KFC tests plant-based chicken in partnership with Beyond Meat

KFC has teamed up with meat substitute company Beyond Meat to trial a new plant-based chicken, available as both nuggets and boneless wings.

Called Beyond Fried Chicken, the product is debuting today at a single KFC restaurant in Atlanta. Customer feedback from the test will be considered as KFC evaluates potential rollout across the US.  

With the trial, KFC said it has become the first national US quick-service restaurant to introduce Beyond Meat’s chicken alternative, which is marketed as “a perfect choice for those searching for plant-based meat options on-the-go”.

“KFC Beyond Fried Chicken is so delicious, our customers will find it difficult to tell that it’s plant-based,” said Kevin Hochman, president and chief concept officer, KFC US.

“I think we’ve all heard ‘it tastes like chicken’ – well our customers are going to be amazed and say, ‘It tastes like Kentucky Fried Chicken.'”

Ethan Brown, founder and CEO of Beyond Meat, added: “KFC is an iconic part of American culture and a brand that I, like so many consumers, grew up with. To be able to bring Beyond Fried Chicken, in all of its KFC-inspired deliciousness to market, speaks to our collective ability to meet the consumer where they are and accompany them on their journey. My only regret is not being able to see the legendary Colonel himself enjoy this important moment.”

Beyond Meat began developing its plant-based meat in 2009. In May, the company revealed plans to start making its meat alternative products in the Netherlands, marking its first production capability outside the US.

It has since introduced a “meatier” version of its plant-based Beyond Burger in the US, created using a mix of pea, mung bean and rice proteins.

The new Beyond Burger boasts 20g of plant-based protein per 4oz patty, features a simplified ingredients list and is said to have a more natural flavour and aroma profile.