Brian Nagele
One of the most well-known fast food franchises in the world, KFC is renowned for its crispy fried chicken and special mix of herbs and spices. Although the restaurant business has been sluggish to adopt plant-based options, KFC recently introduced vegan-friendly menu items to meet the demands of its expanding vegan and vegetarian clientele.
Many individuals are curious as to whether KFC offers vegan chicken. Yes, KFC does provide vegan chicken at some of its restaurants.
The company that specializes in plant-based meat substitutes, Beyond Meat, helped create the vegan chicken.
The vegan chicken is covered in KFC’s exclusive blend of herbs and spices to give it the same mouthwatering flavor as their regular chicken.
It is created from a combination of wheat protein, soy protein, and pea protein.
Even though the vegan chicken isn’t offered at every KFC, it is at more than 900 outlets nationwide and can be delivered through Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats.
KFC provides a vegan burger produced with Quorn, a meat alternative manufactured from mycoprotein, in addition to vegan chicken.
The vegan burger is advertised as having “11 herbs and spices. Zero Chicken” and is offered at more than 900 KFC locations nationwide.
What is Vegan Chicken?
A plant-based substitute for conventional chicken called vegan chicken is manufactured from a range of components, including soy, wheat, and pea protein.
Without utilizing any animal ingredients, it aims to mimic the flavor, texture, and appearance of chicken.
There are several variations of vegan chicken, such as nuggets, strips, patties, and even wings.
To replicate the flavor of classic chicken, it is frequently breaded and spiced.
Beyond Meat, one of the most well-known manufacturers of vegan chicken, collaborated with KFC to develop its Beyond Fried Chicken menu item.
This plant-based chicken is created to resemble KFC’s well-known fried chicken and is manufactured from a mixture of pea protein, rice flour, and fava beans.
For people who eat a vegan or vegetarian diet or who want to cut back on their animal intake for environmental or health reasons, vegan chicken is a terrific option.
While being more ethical and sustainable than conventional chicken, it offers a tasty and fulfilling substitute.
KFC’s Vegan Chicken Options
With the introduction of Beyond Fried Chicken and the Original Recipe Vegan Burger, KFC has been enhancing its vegan menu offerings in recent years.
Customers looking for more ethical and environmentally friendly options have access to these options’ plant-based alternatives.
Original Recipe Vegan Burger
The Original Recipe Vegan Burger is a vegetarian alternative to the traditional KFC burger.
It comes with a Quorn filet, iceberg lettuce, vegan mayo, and the restaurant’s exclusive blend of 11 herbs and spices, all on a soft bun.
In 2020, this burger was first served in the UK, where it has since gained popularity.
Quorn, a meat replacement based on mycoprotein that is high in protein and low in fat, is used to make the burger.
Because it requires fewer resources to produce than typical beef, quorn is another choice that is sustainable.
The crunchy filet is perfectly complemented by the vegan mayo, which is prepared with plant-based components and has a creamy texture.
The Original Recipe Vegan Burger is available as part of a meal deal that also includes fries and a drink for customers seeking a vegan meal.
For a lighter option, the burger can also be ordered on its own.
In conclusion, KFC’s vegan chicken selections offer a delectable and environmentally friendly substitute for conventional meat products.
Customers searching for a satisfying plant-based lunch have a lot of options, including the Original Recipe Vegan Burger.
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
Beyond Fried Chicken, created in collaboration with Beyond Meat, is a new vegan chicken option offered by KFC.
More than 4,000 KFC restaurants in the US offer this plant-based chicken alternative.
Ingredients of KFC’s Vegan Chicken
The Beyond Fried Chicken is created with a combination of wheat protein, soy protein, and pea protein, claims the KFC website.
Wheat flour, rice flour, and cornstarch are combined to make the bread. After that, canola oil is used to fry the vegan chicken.
Two types of vegan chicken are offered: Kentucky Fried and Nashville Hot.
The spicy Nashville Hot flavor is a version that is sprinkled with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper.
A traditional recipe is used to create the Kentucky Fried taste, which is then covered in KFC’s exclusive mixture of 11 herbs and spices.
Nutritional Information
Depending on the flavor and serving size, KFC’s Beyond Fried Chicken has different nutritional values.
Each nugget has about 60 calories, 3 grams of fat, and 1.5 grams of saturated fat, claims a Beyond Meat publicist.
Customers can determine the nutritional details for their particular order using the nutrition calculator on the KFC website.
The data, however, is based on typical serving sizes, so variations are to be expected as a result of seasonal impacts, slight variations in product assembly between restaurants, and other elements.
While KFC’s Beyond Fried Chicken is a vegan alternative, it should be understood that it is still a fried dish and should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Additionally, because this product contains both soy and wheat, people with those allergies should steer clear of it.
Availability of Vegan Chicken at KFC
In recent years, KFC has increased its vegan menu selections. In partnership with Beyond Meat, KFC introduced Beyond Fried Chicken in January 2022 at more than 4,000 outlets across the country.
During Veganuary, the plant-based chicken was offered for a brief period of time. Unfortunately, it was only offered (supply allowing) from late January to the end of February [1].
Beyond Fried Chicken is no longer offered on KFC menus as of May 2023. KFC nevertheless provides delectable vegan options that are worth trying.
Customers have the option of ordering a vegan burger cooked with a Quorn chicken fillet that has been seasoned with the chain’s well-known blend of herbs and spices.
The KFC Vegan Burger is offered at more than 900 KFC locations nationwide and can be delivered through Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats [5].
KFC offers a few vegan sides, such as corn on the cob, baked beans, and green beans, in addition to the vegan burger [3].
It’s important to keep in mind that location-specific availability of these sides may exist. Customers should inquire about vegan options at their neighborhood KFC location.
It’s crucial to remember that during processing, KFC’s vegan alternatives could come into touch with animal products.
Customers with serious allergies to dairy or animal ingredients are advised by KFC to steer clear of its vegan menu items [2].
To make sure their cuisine satisfies their needs, patrons with dietary restrictions or concerns should always speak with the restaurant personnel.
Overall, despite the few vegan alternatives offered by KFC, the restaurant business is trying to appeal to people who eat only plants.
Customers looking for fast food that is vegan-friendly may find that KFC’s vegan burger and sides are a good option.
Sources:
- https://vegnews.com/2022/1/kfc-vegan-fried-chicken-bucket
- https://www.kfc.com/nutrition/allergens
- https://vegnews.com/2022/8/kfc-vegan-food-ordering-guide
- https://www.veganfoodandliving.com/features/kfc-vegan-menu-options/
Frequently Asked Questions
Is KFC’s vegan chicken available nationwide?
KFC’s vegan chicken is currently available at select locations in the United States. The fast-food chain is gradually expanding its vegan options to more restaurants. Customers can check the KFC website to see if vegan chicken is available at their local restaurant.
Is KFC’s vegan chicken healthy?
KFC’s vegan chicken is not necessarily healthy. While it is plant-based and does not contain animal products, it is still fried and contains high amounts of sodium and calories. Customers should consume vegan chicken in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
What are the ingredients in KFC’s vegan chicken?
KFC’s vegan chicken is made with a blend of wheat protein, soy protein, and pea protein. The bread is made with a mix of flour, spices, and herbs. The vegan chicken is cooked in a separate fryer from the regular chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
What other vegan options does KFC offer?
In addition to vegan chicken, KFC offers a few vegan sides, including green beans, corn on the cob, and BBQ baked beans. Customers can also order fries, but they should be aware that they are cooked in the same fryer as the chicken.
How does KFC’s vegan chicken taste?
KFC’s vegan chicken has received mixed reviews. Some customers have praised it for its texture and flavor, while others have found it to be too greasy and lacking in taste. Ultimately, taste is subjective, and customers should try it for themselves to form their own opinion.
Conclusion
Finally, KFC has a few vegan options, but they are not without drawbacks. More than 4,000 sites offer the Beyond Fried Chicken, a plant-based substitute for conventional fried chicken.
The Beyond Fried Chicken, however, is not produced in a vegan-friendly manner because it uses the same machinery as chicken and other menu items.
This indicates that there is a chance of cross-contamination, which can compromise the product’s vegan designation.
Additionally, KFC serves vegan sides such as baked beans, green beans, and corn on the cob.
It is crucial to remember that not all of the sides are suitable for vegans, as some of them contain animal ingredients or are prepared in an inappropriate manner.
For instance, vegans should avoid the Finger Lickin’ Good Sauce since it contains eggs.
