The End of the Beyond Fried Chicken Era
For many fast-food customers seeking plant-based alternatives, the sight of Beyond Fried Chicken at KFC was a welcome development. The partnership between the fried chicken giant and Beyond Meat generated considerable excitement, beginning with highly successful trials in 2019 and culminating in a nationwide U.S. launch in January 2022. However, that excitement was short-lived. The product was always intended as a limited-time offering, available only while supplies lasted. As of today, the Beyond Meat nuggets are no longer available on KFC's menu in the United States.
During a Q1 2022 earnings call, KFC's parent company, Yum! Brands, revealed that the launch “elevated the brand and boosted relevance,” proving the value of such a partnership. Despite the positive brand exposure, the product was not added as a permanent fixture. This outcome reflects a common strategy for fast-food chains using popular, newsworthy items to drive temporary sales and brand buzz, rather than fundamentally changing their core menu offerings.
The Rise and Fall of Beyond Fried Chicken
The collaboration's journey was a multi-year process that showcased the public's growing appetite for plant-based options. From a single-location test that sold out in five hours to a full nationwide rollout, the product's lifespan was a series of measured, successful tests.
- August 2019: Beyond Fried Chicken first debuts at a single Atlanta location for a one-day trial, selling out in just five hours and indicating strong consumer demand.
- January 2020: The product is tested in more markets, including Charlotte, NC, and Nashville, TN, continuing to build anticipation.
- July 2020: Expands to over 50 restaurants in Southern California for a limited run.
- January 2022: Beyond Fried Chicken officially launches nationwide across the U.S. for a limited time.
- Early 2022: The limited-time offering concludes, and the product is pulled from menus as planned.
- Post-2022: The Beyond Fried Chicken does not return to U.S. menus, and KFC's plant-based options revert to mostly sides.
A Global vs. Domestic Plant-Based Approach
While the U.S. menu lacks Beyond Meat options, KFC's approach to plant-based items is not uniform globally. The company tailors its offerings to regional consumer demands and trends. This results in significant differences for vegetarians and vegans depending on their location.
KFC Plant-Based Menu Comparison: USA vs. International
| Feature | KFC USA | KFC UK & Canada | International Examples | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beyond Meat Chicken | Discontinued; limited-time offer only. | Not offered; used different suppliers. | Varies by country; some test different products. | The US collaboration was a specific, temporary deal. |
| Plant-Based Chicken | Not currently available on menu. | Yes, permanent options are often available, like a Quorn-based vegan burger in the UK. | Yes, varies. KFC China offered a Beyond Meat beef wrap. | International markets show a more sustained commitment. |
| Vegan Side Options | Limited to sides like sweet kernel corn and Secret Recipe Fries. | Includes more substantial options like BBQ Beans and sometimes fries (verify oil). | Varies widely. UK menu offers more vegan sides. | The US menu is currently very sparse for plant-based mains. |
| Allergen Note | During the 2022 rollout, Beyond Fried Chicken was cooked in shared fryers, meaning it was not strictly vegetarian or vegan due to cross-contamination. | Often includes allergen disclaimers. In the UK, some fries are cooked with meat products. | Always check with local franchises for cooking methods. | Cross-contamination is a consistent issue for fast-food plant-based items. |
What are the Current Options at KFC?
For US customers seeking meat-free alternatives, the menu is notably different than it was during the Beyond Meat promotion. The most prominent vegetarian-friendly items are relegated to the sides menu. The list of options is limited but includes reliable staples. Your choices will largely consist of:
- Secret Recipe Fries: These fries, seasoned with a blend of onion, carrot, and tomato powder, are a plant-based option for those seeking a starchy side.
- Sweet Kernel Corn: Simple and dairy-free, the sweet kernel corn is a safe bet for a vegetable side.
- Condiments: Several condiments, including ketchup and hot sauce, are typically suitable for vegans.
For those seeking a full meal experience, the US menu no longer offers a dedicated plant-based main. This has prompted many to assemble a meal from sides, or to look to other fast-food competitors that offer more permanent plant-based main courses.
Conclusion: The Final Word on Beyond Meat at KFC
In summary, KFC's Beyond Fried Chicken was an exciting, but ultimately temporary, menu addition in the United States. It played its role as a headline-grabbing promotional item to test the market and boost brand relevance, but it is no longer available. The best advice for customers is to manage expectations; the plant-based chicken is not returning in the foreseeable future. Those interested in plant-based options at KFC should focus on the limited selection of side dishes available in the U.S. or explore the more extensive options found in international KFC markets. The legacy of Beyond Fried Chicken serves as a powerful case study in fast-food innovation and the challenges of integrating plant-based items into mainstream menus.
For additional information regarding the history of KFC's plant-based offerings and other vegan fast-food options, you can consult reputable sources such as VegNews.(https://vegnews.com/guides/kfc-vegan-food-ordering-guide).
