She Strengthens

A Game-Changing Partnership: KFC and Beyond Meat Unite

A New Era of Plant-Based Options

Get ready, KFC enthusiasts! The wait is over, and a healthier, plant-based alternative has finally arrived. On January 10, KFC and Beyond Meat launched their highly anticipated collaboration, Beyond Fried Chicken, available nationwide for a limited time.

A Kentucky Fried Miracle

The start of 2022 marked the perfect opportunity for KFC and Beyond Meat to celebrate their partnership with a revolutionary plant-based offering. After successful limited runs in Atlanta, Georgia, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Nashville, Tennessee, the demand was clear. Two years later, KFC is delivering what fans have been craving.

Mission Accomplished

Kevin Hochman, president of KFC U.S., stated, “Our mission from day one was simple – make world-famous Kentucky Fried Chicken from plants.” Ethan Brown, founder and CEO of Beyond Meat, echoed the excitement, saying, “We’re proud to partner with KFC to offer a best-in-class product that delivers a delicious experience while providing the benefits of plant-based meat.”

The Benefits of Plant-Based Meats

While taste preferences vary, plant-based meats can be a healthy option when made from whole-food ingredients like beans, legumes, or grains. However, many are highly processed, containing added saturated fat and sodium, and may lack nutrients found in animal meat.

Introducing Beyond Fried Chicken

KFC’s first-ever plant-based combo meal features fries and a medium drink, or can be ordered à la carte in six- or 12-piece orders with your choice of dipping sauce. Customers can skip the drive-thru line by ordering via the KFC app or website while supplies last.

A Taste Test

We got our hands on some Beyond Fried Chicken nuggets, and they’re surprisingly tasty! The words that come to mind are “fresh” and “crispy.” Fried to perfection, they pair well with KFC sauces. While there’s a slight texture difference, the adjustment time is short, and it’s hard to tell it’s a meat substitute.

A Minor Catch

While the taste standards are met, there’s a minor caveat. The Beyond Fried Chicken is not prepared in a vegan or vegetarian manner, meaning it’s cooked in shared fryers, increasing the possibility of cross contamination with meat products. For now, customers can’t request separate fryers, but that may change in the future.

A New Frontier in Plant-Based Options

With the rise of meat substitutes, this limited addition to the KFC menu is timely. Will this partnership pave the way for more plant-based options in the fast-food industry? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – KFC and Beyond Meat are changing the game.