These days, it’s easier than ever to keep meat out of your diet. Plant-based alternatives have become commonplace in grocery stores, and popular restaurant chains have begun offering more vegan items than ever before.
But, when people think of vegan-friendly restaurants, Kentucky Fried Chicken is probably one of the last places to come to mind. After all, they have a reputation for their deep-fried chicken and buttery side dishes.
So, if you’re looking for some vegan-friendly fast food, you may be surprised at what KFC has to offer. From crispy “chicken” nuggets made from soy protein and soft and flavorful green beans to sweet handheld apple pies, KFC has a lot to offer its vegan patrons.
And, of course, it’s all “finger-lickin’ good!”
Here are nine different KFC vegan options to order next time you stop by this iconic restaurant chain.
Even if you aren’t a vegan, these items can be a great choice if you’re watching your cholesterol. They’re also perfect for lent or meatless Mondays!
Beyond Fried Chicken Nuggets
If you’re a fan of KFC’s classic fried chicken, their Beyond Fried Chicken is a great alternative.
The main ingredients of this plant-based substitute are soy and wheat protein. It’s also much lower in fat than real chicken, and totally free of cholesterol.
The Beyond Fried chicken has the delicious crispy breading that KFC fans have come to know and love.
When you dip it in your favorite KFC dipping sauce, you may not even notice the difference!
Bear in mind, however, that this product may not be suitable for all vegans or vegetarians.
This plant-based chicken shares a fryer with the standard KFC chicken products, so there is a chance of cross-contamination.
Green Beans
Looking for a vegan side for your Beyond Fried Chicken? KFC’s green beans are a light and tasty way to complete any meal!
These green beans can make a great alternative to french fries if you’re trying to stay healthy.
This side dish is truly as simple as they come, but that’s certainly not a bad thing. KFC’s green beans are super tender and juicy.
They also have a dash of salt, pepper, and onion to give them a little extra flavor.
Some locations will serve this item with butter, so when you order these green beans, be sure to request no butter.
Secret Recipe Fries
Nothing goes better when chicken nuggets than some crispy french fries – it’s one of my favorite combinations!
If you’re giving KFC’s Beyond Nuggets a try, you’ll want to add on some of their Secret Recipe Fries for a delicious plant-based meal!
These fries have a blend of herbs that make them super flavorful on their own. You may not even need to add ketchup.
Unfortunately, like the Beyond Chicken, these french fries may share a fryer with KFC’s meat products.
If you’re opting for plant-based for ethical reasons, this may still be a good choice. But, if you have a dietary or religious reason for going vegan, you might want to choose something else.
Whole Kernel Corn
I hope you like side dishes because they make up the bulk of this vegan-friendly menu. Thankfully, KFC’s sides are just as flavorful as their chicken.
Next time you dine at KFC, be sure to order a bowl of Whole Kernel Corn!
Simple yet flavorful, this side dish tastes great along with some green beans and Beyond Fried Chicken. It’s a must-have for any KFC meal.
Some locations may serve their whole kernel corn with butter, so you should request that they leave it out when you order it.
Fortunately, the corn itself is so flavorful you won’t even miss the butter!
BBQ Baked Beans
Who knew that KFC’s BBQ Baked Beans were vegan? This side dish gets all of its flavors from plants.
It may not have the pork you often get with baked beans, but it’s still truly delicious. If you’re sticking to a vegan lifestyle, you won’t have to miss out on the taste of KFC’s barbecue sauce.
I like them because they still have a “meaty” taste and sweet/smoky flavor without the use of any animal products in the recipe.
These baked beans go great as a companion to some Beyond Fried Chicken.
Or if you’re a fan of their other vegan-friendly sides, they’ll be perfect next to some green beans, whole kernel corn, and secret recipe fries.
KFC’s BBQ baked beans are high in fiber and protein, so they’re a perfect way to make a meal extra filling.
Apple Turnover
Did you save room for dessert? I can’t finish a meal without something sweet.
When you enjoy a plant-based meal at KFC, you can top it off with one of their delicious apple turnovers and feel like you’ve stepped into a traditional southern kitchen.
Their apple turnover is one of the best KFC vegan options on their menu. Most people wouldn’t think to stop at KFC when they have a sweet tooth, but this menu item may change your mind.
The KFC apple turnover is free of all animal products (as well as other allergens like nuts and soy), making it a perfect option for vegans seeking some American-style comfort food.
It has a crispy pie crust and a soft apple filling, giving you all the flavors of a warm apple pie in an easy-to-eat handheld treat!
House Side Salad
You can’t make a list of a restaurant’s vegan options without there being at least one salad.
That said, the KFC House Side Salad is still a tasty option when you’re seeking something light and meat-free.
This salad has tomatoes and sliced onions on a bed of crispy romaine lettuce. Be sure to ask them to hold the croutons, as they contain parmesan cheese.
You should also ask for a vegan dressing option – their Marzetti Light Italian Dressing is a safe choice.
You can enjoy the salad on its own if you’re looking for a light meal, or even pair it with some Beyond Fried Chicken for something more substantial.
Musselman’s Applesauce
Looking for a kid-friendly, plant-based side for your KFC meal? Or, do you just really love the taste of applesauce?
No matter your reason, KFC offers Musselman’s Applesauce at most of their locations.
It’s a perfect choice if you’re seeking a light, sweet, and refreshing snack. At only 45 calories, it’s suitable if you’re going vegan for dietary reasons.
It even comes in a little pouch to make it an easy on-the-go treat.
Even if you’re not a vegan, this KFC vegan menu item is a fun snack if you’re a kid at heart!
Kentucky Fried Chicken has a reputation for its American-style comfort food. Over the last few years, their menu has expanded to cater to several different diets and lifestyles.
With the success of KFC’s Beyond Chicken products, they will likely continue to introduce more vegan-friendly products over time. The list of vegan items on their menu is pretty small right now, but perhaps in the future, this list will grow!
Are there any KFC vegan options we forgot to include? Be sure to let me know in the comments section! And if you’re craving some more vegan restaurant menu items, check out our article on the Top 10 Vegan Taco Bell Items.
Looking for classic KFC items? Check out the most popular food on their menu.