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KFC Canada is adding plant-based chicken to its permanent menu across the country from August 10.
The launch follows a 2019 trial, which the brand described as ‘incredibly successful’, after selling a month’s worth of sandwiches in just six hours.
As well as The Plant-Based KFC sandwich – which features a patty from meat-free giant Lightlife Foods – the chain will offer plant-based chicken popcorn which will be available for a limited time while quantities last. The duo can be ordered individually, as part of a combo, or as part of a box meal.
‘Extraordinary demand’
Samantha Redman, chief marketing officer, KFC Canada, said: “When we tested Plant-Based KFC by Lightlife late last year, we sold over a month’s worth of sandwiches in six hours.
“Seeing the extraordinary demand for Plant-Based KFC, we worked quickly to bring these menu items to our restaurants across Canada.
“Whether you enjoy a vegetarian or flexitarian lifestyle – or you’re one of our loyal fans looking for something new, Plant-Based KFC is a modern take on our world-famous classics.”
‘Excited’
Dan Curtin, president of Greenleaf Foods, SPC, the owner of Lightlife, added: “Lightlife is excited to continue on this journey with KFC, providing Canadians with plant-based foods that deliver on incredible taste and are more broadly available to consumers who know balance is essential to living well.
“The Plant-Based KFC sandwich delivers the same great taste of chicken – but made with plants.”
Split opinion
While vegan options at KFC have been popular with many consumers both in the U.K and north America, they have also divided opinion within the vegan community.
A survey carried out by U.K-based magazine Vegan Food & Living earlier this year revealed that 57 percent of respondents ‘would never eat at KFC, even if there were more vegan options’.
“You’re still putting money into the coffers of company that makes its primary source of money off of the slaughter of a specific animal…this is just a marketing ploy,” one social media user said talking about the chain releasing animal-free options.
