The Panda Express price menu breaks down costs for individual items and combo meals for quick budgeting. Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch or feeding the family, knowing what you will pay helps you plan better. This guide covers every menu section, from single entrees to family feasts, so you can order with confidence and avoid surprises at the register.
Panda Express is known for its American-Chinese fast food, with orange chicken as the star. But the menu has many options, and prices can vary by location. We will walk through each category, give you the typical cost range, and share tips to save money. Let’s start with the basics.
Panda Express Price Menu Overview
The menu is split into individual items, combo meals, and family platters. Individual items include a la carte entrees, sides, and appetizers. Combo meals bundle entrees with sides for a better value. Family meals serve 3 to 6 people and are the most cost-effective choice for groups.
Prices shown here are based on national averages as of 2024. Actual costs may be higher in airports, malls, or high-cost cities like New York or San Francisco. Always check your local store for exact pricing.
Individual Entree Prices
Each entree is sold by the serving size. A single serving is about 5.5 to 6 ounces. Here are the typical prices for popular items:
- Orange Chicken: $4.80 – $5.50
- Kung Pao Chicken: $4.80 – $5.50
- Beijing Beef: $5.00 – $5.70
- Broccoli Beef: $4.80 – $5.50
- Honey Sesame Chicken Breast: $5.00 – $5.70
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: $5.20 – $5.90
- Black Pepper Angus Steak: $5.50 – $6.20
- Mushroom Chicken: $4.80 – $5.50
- SweetFire Chicken Breast: $5.00 – $5.70
- String Bean Chicken Breast: $4.80 – $5.50
Prices for the same item can differ by up to a dollar depending on location. For example, orange chicken might cost $4.80 in a suburban store but $5.50 in a downtown location.
Side Dish Prices
Sides are sold separately or included in combos. Standard sides include:
- Fried Rice: $2.20 – $2.80
- Steamed Rice: $1.80 – $2.30
- Chow Mein: $2.20 – $2.80
- Super Greens: $2.20 – $2.80
- White Steamed Rice: $1.80 – $2.30
Super Greens are a healthier option with broccoli, kale, and cabbage. They cost the same as fried rice but have fewer calories.
Appetizer Prices
Appetizers are small bites you can add to any meal. Prices are per order:
- Chicken Egg Roll (2 pieces): $2.50 – $3.00
- Veggie Spring Roll (3 pieces): $2.50 – $3.00
- Cream Cheese Rangoon (4 pieces): $3.00 – $3.50
- Chicken Potsticker (5 pieces): $3.50 – $4.00
Appetizers are a good way to add variety without ordering a full entree. The cream cheese rangoon is a customer favorite.
Combo Meal Pricing
Combos are the most popular way to order. They include one or two entrees plus a side. Here is the breakdown:
Plate (1 Entree + 1 Side)
A plate gives you one entree and one side. Typical price: $7.50 – $8.50. This is a good option if you want a single flavor without mixing.
Bigger Plate (2 Entrees + 1 Side)
This combo includes two entrees and one side. Typical price: $9.00 – $10.50. It is the best value for one person who wants variety.
Bowl (1 Entree + 1 Side)
A bowl is smaller than a plate. It has one entree and one side but in smaller portions. Typical price: $6.50 – $7.50. Good for lighter appetites.
Combo prices include the side, so you save about $1 to $2 compared to buying separately. For example, a bigger plate with orange chicken and Beijing beef plus fried rice costs about $9.50. Buying those items individually would be around $11.00.
Family Meal Options
Family meals are designed for groups. They come in different sizes and include multiple entrees and sides. Prices are for 3 to 6 people.
Family Meal For 3
Includes 3 entrees and 2 large sides. Typical price: $30.00 – $35.00. That is about $10 to $12 per person.
Family Meal For 4
Includes 3 entrees and 3 large sides. Typical price: $40.00 – $45.00. Per person cost drops to $10 to $11.
Family Meal For 6
Includes 4 entrees and 4 large sides. Typical price: $55.00 – $65.00. Per person cost is about $9 to $11.
Family meals are the cheapest way to feed multiple people. They also include a choice of appetizer in some locations. Check your local store for exact inclusions.
Kids Meal Pricing
Kids meals are smaller portions for children under 12. They come with a small entree, a side, a drink, and a toy or treat. Typical price: $5.00 – $6.00. Entree options are usually orange chicken, chicken teriyaki, or broccoli beef.
Kids meals are not always listed on the main menu. You may need to ask at the counter. They are a good deal if you have young children.
Drink And Dessert Prices
Drinks and desserts are add-ons. Here are typical prices:
- Fountain Drink (small): $1.80 – $2.20
- Fountain Drink (medium): $2.00 – $2.50
- Fountain Drink (large): $2.20 – $2.80
- Bottled Water: $1.50 – $2.00
- Chocolate Chip Cookie: $1.50 – $2.00
- Fortune Cookie (3 pieces): $0.50 – $1.00
Desserts are limited. The chocolate chip cookie is the only baked good. Fortune cookies are often given free with orders over a certain amount.
How To Save Money On The Panda Express Price Menu
You can lower your bill with a few simple strategies. Here are the best ways:
- Order a bigger plate instead of two bowls. A bigger plate costs about $9.50 and gives two entrees plus one side. Two bowls would cost about $14.00 for the same amount of food.
- Choose family meals for groups. For 4 people, a family meal costs around $40. Buying 4 bigger plates would be about $38. The family meal includes more food and sides, so it is a better value.
- Skip the appetizer. Appetizers add $2.50 to $4.00 to your bill. If you are already getting two entrees, you likely do not need them.
- Use the app for coupons. The Panda Express app often has deals like “free entree with purchase” or “20% off first order.” Download it before you go.
- Check for combo upgrades. Some locations let you upgrade a bowl to a plate for only $1.00 more. Ask at the counter.
- Order during lunch hours. Some stores offer lunch combos at lower prices, usually until 3 PM. These are smaller portions but cost $1 to $2 less.
These tips can save you 10% to 20% on your total bill. Over time, that adds up.
Regional Price Variations
Panda Express prices are not the same everywhere. Here is how they differ by region:
- West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington): Prices are 10-15% higher than national average. A bigger plate can cost $10.50 to $11.50.
- East Coast (New York, Boston, Washington DC): Similar to West Coast. Urban locations are more expensive than suburban ones.
- Midwest (Ohio, Illinois, Indiana): Prices are 5-10% lower. A bigger plate is around $8.50 to $9.50.
- South (Texas, Florida, Georgia): Prices are near national average. Some rural areas have lower costs.
- Airports and Malls: Prices can be 20-30% higher. A bowl might cost $9.00 instead of $7.00.
If you travel, check the menu board before ordering. Prices in tourist areas are often inflated.
Nutritional Information And Value
Knowing the price is one thing, but understanding what you get for your money is also important. Here are calorie counts for popular items:
- Orange Chicken (single serving): 490 calories
- Beijing Beef: 470 calories
- Kung Pao Chicken: 390 calories
- Fried Rice (side): 520 calories
- Chow Mein (side): 360 calories
- Super Greens (side): 90 calories
A bigger plate with orange chicken, Beijing beef, and fried rice totals about 1,480 calories. That is a full day’s worth for some people. If you are watching calories, choose super greens as your side and pick lighter entrees like mushroom chicken (220 calories).
Value is not just about price. A $9.50 bigger plate that fills you up is better than a $7.00 bowl that leaves you hungry. Consider portion sizes when comparing costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Cheapest Item On The Panda Express Price Menu?
The cheapest item is usually a side of steamed rice at around $1.80. For an entree, the mushroom chicken or string bean chicken breast are often the lowest at $4.80. The kids meal at $5.00 is also a low-cost option for small appetites.
Does Panda Express Have A Value Menu?
Panda Express does not have a dedicated value menu like some fast food chains. However, the bowl combo at $6.50 to $7.50 is their most affordable meal. Some locations offer a “mini” bowl for around $5.00, but this is not available everywhere.
How Much Does A Family Meal Cost At Panda Express?
A family meal for 3 people costs $30 to $35. For 4 people, it is $40 to $45. For 6 people, it is $55 to $65. Prices vary by location and included items. Always confirm with your local store.
Are Panda Express Prices Higher In 2024 Than Last Year?
Yes, prices have increased by about 3-5% in 2024 compared to 2023. This is due to rising food and labor costs. For example, orange chicken was $4.50 in 2023 but now averages $4.80 to $5.50. The increases are small but noticeable over time.
Can I Get A Discount On The Panda Express Price Menu With Coupons?
Yes, you can find coupons in the Panda Express app, on their website, or through email newsletters. Common deals include “buy one entree, get one free” or “20% off orders over $20.” Some locations also offer military or student discounts. Always ask at the counter.
Final Thoughts On The Panda Express Price Menu
The Panda Express price menu offers options for every budget, from a $1.80 side of rice to a $65 family feast. The key to saving money is choosing combos over individual items and using the app for deals. Regional prices vary, so check your local store for exact costs.
Remember that portion sizes are generous. A bigger plate can easily feed two people with smaller appetites. Share a family meal with friends to get the best per-person cost. With this guide, you can order confidently and keep your wallet happy.
Next time you visit, look for the daily specials board. Some stores offer a “chef’s special” at a reduced price. These rotate and can be a fun way to try something new without spending extra. Enjoy your meal!