Did Panda Express Get Rid of Beyond Orange Chicken?

Beyond Orange Chicken is a plant-based version of Panda Express’s famous Orange Chicken dish. It was made by Beyond Meat and Panda Express. But a lot of people have been wondering if Panda Express stopped selling Beyond Orange Chicken. Take a look at this menu item’s history to see if Panda Express got rid of it.

The Launch of Beyond Orange Chicken

Panda Express started serving Beyond Orange Chicken in some places across the US in July 2021. It was a short-term test to see how interested customers were 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

Based on high demand, Panda announced in July 2022 that Beyond Orange Chicken would be coming back for a limited time across the country.

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

Panda Express said in October 2024 that Beyond Orange Chicken would be available in 300 more locations, bringing the total number of stores that serve the plant-based dish to 600.

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.