More fast-food chains see the commercial value in offering plant-based menu options, and companies like Beyond Meat are here to make it happen.
What
After a limited test run in 2021, Panda Express is launching the Beyond The Original Orange Chicken nationwide, a plant-based meat alternative to the chain’s popular orange chicken.
“Our team has been overjoyed by the undeniable excitement and incredible demand generated when we first introduced Beyond The Original Orange Chicken last summer as an innovative twist on our most iconic dish. After nearly 40 years of creating original American Chinese dishes, quality and innovation remain at the core of who we are,” said Andrea Cherng, chief brand officer at Panda Express. “We’re continuously exploring creative ways to present our guests with the comfort and crave-ability they can expect from Panda while appealing to their evolving preferences and tastes.”
When
The plant-based menu item is available as of September 7 for a limited time, and it is unknown when the promotion will end.
And starting September 26, by using the code “BEYOND” customers can get a second entrée for free with any order of Beyond The Original Orange Chicken.
Where
The Beyond orange chicken was originally tested in Southern California and New York City and sold out in less than two weeks – selling more than 1,300 pounds of the Beyond meat on the first day. It will now be available at all U.S. locations.
Why
To create this menu item, Panda Express partnered with Beyond Meat, a plant-based meat alternative company that has worked with other fast-food chains like Denny’s, TGI Fridays and Carl’s Jr.
“We are thrilled to offer Beyond The Original Orange Chicken to consumers nationwide for the very first time,” said Dariush Ajami, chief innovation officer at Beyond Meat. “By partnering with Panda Express to introduce new and innovative plant-based options that deliver the delicious taste and experience of their iconic menu items, we’re enabling people to enjoy their favorite dishes with the upsides of plant-based meat.”
More fast-food restaurants are looking to increase their vegetarian and plant-based menu items due to an increase in climate conscious consumers. According to a 2021 report from Bloomberg Intelligence, plant-based foods are expected to make up 7.7% of the global protein market by 2030.
