Beyond Fried Chicken: KFC’s new menu item tastes like chicken (but is not)

The new plant-based option for fried chicken nugget, called Beyond Fried Chicken, will be added to nationwide menus starting Monday, January 10, for a limited time. It marks the first case of a large national chain selling plant-based chicken products instead of the hamburger or sausage options that have become increasingly common, the chain said.
“It’s time,” KFC President Kevin Hochman said in an interview with CNN Business. He added that the chain’s customers want to “eat less animal protein, but do not want to give up comfort food.”
Beyond Fried Chicken can be ordered in a combo meal that includes a medium drink and french fries or à la carte in six- or 12-portion portions. Prices vary by location, but start at $ 6.99 for six pieces and cost more for the other options.
“The taste is so good that they can choose it over regular fried chicken,” Hochman said.
There have been some “now adjustments” between the different versions, Hochman said, and the most important change was that customers wanted dipping sauces and to have it served as a nugget instead of a boneless wing.
Restaurants will receive Beyond Fried Chicken, which has already been breaded and fried, and employees in the store will fry it again before serving. However, the new menu item is not for strictly vegan or vegetarian eaters, because it is cooked in the same areas where chicken is offered.
Fast food chains have jumped on the plant-based meat trend as a way to bring in new customers, attract previous customers and build enthusiasm around brands. Companies also appeal to so-called flexitarian eaters who want to reduce meat intake for health or environmental reasons.