KFC Considering Plant-Based Options In US, Says Chicken Isn’t ‘The Big Trend Right Now’

Global fast-food giant, KFC, has announced it’s considering plant-based options in the US, after stating chicken isn’t ‘the big trend right now’.

The chain’s US President, Kevin Hochman, also revealed he is in discussion with ‘some of the big guys, just to figure out — what does alternative protein look like in chicken?’.

Hochman told CNN the company is meeting with major suppliers of plant-based meat to ‘understand the market and where it’s headed’.

‘Never say never’

In response to launching a plant-based meat alternative, Hochman told Business Insider: “If you would have asked me six months ago, I would have said no, to be completely honest with you…Because we’re about fried chicken.”

Hochman added: “Never say never. I would have said never six months ago…Now, I’ve really re-thought that. We’re going to learn more about that. … It still feels a little early, but we’re going to learn about it.”

Vegan options

In the UK, KFC is already working on developing a vegan chicken burger, which was recently tested by TV presenter Nisha Katona.

“Oh my heaven! On a dream job today- filming for the BBC One Show with exclusive access to the actual KFC headquarters development kitchen. Also, I was the first member of the public to taste the new vegan chicken burger. This to me is actually living the dream,” Katona tweeted.

Responding to comments, Katona described the burger as a ‘brilliant product’, adding: ‘[KFC] are still working on it but truly great start.”