KFC vs Panda Express (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of menu prices, calories, and value. 46 items at KFC vs 11 items at Panda Express.
Quick answer: As of April 2026, KFC averages $7.23 per item across 46 menu items, while Panda Express averages $7.73 across 11 items. KFC is $0.50 cheaper per item (6% difference). KFC has lower average calories (430 vs 479 per item).
Quick Comparison
| Metric | KFC | Panda Express | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Price | $7.23 | $7.73 | KFC |
| Menu Items | 46 | 11 | KFC |
| Avg Calories | 430 | 479 | KFC |
| US Locations | 4,205 | 2,500 | KFC |
| Secret Menu | 7 | 1 | KFC |
KFC is 6% cheaper on average than Panda Express ($0.50 less per item).
Cheapest Items
Panda Express
Lowest Calorie Options
KFC
Panda Express
Deep Comparison: KFC vs Panda Express
Calorie Value (cents per calorie)
KFC delivers 1.67¢/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
KFC and Panda Express share 1 menu categories (5% Jaccard overlap). Shared categories: sides. Low overlap — these chains serve mostly different food categories.
What Fits in Your Budget
- $10 budget: KFC fits 0 items, Panda Express fits 0 items
- $15 budget: KFC fits 1 item, Panda Express fits 1 item (360 cal)
- $20 budget: KFC fits 1 item (180 cal), Panda Express fits 2 items (860 cal)
Where They Rank in Our 414-Chain Dataset
KFC ranks #201 of 414 on price (cheaper than 52% of tracked chains). Panda Express ranks #218 of 414 (pricier than 52% of chains).
Calorie Distribution (items under 500 cal)
At KFC, 56% of menu items with calorie data come in under 500 calories. At Panda Express, 55% are under 500 calories. KFC offers more lower-calorie options proportionally.
Bottom Line
- Budget pick: KFC ($7.23 avg vs $7.73)
- More variety: KFC (46 items)
- More locations: KFC (4,205 US locations)
- Best calorie value: Panda Express (1.18¢/cal)