The Build Your Own Panda Cub Meal™ is a customizable kid-friendly meal featuring 1 Jr. Side, 1 Jr. Entrée, a Fruit Side, and a beverage. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it provides balanced nutrition with calories ranging from 300–740 per serving depending on your choices.
Price: $6–7+ (depending on selected options)
Add-Ons & Customization
Step 1 – Sides
| Side | Calories |
|---|---|
| White Steamed Rice | 390 |
| Fried Rice | 466 |
| Chow Mein | 440 |
| Super Greens | 90 |
Tip: Half-and-half combinations are allowed for variety.
Step 2 – Entrée (Choose 1 Jr. Entrée)
| Entrée | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken | – | 300 |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp (Premium) | +$1.00 | 240 |
| Black Pepper Sirloin Steak (Premium) | +$1.00 | 180 |
| Mushroom Chicken | – | 170 |
| Kung Pao Chicken | – | 220 |
| String Bean Chicken Breast | – | 160 |
| The Original Orange Chicken | – | 380 |
| Honey Sesame Chicken Breast | – | 250 |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | – | 210 |
| Broccoli Beef | – | 110 |
| Beijing Beef | – | 360 |
| Black Pepper Chicken | – | 200 |
| Super Greens | – | 90 |
Step 3 – Drink Options
| Drink | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Dasani 16oz Bottle | – | – |
| Watermelon Mango Flavored Refresher | – | 210 |
| Peach Lychee Flavored Refresher | – | 210 |
| Pomegranate Pineapple Lemonade | – | 238 |
| Mango Guava Flavored Tea | – | 195 |
| Honest Kids Appley Ever After 6oz Box | – | – |
| Kids Fountain Drink | – | – |
| Small Fountain Drink | +$1.20 | – |
| Medium Fountain Drink | +$1.60 | – |
| Large Fountain Drink | +$2.00 | – |
| Powerade Fruit Punch 20oz Bottle | +$2.00 | 130 |
| Powerade Berry Blast 20oz Bottle | +$2.00 | 130 |
| Minute Maid Apple Juice 12oz Bottle | +$1.60 | 180 |
| Coca-Cola 20oz Bottle | +$1.60 | 240 |
| Coke Mexico 12oz Bottle | +$2.40 | 150 |
| Coke Zero 20oz Bottle | +$1.60 | – |
| Sprite 20oz Bottle | +$1.60 | 250 |
| Smartwater 700ml Bottle | +$2.40 | – |
Personal Review
I recently tried the Build Your Own Panda Cub Meal™ with White Steamed Rice, Kung Pao Chicken, and a Fruit Side, paired with a Watermelon Mango Refresher:
- The rice was fluffy and mild, ideal for kids.
- Kung Pao Chicken had a light spicy kick with peanuts, perfectly portioned for a child.
- Fruit Side added sweetness and color to the plate.
- The meal was filling yet light, easy for children to enjoy.
Premium options like Honey Walnut Shrimp are tasty and fun, but lower-calorie options like Broccoli Beef or Mushroom Chicken are great for lighter meals.
Ingredients (for one Build Your Own Panda Cub Meal™)
| Component | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| White Steamed Rice | White rice, water |
| Super Greens | Broccoli, kale, cabbage |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Chicken breast, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, roasted peanuts, green onions, red chili flakes, cornstarch slurry |
| Fruit Side | Seasonal fruit (apple slices, mandarin oranges, grapes) |
| Drink | Water, juice, or flavored refresher |
Step-by-Step Recipe: Panda Cub Meal at Home
- Cook Rice: Steam 1/2 cup to 1 cup of white rice until fluffy.
- Cook Entrée: Stir-fry chosen entrée (e.g., Kung Pao Chicken) with sauce and aromatics.
- Prepare Super Greens: Lightly steam broccoli, kale, and cabbage.
- Assemble Plate: Rice as the base, layer entrée and Super Greens, add Fruit Side.
- Add Drink: Include bottled water, juice, or kid’s drink.
Calorie Breakdown & Energy Equivalent
A typical Build Your Own Panda Cub Meal™ with White Rice, Kung Pao Chicken, Super Greens, and Watermelon Mango Refresher:
- White Rice – 390 Cal
- Kung Pao Chicken – 220 Cal
- Super Greens – 90 Cal
- Refresher – 210 Cal
Total Calories: 910 Cal
Energy Equivalent
| Activity | Duration Approx. |
|---|---|
| Light walking | ~4 hours |
| Jogging | ~2 hours |
| Light play / activities | ~2.5 hours |
FAQs
1. Can kids mix and match sides and drinks?
Yes! Half-and-half sides are allowed, and drinks can be upgraded.
2. Is it healthy for kids?
Yes — Super Greens and Fruit Side provide nutrition, and selecting water or juice helps manage calories.
3. Can I make it at home?
Absolutely! Use the step-by-step recipe above for a homemade version.
4. How long does it take to prepare?
About 25–30 minutes, including rice, entrée, and vegetables.
5. Can calories be reduced?
Yes — choose Super Greens as the side, smaller rice portions, and a low-calorie drink like water or unsweetened tea.
Final Thoughts
The Build Your Own Panda Cub Meal™ is perfect for children or light eaters, providing balanced nutrition, kid-friendly flavors, and portion control. Personally, I loved Kung Pao Chicken with White Rice and Super Greens — flavorful, healthy, and satisfying. Making it at home is simple and fun using the recipe above.
