Across the country, diners are complaining that their portion sizes aren’t as big as they used to be.
Companies reducing portion sizes while maintaining or increasing prices is sometimes referred to as “shrinkflation”—and over the years, examples of these reduced portions have gone viral numerous times.
For example, in 2024, a meme emerged that encouraged internet users to film Chipotle employees while they were making their food. According to internet users, this pressured them to increase their portion sizes. The meme became so popular that Chipotle itself responded, sharing a video of a crowd of people filming a Chipotle prep area with the text: “POV u work at chipotle rn.”
But it’s not just Chipotle that is being accused of shrinking their portion sizes. Now, Panda Express has gone under the internet’s microscope—and users are not happy with what they’re seeing.
What’s Going On With This Panda Express Bowl?
In her video, TikTok user Sie (@precisebysi) details a recent experience she had at Panda Express. According to Sie, she visited Panda Express to pick up lunch for herself, her husband, and her oldest daughter. The total came out to $27.86, or about $9.29 per bowl.
After placing her order in the drive-thru and receiving the meals, Sie did not look closely at what she got. But when she got home and sorted through the order, she was quickly surprised and disappointed.
“Where is the rest of the food?” she asks. The bowl contains some rice, a few peppers, and a few pieces of meat. “Is this $8 worth of food?”
While she says she understands paying the high cost for a bowl, she seems to think she was short-changed, tagging the video with “#shrinkflation” and “#corporategreed.”
Are Panda Express Portions Shrinking?
It depends who you ask.
According to Panda Express itself back in 2024, their portion sizes have not decreased.
“We have not changed the size of our containers or portions and remain committed to serving the innovative and quality comfort food our guests have come to expect,” the chain told the Daily Mail.
However, some customers disagree. On Reddit, users have shared numerous complaints about the chain. In one post, the user claimed they received only a single piece of beef with their beef and broccoli order. Another claimed portions were “way smaller than I remember,” while a further user shared a photo of a half-filled to-go box and questioned whether it was the new norm.
All that said, there is no official documentation about a policy change. In fact, available information points in the opposite direction, though only to a small degree. A 2010 nutritional information sheet claims that the standard serving size for Orange Chicken is 5.4 oz. Current listings put the portion size at 5.92 oz.
Some Have Theories
So if the portions haven’t officially shrunk, what’s going on here?
In some of these Reddit threads, users claiming to be employees or otherwise associated with the chain allege that some locations may be cracking down on overserving. Others say they risk being written up for “overserving.” A comment from two years ago states that employees can get in trouble if they give a customer “too much” food.
That said, there’s no indication that this is a nationwide policy. Instead, it’s possible that some individual locations are more strongly enforcing standard portion sizes. This may result in diners getting less than what they’re used to.
Commenters Say It’s Shrinkflation
In the comments section, users claimed they, too, had experienced smaller portions. The only way they’ve been able to resolve this issue, they claim, is by observing their bowl as it’s being made.
“I have to watch them make my plate because if its not looking right they’re gonna have to fix it right then and there,” wrote a user.
“I always go in and watch they scoop cause that drive-thru they just rush and be doing anything,” added another.
“See this why I don’t order from them online for that,” offered a third. “They’ll give ur [expletive] 3 pieces of meat.”
Still, some believed that, even under the portion size policy, the TikToker was short-changed.
“ive gotten more food in a kids meal. and that came w a drink,” declared a commenter.
@precisebysi #pandaexpress #shrinkflation #corporategreed #youlostme #fastfood ♬ Saxophones getting louder – Sped Up – AntonioVivald
Subplot reached out to Sie via TikTok direct message and comment, and Panda Express via email.
