Panda Express Menu Prices + Money Saving Hacks (2023)

From the iconic Orange Chicken to the spicy Szechuan Shrimp, Panda Express is one of the most popular Chinese inspired restaurants in the United States with more than 2,000 locations. View the updated Panda Express menu prices in 2023 below. I also share the best ways to save money when dining at this chain. Prepare to experience Panda Express in a whole new, cost-effective way.

Panda Express menu poster.

Create Your Plate

Does Panda Express Have a $20 or $29 Family Meal Deal? 

As recently as 2020, Panda Express offered a family meal deals for only $20. Fast forward to 2022 and Panda Express had increased their family meal deal to $29. This is a hard-to-swallow price increase of 45%. But the price hikes didn’t end there.

In 2023, the starting price for a family meal deal is $35 to feed a family of four. This is an increase of 75% compared to roughly 3 years ago. Keep in mind the total price tag will be even higher if you order a premium entree like Sizzling Shrimp as an entree.

Sadly, this offer is no longer valid.

Even with the increased prices of the family meal deal, being able to feed for people for an average price of $8.75 is very reasonable. The family meal deal offers your choice of 3 entrees, two sides, and four fortune cookies.

Remember the good old days when you could feed your family with nothing more than a $20 bill? I’m afraid those days are long behind us and seem unlikely to return anytime soon.

Does Panda Express use MSG?

Panda Express does not add MSG to its food. However, some of the ingredients that Panda Express uses, such as soy sauce and shrimp, naturally contain MSG.

MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a flavor enhancer that is made from glutamate, an amino acid that is naturally found in many foods. MSG has been the subject of some controversy with some people claiming that it can cause headaches and other negative reactions.

If you are sensitive to MSG, you may want to avoid eating at Panda Express or other restaurants that use MSG. However, if you do not have any sensitivity to MSG, you can enjoy Panda Express food without worry.

How Big is a Large Entree Plate at Panda Express?

The large plate entree at Panda Express is 26 ounces. This is enough food to feed 1 – 2 people. The entree comes with two scoops of your choice of entree, one scoop of rice or chow mein, and a fortune cookie.

Large meals and sides are roughly four times as big as small ones, yet only cost 2.4 times as much. For instance, the price per ounce for a small order of Panda Express orange chicken (5.6 ounces) is $0.88, but the cost per ounce for a large order (22.4 ounces) is only $0.49.

Follow Panda Express on social media.

Therefore, I urge my fellow foodies not to hold back! Treat yourself to Panda Express’s enormously delicious Large Entree Plate. It’s time to let your inner foodie loose and master a dish that will leave you stuffed but still asking for more. 

Family Meal VS Bigger Plate: What’s the Difference?

Are you torn between getting a larger plate at Panda Express or a family meal? Here’s the difference between the two orders. 

As you can see the family meal comes with three entrees, two sides, and four fortune cookies for $35. The family meal is a great option for sharing with a group of people or if you enjoy leftovers. The bigger plate comes with your choice of two entrees, one side, and a fortune cookie. This is a good option for one or two people.

Keep in mind that $35 is the starting price for a family meal. If you order premium entrees like Sizzling Shrimp, Black Pepper Angus Steak, or Honey Walnut Shrimp, you’ll need to add $3.75 to the order. This is an increase of 10.71% to the total family meal cost for each premium item added to the family meal.

Is there a secret menu at Panda Express?

Buckle up because we’re about to reveal a secret cache of mouthwatering flavors you might not have known about. Here are some of the best secret menu items at Panda Express.

Brown Fried Rice

As a component of the bowl or an entree meal, Panda Express serves white fried rice or steamed rice. However, the fast food giant has also added the option to order brown rice in response to more health-conscious consumer preferences.

Bone-in-Slow- Cooked Ribs

You now have a reason to celebrate if you have been missing the ribs at Panda Express. You can get bone-in slow-cooked ribs from Panda Express’ hidden menu. The flavors of these ribs are the ideal marriage of Chinese and American cuisine.

Orange Chicken with Bacon

The original orange chicken from Panda Express is one of the most popular menu items. But did you know that you can also add bacon to the orange chicken? Bacon enhances the flavor of orange chicken in a few ways. First, the bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that contrasts with the sweetness of the orange sauce. Second, the bacon’s fat helps to coat the chicken pieces, making them more flavorful and juicy. Finally, the bacon’s crispy texture adds contrast to the soft chicken.

Handcrafted Tea

Some Panda Express locations, such as the Panda Tea Bar, also offer energizing handmade specialty drinks with Asian influences. You can order milk tea, fruit tea, specialty coffee, lemonade shakes, or a custom drink where boba juice, milk, and tea leaves are freshly brewed and combined. Additionally, you can add jelly, chia seeds, aloe vera, or boba pudding to your beverage.

What are the best ways to save money at Panda Express? 

Eating is always best when you are full, and you saved your money. Lucky for you because I have the best suggestions on how you can save money when ordering at Panda Express.

Join Panda Express Rewards

By joining the Panda Express Rewards program, you’ll earn 10 Panda Points for every $1 you spend at the restaurant. Here are the free food items you qualify for based on your spend:

• 200 Points or $20: Upgrade to a Premium Entree
• 250 Points or $25: Upgrade a Bowl to a Plate
• 250 Points or $25: Upgrade a Plate to a Bigger Plate
• 650 Points or $65: Get a Medium A La Carte Side
• 750 Points or $75: Get a Small A La Carte Entree

But the perks of being a Panda Express Rewards member don’t stop at earning points. You also get a surprise gift with your first purchase each month.

Panda Express Rewards helps you save money.

For the best experience with the rewards program, Panda Express recommends using their mobile app. It offers the same prices as their physical stores, allows you to earn points by scanning in-store, provides delivery options, and enables faster checkouts.

Birthday Free Meal

Panda wants to help you celebrate your birthday since they know how important they are. By joining the rewards program mentioned above, you’ll also qualify for a free birthday meal when you sign up. Your birthday celebration just got a little bit better. 

Buy Gift Cards and Save

Panda Express incentivizes customers to purchase gift cards. With their latest offer, you get a free bowl (valued starting at $5.80) when you purchase $30 or more in gift cards using the code “GIFTCARDDAD23” at checkout. This is an extremely valuable offer considering you save the equivalent of 19% when you factor in the regular price of a bowl. The eGift Card can be used online or in-store at participating Panda Express locations.

Here are the details of the offer:

• Offer: Get a free bowl at Panda Express eGift Card when you purchase a $30 or more eGift Card.
• Valid: For a limited time only through June 18th. Although the company frequently runs similar gift card promotions.
• Restrictions: Cannot be combined with any other offers.
• Code: GIFTCARDDAD23
• How to redeem: Enter the code at checkout.
• Use: Online or in-store at participating Panda Express locations.

Military Discount

Panda Express wishes to show its appreciation for those who serve our nation. Therefore, if you are presently serving or are a proud Veteran, Panda is happy to give you 10% off your meal. To receive 10% off meals, kindly have your military ID on hand. This offer is only valid at select locations.

Related Reading: Golden Corral Menu Prices + 10% Off Rewards 

Answering surveys for discounted or free foods

Look at the bottom of your receipt the next time you eat at Panda Express; there should be a 22-digit code for a survey there, along with an offer if you finish it. Visit the survey website, insert the code, and complete the brief survey to share your experience. Panda will provide you with a confirmation code after you complete the survey, which you can use to redeem the promotion on your receipt.

Are there any menu hacks at Panda Express? 

With its fantastic menu and dishes, Panda Express can surely be good on its own. But you can still make your dining experiences better and cheaper with these hacks I have for you.

Secret Discount

If you’re looking for a sneaky way to get a discount while purchasing at panda express, we’ve got a secret discount hack for you.

One option on the menu is the Kids Meal, priced at a reasonable $5.40. It may seem tempting at first, but hold your chopsticks! There’s a better deal waiting for you. For just a dollar more, you can indulge in the One Entree One Side combo. Not only does this option weigh in at a whopping eight ounces, almost twice the meat compared to the Kid’s Meal, but it also comes with a generous portion of rice. It’s a no-brainer – more food for just a dollar extra. Your hunger pangs won’t stand a chance against this value-packed choice.

Celebrating 35 years of orange chicken at Panda Express.

Now, let’s talk about the Two Entree One Side combo, which comes at a higher cost of $7.90. While it offers the tantalizing prospect of two entrees, the truth lies hidden in the fine print. If you take a closer look at the second menu board, inconspicuously tucked away at the very bottom, you’ll spot a tiny line that reads, “1.25 for an additional entree.” Hold on a second, Panda Express! Are you trying to pull a fast one on us? Yes, indeed. By ordering the Two Entree One Side combo, you’re unknowingly paying a premium of $1.50 for each additional entree. That’s not a deal you want to bite into.

But fear not, savvy Panda Express connoisseurs, we’ve cracked the code. If you’re planning to venture into the land of flavors and savings, remember this golden rule: opt for the One Entree One Side combo, and if you desire an extra entree, ask for it separately, and they’ll happily add it to your order for just $1.25. So think wisely and order one entree and one side, which lets you you can save approximately 8.62% or $0.25.

What are the most popular menu items at Panda Express?  

Here are the sales figures of the most popular menu items at Panda Express according to the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD):

As you can see, Orange Chicken is the most popular item on the menu with annual sales of $10 million per location. Beijing Beef, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and Kung Pao Chicken are also very popular with average annual sales of $8 million, $7 million, and $6 million, respectively.