Following on the success of products such as the Kentucky Fried Chicken-scented bath bomb and the KFC Bucket Björn -- complete with padded shoulder and hip straps to evenly distribute weight across the upper torso — Kentucky Fried Chicken is introducing plant-based nuggets and “wings.”
In a partnership with Beyond Meat, KFC is the first quick-service restaurant in the United States to begin serving plant-based chicken. Beyond Fried Chicken makes its debut in Atlanta, Georgia, Aug. 27 for a limited time and the results of that trial will decide the plant-based product’s future and a possible nation-wide rollout.
Beyond Fried Chicken will be available in nuggets with a choice of favorite dipping sauce, including KFC's signature Finger Lickin' Good sauce, or boneless wings tossed in one of three delicious sauces with a choice between Nashville Hot, Buffalo or honey BBQ.
"KFC Beyond Fried Chicken is so delicious, our customers will find it difficult to tell that it's plant-based," said Kevin Hochman, president and chief concept officer, KFC U.S. said in a press release. "I think we've all heard 'it tastes like chicken' — well our customers are going to be amazed and say, 'it tastes like Kentucky Fried Chicken.'"
KFC turned to plant-based leader Beyond Meat, to create a finger lickin' good plant-based fried chicken that will appeal to lovers of both Beyond Meat and KFC.
"KFC is an iconic part of American culture and a brand that I, like so many consumers, grew up with. To be able to bring Beyond Fried Chicken, in all of its KFC-inspired deliciousness to market, speaks to our collective ability to meet the consumer where they are and accompany them on their journey. My only regret is not being able to see the legendary Colonel himself enjoy this important moment," said Ethan Brown, founder and CEO of Beyond Meat in the press release.
Beyond Meat began developing its revolutionary plant-based meat in 2009, and since then has introduced several breakthrough products across the brand's beef, pork and poultry platforms. The announcement of plant-based chicken makes the KFC and Beyond Meat partnership a unique one and the first of its kind in the U.S. fast food field.
KFC has a history of frequently testing unique menu items as a part of its food innovation strategy, including shrimp donuts (Thailand), Chizza (chicken pizza), the Double Down hotdog and Waffle Double Down.
sthomas@vancourier.com
@sthomas10
