Experience the best of Panda Express Vegan Menu & Prices

The panda express vegan menu is a simple way to plan a confident order today. It shows what is vegan now, and what diners often assume is safe to eat.

This U.S.-focused guide explains that Panda Express is American Chinese cuisine with selective plant-based options. Availability varies by location, so you should double-check at the counter or online before you order.

Start your plate by choosing a base like steamed rice or chow mein, add a veggie side such as Super Greens, pick sauces that are plant-based, and finish with a drink or dessert. Eggplant Tofu is usually the main plant-based entrée, while chow mein, steamed rice, and several sauces help you build a filling meal.

Brief brand snapshot: Panda Express grew from Panda Inn (founded 1973 in Pasadena). The first restaurant opened in Glendale Galleria and the Original Orange Chicken debuted in 1987. Today the chain runs 2,000+ U.S. locations.

This present-tense, how-to guide will also show quick dietary signals and allergen notes so you can scan fast. You’ll learn how to verify ingredients and get a satisfying order even when friends choose classic favorites.

How to order vegan at Panda Express in the United States right now

Ordering plant-based at a busy fast-casual counter can feel confusing, but a few simple steps clear the way.

What “vegan-friendly” means here: Ingredients may be plant-based, yet shared woks and line tools can cause cross-contact. The chain reports staff wipe woks between uses, but your comfort level matters.

Quick script to use at the counter

Ask, “What vegan entrée is available today?” Confirm sides and ask for sauces on the side. If Eggplant Tofu isn’t offered, choose steamed rice, Chow Mein, or Super Greens.

Ordering tips and why availability changes

Check the menu board and the allergen pages on the app before you pay.
For delivery or online orders, add notes: “no meat, no egg, no dairy.”
Keep mind that some locations rotate trays and limited items come and go with time.

Item	Typical Availability	Why to choose
Eggplant Tofu	Limited at some locations	Main confirmed plant entrée
Chow Mein	Common	Vegan by ingredients per sources
Steamed Rice / Super Greens	Widespread	Reliable bases and sides

Panda Express vegan menu

Use this quick rundown to see which plant-based items to build a filling plate fast.

Vegan entrée to build around: Eggplant Tofu

Eggplant Tofu is the anchor dish: browned tofu, tender eggplant, and red peppers in a sweet-spicy sauce. Not every location carries it, so ask first.

Vegan sides to pair

Chow Mein noodles — now vegan by ingredients and a hearty base for more texture.
Steamed white rice and steamed brown rice — plain rice is the most reliable gluten-light option.
Super Greens — broccoli, kale, and cabbage, steamed for a lighter plate.

Appetizers, sauces, desserts, and drinks

Vegetable Spring Rolls are a crispy, snackable option; confirm allergens at the counter.

Pick sauces to tune flavor: chili for heat, plum for sweet-tangy, potsticker for savory depth, soy for salt, sweet & sour or teriyaki for sweet notes.

Finish with an Apple Pie Roll, fortune cookies, or Tree Top Apple Crisps. Fountain sodas, teas, and many bottled drinks typically fit an order; check specialty drinks for hidden dairy or honey.

Item	Typical Price (US)	Calories	Vegan/Keto/Gluten-Free Options	Allergens (Nuts, Dairy, Wheat, Soy, Egg)
Eggplant Tofu	$4.50–$6.50	200–320	Vegan option; not keto	Wheat, Soy
Chow Mein	$2.50–$4.00	510–650	Vegan base; not gluten-free	Wheat, Soy
Steamed White Rice	$1.50–$2.50	180–300	Vegan; closest to gluten-free	Possible cross-contact (Wheat, Soy)
Super Greens	$2.00–$3.50	70–120	Vegan side	None listed; cross-contact possible

How to build a filling vegan meal with the right bases, sides, and sauces

Start simple: pick a base, add an entrée, toss in greens, and finish with a sauce. This formula makes any meal feel complete and balanced.

Pick your base: rice vs. chow mein noodles

Rice is neutral and soaks up sauces for a comforting bowl. Choose a larger rice portion when you want extra fullness.

Chow mein noodles add chew and richness. Sauces cling to noodles, delivering stronger flavor with each bite.

Add veggies: Super Greens and smart sauce pairings

Super Greens (broccoli, kale, cabbage) bring crunch and freshness. Broccoli and cabbage cut sweet sauces and lift the dish.

Pairings: chili + soy for heat and umami; sweet & sour or plum for tang; teriyaki for a glossy takeout finish.

Mix-and-match meal ideas for different appetites

Light: Super Greens + rice.
Standard: Eggplant tofu + Super Greens + rice or noodles.
Hungry: Double base (rice + noodles) with sauces on the side.

Pro tip: Ask for extra sauce packets so you control spice and avoid soggy food on the drive. Choose bowl or plate sizes to match hunger and budget.

Prices and value tips for vegan options at Panda Express

Small choices at ordering time can change the cost and value of your meal.

Set realistic expectations: prices vary by city and store, and they can change over time. Not all locations carry the same items, so check the board or the app before you decide.

Entrée choice — specialty items cost more than plain sides.
Bowl vs. plate — plates usually include larger portions and higher cost.
Add-ons — extra entrée portions or appetizers raise the total quickly.

Value tips: build around the plant-based entrée when available, then use rice or chow mein plus Super Greens to bulk up without big spend. Sauces are a cheap flavor upgrade.

What to check	Typical effect on cost	Quick takeaway
Entrée (Eggplant Tofu)	Moderate	Best single-entrée value if offered
Bowl vs. Plate	Plate = higher	Choose based on hunger, not habit
Add-ons / Extra portions	High	Share large combos to save per person

Final note: you pay for speed and consistency. Check local deals on the app, but focus on entrée + base + veggie to compare real value quickly.

Ingredients, allergens, and what to avoid when eating vegan at Panda Express

Knowing which dishes truly fit your diet makes ordering quick and stress-free. Always confirm current ingredient lists before you pay. Policies and trays change, and that affects what’s safe to eat.

Clear avoid list

Do not order fried rice or hot & sour soup if you avoid eggs. Both contain egg by ingredients.

Orange chicken and most original orange-style items are not plant-based. Allergen listings show milk for orange chicken, so treat it as non-vegan unless a current label says otherwise.

Limited-time headlines and verification

Beyond the Original Orange Chicken was a limited plant-based release with Beyond Meat. It returned at times but is not on the regular menu after October 2024. For special recipes, check official nutrition/allergen PDFs and ask staff which tray is served today.

Wheat, soy, and cross-contact reality

American Chinese fast food relies heavily on wheat coatings and soy-based sauces. Plain steamed rice is the safest base by ingredients, but cross-contact in shared woks can occur.

When to ask more questions

Severe allergies — request manager confirmation.
Strict diet — ask if woks are wiped or dedicated for a tray.
Unclear items like spring rolls or rolls wrappers — check ingredients and allergens.

Item	Why to avoid	Safe alternative
Fried Rice	Contains egg	Steamed white or brown rice
Hot & Sour Soup	Contains egg	Skip or choose bottled drink
Orange Chicken / Original Orange	Contains milk	Eggplant or Super Greens

Conclusion

A confident plate is simple to build: pick a tofu-centered dish when Eggplant Tofu is available, then add a base, Super Greens, and a sauce you enjoy.

This guide helps you avoid hidden egg or dairy and reduces cross-contact surprises. Use the menu to confirm ingredients, ask staff about trays, and choose the safest options for allergies.

Quick next step: decide your base (rice or chow mein), pick sauces on the side, and add one spring-style crunch for texture. With a few questions at the counter, you can enjoy this American Chinese cuisine with peace of mind and a full, satisfying plate.

FAQ

What does “vegan-friendly” mean at Panda Express kitchens?

“Vegan-friendly” indicates items made without animal products on the ingredient list, but not necessarily prepared in a dedicated vegan area. Many dishes like Eggplant Tofu, steamed rice, Super Greens, and vegetable spring rolls contain no meat, dairy, or eggs on paper. However, shared woks, fryers, and utensils are common, so cross-contact with meat or egg is possible.

How can I order a vegan meal right now in the United States?

Start with a plant-based entree such as Eggplant Tofu, choose a base (steamed white or brown rice, or chow mein), and add sides like Super Greens or vegetable spring rolls. Request sauces listed as vegan—soy, sweet & sour, plum, hot mustard, chili, and teriyaki—while confirming ingredients at your local location. Specify no egg or dairy and ask staff about cooking methods to reduce cross-contact.

Why does menu availability vary by location and time?

Franchise locations stock items based on regional demand, supply, and kitchen capacity. Limited-time dishes, seasonal sides, or certain sauces can appear or disappear. Call ahead or check the restaurant’s local listing to confirm whether a specific vegan-friendly entree or side is available that day.

Which entrees and sides are safe vegan picks?

Eggplant Tofu is a reliable plant-based entree at many locations. For sides, steamed white rice, steamed brown rice, chow mein, and Super Greens are commonly vegan on ingredient lists. Vegetable spring rolls are listed as a vegan appetizer option in many outlets—verify preparation to avoid cross-contact.

Are dessert and drink options available for plant-based diets?

Yes. Typical vegan-friendly desserts include apple pie roll, fortune cookies, and Tree Top apple crisps, depending on location. Beverages like bottled water, soft drinks, and certain iced teas usually fit a vegan order. Always confirm ingredient labels, since offerings can vary by store.

Which sauces are vegan and which should I avoid?

Common vegan sauces include soy sauce, sweet & sour, plum, hot mustard, and chili sauce. Potsticker sauce and teriyaki are often vegan but can contain honey or other non-vegan additives in some recipes—check the ingredient list. Avoid sauces with dairy or egg listed, and ask staff if sauces are prepared with animal-derived ingredients.

Is fried rice vegan?

No. Fried rice typically contains egg and is therefore not vegan. Steamed white or brown rice is the safer base choice when ordering plant-based.

Is orange chicken or the Original Orange recipe vegan-friendly?

No. Orange chicken and lookalike items contain meat and animal-derived ingredients and are not vegan. Even plant-based “orange” flavored options (if offered) should be checked for hidden dairy, honey, or egg in the sauce.

What about wheat and soy—are they concerns for vegan diners?

Yes. Many items rely on soy (tofu, soy sauce, teriyaki) and wheat (noodles, batter). Those with soy or gluten allergies should review allergen guides and choose rice-based or vegetable-forward options, or ask staff for alternatives where available.

How big is the risk of cross-contamination in shared woks and fryers?

The risk is real. Kitchens use shared equipment for meat and plant dishes, so trace animal proteins can occur. If you require strict vegan preparation, explain your needs to staff or consider ordering items least likely to touch animal products (steamed rice, steamed vegetables) and verifying cooking procedures.

How can I build a filling plant-based meal for different appetites?

For a light meal, choose a bowl with steamed rice and Super Greens plus a side of vegetable spring rolls. For more calories, pick a plate with a base, Eggplant Tofu as the entree, and an extra side of chow mein. Customize with vegan sauces and add extra vegetables to boost fiber and satiety.

What affects price for vegan orders?

Price varies by entree choice, bowl vs. plate sizing, and add-ons like extra sides or premium sauces. Limited-time items or locations in higher-rent areas may also cost more. For value, opt for combos or larger portion sizes to share, and check local promos.

Experience the best of Panda Express Vegan Menu & Prices