I did a blind taste test: new Panda Express vegan Orange Chicken vs. the original. Here’s what happened.

Chelsea Madden

Today was the day.

Today was the day that I finally ordered a vegan, plant-based food option at a restaurant by choice.

I have only had tofu one time and it was by accident at my college’s cafeteria. I was too focused on my English final and plopped a scoop of what I thought was chicken onto my plate.

However, this time was not by accident. I actually ordered Beyond Chicken and I was excited about it. Who the heck am I?

After ordering and returning home with the plates, my husband told me to sit and close my eyes.

“If I let you look, you’ll know which one is the vegan option,” he said. “They look very different and it’s obvious.”

So, I closed my eyes and opened my mouth.

The first bite of chicken was delicious, crunchy and flavorful.

I waited for the second bite.

Delicious, crunchy, flavorful.

At first, I wondered if my husband was playing tricks on me.

“Let me taste the second one again,” I said.

He fed me the second again and I nodded. “That’s the Beyond Chicken,” I told him.

“How’d you know?” he asked.

Well, I didn’t really know. Not for certain. I just sensed there was something a bit different about the second choice.

Its texture was slightly more dry, spongy and didn’t have much crunch. But the taste was essentially the same.

I looked at the plate before me and agreed with my husband. I would have known which one was the Beyond Chicken if I had looked beforehand.

I decided to do a blind taste test of the new vegan option next to the original Orange Chicken at Panda Express. Here’s how the taste test went.
I decided to do a blind taste test of the new vegan option next to the original Orange Chicken at Panda Express. Here’s how the taste test went.

Its shape was smaller, with a uniform look, like someone had formed it in their hands. The original Orange Chicken appeared more natural; there were smaller pieces, larger pieces and pieces with misshapen crunchy sides.

All in all, the Beyond Chicken entree is not only a wonderful option for vegans, but it is also a great choice for those who want to try something new.

Now, is it healthy? Or at least, healthier than the Original Orange Chicken?

Let’s see. Below is a comparison of the nutritional facts and prices for each:

Beyond Orange Chicken

  • Bowl: $8.75

  • Plate with double order of chicken: $11.50

  • Serving size: 4.75 oz

  • Calories: 440

  • Total fat: 22 g

  • Sodium: 810 mg

  • Total carbs: 47 g

  • Protein: 13 g

Original Orange Chicken

  • Bowl: $7.50

  • Plate with double order of chicken: $9

  • Serving size: 5.70 oz

  • Calories: 490

  • Total fat: 23 g

  • Sodium: 820 mg

  • Total carbs: 51 g

  • Protein: 25 g

More nutritional facts can be found on the Panda Express website.

Ready to go try the Beyond Orange Chicken? Hurry! It is available while supplies last at certain restaurants. Be sure to call to ensure the vegan option is still available.

Middle GA has several locations:

  • Whittlesey and Weems: 5295 Whittlesey Blvd., Columbus, 706-257-7899

  • Mercer University: Student Center, Macon

  • Tom Hill Sr. and Riverside: 120 Tom Hill Sr Blvd., Macon, 478-476-7889

  • Watson and Carl Vinson: 2743 Watson Blvd., Warner Robins, 478-971-1599

  • Robins Air Force Base: 982 Macon St., Warner Robins, 478-442-7389

For more locations, check the restaurant locator.

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