Does KFC have lab grown meat?

January 7, 2026 •

2 min read

In 2020, reports emerged of a KFC experiment involving 3D bioprinted nuggets made from chicken cells and plant material, sparking rumors. However, the direct answer to 'Does KFC have lab grown meat?' is no, they do not currently serve cultivated meat products.

Quick Summary

KFC does not sell or serve lab-grown meat in its restaurants. While a one-time experiment was conducted in Russia, the company has only commercially offered plant-based chicken alternatives for a limited time.

Key Points

No Lab-Grown Meat: KFC does not currently serve or sell lab-grown (cultivated) meat in any of its restaurants.
Russia Experiment: The rumors originated from a one-time, 2020 research experiment in Russia to create 3D bioprinted nuggets using chicken cells.
Past Plant-Based Options: KFC previously partnered with Beyond Meat to offer plant-based 'Beyond Fried Chicken' in the U.S., but this was a limited-time item.
Global Differences: Availability of alternative items like plant-based burgers or sides varies significantly by country and market.
Technology Distinction: Lab-grown meat (grown from cells) is different from plant-based meat (made from plants), and KFC’s commercial offerings have been plant-based.
Focus on Traditional: The company remains focused on its traditional, real chicken products for the majority of its menu.

No, KFC does not serve lab-grown meat

Despite persistent rumors, KFC does not sell or serve lab-grown (also known as cultivated or cell-based) meat in any of its restaurants. The source of these stories originates from a specific, non-commercial research project from 2020 that was misinterpreted.

The truth behind the 2020 Russia experiment

Rumors began in July 2020 when KFC's Russian division announced a collaboration with 3D Bioprinting Solutions to create bioprinted chicken nuggets using a mix of chicken cells and plant-based materials. This project was an experiment aimed at developing a more sustainable meat option, with a potential test run planned in Moscow.

It is important to note this was a one-time experiment and not a commercial product launch. A KFC spokesperson confirmed in 2023 that the event was not part of a long-term strategy. Following the sale of KFC's Russian operations, further development there ceased.

Lab-grown vs. plant-based: The real story of KFC's alternatives

KFC has explored alternative proteins, including a limited experiment with cell-cultured meat and commercial involvement with plant-based options. KFC partnered with Beyond Meat for plant-based "Beyond Fried Chicken" tests starting in 2019, which led to a limited nationwide release in the U.S. in 2022 before being discontinued. Plant-based options may still be found in some international markets. For more details on these initiatives, see {Link: Green Queen https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/kfc-announces-3d-bioprint-lab-grown-chicken-nuggets-in-russia/}.

The difference between cultivated meat and plant-based meat

Understanding the distinction is key to dispelling the myth of KFC's lab-grown meat. Cultivated meat is grown from real animal cells in a laboratory, resulting in a product biologically identical to traditional meat. Plant-based meat, conversely, is made entirely from plant proteins and ingredients, engineered to mimic the taste and texture of meat. While cultivated meat is not yet widely available commercially, plant-based options are.

Conclusion

KFC does not serve lab-grown meat, although rumors stemmed from a limited experiment in Russia years ago. This initial exploration of cellular agriculture was not a long-term strategy and did not result in a commercial product. KFC's primary alternative protein offering has been the limited-time plant-based Beyond Fried Chicken in partnership with Beyond Meat, which is no longer available in the U.S.. Today, KFC serves traditional chicken. For further information, you can read the USA Today fact-check.

The future of KFC and alternative proteins

KFC has shown interest in exploring new food technologies and responding to consumer demand for sustainable and plant-based options. While plant-based items may continue to be explored or offered in certain markets, there is no current indication that lab-grown meat is part of their immediate commercial plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Beyond Fried Chicken is a plant-based product made from soy and wheat protein, developed with Beyond Meat, which is completely different from cultivated meat grown from animal cells.

Yes, in 2020, KFC's Russian division conducted a one-time experiment with a 3D bioprinting company to develop nuggets from a hybrid of chicken cells and plant material. It was not a commercial product.

The test for the 3D-printed chicken nuggets was planned and conducted in Moscow, Russia, as a one-time, exploratory project.

Options vary by country. In the U.S., options are limited to sides like sweet kernel corn and fries, while the UK has a permanent vegan burger.

Lab-grown meat is created from real animal cells in a laboratory. Plant-based meat is made from plant proteins (like soy or peas) and other ingredients to mimic the taste and texture of animal meat.

KFC’s exploration of bioprinting was part of its 'restaurant of the future' concept, seeking more environmentally sustainable and ethical methods of food production.

While KFC has shown interest in food innovation, there are no current commercial plans to introduce cultivated meat. The technology is still in early stages for widespread commercial use in fast food.