KFC to launch plant-based alternative to its finger lickin’ good fried chicken in the US

KFC is welcoming 2022 with a plant-based item on its menu, offering a healthy alternative to its finger-lickin' good fried chicken.

The fast-food restaurant partnered with Beyond Meat to introduce Beyond Fried Chicken in different parts of the United States. “The mission from day one was simple—make the world-famous Kentucky Fried Chicken from plants,” KFC US president Kevin Hochman said in a press release. “Now, over two years later, we can say ‘mission accomplished.’” 

The timing couldn’t be any better as it’s slated for a Jan. 10 release, still with the clean slate of a new year. “It’s January, so it’s a time of New Year’s resolutions and wanting to do something different in your diet,” said Hochman. 

The offering, which comes in the form of chicken nuggets with a special dipping sauce, is available in six to 12 pieces a la carte or as a value meal starting at $6.99 (P359). It’s important to note that it was not “prepared in vegan/vegetarian manner,” as KFC and Beyond Meat both emphasized.

With the launch of Beyond Fried Chicken, KFC would be among the popular fast-food chains that have joined the plant-based movement, including Burger King (Plant-Based Whopper), McDonald’s (McPlant), and Wendy’s (Spicy Black Bean Burger).