Panda Express® has announced the highly anticipated return of Beyond® The Original Orange Chicken to its menus starting Wednesday, July 3rd. This news signals a significant moment for the plant-based food industry, highlighting the growing integration of plant-based options into the quick service and fast casual restaurant sectors.

The Return of a Fan Favorite

The return of Beyond The Original Orange Chicken is a direct response to overwhelming customer demand. The dish quickly became the #1 most requested item on Panda Express’s social media channels and even spurred a petition that garnered over 7,000 signatures. This enthusiastic response underscores the increasing consumer appetite for plant-based alternatives that do not compromise on taste or texture.

According to FastCompany.com, Panda Express sold more than 1,300 pounds of Beyond orange chicken on its very first day on the menu. The first test sold out in less than two weeks during the Southern California launch.

“It’s one of Panda’s most successful regional launches to date,” Chef Jimmy Wang, executive director of culinary innovation at Panda Express, said in 2021.

Created to mimic the beloved crunch and flavor of Panda Express’s signature The Original Orange Chicken, the plant-based version offers a delicious alternative for those seeking to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing their favorite flavors. However, it’s only available for a limited time, so fans are encouraged to visit participating locations soon to enjoy this popular dish. 

If consumer enthusiasm remains high, there is potential for the dish to become a more permanent fixture in additional Panda Express restaurants.

To locate all participating stores offering this dish, visit the Panda Express promotional page.

Impact on the Plant-Based Food Industry

The reintroduction of Beyond The Original Orange Chicken at Panda Express represents a significant milestone for plant-based foods in the fast casual dining industry. As consumer preferences shift towards more sustainable and health-conscious eating, major foodservice brands are responding to their customers’ requests by integrating plant-based options into their menus.

By offering a plant-based version of a beloved dish, Panda Express is catering to a growing segment of consumers who are either vegan, vegetarian or simply looking to reduce their meat intake for health or environmental reasons. The successful adoption and enthusiastic response to plant-based options like Beyond The Original Orange Chicken could inspire other quick service and fast casual chains to expand their own plant-based offerings.