Jake Harper
Panda Express is an American Chinese restaurant chain that has collaborated with Beyond Meat to introduce plant-based options to its menu. One of the most popular dishes is Beyond the Original Orange Chicken, which is a vegan take on Panda Express' signature dish. This plant-based version was created to replicate the crunchy texture and flavor of the traditional Orange Chicken. The dish was initially launched in select markets in 2021 and then expanded to more locations in 2022 due to high consumer demand.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Beyond The Original Orange Chicken |
| Type of Food | Plant-based, Vegan |
| Availability | Available at select locations in the United States |
| Popularity | One of the most requested dishes on Panda Express's social channels |
| Taste | Designed to replicate the crunchy texture and addictive flavor of Panda Express's traditional Orange Chicken |
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What You'll Learn
- The product is a plant-based alternative to chicken
- It is made in partnership with Beyond Meat
- It replicates the texture and flavour of Panda Express's traditional Orange Chicken
- It was first launched in 2021 in Southern California and New York City
- It is currently available at 600+ Panda Express locations in the US
The product is a plant-based alternative to chicken
Beyond the Original Orange Chicken is designed to offer an identical experience to Panda Express's signature dish. The plant-based option aims to capture the "irresistibly crunchy texture and flavour" of the original chicken dish, providing a vegan alternative without compromising on taste.
The product's popularity is evident through its success in the market and the numerous petitions requesting its return to the menu after it was discontinued. The dish has been described as "irresistibly delicious" and was the most requested item on Panda Express's social media channels. The petitions for its reintroduction reflect a strong consumer desire for plant-based options that replicate the taste and texture of meat-based dishes.
Beyond Meat, the creators of this plant-based chicken, have collaborated with several fast-food chains to introduce plant-based options. Their partnerships include working with McDonald's to develop the McPlant burger and providing unique plant-based proteins to Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC. Beyond Meat is committed to bringing plant-based alternatives to the fast-food sector, and their collaboration with Panda Express is a testament to that.
The product, Beyond the Original Orange Chicken, is a plant-based alternative that offers the same taste and texture as the traditional chicken dish, making it a popular option for those seeking vegan or vegetarian choices without compromising flavour.
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It is made in partnership with Beyond Meat
Beyond the Original Orange Chicken is a plant-based dish created in partnership with Beyond Meat. It was initially launched at Panda Express in September 2022 after successful trials in Southern California and New York City in 2021. The trial phases saw the dish selling out in less than two weeks, prompting its expansion to 70 additional locations.
The dish was created to replicate the crunchy texture and flavour of Panda Express's traditional Orange Chicken. It is designed to offer an irresistible, plant-based option for customers looking for an alternative to the signature dish. The partnership between Panda Express and Beyond Meat is part of a broader strategy to introduce plant-based options in the fast-food sector. Beyond Meat has worked with several other fast-food chains, including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC, to develop unique plant-based proteins and menu items.
In addition to Beyond the Original Orange Chicken, Panda Express also tested two other Beyond Meat dishes at its Pasadena, California location: Mapo Tofu with Beyond Beef and String Beans with Beyond Beef. The success of these dishes and the positive response from consumers have led to the reintroduction of Beyond the Original Orange Chicken at hundreds of participating locations nationwide. This reintroduction aligns with the upcoming National Orange Chicken Day on July 15, providing plant-based food enthusiasts with an opportunity to enjoy the dish once more.
While the dish was discontinued at all 2,300 Panda Express locations after its initial launch, consumer enthusiasm and demand prompted the company to bring it back. A petition on Change.org started by Alyssa Ridenour, who stated, "I am vegetarian, and I am addicted to this chicken. I have been craving it like crazy, and it is madness that they don't have it on the menu anymore," received over 7,000 signatures. This reflected a continued consumer desire for the dish's return.
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It replicates the texture and flavour of Panda Express's traditional Orange Chicken
Panda Express, an American Chinese restaurant, collaborated with Beyond Meat to create a plant-based version of its signature Orange Chicken dish. Beyond the Original Orange Chicken was designed to replicate the texture and flavour of the traditional dish, offering an irresistible and addictive plant-based alternative.
The original Orange Chicken is a hugely popular dish at Panda Express, and the plant-based version was created to meet the evolving dietary preferences of its customers. The Beyond version was crafted to mimic the crunchy texture and distinct flavour of the traditional dish, providing a satisfying and indulgent experience for those seeking plant-based options.
The development process focused on capturing the essence of the original dish. Beyond the Original Orange Chicken was initially launched in select markets in 2021, including Southern California and New York City, where it quickly gained popularity. The dish sold out in less than two weeks, reflecting its success and appeal among consumers.
The positive response during the trial phases led to the expansion of Beyond the Original Orange Chicken to more Panda Express locations. In 2022, the dish was introduced as a limited-time offering at 600 Panda Express stores across the United States. The high demand for this plant-based option was further emphasised by a petition started by fans, which received over 7,000 signatures.
The collaboration between Panda Express and Beyond Meat demonstrates their commitment to innovation and responsiveness to consumer demands. By reintroducing Beyond the Original Orange Chicken to their menus, Panda Express aims to showcase their dedication to providing delicious plant-based alternatives that deliver the same addictive flavours as their iconic dishes.
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It was first launched in 2021 in Southern California and New York City
Beyond the Original Orange Chicken, or BTOOC, was first launched in Southern California and New York City in 2021. It was created in partnership with Beyond Meat, a vegan company, as a plant-based alternative to Panda Express' signature dish, The Original Orange Chicken. The BTOOC was designed to replicate the crunchy texture and addictive flavour of the traditional dish, offering an option for those seeking plant-based alternatives.
The 2021 launch of BTOOC in Southern California and New York City was a regional market test. The trial phase was a success, with the dish selling out in less than two weeks and receiving positive feedback from customers. This initial success prompted Panda Express to expand the availability of BTOOC to additional locations. The dish's popularity was further evidenced by a petition on Change.org, started by a vegetarian customer, which garnered over 7,000 signatures requesting the return of BTOOC.
The regional rollout in 2021 was followed by a limited-time national rollout in 2022, making BTOOC available at 2,300 Panda Express locations across the United States. The expansion demonstrated Panda Express' commitment to innovation and responsiveness to evolving dietary preferences, including plant-based options. The introduction of BTOOC aligned with Beyond Meat's broader strategy to introduce plant-based options in the fast-food sector, partnering with other major chains such as Carl's Jr. and McDonald's.
The success of BTOOC in the initial launch markets of Southern California and New York City played a pivotal role in shaping its expansion. The trial phase allowed Panda Express to gauge consumer demand and refine their operations. The positive response from customers in these regions influenced the decision to bring the dish to a wider audience, making it accessible to plant-based enthusiasts across the nation.
The launch of BTOOC in Southern California and New York City in 2021 marked a significant step towards meeting the evolving dietary preferences of Panda Express customers. The success of this regional market test set the stage for the dish's expansion and highlighted the potential for plant-based options in the fast-food industry. The collaboration between Panda Express and Beyond Meat during this launch demonstrated their commitment to innovation and responsiveness to consumer demands.
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It is currently available at 600+ Panda Express locations in the US
Panda Express has brought back Beyond The Original Orange Chicken to its menus in the US. This plant-based version of the popular dish was created in partnership with Beyond Meat. The dish was initially launched nationwide in September 2022 after successful trials in Southern California and New York City in 2021. The trial phases saw the dish selling out in less than two weeks, prompting its expansion to 70 additional locations. The dish is now available at 600+ Panda Express locations across the US.
Beyond The Original Orange Chicken was one of the most requested dishes on Panda Express's social media channels, with a petition for its return receiving over 7,000 signatures. The dish is designed to replicate the crunchy texture and flavour of Panda Express's traditional Orange Chicken. It gives customers looking for a plant-based option the chance to indulge in the addictive flavour they know and love.
The reintroduction of the dish to select locations shows Panda Express's commitment to continually innovating its menu offerings and providing delicious plant-based alternatives to its iconic dishes. The company has stated that they are thrilled with the positive guest response and are humbled by the success of the regional launches.
Beyond Meat's collaboration with Panda Express is part of a broader strategy to introduce plant-based options in the fast-food sector. The company has also worked with other fast-food chains such as Carl's Jr., McDonald's, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC to develop plant-based proteins and menu items.
The Beyond The Original Orange Chicken dish is currently available at 600+ Panda Express locations in the US while supplies last. Customers can use the store locator on the Panda Express website to find a participating store near them.
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Frequently asked questions
Beyond Chicken is a plant-based alternative to chicken, made in collaboration with Beyond Meat.
Yes, Beyond Chicken is vegan. However, it is important to note that all items at Panda Express are cooked and prepared in shared facilities and equipment, which may not align with the dietary restrictions of strict vegetarians and vegans.
Beyond Chicken is available at 600+ Panda Express locations across the United States.
No, at this time, Beyond Chicken is exclusive to Panda Express locations in the United States.
