicy with peanuts |
| Honey Sesame Chicken Breast | Chicken | $5.25 / $8.50 / $11.50 | 340 | Sweet honey sesame sauce |
| String Bean Chicken Breast | Chicken | $5.25 / $8.50 / $11.50 | 190 | Mild ginger soy sauce |
| Broccoli Beef | Beef | $5.25 / $8.50 / $11.50 | 150 | Classic wok-tossed staple |
| Mushroom Chicken | Chicken | $5.25 / $8.50 / $11.50 | 220 | Light ginger soy sauce |
A La Carte Sides & Appetizers
| Menu Item | Category | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chow Mein | Side (Medium / Large) | $4.40 / $5.40 | 510 |
| Fried Rice | Side (Medium / Large) | $4.40 / $5.40 | 520 |
| Super Greens | Side (Medium / Large) | $4.40 / $5.40 | 90 |
| Veggie Spring Rolls (2 pc) | Appetizer | $2.00 | 190 |
| Chicken Egg Roll (1 pc) | Appetizer | $2.00 | 200 |
| Cream Cheese Rangoons (3 pc) | Appetizer | $2.10 | 190 |
| Apple Pie Roll (1 pc) | Dessert | $2.10 | 160 |
Popular Menu Items
If you are visiting Panda Express for the first time, these are the signature items that have defined the brand's culinary identity across the United States.
| Popular Item | Why People Order It | Price Note | Calorie Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Original Orange Chicken | The iconic sweet and spicy crispy chicken dish that put Panda Express on the map. | Standard entree price | 490 calories (deep-fried) |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | Tempura-battered large shrimp with glazed walnuts in a sweet sauce. | Premium upcharge applies (+$1.50) | 360 calories |
| Beijing Beef | Crispy beef with a sweet and tangy glaze, offering a satisfying crunch. | Standard entree price | 470 calories |
| Chow Mein | Classic stir-fried wheat noodles with great "wok hei" (smoky wok flavor). | Included as a side base | 510 calories |
Editor Picks: Best Things to Order
These are LatestMenus editorial recommendations based on available menu research, value, popularity, customization potential, and practical ordering usefulness. They are not official restaurant rankings.
The Plate (with Half-and-Half Sides)
Upgrading from a Bowl to a Plate gives you an entire extra portion of meat for roughly $1.50 more. Asking for half chow mein and half super greens balances the meal perfectly.
The Bigger Plate Upgrade
Adding a 3rd entree for just $1.50 is the absolute best dollar-to-meat ratio on the menu, considering a single small entree box costs over $5.00 a la carte.
Panda Express Family Meal
With 2 massive sides and 3 large entrees, this meal bundle easily feeds 4 to 5 adults for around $35, making it a highly economical dinner solution.
String Bean Chicken Breast
At only 190 calories per serving, this dish provides 14 grams of protein and avoids the heavy, deep-fried batters found in the Orange Chicken.
The Original Orange Chicken
It is the undisputed king of the menu for a reason. The balance of crispy breading and sticky, slightly spicy citrus sauce is perfectly executed.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (Sauce on Side)
Ordering the Teriyaki Chicken allows you to control exactly how much sweet sauce you use, making it easy to track your sugar and sodium intake.
Cheapest Items and Best Value Picks
If you want to stretch your dollar further at Panda Express, rely on combo math and in-app deals rather than buying individual boxes.
| Value Pick | Why It Can Be Good Value | Watch Out For | Best Ordering Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| The "Plate" Upgrade | Costs only ~$1.50 more than a Bowl, but gives a full second entree (worth $5.25 a la carte). | Premium entrees add extra costs. | Always buy a Plate instead of a Bowl if you plan to save leftovers. |
| Half-and-Half Sides | Get two different sides without paying for extra side boxes. | Portions of each side are halved. | Ask for half Fried Rice and half Super Greens for nutritional balance. |
| Veggie Spring Rolls (2pc) | At $2.00, it is the absolute cheapest hot food item on the menu. | Small portion size. | Great filler item if a Bowl leaves you slightly hungry. |
| Receipt Survey Code | Doing the 5-minute online survey yields a free 3rd entree on your next visit. | Requires a 2-entree Plate purchase to redeem. | Always keep your paper or digital receipt. |
Calories and Nutrition Notes
Panda Express is highly transparent about its nutrition, making it easy to build a meal that fits your dietary needs.
| Menu Area | Nutrition Note | Best For | Source Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Wok Smart" Entrees | Items containing under 300 calories and at least 8g of protein per serving. | High protein, low-calorie diets | High |
| Deep-Fried Entrees | Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef hover near 500 calories due to batter and frying oil. | Cheat days or high-calorie needs | High |
| Super Greens Side | Only 90 calories per serving, replacing 500+ calorie carb sides like rice or noodles. | Low-carb and Keto-adjacent diets | High |
| Black Pepper Angus Steak | Only 180 calories with 19g of protein. | Maximum protein efficiency | High |
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Before ordering, it is crucial to understand Panda Express kitchen operations. Because food is cooked quickly in high-heat woks, cross-contact is a reality of the brand's fast-casual setup.
| Dietary Need | What to Check | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free (Celiac) | The official allergen guide states there are NO certified gluten-free options. | Soy sauce (containing wheat) is used in almost every wok on the line. Cross-contact risk is extreme. |
| Vegan / Vegetarian | Super Greens, White/Brown Rice, and Spring Rolls have no animal products in their recipes. | All items are prepared in a shared kitchen using the same woks and fryers as meat dishes. |
| Peanut Allergies | Kung Pao Chicken contains peanuts. | Because utensils and woks are shared, severe nut allergies should exercise extreme caution. |
| MSG Sensitivities | Check official ingredients lists. | Panda Express does not add raw MSG, but natural glutamates exist in their soy sauces and yeast extracts. |
Special Menu Sections
Kids Menu (Cub Meals)
Panda Express offers a dedicated meal for children called the Panda Cub Meal. It is portioned perfectly for smaller appetites and includes healthier side defaults.
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panda Cub Meal | Junior Side, Junior Entree, Apple Crisps, and Bottled Water/Juice | ~$6.90 / 290 – 600 calories | Children and light snackers |
Catering and Party Trays
For office meetings or game day, Panda Express offers large format catering trays.
| Item or Section | What It Includes | Price/Calorie Note | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-16 Person Party Tray | 2 Party-Size Sides + 2 Party-Size Entrees | $115.00 – $130.00 | Small office lunches |
| 18-22 Person Party Tray | 3 Party-Size Sides + 3 Party-Size Entrees | $165.00 – $185.00 | Large gatherings |
Best For: Who This Menu Guide Helps
This guide is optimized to help:
- Budget-conscious diners checking combo prices and value hacks before visiting.
- Fitness enthusiasts comparing calories and seeking out high-protein "Wok Smart" entrees.
- Families planning large group orders or seeking kid-friendly Cub Meals.
- People ordering delivery who want to understand base pricing before delivery apps apply markups.
- Diners with dietary restrictions who need clear, official source confirmation regarding gluten cross-contact and allergens.
Ordering Tips From LatestMenus
Use these practical tips to ensure your food is hot, fresh, and budget-friendly.
- Check the official app or local restaurant for exact prices. Menu prices can vary by city, restaurant, and delivery platform.
- Wait for a "Fresh Batch". If the pan of Orange Chicken looks dry or nearly empty, politely ask if you can wait for a fresh batch. It only takes 4 to 6 minutes and guarantees crispy food.
- Watch for delivery markups. Third-party delivery prices and fees may be 15% to 20% higher than in-store or pickup prices.
- Ask for a sample spoon. Servers are trained to offer free samples of any hot entree on the line if you are unsure about a flavor.
- Use official nutrition and allergen pages before ordering. This is especially important if calories, allergens, or cross-contact matter to you.
- Sign up for Panda Rewards. The loyalty app lets you earn points toward free meals and often gives you a welcome offer or birthday discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Panda Express have a menu with prices?
Yes, but Panda Express does not display a static national price list because prices vary by location. To see accurate prices for your area, you must input your zip code into the official Panda Express app or website.
Do prices vary by location?
Yes. Prices at transit hubs, airports, theme parks, and major metropolitan areas (like New York or Hawaii) can be 10% to 25% higher than suburban standalone locations.
Where can I find calories?
Calories are openly displayed on physical menu boards in-store, on the official Panda Express app, and via a comprehensive nutrition PDF available on their official website.
Does Panda Express have an allergen menu?
Yes, Panda Express publishes an official allergen matrix online. However, they strongly note that because all food is prepared in a shared kitchen space, they cannot guarantee any item is free of allergens due to cross-contact.
What are the best things to order?
The Original Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef are the most popular indulgent items, while the String Bean Chicken Breast and Broccoli Beef are excellent lower-calorie, high-protein choices.
What are the cheapest/value items?
The absolute cheapest items are the Veggie Spring Rolls ($2.00). The best overall value meal is the Bigger Plate ($11.50), which gives you three full entrees and a side.
Can I order online or in the app?
Yes. Panda Express offers a robust mobile app and website for pickup and delivery, which also tracks Panda Rewards points.
Are delivery prices different?
Yes. If you order through Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub, the individual item prices are typically marked up by 15% to 20% compared to ordering directly at the store register.
Does Panda Express add MSG?
Panda Express does not add raw Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) to any of its food. However, natural glutamates are present in foundational ingredients they use, such as soy sauce and yeast extracts.
Is there anything gluten-free at Panda Express?
No. Panda Express officially states they do not offer any certified gluten-free options. Soy sauce (which contains wheat) is used on almost every cooking surface, making cross-contamination highly likely.
Conclusion
The fastest and most economical way to enjoy the Panda Express menu is by utilizing their combo menu system. To get the best value, opt for a Plate or Bigger Plate, take advantage of the "half-and-half" side customization to balance your nutrition, and use the receipt survey to score a free entree on your next visit.
Menus, prices, calories, and availability can change by location, time, delivery platform, and restaurant updates. Always confirm the latest information with the official restaurant website, app, or your local restaurant before ordering. Information verified for 2026 where available.
