Fast-Food Giant, KFC Introduces Plant-Powered Alternatives
Key Takeaways:
- Famous fast-food chain KFC is adding plant-based chicken options created by Beyond Meat to their menu, starting from the 10th of January.
- Beyond Fried Chicken, designed exclusively for KFC by Beyond Meat, is now offered in about 4,000 eateries across the nation.
- Increasing demand for plant-based foods has led other big-name establishments like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Chipotle to partner with Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods for added menu variety.
- Having plant-based options in fast-food chains is increasingly seen as a necessity, not just a trend, catering to a rapidly growing market interested in plant-based substitutes.
- Fast-food chains target customers interested in healthier and more environmentally friendly alternatives to meat, which are perceived to be offered by plant-based foods.
Taking the lead from popular plant-based beef substitutes, the global fast-food conglomerate, KFC, is now presenting plant-derived chicken options in their menu.
With excitement, KFC declared that starting from the 10th of January, they will start distributing plant-based chicken from Beyond Meat, a company reputable for its vegan burger products.
Exclusive Development of Vegan Chicken
Beyond Fried Chicken was conceived by Beyond Meat, exclusively for KFC. The product was initially presented in 2019 at an Atlanta outlet before extending to three states. Currently, it is offered in about 4,000 diners nationwide.
Vegetarian patrons can relish their plant-based chicken as part of a combination dish or as standalone orders in six or twelve-piece servings.
Plant-Based Revolution
“The operation since the start was straightforward – create our treasured Kentucky Fried Chicken from plants,” stated Kevin Hochman, president of KFC U.S., in the release. “And after more than two years, we can proudly announce – ‘Mission accomplished.’
Yum Brands, which owns KFC along with Taco Bell, is also in partnership with Beyond Meat, planning products for its chain. To enhance these efforts, Beyond Meat recently onboarded two ex-executives from Tyson Foods, a known name in the poultry industry.
Strategic Partnerships and Enhanced Options
“In our collaboration with KFC, we are delighted to offer a top-tier product that gives customers their favored experience from this famed food-chain while incorporating benefits of plant-based meats.” said Ethan Brown, the founder and CEO of Beyond Meat.
High demand for plant-based foods has encouraged big-name establishments such as McDonald’s and Starbucks to team up with Beyond Meat and its competitor, Impossible Foods, for more options. Recently, the famous Mexican grill, Chipotle, also joined the trend and started distributing plant-based chorizo for a short period.
Mainstream Embracement of Plant-Based Foods
According to Sean Cash, an economist from Tuft’s University’s Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, having plant-based options in the menu is nowadays considered a necessity, not just a trend. He states that cooking and consuming at home during the pandemic increased the availability and consumption of meat alternatives.
Fast-food chains like KFC target a swiftly growing market interested in plant-based substitutes, increasingly seen as a healthier and more environmentally friendly alternative to meat, commented Marion Nestle, a New York University Professor Emerita.
Companies perceive a potential market for plant-based foods and attract customers who prefer these options in their stores, as added by Nestle.
Further Reading
To find out more about vegetarian-based diets, you can visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s page on vegetarian-based diets.
