KFC Will Launch Plant-Based Fried Chicken in the U.S.

KFC will add a new dish to its menu from January 10. The company will launch the plant-based fried chicken nugget alternative, called Beyond Fried Chicken for a limited time. 

Unsurprisingly, it is counting on clients making healthier choices to fulfill typical New Year’s resolutions. More and more people are embracing a so-called flexitarian diet in which consumers cut down on their meat consumption for health as well as environmental reasons. 

Clients have the opportunity to order it as part of a combo meal that includes a medium drink and fries or à la carte in six- or 12-piece portions. 

KFC and Beyond Meat

In 2021, Beyond Meat reached an agreement with Yum! Brands, which is the owner of KFC. Companies announced a partnership about a year ago to develop exclusive items for the fried chicken chain. 

KFC tested its Beyond Fried Chicken in 2020 in several cities. It tested its new menu item in  Los Angeles, Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as Nashville. 

KFC’s restaurants will receive Beyond Meat Chicken already pre-breaded and fried and  employees will re-fry it before serving. Nonetheless, KFC’s Beyond Meat Chicken is not for strict vegan or vegetarian eaters. Its new menu item is prepared in the same areas where chicken offerings are made. 

KFC and other fast food chains jumped on the plant-based meat trend as a way to bring in new customers. They also want to attract former customers. Fast food chains expanded beyond imitation beef, too. For instance, Burger King is not testing out nuggets from Impossible. Its rival Dunkin’ sells a Beyond Meat breakfast sandwich. Starbucks also has its own Impossible breakfast sandwich. 

Last week, Chipotle Mexican Grill added chorizo to its menu. More importantly, chorizo is Chipotle’s first new meatless protein option since it added tofu-based sofritas several years ago. 

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