What are the Ingredients in KFC Vegan Chicken?

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

KFC's plant-based chicken offerings vary significantly by region and collaboration. For instance, in the US, KFC Beyond Fried Chicken was developed with Beyond Meat using soy and wheat proteins.

Quick Summary

Beyond Meat's collaboration with KFC for plant-based chicken relies primarily on soy and wheat protein, while some international versions, like those in the UK, utilize mycoprotein from fermented fungi. Different formulations include other plant-based components and the proprietary seasoning blend to mimic the taste and texture of chicken.

Key Points

Beyond Meat Partnership: In North America, KFC's vegan chicken typically uses a blend of soy and wheat protein from its collaboration with Beyond Meat.
Quorn Mycoprotein: European markets often feature products using mycoprotein, a high-protein, fungus-based alternative from Quorn.
Regional Variations: The specific ingredients for KFC's plant-based options vary depending on the country and product, with different suppliers and base ingredients used globally.
Cross-Contamination Risk: Strict vegans must be cautious, as some KFC locations cook their plant-based chicken in the same oil as regular chicken, risking cross-contamination.
Iconic Seasoning: The proprietary 11 herbs and spices used in the coating are often used on the plant-based products to mimic the signature KFC flavor.

The Core Ingredients of KFC's Plant-Based Offerings

When asking what are the ingredients in KFC vegan chicken, the answer depends on where in the world you are and which specific product is being offered. KFC has developed different plant-based products in collaboration with various food manufacturers, most notably Beyond Meat in North America and Quorn in the UK and Europe. While each product aims to replicate the signature taste and texture of Colonel Sanders' famous chicken, their foundational components can differ significantly.

The Beyond Meat Collaboration in North America

For its North American markets, KFC has partnered with Beyond Meat to create its Beyond Fried Chicken. This product, often featured for a limited time, is the version most American consumers might recognize. According to CNET and Beyond Meat's own information, the protein base for this product is derived from a blend of soy and wheat proteins. The formulation is a closely guarded trade secret, but key ingredients include:

Protein Sources: Soy protein and wheat gluten are foundational, providing the fibrous, meat-like texture.
Seasoning and Flavor: A blend of seasonings, including garlic powder, onion powder, and spices, contributes to the familiar KFC flavor.
Binding Agents: Components like potato starch, pea fiber, and yeast extract help bind the ingredients and enhance texture.
Fats: Oils like avocado and canola provide moisture and aid in the cooking process.

The Quorn Mycoprotein-Based Burger in Europe

Across the Atlantic, KFC's vegan options in markets like the UK and Ireland use a different primary ingredient: mycoprotein.

Mycoprotein: This is the core ingredient, derived from a natural fungus, Fusarium venenatum, and is a high-protein, high-fiber, meat-free alternative.
Coatings and Spices: The Quorn fillet is coated in KFC's famous 11 herbs and spices to deliver the brand's iconic flavor profile.
Other Ingredients: In addition to the mycoprotein, the patty contains other ingredients like wheat flour, seasonings, and binders to create the desired texture and taste.

Is it Truly Vegan? A Closer Look at Preparation

While the recipes for the plant-based patties themselves are 100% animal-free, their status as a fully vegan product for some customers is complicated by preparation methods.

Shared Fryers: In many cases, KFC's plant-based chicken is cooked in the same fryers used for its animal-based chicken products. This practice introduces the risk of cross-contamination with meat products, which is a major concern for strict vegans and those with certain dietary restrictions.
Regional Policies: Some regions may use separate oil for frying to accommodate vegan customers, so it is always essential to check with the specific restaurant location regarding their preparation procedures.

Comparison of KFC Vegan Chicken Variations


Feature	North American Beyond Fried Chicken	European Quorn Vegan Burger	Canadian Plant-Based KFC
Primary Protein	Soy and Wheat Protein	Mycoprotein (from fungi)	Soy and Wheat Protein
Texture Mimicry	Developed to have a fibrous, meat-like bite	Based on a mushroom-derived protein with a unique texture	Replicates the original chicken texture closely
Main Format	Nugget or Boneless Wing style	Vegan burger with a fillet	Burger or sandwich format
Vegan Status (Recipe)	100% animal-free ingredients	100% animal-free ingredients (often contains milk and egg in some older products)	100% animal-free ingredients
Vegan Status (Preparation)	Often cooked in shared fryers, risking cross-contamination	Separate frying oil is used in many European locations	Often cooked in same oil as other products, risking cross-contamination
Supplier	Beyond Meat	Quorn	Local partner (e.g., Lightlife) in some versions

Conclusion: Navigating Your Options

For those wondering what are the ingredients in KFC vegan chicken, the answer is a combination of innovation and regional adaptation. From the Beyond Meat collaboration featuring soy and wheat proteins to the Quorn mycoprotein-based patties in Europe, KFC has explored different avenues to create a convincing plant-based alternative. While the core recipes are animal-free, potential cross-contamination during preparation remains a crucial consideration for strict vegans. For the most up-to-date and accurate information on ingredients and cooking methods, it is always recommended to check the specific KFC location's website or inquire directly at the restaurant. For more details on the Beyond Meat side of the collaboration, see Beyond Meat's official FAQ: Beyond Meat FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary protein source varies by region. In the US, it is a blend of soy and wheat protein from Beyond Meat. In the UK and Europe, it is mycoprotein from Quorn.

This depends on the location and region. In many North American locations, it is cooked in shared fryers with chicken products, posing a cross-contamination risk for strict vegans. However, some European locations use separate frying oil.

Yes, KFC states that its plant-based options are coated in the same 11 herbs and spices to provide the signature taste, though the recipe itself is animal-free.

No, not all KFC locations offer a plant-based option. Availability is subject to regional demand and specific product rollouts, which can sometimes be for a limited time.

No, the Beyond Fried Chicken is not gluten-free as it contains wheat protein as one of its core ingredients.

Mycoprotein is a high-protein, high-fiber meat substitute derived from a naturally occurring fungus. It is used as the base for the Quorn products found in some international KFC markets.

For the most accurate and current information, you should check the nutritional and allergen page on your local KFC website or ask restaurant staff directly, as ingredients can differ by location.