# Entree-Inspired Milkshakes The New Milkshakes from Panda Express Could Substitute as a Meal By Jennifer Paul | Published 2014-04-03 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panda-express References: [foodbeast](http://www.foodbeast.com/2014/04/01/panda-express-launches-orange-chicken-and-broccoli-beef-milkshakes-nationwide/) & [pandaexpress](https://www.pandaexpress.com) A new dessert that could easily be a meal is coming from [Panda Express](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beyond-the-original-orange) this time around. The Orange Chicken and Broccoli Beef milkshakes offer a unique take on the traditional meals. These entree-inspired milkshakes are already available at all Panda Express locations nationwide. The newly designer milkshakes were tested in select markets in Washington, Colorado and Southern California. The milkshakes are inspired by two of Panda Express' most popular dishes. Orange Chicken and Broccoli Beef are the most popular dishes sold at the restaurant. The [Orange Chicken milkshake](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exclusive-hot-orange-chicken) features a vanilla-citrus base which is blended with pieces of real chicken and topped with a spicy-sweet orange drizzle. The Broccoli Beef has pieces of whole steamed broccoli beneath a fusion of chocolate, beef and soy sauce. Each milkshake is part of Panda Express 'Wok Smart' menu. The milkshakes are only 100 calories each. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Entree-inspired Desserts:** The trend of incorporating savory flavors into sweet desserts creates an opportunity for other restaurants to add creative twists to traditional menu items. - **Healthy Desserts:** As consumers focus more on health and wellness, there is an opportunity to create new desserts that satisfy cravings while maintaining a low-calorie count. - **Asian-inspired Desserts:** The popularity of Panda Express' entree-inspired milkshakes creates a trend for Asian-inspired desserts, such as matcha or green tea-flavored desserts, to gain popularity in the dessert industry. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fast Food Industry:** The incorporation of new, unique menu items, such as Panda Express' entree-inspired milkshakes, can differentiate fast food restaurants from competitors and attract a wider range of customers. - **Dessert Industry:** The trend of incorporating savory flavors into sweet desserts creates a disruptive innovation opportunity for the dessert industry to create new and unique flavor combinations. - **Health and Wellness Industry:** The trend of low-calorie desserts, such as Panda Express' 'Wok Smart' menu milkshakes, presents an opportunity for the health and wellness industry to collaborate with the food industry and create healthier options for consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cafe-Inspired Milkshakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shake-shack-shakes.md) - [Limited-Edition New Year Milkshakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-shake-shack-shakes.md) - [Plant-Based Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beyond-the-original-orange.md) - [Summertime Dessert Milkshakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shake-shack-shake.md) - [Asian-Inspired Plant-Based Beef Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beyond-beef-meals.md) - [Christmas-Inspired Milkshake Flavors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/freal-chocolate-orange.md) - [Creamy Thai-Inspired Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shake-shack-thailand.md) - [Indulgent Drinkable Dessert Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smashburger-shakes.md) - [Handcrafted Chocolate-Packed Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/milkshake-factory.md)