Panda Express Cub Meal Nutrition Calculator

Build a healthy and delicious Panda Express Cub Meal while tracking nutrition to ensure your child gets the right balance of nutrients. Our simple, AI-powered tool helps you see exactly what's in their meal, making it easy to build a lunch or dinner you can feel good about.

Start building your kid's perfect Cub Meal below.

Your Child's Panda Express Meal

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How to Build a Healthy Panda Express Cub Meal in 3 Steps

We know getting kids to eat well can be a challenge. Our tool makes it simple to build a balanced Cub Meal they'll actually enjoy.

1

Pick an Entree & Side

Use the search bar to choose from kid-approved entrees like Mushroom Chicken or Orange Chicken, plus a side like Steamed Rice or Super Greens.

2

Add a Drink

Select a beverage to complete the Cub Meal—water, juice, or milk. Our calculator includes all beverage options.

3

See the Nutrition

Click "Calculate" to get a simple breakdown of calories, protein, sugar, and sodium in your child's meal, plus helpful AI-powered tips.

A Parent's Guide to Navigating the Panda Express Cub Meal Menu

Finding a fast, convenient, and reasonably nutritious meal for kids can be a real challenge. Panda Express Cub Meals offer portion-controlled options with familiar, kid-friendly flavors. But knowing how to make the best choices for your child's nutrition takes a little guidance.

This guide will walk you through the Cub Meal options to help you create a meal that provides the energy and nutrients your child needs, without excess calories, sugar, or sodium.

Step 1: Choose the Right Side

The side choice forms the carbohydrate foundation of the Cub Meal—and it matters more than you might think.

  • Best for Nutrition: Super Greens (broccoli, cabbage, kale) is the most nutritious side by far. It's loaded with vitamins and fiber. Many kids love it with a bit of entree sauce mixed in.
  • The Classic Choice: Steamed White Rice is mild, easy to eat, and a staple. Steamed Brown Rice offers more fiber and nutrients if your child is open to it.
  • The Fun Option: Chow Mein is a kid favorite, but it's higher in calories and fat. It's a treat rather than an everyday choice.

Step 2: Pick a Kid-Friendly Entree

Entrees provide the protein kids need for growth. The choice of cooking method makes a big nutritional difference.

  • The Leanest Choice: Mushroom Chicken and Grilled Teriyaki Chicken are among the leanest entrees—lighter on calories and fat while still being high in protein that growing kids need.
  • The Kid Favorite: Let's be honest—most kids want Orange Chicken. It's higher in calories and sugar than grilled options, but enjoyed occasionally in Cub Meal portions it fits within a balanced diet.
  • A Fun Option: String Bean Chicken Breast sneaks in some vegetables alongside the protein, making it a more nutritious choice than you might expect.

Want to see all the options side-by-side? You can view them on our full Panda Express Menu & Nutrition Page.

Step 3: Choose the Drink Wisely

The drink is often where hidden sugar and calories live in kids' meals. Small choices here make a big difference.

  • The Healthiest Choice: Water is always the best option—zero calories, zero sugar, and keeps kids hydrated.
  • Nutritious Alternatives: Low-fat milk (if available) provides calcium and protein essential for growing bones and muscles.
  • Juice and Sodas: These are high in sugar and low in nutritional value. If your child really wants juice, opt for 100% fruit juice and treat it as an occasional choice rather than an everyday drink.

Understanding Sodium in Panda Express Meals

One important consideration for children's meals at Panda Express is sodium. Chinese-American cuisine often uses soy sauce and other salty seasonings in cooking, which can result in higher sodium levels than other fast food options.

  • Lower-Sodium Choices: Grilled options and vegetable-heavy entrees tend to have less sodium. Super Greens as a side is also relatively low in sodium.
  • Higher-Sodium Items: Orange Chicken and most sauced entrees tend to be higher in sodium. Our calculator will show you the exact sodium content so you can make informed choices.
  • Balancing the Meal: If your child loves a higher-sodium entree, balance it with a lower-sodium side like Super Greens or Steamed Rice, and make sure they drink plenty of water.

Building a Balanced Plate for Your Child

A balanced meal for a child should ideally provide protein, complex carbohydrates, and some vegetables.

  • Example Well-Balanced Cub Meal: Mushroom Chicken (protein + vegetables) + Steamed White Rice (carbohydrate) + Water. This combination provides lasting energy, good protein for growth, and keeps sodium and sugar at reasonable levels.
  • For a Veggie Boost: Mushroom Chicken + Super Greens + Water. This maximizes nutrition while staying lower in calories—great for health-conscious parents.
  • The Compromise Meal: Orange Chicken (the kid favorite) + Steamed Rice + Water. The grilled option might be better, but if it gets your child to eat their meal happily, it's still a reasonable choice in Cub Meal portions.

If you're looking to build a full order for yourself, our main AI-Powered Panda Express Nutrition Calculator has all the full adult-sized options. And if you're focused specifically on your own calorie goals, our Panda Express Calorie Calculator can help you design the perfect meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (For Parents)