KFC launching plant-based fried chicken

KFC will offer its first-ever plant-based chicken option beginning Jan. 10 at stores across the U.S. in the latest sign of a growing market for vegan products.

KFC shared the news on Twitter Wednesday of its latest menu item — Beyond Fried Chicken — calling it an “extra crispy miracle.” The company also shared a video teasing a green KFC bucket, followed by chicken nuggets, flying through the air.

Behold! An extra crispy miracle coming 1/10. pic.twitter.com/Nqun95z3S2

— KFC (@kfc) January 5, 2022

Beyond Fried Chicken will be available at more than 4,000 KFC stores nationwide on Monday, starting with a limited rollout. The plant-based chicken comes from the fast-growing company Beyond Meat, which already sells vegan burgers, sausages, beef and chicken tenders at stores and restaurants across the U.S.

But the KFC deal, first announced between Beyond Meat and KFC parent company Yum Brands last year, could be one of the largest boosts for vegan meats as customers increasingly look for meat-free but still-tasty eating options.

The plant-based fried chicken was tested in 2019 and 2020 and satisfied many taste palettes. Mark Wilson, writing for Fast Company in 2020, called a sample of the vegan chicken “a damn miracle” and “a doggone piece of chicken — and not just any piece of chicken, but a KFC piece of chicken.”

Beyond Meat also announced the news on Twitter Wednesday.

“We’re excited to officially announce Beyond Fried Chicken will be making its national debut on January 10th,” the company wrote. “Yes, you heard us correctly. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to grab a bucket. We told you 2022 was going to be tasty.”

Breaking News! We’re excited to officially announce Beyond Fried Chicken will be making its national debut on January 10th. Yes, you heard us correctly. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to grab a bucket. We told you 2022 was going to be tasty…https://t.co/1KVAzB8cbe

— Beyond Meat (@BeyondMeat) January 5, 2022

In announcing the deal, Beyond Meat expressed confidence in supply and Kevin Hochman, KFC’s president in the U.S., told CNBC the move was “really about where the customer is going.”

“They want to eat more plant-based proteins,” he said. “It’s January, so it’s a time of New Year’s resolutions and wanting to do something different in your diet.”

The news follows an increase of food prices, especially among meat products. The Biden administration announced on Tuesday a $1 billion package to help expand independent and small meat packing businesses.