If you thought fast food’s plant-based meat obsession was on the wane, reconsider. There is a new member in the industry: the chicken.
Kentucky Fried Chicken has announced that it will begin testing Beyond Fried Chicken on August 27 as part of a location test in Atlanta. Despite the limited reach, KFC says it is the first US national fast-food chain to introduce plant-based chicken.
According to the company Beyond Fried Chicken has been designed with the same taste, texture and mouth feel as traditional fried chicken. The chicken comes from the same supplier as its regular fried chicken, and is made using the same recipe.
Beyond Fried Chicken will be available in two forms: nuggets (which will be sold with a choice of sauces) and boneless wings (which can be paired with Nashville Hot, Buffalo or Honey BBQ sauce). As its name implies, Beyond Fried Chicken is part of a partnership with plant-based brand Beyond Meat, which has been integrating itself into the world of fast food, such as with Carl’s Jr burgers, Del Taco tacos or sandwiches . from Dunkin. Also, you can buy Beyond Meat products at their store, the company had one of the biggest public offerings of the year.
Although KFC doesn’t explicitly say if this plant-based chicken uses the same batter in its regular fried chicken, the chain does say that Beyond Fried Chicken “delivers the delicious fried chicken flavor that only KFC can offer.” As is always the case with these partnerships, the brand worked directly with Beyond Meat on the new product, seeking to “create a scrumptious, plant-based chicken that appeals to Beyond Meat and KFC lovers.”
“Beyond Fried Chicken is so delicious that our customers will have a hard time telling it’s plant-based,” Kevin Hochman, president and chief concept officer for KFC USA, said in the announcement. “I think we’ve all heard it tastes like chicken.” Well, our customers will be surprised and say, “It tastes like Kentucky Fried Chicken!”
In addition to KFC’s plant-based chicken the chain has also announced that it will be adding a new vegan burger to its menu. The Impossible Burger is made with plant-based patties that are made with wheat protein and soy protein isolate, along with heme, an iron-containing molecule found in animal blood. It’s topped with Impossible Foods’ secret sauce, which contains a blend of vegetables and spices.
Beyond Fried Chicken is made from wheat gluten and potato starch, with no animal products. It can be served as an alternative to chicken nuggets or as a main course.
The plant-based chicken market is growing and there’s no reason why KFC couldn’t jump on board. this news is sure to generate plenty of interest, especially since it’s the first major fast food chain to make such an announcement.
Unfortunately acquiring it will not be easy. The only place to try this new “chicken” will be at KFC’s Cobb Parkway location near SunTrust Park in Smyrna, Georgia . If you arrive between 10:30 am and 6:30 pm tomorrow, you can get a free sample with any other purchase while supplies last. “Feedback from the Atlanta trial will be considered as KFC evaluates a broader trial or possible national implementation.”
Sadly those are the only details about the more locations, but Beyond Fried Chicken is definitely expected to hit more locations.
That said, offering plant-based chicken and claiming to be the “first to do it” would not seem to stop there. Yes, it’s pure speculation, but don’t be surprised if we see a bigger release in the near future.
Tell us about what are your thoughts on this massive step by KFC and about do you like plant bases kfc items in future, what are your expectations on this?