Discontinued Collaboration: The Story of KFC's Plant-Based Offering
For a time, KFC and Beyond Meat teamed up to create a plant-based alternative that captured the market's attention. Called Beyond Fried Chicken, it was made available in select U.S. markets for a limited period, generating significant buzz. The product was a stepping stone for the fast-food chain, allowing it to test the waters of the growing plant-based market. However, the product has since been discontinued in the United States, and its availability has shifted to other regions with different formulations.
The Core Ingredients: A Look at the Building Blocks
The recipe for the Beyond Fried Chicken nuggets created for KFC was developed exclusively with Beyond Meat. The primary components of this proprietary recipe were:
- Soy protein: This protein isolate provides the bulk and texture, helping to form the shape and 'bite' of the nugget. It's a common ingredient in many plant-based meat substitutes.
- Wheat protein: More commonly known as vital wheat gluten, this ingredient helps create a more fibrous, chewy texture that convincingly mimics muscle tissue in poultry.
- Flavoring and seasoning: To replicate the iconic taste, the nuggets were coated in KFC's classic blend of 11 herbs and spices. The nuggets also contained other natural flavors, spices like onion and garlic powder, and seasoning to enhance the savory profile.
- Bread crumbs: A crispy, crunchy breading was essential for replicating the fried chicken experience. Beyond Meat and KFC developed a proprietary blend for the outer coating.
Beyond Meat also uses other ingredients like expeller-pressed canola oil, refined coconut oil, and various starches to create the final product. It's worth noting that while the product itself was made from plant-based ingredients, in the U.S., it was fried in the same oil as traditional chicken, making it unsuitable for strict vegans or those with cross-contamination concerns. In other regions, like some parts of Europe, KFC has different plant-based options that may not use Beyond Meat and have different cooking procedures.
Comparing KFC Plant-Based vs. Regular Fried Chicken
| Feature | Beyond Fried Chicken Nugget (approximate, 2022) | Regular KFC Extra Crispy Tender (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories (per piece) | 80 calories | ~70 calories |
| Protein (per piece) | ~5g | ~10g |
| Fat (per piece) | ~4.5g | ~7g |
| Sodium (per piece) | ~240mg | ~320mg |
| Cholesterol | 0g | Present (animal product) |
| Key Ingredient | Soy and wheat protein | Chicken |
| Cooking Method | Deep-fried (in same oil as chicken) | Deep-fried |
| Health Profile | Highly processed, comparable fat/sodium | Highly processed, comparable fat/sodium |
Note: Nutritional values can vary by location, serving size, and preparation. Data based on reports from Beyond Meat and KFC's previous nutrition guides.
The Future of Plant-Based Fast Food
The journey of KFC's Beyond Fried Chicken highlights the fast-evolving landscape of quick-service restaurants adapting to changing consumer demands. While the initial product run in the U.S. was limited, it demonstrated a clear interest from the public for plant-based comfort food options. The experience provided valuable insights into market preferences and the challenges of integrating new products into existing supply chains and kitchen procedures.
Moving forward, it's likely that KFC and other chains will continue to experiment with plant-based offerings. In fact, KFC Canada and other international branches have continued to offer plant-based products, sometimes using different suppliers like Lightlife or Quorn. These international variations demonstrate how plant-based strategy is localized based on market and regional demand.
Conclusion
The plant-based chicken formerly offered by KFC was a soy and wheat-based meat substitute developed in partnership with Beyond Meat. It was coated in the signature 11 herbs and spices and fried to a crisp, similar to its traditional chicken counterpart. While it was a solid alternative for those seeking a non-animal option, it was still a highly processed food item with comparable nutritional figures to regular fried chicken. The limited run in the U.S. showed the market's appetite for such products, but the global strategy continues to evolve with regional differences. For the most accurate and up-to-date ingredient and allergen information, customers should consult the nutritional guidelines provided by their local KFC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is KFC plant-based chicken still available in the U.S.?
No, the Beyond Fried Chicken product offered in collaboration with Beyond Meat has been discontinued in the United States.
What are the main ingredients in the KFC Beyond Fried Chicken?
The product was primarily made from a blend of plant-based proteins, specifically soy and wheat, designed to mimic the texture of chicken.
Is KFC plant-based chicken vegan?
In the U.S., the Beyond Fried Chicken was not considered strictly vegan because it was cooked in the same fryers as the regular chicken, leading to potential cross-contamination. Different international markets, however, have varying preparation methods.
Is the plant-based chicken healthier than regular KFC chicken?
From a nutritional standpoint, the difference is not significant. While it is lower in cholesterol and fat than some traditional chicken options, it remains a processed, fried food with comparable calories and sodium.
Does KFC Canada offer plant-based chicken?
Yes, KFC Canada has offered a plant-based fried chicken sandwich, using a different supplier than Beyond Meat, though customers are advised to inquire about shared cooking oil concerns.
Did the plant-based chicken taste like the original KFC recipe?
The nuggets were coated in KFC's classic 11 herbs and spices, so they had a familiar flavor profile, but the internal texture and overall experience differed from traditional chicken.
Can people with wheat or soy allergies eat KFC's plant-based chicken?
No, the Beyond Fried Chicken contained both soy and wheat protein and was therefore unsuitable for individuals with allergies to these ingredients.
Is the KFC plant-based chicken gluten-free?
No, because the product contained wheat protein and was breaded, it was not a gluten-free item.
What alternatives are there now for plant-based eaters at KFC?
KFC's plant-based menu varies by region. In some markets, sides like corn on the cob or baked beans may be available, but main plant-based chicken options are not guaranteed.
Why was Beyond Fried Chicken discontinued in the U.S.?
Specific reasons for its discontinuation have not been officially detailed, but limited-time offers are common for testing new products. Waning interest or supply chain challenges are among the potential factors.
Conclusion
While KFC's Beyond Fried Chicken was a popular limited-time offering, it is no longer available in the U.S. It served as a landmark product showing the fast-food industry's willingness to embrace plant-based alternatives. The core ingredients were soy and wheat proteins, coated in the signature seasoning blend. However, its nutritional value was comparable to traditional fried chicken, and its preparation involved shared fryers, making it unsuitable for strict vegans. Moving forward, the availability and ingredients of KFC's plant-based options will continue to vary by region. For the latest details, customers should check with their local KFC branch directly.
