After testing out Beyond Fried Chicken at select markets in 2019 and 2020, KFC will be launching the plant-based product nationally as an LTO menu item starting Jan. 10. The menu item was created exclusively for the Yum Brands company with Beyond Meat and when it was first tested, became the first plant-based chicken product created for a national chain, though the product is not prepared in a vegan or vegetarian manner.
“The mission from day one was simple: make the world-famous Kentucky Fried Chicken from
plants,” Kevin Hochman, president of KFC US, said in a statement. “And now over two years later we can say, ‘mission accomplished.’”
Beyond Fried Chicken began its test run in the Atlanta market in 2019, with the product selling out in five hours. Next, the vegan product was tested in Nashville and Charlotte, N.C. and later, California in 2020.
“We couldn’t be prouder to partner with KFC to offer a best-in-class product that not
only delivers the delicious experience consumers expect from this iconic chain, but also
provides the added benefits of plant-based meat,” said Ethan Brown, Founder and CEO, Beyond
Meat. “We are truly thrilled to make it available to consumers nationwide.”
KFC will be promoting the product in partnership with Youtuber Liza Koshy in a social media marketing campaign.
The Beyond Fried Chicken menu item will be available as a combo meal with fries and dipping sauces or a la carte for six or 12-piece orders, with prices starting at $6.99.
Plant-based products imitating beef or chicken keep rolling out at national quick-service restaurant chains: Burger King tested Impossible Nuggets in several markets in October after seeing the success of its’ plant-based Whopper. The same month, Jack in the Box announced the test of an Impossible burger through Dec. 2021. Also, after launching its proprietary McPlant burger, McDonald’s might expand its test of the product in 2022.
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