Panda Express epitomizes everything customers like about Chinese-American food with its “something for everyone” menu. However, “everyone” did not include vegans until a few years ago, when individual vegans and vegan-focused organizations teamed up to put the Panda under pressure to find new avenues of vegan options. Management responded, and it appears Panda Express is now on a plant-based path.
Eggplant Tofu was its first entirely vegan entrée,and othervegan-friendly options at Panda Expressfollowed, includingthe Super Greensmixedvegetables andChowMein. The chain’spartnership with Beyond Meat followed; they launched a plant-based version of their popular orange chicken that is now available nationwide.
Here, we detail all things vegan at Panda Express, including our favorite menu items.
Treehugger Tip
While the plant-based items contain noanimal products or byproducts, all items at Panda Express are cooked and prepped in the same shared facilities and equipment in store. Ask the management at your local store if it is possible to keep the preparation of plant-based selections separate from non-vegan foods.
Our Top Picks
These three favorite menu items are substantial and pack plenty of flavor.
Beyond the Original Orange Chicken
Think of it as the original only better. Beyond Meat delivers the crunch, the juiciness, and the texture with no trace of animal-based content.
Eggplant Tofu
Lightly browned tofu and eggplantconstitute the heart of thissatisfyingdishwhile red bell peppersadd light, crunchy contrast, and asweet and spicy sauce offers a touch of heat.
Vegetable Spring Rolls
Nobody can go wrong with this timeless mix of cabbage, celery, carrots, green onions and Chinese noodleswrapped ina crispy wonton wrapper.
Vegan Main Courses
Hopefully, the success of these recently added mains will lead to the introduction of more delicious plant-based selections.
- Beyond the Original Orange Chicken
- Eggplant Tofu
Vegan Sides and Appetizers
Though not necessarily a meal in themselves, these sides nicely complement the mains or can be upgradedwhen combined with one another. We recommend simply mixing the Super Greens with the rice or noodle dishes, then swirling in a sauce or two.
- Chow Mein
- Chow Fun
- Steamed Brown Rice
- Steamed White Rice
- Super Greens
- Vegetable Spring Rolls
Treehugger Tip
Try a plant-based combo, including theBeyond the Original Orange Chicken and Eggplant Tofu, with a choice of plain or brown rice or chow mein (or a little of each) and a vegetable spring roll. You can also swap the spring roll for Super Greens and add a mix of sauces.
Vegan Sauces & Condiments
Think of these tasty vegan sauces as paints to add additional color and flair to the basic dishes and sides.
- Teriyaki
- Sweet & Sour Sauce
- Chili Sauce
- Soy Sauce
- Potsticker Sauce
- Hot Mustard
- Plum Sauce
Vegan Drinks
Wash the spice and heat in your meal down with one of the manycool classics avaiable.
- Cherry Coca-Cola
- Coca-Cola
- Coca-Cola Zero Sugar
- Diet co*ke
- Dr. Pepper
- Barq’s Root Beer
- Fanta Fruit Punch
- Fanta Orange
- Fanta Strawberry
- Fuze Lemon Black Tea
- Fuze Raspberry Tea
- Glaceau Vitaminwater Squeezed Zero
- Gold Peak Premium Unsweetened Tea
- Hi-C Flashin Fruit Punch
- Minute Maid Lemonade
- Minute Maid Light Lemonade
- POWERade Mountain Blast
- Seagram’s Ginger Ale
- Sprite
- Sprite Zero
- Black Tea
- Lemon Green Tea
- Passion Fruit Mango Black Tea
- Sweet Tea
Vegan Desserts
There isn't much in the name of vegan sweets at Panda Express, but you do have the reliable fortune cookie to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fried rice at Panda Express vegan?
No, the fried rice is not vegan because it contains eggs.
Are the spring rolls at Panda Express vegan?
Yes, the spring rolls are vegan. As far as allergens go, they only contain wheat and soy—no animal products.
Is the Beyond the Original Orange Chicken at Panda Express vegan?
Yes, it is. Beyond the Original Orange Chicken, a vegan version of the Panda Express classic, contains no animal products.
FAQs
Does Panda Express have vegan options? Yes, Panda Express has vegan options, but they're not as substantial as you would expect. According to Chief Brand Officer Andrea Cherng, the restaurant chain has seen “incredible demand” for its vegan orange chicken, officially dubbed Beyond the Original Orange Chicken.
Does Panda Express have anything vegan? ›
Does Panda Express have vegan options? Yes, Panda Express has vegan options, but they're not as substantial as you would expect. According to Chief Brand Officer Andrea Cherng, the restaurant chain has seen “incredible demand” for its vegan orange chicken, officially dubbed Beyond the Original Orange Chicken.
Are the Panda Express veggie spring rolls vegan? ›
Yes, the spring rolls are vegan. As far as allergens go, they only contain wheat and soy—no animal products. Is the Beyond the Original Orange Chicken at Panda Express vegan? Yes, it is.
Is the chow mein at Panda Express vegetarian? ›
Chow Mein. The Panda Express spokesperson confirmed that chow mein isn't made with any animal products, however, it is also tossed in woks that may contain cross-contamination. If that's okay with you, you'll get to enjoy a tangle of wheat noodles with softened onion slivers, celery, and cabbage.
Are Panda Express fortune cookies vegan? ›
Fortune Cookies
Finish off your order with a sweet note and a glimpse into your future. We're stoked to find out that the fortune cookies at Panda Express are vegan-friendly! Round out your vegan Panda Express meal with these iconic cookies.
Are the apple pie rolls at Panda Express vegan? ›
While the Apple Pie Roll is plant-based, it may not be suitable for those with strict vegetarian and vegan diets. The Apple Pie Roll is made in the same kitchen as the rest of Panda Express' meat-heavy items and may share the use of the same facilities and equipment. A single Apple Pie Roll serving size is 1.94 ounces.
Are mini spring rolls vegan? ›
Excluding any spring rolls that contain seafood or meat, the answer is generally yes, spring rolls are vegan-friendly.
Will Panda Express bring back the Beyond orange chicken? ›
Panda Express, the largest family-owned and operated Asian dining concept in the U.S., is pleased to announce the return of its breakthrough innovation, Beyond The Original Orange Chicken™.
Is the chow mein at Panda Express healthy? ›
Unfortunately, if it's a nutritious meal you're on the hunt for, this one isn't it. "Panda Express's Orange Chicken and Chow Mein are considered unhealthy due to their high levels of sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats," says Young. The Chow Mein and Orange Chicken is packed with: Calories: 1,000.
What is vegan at Chipotle? ›
VEGAN & VEGETARIAN OPTIONS
Our Sofritas is vegan and vegetarian approved. Vegans should avoid our meats, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, queso, sour cream, and chipotle-honey vinaigrette. Our tortillas, vegetables, rice, beans, salsas, chips and guacamole, are vegetarian and vegan.
Fried rice is one of six options as the base for your plate at Panda Express and it is easily the most popular (at least that's what the Panda Express employee I asked told me). It consists of white rice, soy sauce, eggs, carrots, and green onions. The flavor is salty and a little oily in the best way possible.
Are Panda Express veggie egg rolls vegan? ›
Appetizers. It might not be extensive, but Vegetable Spring Rolls are a tasty choice. Actually, the veggie spring rolls are the only plant-based alternative.
Can Vegans eat fortune cookies? ›
In case you love fortune cookies so much that you'd like to keep a stash on-hand, I found vegan fortune cookies online through Amazon. I discovered that the Golden Bowl vanilla and citrus flavors are vegan. (The Golden Bowl chocolate flavor isn't). Fortune cookies can be great conversation starters for parties too…
Is Panda Express honey walnut shrimp vegan? ›
Heads Up! The Honey Walnut Shrimp at Panda Express does contain milk.
Does Panda have impossible meat? ›
panda express has finally brought back their beyond meat orange chicken. the chain first partnered with beyond meat in 2021. for a stint in Southern California and nyc that sold out in just two weeks.
What locations have vegan orange chicken panda? ›
The Beyond The Original Orange Chicken will be available at all 2,300+ Panda Express locations nationwide. This is not a drill! Panda Express is officially bringing back the Beyond The Original Orange Chicken. And this time, it's at all locations!
Is Panda Express orange chicken dairy free? ›
Chicken Entrees
The Orange Chicken and Hot Orange Chicken at Panda Express does contain milk.
