KFC Testing New Plant-Based Fried Chicken, In Partnership with Beyond Meat

The new plant-based Beyond Fried Chicken offers the finger lickin' good fried chicken flavor only KFC can deliver as a perfect choice for those searching for plant-based meat options on-the-go. Image: KFC

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Kentucky Fried Chicken becomes the first national U.S. QSR (quick service restaurant) to introduce a plant-based chicken, in partnership with Beyond Meat. Beyond Fried Chicken (pictured in the image above) will made its debut on August 27 in a limited test.

Also read, Chipotle Testing New Queso Blanco In Three Markets.

The new plant-based Beyond Fried Chicken offers the finger lickin' good fried chicken flavor only KFC can deliver as a perfect choice for those searching for plant-based meat options on-the-go.

Atlantans will be the first to get a taste of KFC's new Beyond Fried Chicken as part of an exclusive, one restaurant test at the Cobb Parkway restaurant near SunTrust Park in Atlanta (2637 Cobb Pkwy South East, Smyrna, Ga.).

Beyond Fried Chicken is available in nuggets with choice of favorite dipping sauce, like KFC's signature Finger Lickin' Good sauce, or boneless wings tossed in one of three delicious sauce options: Nashville Hot, Buffalo or Honey BBQ.

Those who wanted to be among the first to try the new plant-based Beyond Fried Chicken were invited to stop by the Cobb Parkway restaurant for a complimentary sample of Beyond Fried Chicken.

KFC guests who want to make it a meal can pick from several Colonel-approved Beyond Fried Chicken options:

• Nuggets available in six or 12-piece combo meals (which include a side and medium drink) for $6.49 and $8.49, or four-piece à la carte for $1.99.
• Boneless wings available in six or 12-piece options for $6 and $12 (tax extra).

"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 U.S. "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!'"

KFC turned to plant-based leader, Beyond Meat, to create a finger lickin' good plant-based fried chicken that will appeal to lovers of both Beyond Meat and KFC. Customer feedback from the Atlanta test will be considered as KFC evaluates a broader test or potential national rollout. 

"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," said Ethan Brown, founder and CEO, Beyond Meat.

Beyond Meat began developing its revolutionary plant-based meat in 2009 and since then has introduced several breakthrough products across the brand's beef, pork and poultry platforms. The announcement of plant-based chicken makes the KFC and Beyond Meat partnership a unique one and the first of its kind in the U.S. QSR space.

KFC has a history of frequently testing unique and craveable menu items as a part of the brand's food innovation strategy, considering food trends and evaluating customer feedback to KFC's test offerings. This limited, one-restaurant test of Beyond Fried Chicken is part of KFC's continued commitment to understanding its consumers' tastes and preferences.
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SOURCE KFC