Panda Express Kids Menu: Prices, Calories, Best Meals & Choose Panda Cub Meal for Kids

Panda Express Kids Menu

When I go to Panda Express with my family, one thing I always look for is the Panda Express Kids Menu.

Eating outside with kids is not always easy because they have different tastes, smaller appetite, and sometimes they just want something simple.

A regular adult meal can be too much food for children, so Panda Express created a special option called Panda Cub Meal™ which is made especially for younger guests.

I remember the first time I ordered a Panda Cub Meal for my nephew. He usually leaves half of his food in restaurants because portions are too big, but this time the size was more suitable for him. He finished almost everything, and honestly it felt like a better choice compared to ordering a full adult plate.

The Panda Express Kids Menu focuses on smaller portions, familiar flavors, and a combination of protein, sides, fruit, and drinks.

What Is Included in Panda Express Kids Menu?

The main kids option at Panda Express is the Panda Cub Meal. It is designed for children and usually includes:

  • One kid-sized entrée
  • One side dish
  • Fruit option (Treetop Apple Crisps)
  • Choice of drink

The meal allows parents to customize according to their child’s preference. Some kids love noodles, while some prefer rice, so choosing the right combination makes the meal more enjoyable.

According to Panda Express nutrition information, Panda Cub Meals are generally created with child-friendly portions and many combinations stay around or below 600 calories depending on the selected entrée, side, and drink.

Panda Express Kids Menu Prices

The price of the Panda Express Kids Menu can change depending on location, taxes, and ordering method. In most locations, the Panda Cub Meal price is usually around:

Panda Cub Meal Price: $6.00 – $8.00

Delivery apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub may have slightly higher prices because of additional fees.

I personally prefer ordering directly from the restaurant because sometimes online prices are different from the in-store menu.

Popular Panda Express Kids Menu Items

Orange Chicken Cub Meal

The most popular choice from Panda Express is definitely Orange Chicken. It is the signature dish that made Panda Express famous across the United States.

The sweet, crispy chicken pieces with orange sauce are usually a favorite among kids because the flavor is not too spicy.

The Orange Chicken kids portion contains approximately 380 calories for the entrée serving. A complete Panda Cub Meal with side and drink can increase depending on the combination.

I have seen many kids who don’t try new foods, but they usually accept Orange Chicken because it has a slightly sweet taste.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Cub Meal

For parents who want a more protein-focused option, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is one of my favorite recommendations.

The chicken provides a good amount of protein with fewer calories compared to some fried options. A kids serving contains approximately 210 calories and around 25 grams of protein for the chicken portion.

When I want a balanced meal for kids, I usually choose this option with Super Greens or rice.

Broccoli Beef Cub Meal

Another good option is Broccoli Beef. It combines sliced beef with broccoli and a flavorful sauce.

Some kids may not immediately like vegetables (my nephew also used to avoid broccoli haha), but sometimes introducing vegetables with familiar flavors helps them try new things.

This meal can be a good choice for parents who want their children to include some vegetables while eating fast food.

Panda Express Kids Menu Nutrition Information

Nowadays many parents check calories, protein, and ingredients before buying food for their children.

Here are some approximate nutrition details:

Menu ItemCaloriesProtein
Orange Chicken Cub MealAround 580 caloriesModerate
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Cub MealAround 400 caloriesHigher protein
Broccoli Beef Cub MealAround 300-400 caloriesModerate

Nutrition values can vary based on side selection and drink choice.

A simple way I follow is choosing:

  • Protein entrée
  • Vegetable side
  • Water or low-sugar drink

This keeps the meal more balanced.

Real Experience: Why Portion Size Matters

A small personal example: my younger cousin always orders adult meals because he wants the same food as everyone else. But most of the time, half the plate goes unfinished.

After trying the Panda Cub Meal, the situation changed. The portion looked more attractive for him, and there was less food waste.

This is actually an important point because food waste is a big issue in restaurants and homes. Smaller portions can help children eat comfortably while reducing unnecessary waste.

Why Parents Like Panda Express Kids Menu

There are several reasons families choose Panda Express Kids Menu:

Affordable Family Option

Compared with buying a full adult meal, Panda Cub Meal provides a complete combination at a lower price.

Familiar Flavors

Kids usually prefer simple flavors. Items like Orange Chicken and Teriyaki Chicken are easier for children to enjoy.

Customization

Parents can select sides and drinks based on their child’s eating habits.

Quick Service

Panda Express is a fast-casual restaurant, so families can get food quickly during busy schedules

Panda Express Kids Menu vs Regular Menu

The biggest difference between the kids menu and regular menu is portion size.

Adult meals like Bowl, Plate, and Bigger Plate are designed for bigger appetites. Kids meals are smaller and include child-friendly combinations.

For younger children, ordering a regular plate can sometimes be too much food, while Panda Cub Meal feels more appropriate.

Final Thoughts

The Panda Express Kids Menu is a convenient choice for families who want a quick meal with smaller portions and kid-friendly flavors. In my opinion, the Orange Chicken Cub Meal is best for kids who love sweet flavors, while the Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Cub Meal is better for parents looking for a higher protein option.

Prices and calories may vary by location, but overall Panda Cub Meal gives good value because kids receive an entrée, side, fruit, and drink together.

For busy parents like me who want something fast, affordable, and less stressful during family outings, Panda Express Kids Menu is definitely worth considering. It makes restaurant visits easier because kids get their own meal, and parents don’t have to worry about oversized portions.