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Dairy Queen vs Panda Express (2026)

Side-by-side comparison of menu prices, calories, and value. 64 items at Dairy Queen vs 11 items at Panda Express.

Quick answer: As of April 2026, Dairy Queen averages $4.08 per item across 64 menu items, while Panda Express averages $7.73 across 11 items. Dairy Queen is $3.64 cheaper per item (47% difference). Panda Express has lower average calories (479 vs 571 per item).

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Quick Comparison

Dairy Queen vs Panda Express: Quick Price & Menu Comparison
Metric Dairy Queen Panda Express Winner
Avg Price $4.08 $7.73 Dairy Queen
Menu Items 64 11 Dairy Queen
Avg Calories 571 479 Panda Express
US Locations 4,500 2,500 Dairy Queen
Secret Menu 7 1 Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen is 47% cheaper on average than Panda Express ($3.64 less per item).

Cheapest Items

Dairy Queen

Add Extra Stuff $0.69
Add a Boost (Protein) $0.99
Add a Boost (Fresh Banana) $0.99
Buffalo Chicken $1.89
Chicken Bacon BBQ $1.89

Panda Express

Honey Walnut Shrimp $1.50
Bowl (1 entree + 1 side) $8.30
Plate (2 entrees + 1 side) $9.80
Bigger Plate (3 entrees + 1 side) $11.30
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Lowest Calorie Options

Dairy Queen

Chicken Wrap 280 cal
Fries 280 cal
1/4 lb. Bacon Cheese GrillBurger 390 cal
1/4 lb. Bacon Cheese GrillBurger – Combo 390 cal
Chicken Bacon Ranch – Combo 390 cal

Panda Express

Broccoli Beef 150 cal
Kung Pao Chicken 290 cal
Honey Walnut Shrimp 360 cal
White Steamed Rice 380 cal
Beijing Beef 470 cal

Deep Comparison: Dairy Queen vs Panda Express

Calorie Value (cents per calorie)

Dairy Queen delivers 1.04¢/cal on average, while Panda Express delivers 1.18¢/cal. Dairy Queen gives more calories per dollar — a key metric for value-per-meal seekers.

Menu Category Overlap

Dairy Queen and Panda Express share 0 menu categories (0% Jaccard overlap). Low overlap — these chains serve mostly different food categories.

What Fits in Your Budget

  • $10 budget: Dairy Queen fits 3 items (905 cal), Panda Express fits 0 items
  • $15 budget: Dairy Queen fits 3 items (390 cal), Panda Express fits 1 item (360 cal)
  • $20 budget: Dairy Queen fits 3 items (1960 cal), Panda Express fits 2 items (860 cal)

Where They Rank in Our 414-Chain Dataset

Dairy Queen ranks #46 of 414 on price (cheaper than 89% of tracked chains). Panda Express ranks #218 of 414 (pricier than 52% of chains).

Calorie Distribution (items under 500 cal)

At Dairy Queen, 41% of menu items with calorie data come in under 500 calories. At Panda Express, 55% are under 500 calories. Panda Express offers more lower-calorie options proportionally.

Bottom Line

  • Budget pick: Dairy Queen ($4.08 avg vs $7.73)
  • More variety: Dairy Queen (64 items)
  • More locations: Dairy Queen (4,500 US locations)
  • Best calorie value: Dairy Queen (1.04¢/cal)

Full Menus

Dairy Queen Menu Panda Express Menu Cheapest Fast Food Low Calorie Guide