How Much Is a Plate at Panda Express?
The most common question for new and returning customers is: how much is a plate at panda express? Pricing has stabilized to reflect inflation while keeping the meal competitive. While costs vary slightly by state (with California and New York being higher), the national averages are as follows:
- •Standard Plate Base Price: $11.80 – $13.50
- •Premium Entree Surcharge: Adding premium items like Honey Walnut Shrimp or Black Pepper Steak adds $1.50 per entree to the total.
Compared to individual à la carte items, the plate offers significant savings, bundling three distinct food items into one fixed price.
Panda Express Plate Cost Comparison
To visualize the value, it is helpful to compare the panda express plate cost against the other meal tiers available. The Plate sits in the "sweet spot," offering double the protein of a Bowl for a fractional price increase.
| Meal Tier | Configuration | Average Price | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bowl | 1 Side + 1 Entree | $10.20 - $11.20 | Light Lunch |
| Plate | 1 Side + 2 Entrees | $12.40 - $13.50 | Standard Dinner |
| Bigger Plate | 1 Side + 3 Entrees | $14.55 - $15.50 | Heavy Appetite |
Note: Prices are estimates based on recent data and may vary by franchise location.
Panda Express Plate Sizes and Portions
The value of the meal is defined by the panda express plate sizes. Unlike the "Bowl," which comes in a round container, the Plate comes in a divided rectangular container designed to separate your side dish from your main entrees.
Standard Panda Plate Portions:
Side Portion
Approximately 9 oz – enough for a hearty serving of Fried Rice, White Steamed Rice, or Chow Mein
First Entree
Approximately 5.5 oz – classic favorites like Orange Chicken or Beijing Beef
Second Entree
Approximately 5.5 oz – another protein or veggie option to round out your meal
This configuration delivers roughly 20 oz of total food, striking a balance between value and satiety. If you are still hungry, upgrade to the Bigger Plate for one additional entree.
Panda Express Plate Calories
One of the most searched queries is: how many calories are in a panda express plate? The answer depends entirely on your entree and side selections. Here is a breakdown of common combinations:
| Plate Combination | Total Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Chicken + Beijing Beef + Fried Rice | 1,420 | 52g | 156g |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken + String Bean Chicken + Super Greens | 800 | 66g | 46g |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp + Mushroom Chicken + Chow Mein | 1,250 | 54g | 128g |
| Black Pepper Sirloin Steak + Broccoli Beef + White Rice | 1,100 | 58g | 110g |
Pro Tip: Want to lower calories? Choose Super Greens as your side (only 130 calories) and opt for grilled proteins like Grilled Teriyaki Chicken to keep your total under 900 calories while still getting 60g+ of protein.
Best Value Combinations
To maximize both nutrition and savings on your panda express plate, consider these strategically optimized combinations:
💪 High Protein Plate
Best for: Muscle building, post-workout meals
- • Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (33g protein)
- • String Bean Chicken Breast (19g protein)
- • Super Greens side (9g protein)
- Total: 61g protein, 800 calories
🍃 Low Calorie Plate
Best for: Weight loss, calorie deficit diets
- • Mushroom Chicken (17g protein)
- • String Bean Chicken Breast (19g protein)
- • Super Greens side (9g protein)
- Total: 45g protein, 710 calories
🔥 Flavor Bomb Plate
Best for: Cheat meals, satisfying cravings
- • Orange Chicken (26g protein)
- • Beijing Beef (26g protein)
- • Fried Rice side
- Total: 52g protein, 1,420 calories
⚖️ Balanced Plate
Best for: Everyday meals, IIFYM
- • Teriyaki Chicken (41g protein)
- • Broccoli Beef (15g protein)
- • White Steamed Rice
- Total: 56g protein, 1,040 calories
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a plate at Panda Express?
A Panda Express plate costs between $11.80 and $13.50 depending on location. Premium entrees like Honey Walnut Shrimp add $1.50 per entree.
What comes with a Panda Express plate?
A Panda Express plate includes 1 side (usually fried rice, chow mein, or white rice) and 2 entrees of your choice.
How many calories are in a Panda Express plate?
A typical Panda Express plate ranges from 800 to 1,400 calories depending on your selections. Orange Chicken with Fried Rice is approximately 1,220 calories.
What's the difference between a Bowl and a Plate?
A Bowl includes 1 side and 1 entree, while a Plate includes 1 side and 2 entrees. The Plate offers better value for those wanting more protein variety.
Can I customize my plate?
Yes! You can choose any combination of sides and entrees. However, premium items like Honey Walnut Shrimp and certain steaks incur an additional charge.