Brian Nagele
If you enjoy Panda Express, you might be familiar with Beyond Orange Chicken. When it was initially presented in 2021, this vegan take on the fast-food chain’s signature meal immediately gained popularity among both vegans and meat eaters. However, is Beyond Orange Chicken still available at Panda Express? Yes, however there are certain restrictions.
Beyond Orange Chicken was developed in collaboration between Panda Express and Beyond Meat and was first tried in a few locations in New York City and Southern California in July 2021.
The dish was introduced to 70 different Panda Express stores around the country for a brief period till January 2022 following a successful regional rollout.
However, starting on September 7, 2023, Panda Express stores across the country will once again serve Beyond Orange Chicken due to demand.
Therefore, you’re in luck if you want to attempt this delectable plant-based Orange Chicken recipe.
However, depending on where you live and how well-liked the meal is, availability may vary.
Read on to discover more about the status of Beyond Orange Chicken at Panda Express, the variables that affect its availability, and possible substitutes to try if it’s not offered at your neighborhood eatery.
Panda Express and Beyond Orange Chicken
You may have heard of Beyond Orange Chicken if you enjoy plant-based food and Panda Express. at July 2021, this dish was tested at a few restaurants in Southern California and New York City.
Customers loved the Beyond Orange Chicken, which was created using Beyond Meat’s plant-based chicken, so Panda Express extended the testing to 70 stores across the country for a short period until January 2022.
However, the answer is negative if you’re asking whether Panda Express still offers Beyond Orange Chicken on their menu.
In January 2022, the limited-time promotion came to an end, and Panda Express locations no longer sold Beyond Orange Chicken.
Don’t worry though; Panda Express’s most famous meal, The Original Orange Chicken, will now again be available in a plant-based version thanks to a new partnership between Beyond Meat and Panda Express.
Beginning on September 7, 2022, Beyond The Original Orange Chicken became temporarily accessible nationwide after debuting in a few locations in 2021.
The Beyond The Original Orange Chicken, made with Beyond Meat’s plant-based chicken, is, in the words of a press release from the company, “indistinguishable from the iconic dish that has been a fan favorite for decades.”
The dish is offered at more than 2,300 Panda Express locations throughout the United States while supplies last.
It’s vital to keep in mind that the Beyond The Original Orange Chicken is only offered for a short period of time, so if you’re interested in trying it, hurry to your nearby Panda Express location.
Current Status of Beyond Orange Chicken at Panda Express
The answer to the question “does Panda Express still sell Beyond Orange Chicken?” is both yes and no.
The limited-edition Beyond Orange Chicken dish was first released in 2021 and then reintroduced in 2022 for a second time.
However, as of September 11, 2023, Panda Express does not currently provide Beyond Orange Chicken.
The Beyond Orange Chicken was accessible at all locations in the United States from September 7, 2022, until November 30, 2022, according to the official Panda Express website.
It was a plant-based entrée that was created in collaboration with Beyond Meat and contained Beyond Chicken, a plant-based protein that closely resembles actual chicken in both flavor and texture.
Customers had conflicting opinions of Beyond Orange Chicken during its brief stint.
Some people commended the meal for its mouthwatering flavor and texture, but others criticized it for being overpriced and cooked in the same area as menu items containing animal products, which raised questions about cross-contamination.
The future of Beyond Orange Chicken is unknown at this moment, but Panda Express has a history of experimenting with new menu items and presenting one-time specials.
Therefore, it’s possible that Beyond Orange Chicken will return in the future.
In the meanwhile, Panda Express serves a few vegetarian and vegan dishes like Eggplant Tofu, Vegetable Spring Rolls, and Super Greens if you’re seeking for plant-based options.
The potential of cross-contamination exists since these foods are prepared in the same kitchen as menu items containing animal products.
Factors Influencing Beyond Orange Chicken Availability
If you enjoy Beyond Orange Chicken from Panda Express, you might be curious as to why it isn’t usually offered at your neighborhood eatery.
The following factors, among others, may affect the accessibility of this well-liked dish:
Location
Depending on where you are, Beyond Orange Chicken might not always be available.
The availability of the dish may change depending on client demand and the business’s strategic plans, claims Eat Pallet.
As a result, while Beyond Orange Chicken may not be available at all Panda Express locations, it may be a regular menu item at others.
Seasonal Availability
For a brief period of time, usually in the fall and winter, Panda Express may serve Beyond Orange Chicken.
For instance, from October to January of 2021, Beyond Orange Chicken was introduced in 70 sites across the United States.
But according to Veggl, it returned in September 2022, and this time it was offered at each Panda Express site in the country.
Testing and Feedback
Prior to introducing them across the country, Panda Express may test new menu items like Beyond Orange Chicken at a few select locations.
For instance, according to TechCrunch, Panda Express will test its Beyond Meat Orange Chicken at a few locations in Southern California and New York City in 2021.
If the dish is popular enough, the business can decide to make it a regular menu item rather than only serving it occasionally.
Overall, a number of elements, including location, seasonal availability, testing, and customer input, might affect the availability of Beyond Orange Chicken at Panda Express.
The easiest place to find out if this dish is still offered when you have a taste for it is at your neighborhood Panda Express.
Beyond Orange Chicken Alternatives at Panda Express
If Beyond Orange Chicken isn’t an option at Panda Express but you’re seeking for plant-based solutions, there are still several you can try.
Here are a few plant-based options to think about:
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Vegans can enjoy the traditional appetizer of vegetable spring rolls. These spring rolls are created using crisp spring roll wrappers and fresh veggies like cabbage, carrots, and celery.
They come with vegan sweet and sour sauce on the side.
Super Greens
A vegan and gluten-free side dish is called Super Greens. Broccoli, kale, and cabbage are combined and stir-fried with ginger and garlic.
If you’re searching for something quick and healthy, this recipe is a terrific source of vitamins and minerals.
Chow Mein
If you order chow mein without the pork or eggs, it is a traditional Chinese cuisine that is vegan.
It is prepared using soy sauce, stir-fried vegetables, and noodles. To make it more filling, add more vegetables.
Steamed Rice
A straightforward side dish that is both vegan and gluten-free is steamed rice.
If you want something light to go with your main dish, this is a fantastic choice.
Mixed Veggies
Another vegan and gluten-free side dish is mixed vegetables.
Broccoli, carrots, and snap peas are combined and stir-fried with ginger and garlic.
It’s a fantastic method to increase the amount of vegetables in your meal.
Overall, there are still some options you can try if Beyond Orange Chicken is not offered at Panda Express if you’re seeking for plant-based options there.
These menu items are nutritious, satisfying, and vegan-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Panda Express still offer Beyond Orange Chicken?
Yes, Panda Express still offers Beyond Orange Chicken. It was first introduced as a limited-time offering in 2021 and returned by popular demand in September 2022. Beyond Orange Chicken is a plant-based version of Panda Express’s most popular dish, made with Beyond Meat’s chicken substitute.
Is Beyond Orange Chicken vegan?
Yes, Beyond Orange Chicken is vegan. The dish is made with plant-based ingredients and does not contain any animal products. However, some vegans have expressed concern about cross-contamination, as the Beyond Orange Chicken is cooked in the same space as animal-based menu items. Panda Express has stated that they take steps to minimize cross-contamination, but it may still be a concern for some customers.
Is Beyond Orange Chicken available at all Panda Express locations?
Yes, Beyond Orange Chicken is available at all Panda Express locations in the United States. The dish was rolled out to every location in September 2022 and is available for a limited time while supplies last.
What are the nutritional facts for Beyond Orange Chicken?
According to Panda Express’s website, a serving of Beyond Orange Chicken contains 450 calories, 17 grams of fat, 55 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of protein. It is important to note that nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and preparation methods.
Can you order Beyond Orange Chicken online or through delivery services?
Yes, Beyond Orange Chicken is available for online ordering and delivery through Panda Express’s website and third-party delivery services such as DoorDash and Uber Eats. However, availability may vary depending on your location and the specific delivery service used.
Key Takeaways
- Beyond Orange Chicken is back by popular demand at Panda Express locations nationwide for a limited time starting September 7, 2023.
- Availability may vary depending on your location and the popularity of the dish.
- If Beyond Orange Chicken is not available at your local Panda Express, there are other plant-based options to try.
