Why Did Panda Express Discontinue Beyond Orange Chicken?

Many customers were confused when Panda Express took Beyond Orange Chicken off their menu. The plant-based version of their signature Orange Chicken dish seemed to be very popular during its short-lived run in 2020. So why did it go away so quickly? Looking into the history of this menu item makes the possible reasons more clear.

In July 2020, Panda Express added Beyond Orange Chicken to menus at locations across the United States. This new menu item swapped the usual chicken for plant-based protein from Beyond Meat. It provided an option for vegetarian and vegan customers craving the sweet, savory flavor of Panda’s famous Orange Chicken.

The chain advertised Beyond Orange Chicken as a “limited time offer,” but its warm reception suggested the potential for a permanent spot on the menu. Customers complimented its similarity to the original chicken version. Panda Express locations reported selling out of Beyond Orange Chicken frequently.

So all signs pointed to Beyond Orange Chicken as a big success. But just two months later, Panda Express removed it from menus without warning.

Potential Reasons for the Discontinuation

While Panda Express did not issue a statement explaining their decision, examining the context provides some clues. Here are a few likely factors that may have contributed to Beyond Orange Chicken’s premature discontinuation:

Supply Chain Issues

Bringing Beyond Orange Chicken to all locations across the country may have put stress on the supply chain. It might not have been easy to make sure that all of Beyond Meat’s restaurants had enough of their products.

Preparation Challenges

Avoiding cross-contamination between meats requires strict protocols. If locations struggled to keep Beyond Chicken separate during food prep, it could have reduced the appeal for vegan and vegetarian customers.

Strategic Menu Changes

To deal with COVID-19, Panda Express may have chosen to focus on their most popular menu items. Focusing on signature dishes like the original Orange Chicken made things run more smoothly.

Underwhelming Long-Term Demand

Even though there was a lot of interest at first, sales of Beyond Orange Chicken may have dropped after the novelty wore off. If Panda saw declining orders, discontinuation likely made strategic sense.

High Production Costs

Creating the plant-based alternative likely carried higher ingredient costs compared to the conventional chicken version. Lower profit margins could have factored into the decision.

Of course, without an official explanation from Panda Express, the true reasons remain speculative. However, examining the context provides plausible explanations for why this seemingly successful menu item disappeared so quickly.

Customer Response and Future Possibilities

The removal of Beyond Orange Chicken did not go unnoticed by Panda’s loyal customers. Many expressed disappointment, asking the chain to reconsider bringing it back. This overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests an ongoing interest in plant-based menu options.

In response, Panda has hinted at the possibility of Beyond Orange Chicken’s return in the future, or using Beyond Meat products to develop new menu creations. While discontinuing Beyond Orange Chicken may have made sense from a business perspective, customer enthusiasm shows the potential for plant-based innovation at Panda Express.

Only time will tell if Beyond Orange Chicken gets another shot on Panda’s menu. For now, vegetarians will have to satisfy their cravings with other vegan-friendly options. But the chain seems to recognize the demand, meaning more meatless choices could arrive soon.

So while short-lived, Beyond Orange Chicken’s popularity left a lasting impact. It revealed customer eagerness for menu diversity that caters to alternative diets. If Beyond Orange doesn’t make a comeback, hopefully it paved the way for Panda Express to expand their vegetarian offerings moving forward.