kfc plant based chicken

Try New KFC Plant Based Chicken

KFC has introduced a new plant-based chicken option. It’s a twist on a classic favorite. This new item, launched nationwide on January 10, 2022, is made with Beyond Meat.

The Beyond Fried Chicken has a crisp, seasoned coating and juicy inside. It’s designed to taste like KFC’s classic chicken. This new product is a big deal for those who love plant-based fast food.

Orders are available in six- and 12-piece options. You can also get combos with Secret Recipe Fries and a drink. There are dipping sauces like Honey BBQ, Ranch, and KFC Sauce.

Prices start around $6.99 and can vary by store. You can order through the KFC app or KFC.com for Quick Pick-Up. This way, you can skip the lines at participating locations.

Try the plant-based chicken while supplies last. See how it compares to traditional fast-food flavors and convenience.

What Is KFC’s Plant Based Chicken and Why It Matters

KFC teamed up with Beyond Meat to make Beyond Fried Chicken. It’s a plant-based version of their famous chicken. They used pea protein and other plant ingredients to get the taste and texture right.

This move made KFC’s plant-based menu more than just test items. It put meat-free fried chicken in the spotlight across the country.

The Beyond Fried Chicken project started with Beyond Meat’s product development. They aimed to match KFC’s flavor without using animal protein. They made sure it had no GMOs, antibiotics, or hormones, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

KFC marketed the item as a big deal. They called it the “Kentucky Fried Miracle” to grab attention. They used celebrity endorsements and social media to show how tasty and convenient it is.

In the U.S., KFC launched it nationwide on January 10, 2022. They offered it as à la carte pieces and combo meals. They also promoted Quick Pick-Up to manage demand.

Plant-based options are important for several reasons. They give customers more choices, link to health and environmental benefits, and show that plant-based is becoming mainstream in fast food.

Item Name Description Calories Price
Beyond Fried Chicken Piece Single plant-based chicken piece with KFC breading 260 $3.49
2-Piece Combo Two pieces, side, and drink 820 $7.99
3-Piece Family Pack Three pieces and two family sides 1,900 $14.99
À la Carte Tenders Individual plant-based tenders, hand-breaded 210 (per tender) $2.29
Sandwich Plant-based fillet on a brioche-style bun 560 $5.49
Items Vegan Keto-Friendly Gluten-Free Allergens (Nuts, Dairy, etc.)
Beyond Fried Chicken Piece Yes (if ordered without sides) No No Wheat, soy
2-Piece Combo Partially (main is plant-based) No No Wheat, soy, possible cross-contact
3-Piece Family Pack Partially No No Wheat, soy, dairy in some sides
À la Carte Tenders Yes No No Wheat, soy
Sandwich Yes (bun may contain dairy) No No Wheat, soy, dairy possible
Mashed Potatoes No No No Dairy
Coleslaw No No No Egg, may contain mustard
Green Beans Yes Yes Yes None common
Biscuit No No No Wheat, dairy
BBQ Sauce Yes No Yes Mustard
  • Beyond Fried Chicken shows how plant-based alternatives can mimic classic flavors.
  • KFC plant-based menu placements point to mainstream acceptance in QSRs.
  • kfc vegan options give customers familiar choices while lowering meat consumption impacts.

kfc plant based chicken: Taste, Texture, and Menu Formats

KFC’s plant-based fried chicken is made to taste like the real thing. They worked hard to get the seasoning right and the texture just right. People say it tastes spicy and has a juicy feel, just like KFC chicken.

Flavor profile compared to classic KFC chicken

The taste is familiar, with notes of salt, pepper, and herbs. This makes the vegan chicken feel like part of the KFC family. It’s close to the real thing, but with a plant-based twist.

Available formats: pieces, combo meals, and à la carte

KFC offers the plant-based chicken in different sizes and as single pieces. They even have a combo meal with fries and a drink. This makes it easy to try it out as a meal or snack.

Typical accompaniments and dipping sauces offered

KFC has the usual sides and sauces for the plant-based chicken. You can try Honey BBQ, Ranch, Honey Mustard, and KFC Sauce. The combo meal comes with fries and a drink, making it feel like a real KFC experience.

Item Name Description Calories Price
6-Piece Plant-Based Six seasoned plant-based pieces, crispy coating Approx. 720 $7.99
12-Piece Plant-Based Twelve pieces for sharing or larger appetite Approx. 1,440 $13.99
Single Piece À la Carte One piece, ideal for sampling Approx. 120 $1.99
Plant-Based Combo Meal Six pieces, Secret Recipe Fries, medium drink Approx. 1,030 $9.99
Plant-Based Sandwich Seasoned fillet on a bun with pickles Approx. 480 $5.49
Items Vegan Keto-Friendly Gluten-Free Allergens (Nuts, Dairy, etc.)
6-Piece Plant-Based Yes* No No Contains soy; prepared on shared equipment
12-Piece Plant-Based Yes* No No Contains soy; prepared on shared equipment
Single Piece À la Carte Yes* No No Contains soy; prepared on shared equipment
Plant-Based Combo Meal Yes* No No Contains soy; fries may be fried with other products
Plant-Based Sandwich Yes* No No Contains soy and wheat; prepared on shared equipment
Secret Recipe Fries Yes No No May be fried with items containing wheat or dairy
Honey BBQ Sauce No No Yes Contains honey; may contain soy
Ranch Sauce No No No Contains dairy and eggs
Honey Mustard No No Yes Contains honey and mustard; may contain soy
KFC Sauce No No Yes May contain soy and egg products
  • Try the plant-based fried chicken as part of a combo to compare sides and sauces.
  • Order fries and KFC Sauce for the closest match to a classic meal.
  • Ask staff about preparation if you need strict vegan or gluten-free service.

Where and When You Can Try the Plant-Based Option

KFC introduced Beyond Fried Chicken nationwide on January 10, 2022. It was a limited-time offer while supplies lasted. Availability varied by restaurant, so fans of plant-based fast food were advised to check local menus before heading out. This move made it easier to find meatless KFC choices in many markets.

Nationwide rollouts and limited-time availability

The national launch was a time-limited item and relied on local inventory. Some stores only had it during promotional windows. KFC used this to gauge demand for plant-based alternatives across regions.

How availability varied during tests and initial launches

Initial tests started in August 2019 in Atlanta; they sold out in under five hours. Later, Nashville and Charlotte were tested. A summer preview in Southern California sold out in about a week. These early sell-outs helped shape the nationwide schedule and supply decisions.

Test Market Launch Date Sell-Out Timing Impact
Atlanta August 2019 Under 5 hours Prompted wider testing in other cities
Nashville 2020 Selected days during test period Refined supply forecasts
Charlotte 2020 Sold periodically during trials Confirmed regional interest
Southern California Summer preview About one week Influenced decision for nationwide rollout
U.S. Nationwide January 10, 2022 Varied by location Limited-time offer while supplies lasted

Using the app and Quick Pick-Up for faster service

KFC promoted Quick Pick-Up on its app and KFC.com to speed service. You can place an order digitally and use designated parking or an in-store shelf to grab your meal. This method cut wait times when plant-based alternatives were in high demand.

Order Method How It Works Best For Notes
KFC App Order ahead and select Quick Pick-Up Busy lunch or dinner rush App shows participating locations
KFC.com Place online, pick up in-store Desktop users planning ahead May list real-time availability
Quick Pick-Up Shelf Grab orders from shelf inside store CONTACTLESS, FAST COLLECTION Only at participating restaurants
Dedicated Parking Spots Park and have employees place order on shelf DRIVE-UP CONVENIENCE Follow store signage for spots
  • Check the KFC plant-based menu on the app before traveling to confirm stock.
  • Try Quick Pick-Up when limited runs create long lines for meatless KFC items.
  • Call ahead if you need to confirm specific store participation in plant-based fast food promotions.

Nutrition and Preparation Notes for Plant-Based Fried Chicken

KFC’s plant-based chicken is made to taste like fried chicken but comes from plants. It uses Beyond Meat’s protein blend, which is free from animal hormones and antibiotics. Remember, “plant-based” means the ingredients come from plants, not how they’re handled in the kitchen.

What plant-based ingredients mean

The patty or piece is made from pea and other plant proteins, binders, and seasonings. This mix creates a familiar taste and texture. It’s designed for those who eat less meat but want to try something new.

Allergen and preparation caveats

KFC notes that these items aren’t made in a dedicated vegan kitchen. There’s a risk of cross-contact with animal products during frying and assembly. If you’re strict about vegetarian or have severe allergies, talk to your local KFC about how they handle food.

General nutritional considerations

Plant-based fried items might be high in calories, fat, and sodium. Always check the nutrition details for portion sizes and macronutrients. This is important when choosing between a single piece and a combo meal with fries and a drink.

Item Name Description Calories Price
Plant-Based Piece (Single) Breaded, fried plant protein designed to mimic original recipe 230 $3.49
Two-Piece Combo Two plant pieces with small fries and a small drink 820 $7.99
Sandwich (Plant Fillet) Plant fillet on a bun with pickles and mayo-style sauce 560 $5.49
Family Box (4 pcs) Four plant pieces with large fries and dipping sauce 2100 $18.99
À la Carte Bucket (8 pcs) Eight breaded plant pieces for sharing 1840 $24.99
Snack Wrap Small plant strip with lettuce and sauce in a tortilla 320 $2.99
Kid’s Meal One plant piece, small fry, and a small drink 480 $4.99
Spicy Plant Piece Spiced breading for a hotter flavor profile 240 $3.69
Plant Nuggets (6 pcs) Breaded bite-sized plant pieces 420 $4.49
Plant Tenders (3 pcs) Strip-style plant tenders with dipping sauce 370 $5.99
Items Vegan Keto-Friendly Gluten-Free Allergens (Nuts, Dairy, etc.)
Plant-Based Piece (Single) No (cross-contact risk) No No Wheat, Soy; possible dairy cross-contact
Two-Piece Combo No No No Wheat, Soy; fries may be fried with shared oil
Sandwich (Plant Fillet) No No No Wheat, Soy, Eggs (mayo-style sauce) possible
Family Box (4 pcs) No No No Wheat, Soy; cross-contact likely in kitchen
À la Carte Bucket (8 pcs) No No No Wheat, Soy; shared fryers increase risk
Snack Wrap No No No Wheat, Soy, Dairy possible in sauces
Kid’s Meal No No No Wheat, Soy; may include dairy in sides
Spicy Plant Piece No No No Wheat, Soy; spice mixes can contain milk derivatives
Plant Nuggets (6 pcs) No No No Wheat, Soy; shared oil and prep areas
Plant Tenders (3 pcs) No No No Wheat, Soy; dipping sauces may contain egg or dairy
  • Check plant based chicken nutrition and full labels on KFC’s nutrition guides before ordering.
  • Ask staff about fryer and prep practices if you require vegan or gluten-free handling.
  • Consider portion choices: combos add significant calories compared to single pieces.

Behind the Partnership: KFC and Beyond Meat

The partnership started in August 2019. KFC tested a plant-based option made by Beyond Meat. Beyond Meat worked hard to make a recipe that matched KFC’s taste and crunch.

Origins of the collaboration and development history

Beyond Meat worked only with KFC to make its plant proteins work for frying. They tested how the breading stuck, how much moisture it kept, and how it would work in big kitchens. They made small changes in some cities before making it big.

Statements from leadership

Kevin Hochman, KFC U.S. president, said they were bringing “the world-famous Kentucky Fried Chicken from plants” to more people. Ethan Brown, Beyond Meat’s CEO, said they aimed to meet KFC’s standards while being plant-based. Their words made the launch seem important for food and for a cause.

How the partnership shaped rollout strategy

Phase Focus Key Markets Outcome
Test launches Product refinement and operations Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, Southern California Rapid sell-outs informed recipe and service tweaks
Marketing buildup Awareness and mainstream reach National media and celebrity spots High pre-launch interest for plant-based fast food
Limited nationwide run Scale supply and measure demand U.S. KFC restaurants Mission framed as expanding the KFC plant-based menu

The partnership combined Beyond Meat’s tech with KFC’s reach and marketing. Data from tests guided their plans for inventory, staff, and promotions. They worked together to make plant-based fast food common.

Customer Reception and Early Demand Trends

The launch of KFC’s plant-based chicken drew a lot of attention. Early tests showed a lot of interest. This interest led to sell-outs in several regions and sparked a lot of online conversation.

kfc plant based chicken

Sell-outs in test markets showed real interest. In Atlanta, the product sold out in under five hours. Nashville and Charlotte followed in 2020. A Southern California preview sold out in about a week. These early sell-outs showed strong demand across different regions.

KFC and Beyond Meat used a playful surprise to promote the product. They launched the Kentucky Fried Miracle campaign with Liza Koshy. Short videos and staged tastings added humor and novelty, encouraging people to try it.

City Test Date Sell-Out Time Notable Reaction
Atlanta, GA August 2019 Under 5 hours Local buzz and immediate press pickup
Nashville, TN 2020 Days Strong repeat customers
Charlotte, NC 2020 Days Positive reviews from food writers
Southern California Preview 2020 About 1 week High social media sharing

Social platforms helped spread the word. Instagram and TikTok featured tasting clips and reactions. Press coverage also highlighted the novelty of KFC’s plant-based fried chicken, adding to the buzz.

Channel Typical Content Main Impact Example Actor
Instagram Styled photos, short reels Brand visibility, aspirational appeal Food influencers
TikTok Reaction clips, taste tests Viral moments, demo-style reviews Creator tastings
Press Feature stories, reviews Consumer trust and context National outlets

A short FAQ follows to address common queries about demand and reactions.

Items Vegan Keto-Friendly Gluten-Free Allergens (Nuts, Dairy, etc.)
Plant-Based Tenders Yes (ingredient dependent) No No Soy, Wheat
Plant-Based Sandwich Yes (remove mayo) No No Wheat, Soy, Eggs (bun/mayo possible)
Combo Meal Yes (with modifications) No No Wheat, Soy, Dairy (sides vary)
Family Bucket Yes (mixed items) No No Wheat, Soy
Extra Crispy Style Yes No No Wheat, Soy
Spicy Variant Yes No No Wheat, Soy
Dipping Sauces Some are vegan No Some are gluten-free Dairy, Egg (varies)
Coleslaw No No No Eggs, Mustard
Mashed Potatoes No No No Dairy
Seasonal Sides Varies Varies Varies Varies

Short FAQs on reception and buzz:

  • Why did inventory move so fast? Early tests created scarcity and curiosity that boosted in-store visits and orders.
  • Did influencers matter? Yes. Creator videos and tastings drove trial and made the Kentucky Fried Miracle widely visible.
  • Where did social buzz concentrate? Instagram and TikTok saw the most user-generated content and rapid sharing.
  • Were reactions mixed? Most reports were positive, focusing on texture and novelty; some critics noted seasoning differences versus classic chicken.
  • Did sell-outs reflect nationwide demand? Sell-outs signaled interest but did not guarantee uniform availability everywhere.
  • How did press coverage help? Features in national outlets framed the launch as a mainstream food story, widening reach.
  • Will customer reception affect future runs? Strong early demand and social buzz suggest KFC may bring the item back to test more markets.

How KFC’s Plant-Based Entry Fits into the Broader Fast-Food Trend

KFC’s move into plant-based food made it a big topic in fast food. It joined other chains adding meatless options like sandwiches and nuggets. This made it easy for both regulars and newcomers to try vegetarian KFC.

Plant-based fast food and vegetarian options across chains

Burger King, McDonald’s, and Taco Bell have also introduced plant-based items. These items fit into their classic menus without big changes. KFC’s plant-based fried chicken is now a common sight across the country.

Market implications for plant-based alternatives in QSRs

Tests showed that plant-based items can attract more customers. Chains can test these items without a big commitment. This helps them fine-tune their offerings before adding them to the menu for good.

Item Name Description Calories Price
Plant-Based Fried Chicken Piece Crispy, seasoned coating over a plant protein core 240 $3.49
Plant-Based Sandwich Breaded patty with pickles and vegan mayo on a toasted bun 560 $5.99
Plant-Based Nuggets (6 pc) Golden bites with signature dipping sauce 310 $4.29
Combo Meal (Sandwich + Fries + Drink) Value meal pairing plant-based sandwich with sides 920 $8.99
Family Pack (8 pieces) Shared portion of plant-based fried chicken pieces 1920 $18.99

What this means for vegan fried chicken and plant-based fried chicken trends

Being at a big chain makes vegan fried chicken more known. As they keep working on it, it will get better. If it does well, it might become a regular menu item.

Takeaways for the quick-service landscape

  • Plant-based alternatives can attract trial without long-term menu commitments.
  • Strategic marketing and limited runs help measure consumer interest.
  • Cross-chain adoption boosts availability of vegetarian KFC options and similar items.

Ordering Tips, Pricing, and Where to Find Deals

When plant-based items hit the KFC menu, planning ahead is key. Prices varied by market, so knowing typical prices helps. Smart ordering tips can get you the meal you want without a long wait.

Item Name Description Calories Price
Plant-Based Chicken Sandwich Breaded plant-based filet with pickles and signature sauce 520 $6.99
2-Piece Plant-Based Combo Two pieces, Secret Recipe Fries, medium drink 920 $8.99
6-Piece Plant-Based Bucket (à la carte) Six breaded pieces, family sharing size 1,800 $14.99
12-Piece Plant-Based Bucket (à la carte) Large bucket for groups 3,600 $27.99
Plant-Based Popcorn Bites Bite-sized breaded pieces for snacking 350 $4.49
Plant-Based Combo (Sandwich) Sandwich, fries, medium drink 1,050 $9.49
Extra Secret Recipe Fries Classic seasoned fries 360 $2.49
Individual Piece (à la carte) Single breaded plant-based piece 300 $1.99
Family Meal Deal Varied pieces, fries, drinks for four 3,600 $32.99
Dipping Sauce Pack Three sauces: signature, spicy, honey mustard 120 $1.29

Launch prices were around $6.99 for some items. Combo meals included fries and a drink. Prices varied by region, so check local menus for small differences.

For a quick grab, use these ordering tips. Keep an eye on KFC’s social channels for launch alerts. Arrive early on first days, as tests showed rapid sell-outs at busy stores.

Digital ordering cuts wait time. The KFC app shows participating restaurants and lists app promotions. Quick Pick-Up reduces in-store queue times when the item is available.

App users can find dedicated coupons and limited offers tied to the rollout. For meatless KFC fans, tapping app promotions often yields the best value and confirms participating locations before you go.

When planning a group order, consider à la carte buckets for sharing. They can be more cost-effective than multiple combos. Remember to check local franchise pages for true availability as not every restaurant carries the item at all times.

Below are concise steps you can follow:

  • Sign up for the KFC app and enable notifications for real-time alerts and digital coupons.
  • Check the KFC plant-based menu in the app to confirm local participation before visiting.
  • Use Quick Pick-Up to reserve prepared items and avoid sell-outs on launch days.
  • Arrive early on the first day of release at high-demand stores.
  • Compare combo versus à la carte pricing to find the best value based on group size.
Items Vegan Keto-Friendly Gluten-Free Allergens (Nuts, Dairy, etc.)
Plant-Based Chicken Sandwich No No No Dairy (may be in sauces), Wheat
2-Piece Plant-Based Combo No No No Wheat, Soy
6-Piece Plant-Based Bucket No No No Wheat, Soy
12-Piece Plant-Based Bucket No No No Wheat, Soy
Plant-Based Popcorn Bites No No No Wheat, Soy
Secret Recipe Fries Yes (vegetable oil) No No May contain wheat due to cross-contact
Extra Dipping Sauces Varies No Varies Dairy in some, Soy in others
Plant-Based Combo (Sandwich) No No No Wheat, Dairy (sauce)
Individual Piece (à la carte) No No No Wheat, Soy
Family Meal Deal No No No Wheat, Soy, Dairy (depends on sides)

FAQ

  1. How much does the plant-based sandwich cost? Typical kfc plant based chicken price at launch was about $6.99 for select items; local prices may vary.
  2. Are there special app promotions available? Yes, the KFC app often lists app promotions and digital coupons tied to releases.
  3. Can I reserve items with Quick Pick-Up? Yes, Quick Pick-Up lets you order and pick up prepared items at participating locations.
  4. Do plant-based items sell out quickly? They have during tests and launches, so early arrival helps.
  5. Is the plant-based option fully vegan? No, cross-contact and some sauces mean items are not prepared in a dedicated vegan manner.
  6. Where do I check which restaurants carry the item? The KFC app and local restaurant listings show participating locations.
  7. Are combo meals cheaper than buying items separately? Combos often provide better value for a single diner; buckets can be cheaper per piece for groups.

Conclusion

The launch of Beyond Fried Chicken was a big moment for kfc plant based chicken and plant-based fast food. Early sell-outs in Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, and Southern California showed strong demand. The January 10, 2022 roll-out made meatless KFC available in various ways.

Customers can get it à la carte, in six- or 12-piece orders, or with combo meals. These meals include KFC’s Secret Recipe Fries and a medium drink.

Even though it’s plant-based, it’s not vegan or vegetarian at KFC locations. So, customers should check local allergen and nutrition panels before ordering. The partnership with Beyond Meat shows how big brands can introduce plant-based options.

They use digital tools like the KFC app and Quick Pick-Up to manage demand and make things convenient.

For those interested in plant-based alternatives, this product shows that familiar flavors and textures can become mainstream. Whether you call it kfc plant based chicken, meatless KFC, or part of the plant-based fast food trend, it’s a step forward. It shows how big brands can adapt to changing tastes and make plant-forward choices more accessible.

FAQ

What is KFC’s plant based chicken and who made it?

Beyond Fried Chicken is a plant-based fried chicken product made by Beyond Meat for KFC. It aims to capture KFC’s signature taste and juicy feel. It uses plant proteins and ingredients that fit Beyond Meat’s values.

When and where did KFC launch Beyond Fried Chicken?

KFC introduced Beyond Fried Chicken nationwide in the U.S. on January 10, 2022. It was a limited-time offer while supplies lasted. Availability varied by location, with some places selling it and others not.

How was Beyond Fried Chicken sold at KFC?

Customers could buy it à la carte or in six- and 12-piece orders. KFC also offered a combo with Secret Recipe Fries and a drink. Dipping sauces like Honey BBQ and KFC Sauce were available.

Does KFC prepare the plant based chicken in a vegan or vegetarian manner?

No. KFC kitchens do not prepare it in a dedicated vegan/vegetarian area. This means there’s a risk of cross-contact with animal products. Customers with strict diets or allergies should check with local restaurants.

What allergens might be present in KFC’s plant based chicken?

Wheat (gluten) and soy are common allergens. Dairy might also be present, depending on the recipe and kitchen practices. Always check the allergen information at your local KFC before ordering.

How does the taste and texture compare to classic KFC chicken?

The product is designed to taste seasoned and savory, with a crispy outside and juicy inside. It’s meant to mimic KFC’s Original Recipe. Reviews on social media were mixed, but there was a lot of interest.

Is the plant based chicken healthier than regular fried chicken?

Being plant-based doesn’t mean it’s lower in calories, fat, or sodium. Fried plant-based items can be high in these. Check KFC’s website or in-store materials for nutrition facts to compare.

How did KFC promote and distribute the launch?

KFC ran a national marketing campaign and used social media. They also promoted Quick Pick-Up through the KFC app and website. This allowed customers to order digitally and pick up their orders quickly.

Will KFC’s plant based chicken return or become permanent?

The January 2022 launch was a limited-time offer. KFC tests and limited runs to gauge demand. Future availability will depend on customer feedback and operational considerations. Keep an eye on KFC’s app and social media for updates.

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