Panda Express brings back plant-based orange chicken for a limited time. What to know
Panda Express is bringing the plant-based version of its classic orange chicken to restaurants nationwide, but it won’t be around for long.
Beyond™ The Original Orange Chicken will arrive at 2,300 locations nationwide for a limited time starting Wednesday, Sept. 7, according to a news release. Panda Express teamed with Beyond Meat, a meat substitutes company, to develop the plant-based protein.
The entree was first tested in 2021 at restaurants across New York City and Southern California, where it sold out at multiple locations in less than two weeks, the release said. Due to overwhelming demand, the vegetarian-friendly offering was expanded to 70 locations in 10 markets.
“Our team has been overjoyed by the undeniable excitement and incredible demand generated when we first introduced Beyond The Original Orange Chicken last summer as an innovative twist on our most iconic dish,” Andrea Cherng, chief brand officer at Panda Express, said in a statement.
“We’re continuously exploring creative ways to present our guests with the comfort and crave-ability they can expect from Panda while appealing to their evolving preferences and tastes,” Cherng added.
Is it vegan?
The plant-based protein, tossed in a “signature sweet, spicy and tangy orange sauce,” is a modern twist on the restaurant’s classic orange chicken but could prove problematic for customers in search of vegan options. That’s because the faux chicken is prepared using the same equipment as the restaurant’s chicken and other meat offerings, increasing the likelihood of contact with animal byproducts.
A number of fast-food chains have tested their own plant-based and vegetarian options, including McDonald’s meatless McPlant patty and a “soy and pea blend” protein offered at select Taco Bell restaurants.
Last year, Beyond Meat also collaborated with KFC to launch the aptly-dubbed Beyond Fried Chicken entree, McClatchy News reported.
The new Beyond™ The Original Orange Chicken joins a handful of other plant-based offerings at Panda Express including:
- Eggplant tofu
- Super Greens
- Chow mein vegetable spring rolls
- Steamed brown rice
- Steamed white rice
Find your nearest Panda Express here.
This story was originally published September 7, 2022 at 8:46 AM with the headline "Panda Express brings back plant-based orange chicken for a limited time. What to know."