Panda Express Kids Menu: Meals, Prices, Nutrition
Looking for the Panda Express kids menu? The short answer: the official offering is the Panda Cub Meal™, a USDA-informed kids meal built around smaller portions and simple choices.
The Panda Cub Meal™ includes a Jr. entrée, a Jr. side, Tree Top Apple Crisps, and a choice of Honest Kids® juice or bottled water. This makes it a Nutrition-First option that families can order with confidence.
In this guide you’ll see what each child-size meal typically costs, how calories shift with different entrées and sides, and the four main kids meal paths—classic sweet-salty chicken, grilled picks, beef-and-veggie options, and Build Your Own.
Expect clear pricing ranges and a simple nutrition breakdown so you can plan before you order. Prices and calories vary by location and customization, but this section gives the typical U.S. picture.
Why it matters: Panda Cub Meals balance taste and portion control for American Chinese family dining, pairing kid-friendly favorites with fruit and beverage choices aligned to USDA guidance.
What the Panda Cub Meal is and why families choose it
The Panda Cub Meal was designed to give children a complete, portion-controlled plate that mirrors USDA guidance.
The official Panda Cub Meals are Panda Express’s kid-sized offering. Each meal includes a Jr. entrée, a Jr. side, one serving of fruit, and a choice of juice or water.
- USDA-based structure: built to include multiple food groups, not just an entrée.
- Nutrition-First highlights: base meals stay under 600 calories and provide 11g+ protein, with no high fructose corn syrup in standard drinks.
- Kids LiveWell program: certification signals alignment with dietitians and public health criteria for parents seeking vetted choices.
| Item | Serving | Calories (base) | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panda Cub Jr. Entrée | 1 Jr. serving | <600 calories (meal) | 11g+ |
| Fruit & Drink | Tree Top Apple Crisps + juice/water | Included | Varies |
| Vegetable Side Option | Super Greens (or similar) | Low | 2–4g |
These standards make ordering practical. Choose a Panda Cub option that matches your child’s taste and move on to picking flavors and textures in the next section.
Panda Express kids menu options in 2025
Families can pick from four main Panda Cub Meal paths in 2025: sweet, grilled, beef-and-veggie, or fully custom.
Orange Chicken Panda Cub Meal
Orange Chicken is the classic, mild-sweet choice that most children love. It pairs well with White Steamed rice for a familiar texture and taste.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Panda Cub Meal
The Grilled Teriyaki Chicken route offers a lighter, freshly grilled protein with a gentle glaze. Choose this if you want fewer fried textures and a milder finish.
Broccoli Beef Panda Cub Meal
Broccoli Beef brings simple flavors and soft vegetables. It’s useful when you want a protein-plus-vegetable plate that’s easy for children to eat.
Build Your Own Panda Cub Meal
The Build Your Own option helps picky eaters. Pick a Jr. entrée and a Jr. side so you get a balanced plate your child will finish.
- Side choices: Super Greens, White Steamed Rice, Chow Mein, or half-and-half combos for variety.
- Fruit & drink: Tree Top Apple Crisps plus Honest Kids juice or bottled water are standard with each meal.
| Item | Typical Pairing | Why pick it |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Chicken | White Steamed rice | Kid-friendly, familiar sweet flavor |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | Super Greens | Lighter protein, milder texture |
| Broccoli Beef | White Steamed rice | Vegetables plus simple seasoning |
How to choose: match flavors and textures to what your child already likes. Add Super Greens for more vegetables or White Steamed rice to keep things mild.
Kids meal prices and calories to know before ordering
Before you choose a plate, get a quick snapshot of likely costs and calorie swings.
Panda Cub price range and what affects it
Typical U.S. price: most Panda Express Panda Cub meals run about $7.20–$9.00. Local taxes, store-level pricing, and regional cost differences can push the total up or down.
In-store vs. delivery app pricing and add-on costs
Ordering on a delivery platform often adds service fees and markups. That can make the same meal noticeably pricier than in the restaurant.
- Common add-ons: extra side portions, upgraded entrées, or family baskets.
- Tip: remove duplicate sides at checkout to avoid surprises.
Calories by entrée and side combo
Base Panda Cub meals are designed to stay under 600 calories, but custom choices change totals. Example ranges (approx.):
| Entrée type | Typical calorie range | Common side | Nutrition note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Chicken | 470–1246 | White Steamed rice | Higher calories with fried entrée + rice |
| Grilled Teriyaki | 300–1076 | Super Greens | Lighter protein; lower fat when paired with greens |
| Broccoli Beef | 200–976 | White Steamed rice | Vegetables boost fiber; calories vary by sauce |
Parent tips: choosing Super Greens over chow mein or rice reduces calories and ups vegetable servings. Pick water or juice to control added sugar. For allergy or diet planning — vegan, keto, or gluten-free options — check ingredient lists and allergen guides in-app or at the restaurant for nuts and dairy details.
Practical takeaway: keep the meal lighter by choosing grilled entrées and Super Greens. That keeps protein and nutrition steady while matching kid-friendly choices and snack-fit portions.
Conclusion
Use this short guide to finalize a Panda Cub meal that fits taste, nutrition, and budget. These USDA-guided, Kids LiveWell-approved Panda Cub Meals pair a Jr. entrée and Jr. side with Tree Top Apple Crisps and Honest Kids juice or bottled water. Base meals aim to stay under 600 calories for simpler planning.
Pick the entrée your child will eat, then choose sides to nudge the plate toward more vegetables or comfort. Best fits: Orange Chicken for mild-sweet familiarity, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken for a lighter grilled protein, Broccoli Beef for veggies-plus-beef, or Build Your Own for picky eaters.
Expect typical U.S. price ranges and watch delivery markups. Parents can check the panda express kids menu locally and build a cub meals plan that matches taste, nutrition, and family budget with confidence.
