Did Panda Express Get Rid of Beyond Orange Chicken?

Beyond Orange Chicken was launched by Beyond Meat and Panda Express as a plant-based alternative to Panda’s famous Orange Chicken dish. However, many customers have been wondering if Panda Express discontinued Beyond Orange Chicken. Here’s a look at the history of this menu item and whether Panda Express got rid of it.

The Launch of Beyond Orange Chicken

In July 2021, Panda Express launched Beyond Orange Chicken in select locations across the United States. It was part of a limited-time test to gauge customer interest in the plant-based option.

The dish was made using Beyond Meat’s plant-based chicken. It mimicked the flavor profile of Panda’s signature Orange Chicken dish.

The launch was considered successful, with many locations selling out of Beyond Orange Chicken. Customers seemed excited by the meatless alternative.

Expansion to More Locations

In July 2022, Panda announced it would be bringing back Beyond Orange Chicken for a limited nationwide launch based on popular demand.

It was available for a limited time nationwide while supplies lasted. Again, many locations reported selling out of the item very quickly.

In October 2024, Panda Express announced Beyond Orange Chicken would be expanded to 300 additional locations, bringing the total to 600 stores offering the plant-based dish.

Why Customers Think It’s Been Discontinued

Despite the expansion some customers believe Panda Express discontinued Beyond Orange Chicken. There are a few potential reasons for this perception

• Limited availability: Beyond Orange Chicken is only available for a limited time, while supplies last. Once stores sell out, it’s no longer available until the next limited launch.

• Select locations: Even during limited launches, Beyond Orange Chicken is only offered at select Panda Express locations, not all stores. Customers may wrongly assume it’s been discontinued when their location stops offering it.

• No permanent menu addition: Unlike Panda’s permanent menu items, Beyond Orange Chicken comes and goes. The limited-time nature of the launches makes some customers think it’s gone for good.

• Fast sellouts: Stores often sell out of Beyond Orange Chicken very quickly during each limited launch. The short supply can create the impression that it’s been taken off the menu.

• Social media chatter: When the item sells out or availability ends, customers take to social media asking if it’s gone for good. This generates buzz that Panda got rid of it.

Has Panda Express Discontinued Beyond Orange Chicken?

As of October 2024, Panda Express has not permanently discontinued Beyond Orange Chicken. The plant-based alternative to their Orange Chicken continues to be offered for limited-time launches at select locations while supplies last.

The frequent limited releases and expansion to more stores indicate Panda Express remains committed to Beyond Orange Chicken. The fast sellouts and positive customer response has likely convinced Panda to keep bringing it back. However, the limited-time nature creates confusion and the perception that it’s gone for good.

For customers hoping the plant-based option will stick around, Panda Express has not provided details on whether Beyond Orange Chicken will become permanently available nationwide anytime soon. But the chain has indicated the popular item will likely keep returning for limited launches based on consumer demand.

So for now, Beyond Orange Chicken remains a temporary menu item at select Panda Express stores across the country during special promotions. Fans will have to keep checking back to see if Panda announces the next limited-time launch of the beloved plant-based Orange Chicken alternative.

No, Panda Express’ Beyond the Original Orange Chicken is not currently available.