Jack in the Box vs Panda Express (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of menu prices, calories, and value. 111 items at Jack in the Box vs 11 items at Panda Express.
Quick answer: As of April 2026, Jack in the Box averages $3.75 per item across 111 menu items, while Panda Express averages $7.73 across 11 items. Jack in the Box is $3.97 cheaper per item (51% difference). Panda Express has lower average calories (479 vs 563 per item).
Quick Comparison
| Metric | Jack in the Box | Panda Express | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Price | $3.75 | $7.73 | Jack in the Box |
| Menu Items | 111 | 11 | Jack in the Box |
| Avg Calories | 563 | 479 | Panda Express |
| US Locations | 2,169 | 2,500 | Panda Express |
| Secret Menu | 7 | 1 | Jack in the Box |
Jack in the Box is 51% cheaper on average than Panda Express ($3.97 less per item).
Cheapest Items
Jack in the Box
Panda Express
Lowest Calorie Options
Jack in the Box
Panda Express
Deep Comparison: Jack in the Box vs Panda Express
Calorie Value (cents per calorie)
Jack in the Box delivers 1.37¢/cal on average, while Panda Express delivers 1.18¢/cal. Panda Express gives more calories per dollar — a key metric for value-per-meal seekers.
Menu Category Overlap
Jack in the Box 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: Jack in the Box fits 3 items (5 cal), Panda Express fits 0 items
- $15 budget: Jack in the Box fits 3 items (1150 cal), Panda Express fits 1 item (360 cal)
- $20 budget: Jack in the Box fits 3 items (820 cal), Panda Express fits 2 items (860 cal)
Where They Rank in Our 414-Chain Dataset
Jack in the Box ranks #33 of 414 on price (cheaper than 92% of tracked chains). Panda Express ranks #218 of 414 (pricier than 52% of chains).
Calorie Distribution (items under 500 cal)
At Jack in the Box, 35% 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: Jack in the Box ($3.75 avg vs $7.73)
- More variety: Jack in the Box (111 items)
- More locations: Panda Express (2,500 US locations)
- Best calorie value: Panda Express (1.18¢/cal)