KFC and Beyond Meat: A Timeline of Plant-Based Trials
KFC's foray into the plant-based market began with a highly publicized partnership with Beyond Meat, a leading producer of plant-based meat substitutes. The collaboration was a significant move for a brand synonymous with fried chicken, aiming to attract a new generation of consumers and flexitarians looking to reduce their meat consumption.
The initial Beyond Fried Chicken tests
The journey started with a single test location in Atlanta, Georgia, in August 2019. The trial was a resounding success, selling out of its limited stock in less than five hours. Following this, KFC expanded its tests to more locations in Nashville, Tennessee; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Southern California throughout 2020. These regional tests allowed the company to refine the product and gauge broader consumer demand, setting the stage for a much larger rollout.
The national but temporary launch
In January 2022, KFC launched Beyond Fried Chicken nationwide across more than 4,000 U.S. locations. The limited-time offering, available in 6 or 12-piece nugget orders, was met with massive media attention and high customer interest. Despite the hype, the product was designed as a temporary promotion to test market viability and was removed from menus by the end of February 2022. This limited run left many plant-based enthusiasts disappointed, as the product seemed to disappear almost as quickly as it arrived.
Are KFC's plant-based nuggets available today?
As of late 2025, KFC's Beyond Fried Chicken nuggets are not available on the menu in the United States. The 2022 nationwide release was a limited-time offer and has since been discontinued. While the partnership with Beyond Meat was successful in generating brand relevance and media impressions, there have been no official announcements about the product's permanent return to U.S. menus.
The preparation dilemma
One of the most debated aspects of the Beyond Fried Chicken rollout was the preparation method. KFC explicitly stated that while the nuggets' ingredients were 100% plant-based, they were cooked in the same fryers as their traditional chicken products. This raised concerns for strict vegans and vegetarians due to cross-contamination, a point that KFC was transparent about in its marketing.
Regional offerings and alternatives
While the U.S. menu currently lacks a plant-based nugget, KFC's international menus often offer more diverse vegetarian and vegan options. For example, KFC in the UK and Ireland offers a Vegan Burger, and other European markets have historically trialed various vegetarian items. The specific availability depends heavily on regional market demands and corporate strategies. For U.S. customers seeking plant-based alternatives, the menu is largely limited to side dishes and beverages.
Comparison Table: Plant-Based Nuggets at Fast-Food Chains (US)
| Feature | KFC Beyond Fried Chicken (Limited) | Burger King (Impossible Foods) | McDonald's (McPlant) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Discontinued (as of late 2025) | Launched limited, regional tests | Launched limited, regional tests |
| Plant-Based Partner | Beyond Meat | Impossible Foods | Beyond Meat |
| Primary Ingredients | Soy and wheat protein | Soy and potato protein | Pea protein |
| Cross-Contamination | Yes, fried in same oil as chicken | Cooked on shared equipment | Cooked on shared grill |
| Target Audience | Flexitarians and meat-eaters | Flexitarians, vegetarians, vegans (with caution) | Flexitarians, vegetarians, vegans (with caution) |
The Future of Plant-Based Options at KFC
The market for plant-based foods is growing, driven by shifting consumer preferences towards healthier and more sustainable options. Although KFC has not announced a new U.S. plant-based chicken item, the company's past trials and continued partnerships with companies like Beyond Meat in other regions suggest that future offerings are possible. The limited nature of previous releases indicates a cautious approach, with the company likely testing demand before committing to a permanent menu fixture. The industry trend is moving towards offering more plant-based alternatives, so it's a matter of 'when' rather than 'if' KFC will re-enter the U.S. market with a plant-based chicken product.
Conclusion
In summary, KFC does not currently offer plant-based nuggets in the United States, and its 2022 Beyond Fried Chicken offering was a temporary promotion. The product was plant-based by ingredients but not certified vegan due to shared cooking equipment. The success of past trials, however, suggests that future plant-based menu items are a strong possibility. For now, U.S. customers looking for vegan or vegetarian options at KFC are limited to side dishes and must remain patient for the return of a plant-based main course. For those in other countries like the UK, KFC offers more consistent plant-based choices, such as the Vegan Burger.
For more information on the history of KFC's plant-based offerings and consumer reception, you can read detailed coverage from Eater, which covered the 2022 launch extensively, here.
