KFC is adding plant-based chicken to its menus nationwide this week. However, the new offering could prove problematic for customers seeking vegan and vegetarian food options.
Last week, the Kentucky-based chicken chain announced the impending arrival of its new Beyond Fried Chicken, developed by meat substitutes company Beyond Meat exclusively for KFC. The “Kentucky Fried Miracle” will debut at participating restaurants on Monday, Jan. 10 for a limited time, according to a news release.
The companies tested their first iteration of the faux fried chicken in August 2019 at a store in Atlanta, where it sold out in hours, the release states. After a successful run, the test was expanded to select restaurants in Charlotte, Nashville and Southern California.
“The mission from day one was simple — make the world-famous Kentucky Fried Chicken from plants,” Kevin Hochman, president of KFC U.S., said in a statement. “And now over two years later we can say, ‘mission accomplished.’”
Customers can order the plant-based meal, which is KFC’s first, as a combo or a la carte in six- or 12-piece options. The restaurant said that the faux fried chicken is not “prepared in a vegan/or vegetarian manner,” however.
A KFC spokesperson confirmed the “chicken” is cooked in shared fryers in KFC kitchens, upping the possibility for cross contamination with meat and animal byproducts, according to Nexstar. For now, customers cannot request that their orders be prepared in a separate fryer, the media group reported.
Orders for the new Beyond Fried Chicken can be placed via the KFC app, KFC.com or in the drive-thru.
Find your nearest KFC here.
This story was originally published January 09, 2022 9:08 AM.