Lucas Delgado
KFC has been testing vegan options since early 2022, including vegan chicken, a vegan burger, and Beyond Fried Chicken. Beyond Fried Chicken was available at all 4,000 KFC locations in the US from January 10, 2022, for a limited time. While the recipe is completely plant-based, KFC does not advertise it as vegan or vegetarian as it is prepared in the same area as animal meat. There is no information available on when vegan chicken will be offered in the Detroit area.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of vegan chicken launch | 10 January 2022 |
| Number of stores offering vegan chicken | 4,000 |
| Type of vegan chicken | Beyond Fried Chicken |
| Vegan chicken formats | Nuggets and boneless wings |
| Combo meal | KFC's Secret Recipe Fries and a medium drink |
| Dipping sauces vegan | No |
| Vegan chicken availability | Limited time |
| KFC's stance on advertising vegan chicken | Not advertising as vegan or vegetarian |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
KFC Detroit's reputation
KFC Detroit, located at 2716 W Grand Blvd, has garnered a reputation as a premier chicken shop, offering perfectly crafted chicken wings and a range of mouthwatering big box and bucket meals. The local favourite is known for its friendly service, efficient operations, and fresh flavours.
Reviews from customers highlight the convenience of online ordering, as well as the prompt and attentive service provided by the staff. The positive feedback also emphasises the dedication of the team, with mentions of the cashier's pleasant demeanour and strong work ethic. The inviting atmosphere, cleanliness, and commitment to fresh food further enhance KFC Detroit's reputation.
The Detroit branch offers a diverse menu to cater to all tastes, including their Classic Chicken Sandwich Big Box featuring an extra crispy filet topped with premium pickles and mayo on a brioche-style bun. For those seeking a spicy kick, the Spicy Chicken Sandwich Big Box brings the heat with its spicy mayo. KFC Detroit also provides convenient dine-in, drive-thru, and delivery options, making it easy for customers to enjoy their favourite KFC menu items.
In terms of vegan options, KFC has been making strides towards inclusivity. In early 2022, KFC launched Beyond Fried Chicken, a plant-based option, at all 4,000 locations nationwide. However, it was only available for a limited time and is no longer on the menu. While the recipe was completely plant-based, KFC did not advertise it as vegan or vegetarian due to it being prepared in the same area as animal meat. Nevertheless, the chain hopes to attract those looking to reduce their animal product consumption for health or sustainability reasons.
KFC Detroit, with its vibrant sanctuary dedicated to the art of fried chicken, has established itself as a go-to destination for both locals and visitors seeking an authentic fried chicken experience in the heart of Detroit.
Fresh Pop Bowl: How Many Points for a Guilt-Free Snack?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
KFC's vegan options
KFC has been working to adapt to the changing market as consumers' preferences have shifted towards plant-based foods. In the past, KFC was notoriously considered one of the most heartless fast-food chains by PETA. However, in August 2019, KFC took its first steps towards vegan options by partnering with Beyond Meat to trial plant-based chicken in the form of nuggets or wings at a single location in Atlanta. The trial was highly successful, selling out in just five hours.
Following the success of the initial trial, KFC expanded the tests to nearly 70 locations in Charlotte, Nashville, and surrounding areas, followed by 50 locations in Southern California for a limited time in 2020. In January 2022, KFC launched its Beyond Fried Chicken, created in partnership with Beyond Meat, at over 4,000 locations nationwide. The plant-based chicken tenders were marketed towards all KFC customers, not just vegans or vegetarians, targeting the growing flexitarian population.
However, as of 2024, KFC no longer offers Beyond Meat's chicken nuggets, leaving limited vegan options on the menu. The fast-food chain has discontinued several vegan-friendly sides, including corn on the cob, baked barbecue beans, green beans, house salad, applesauce, and the apple turnover. One of the remaining options is sweet kernel corn, which is made with just corn and nothing else.
While KFC currently lacks substantial plant-based items, the company has expressed interest in developing more vegan options. In the future, customers may be able to enjoy vegan-friendly chicken strips, veggie gravy, mashed potatoes, and biscuits. In the meantime, customers can contact KFC locations to request vegan options and keep an eye out for seasonal offerings, being mindful of allergens and ingredients.
Chicken Genetics: Understanding Offspring Genotype Possibilities
You may want to see also
Explore related products
KFC's plant-based chicken
KFC has been working towards launching plant-based chicken options since 2019. In August 2019, KFC first tested Beyond Fried Chicken in Atlanta, Georgia, selling out within five hours of the launch. The test was then expanded to nearly 70 locations in Charlotte, North Carolina, Nashville, Tennessee, and surrounding areas, followed by 50 locations in Southern California for a limited time in 2020.
In 2021, KFC US President Kevin Hochman commented on the company's continued interest in developing plant-based chicken, expressing their goal of recreating their famous chicken without using animal products. Finally, on January 10, 2022, KFC launched Beyond Fried Chicken at its over 4,000 locations nationwide. The product was created in partnership with vegan brand Beyond Meat and was available in 6-piece or 12-piece sizes, or as part of a combo meal with Secret Recipe Fries and a medium drink.
However, it is important to note that KFC did not advertise this offering as vegan or vegetarian since it was prepared in the same area as animal meat. Despite this, the product received positive reviews, with Hochman noting that customers might choose it over regular fried chicken due to its taste.
Unfortunately, the Beyond Fried Chicken option was only available for a limited time, from January to February 2022. As of June 2025, KFC has not announced any plans to bring back plant-based chicken options to its menu, including in the Detroit area. While the Detroit-area KFC locations do not currently offer plant-based chicken, customers can contact the managers of these locations to express their interest and request vegan options.
Ben Vereen's Chicken George in Roots: The Next Generation
You may want to see also
Explore related products
KFC's vegan menu expansion
KFC has been working to expand its vegan menu options in recent years, with the introduction of plant-based chicken tenders and other items. The fast-food chain first ventured into plant-based options in August 2019 when it partnered with Beyond Meat to test plant-based chicken nuggets and boneless wings at a single location in Atlanta, Georgia. The trial was a success, selling out within five hours.
Following this initial triumph, KFC expanded its vegan menu trials to nearly 70 locations in Charlotte, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; and surrounding areas. This was followed by 50 locations in Southern California in 2020, where the plant-based chicken again sold out within a week. The plant-based chicken was made from soy and wheat protein and was designed to replicate the taste and texture of KFC's famous fried chicken.
In January 2022, KFC launched its first plant-based chicken option nationwide across more than 4,000 locations. Dubbed "Beyond Fried Chicken," the menu item was created in partnership with Beyond Meat and was available in 6-piece or 12-piece sizes, as well as part of a combo meal with Secret Recipe Fries and a medium drink. The nationwide launch was meant to be a limited-time release, and the item was taken off the menu at the end of February 2022.
While KFC's vegan chicken option is currently unavailable, the company has expressed its commitment to adapting to the changing market and the growing demand for plant-based options. The fast-food giant intends to capitalize on the projected growth of the plant-based market, which is expected to rise by 451% over the next decade.
In addition to Beyond Fried Chicken, KFC has also tested other vegan options, including a vegan burger and vegan chicken strips. The company has also discontinued several vegan-friendly sides, such as corn on the cob, baked barbecue beans, and green beans. It is not clear if these sides will be reintroduced or if KFC plans to introduce new vegan options beyond plant-based chicken.
As of June 2025, KFC has launched its second plant-based chicken option in partnership with Beyond Meat. The new vegan chicken option will be available at KFC's over 4,000 locations nationwide. While KFC has not specified the exact locations, it is likely that major cities like Detroit will be included.
Chicken Dip Delight: How Much Chicken Do You Need?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
KFC's vegan chicken availability in Detroit
KFC has been working to expand its vegan options in recent years, with the goal of providing more plant-based choices. In 2022, KFC introduced Beyond Fried Chicken, its first vegan chicken option, which was available at all 4,000 of its locations nationwide. This product was created in partnership with Beyond Meat to replicate KFC's famous fried chicken taste without using animal products. The recipe contains no animal products, but KFC does not advertise it as vegan or vegetarian because it is prepared in the same area as animal meat.
KFC has also tested other vegan options, including vegan burgers and chicken, in select locations. In 2019, they tested Beyond Fried Chicken in Atlanta, GA, and quickly sold out. They then expanded the test to nearly 70 locations in Charlotte, NC, Nashville, TN, and surrounding areas, followed by 50 locations in Southern California in 2020. The California test locations also sold out within a week.
While KFC has not specifically mentioned the Detroit area in its plans for vegan chicken, it is likely that Detroit-area residents will be able to try the Beyond Fried Chicken option when it launches nationwide on January 10, 2026. This date marks the national debut of the product, which will be available in 6-piece or 12-piece sizes or as part of a combo meal with Secret Recipe Fries and a medium drink.
In the meantime, customers in the Detroit area can contact their local KFC locations to inquire about vegan options or express their interest in plant-based offerings. It is worth noting that KFC's vegan options may not be suitable for those who are strict about their vegan food being prepared separately from animal products. However, with the growing demand for plant-based options, it is likely that KFC will continue to expand its vegan menu and make it more accessible across its locations.
Maggi So Juicy Italian Chicken: Syns and Nutrition
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
KFC offered vegan Beyond Fried Chicken at its 4,000 locations nationwide from January 10, 2022, for a limited time. However, it is no longer available.
While the recipe itself is completely plant-based, KFC does not advertise the offering as vegan or vegetarian because it is prepared in the same area as animal meat.
KFC has been working with Beyond Meat for several years to launch vegan versions of its menu items. In 2019, KFC tested Beyond Fried Chicken in Atlanta, GA, and expanded the test to nearly 70 locations in Charlotte, NC, Nashville, TN, and surrounding areas. In 2020, KFC tested the product in 50 locations in Southern California.
KFC is not advertising its vegan options as suitable for vegans or vegetarians. However, it is possible that they will offer more plant-based choices in the future, such as veggie gravy, mashed potatoes, and biscuits.
Beyond Meat is also working with other fast-food chains like Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Panda Express to bring plant-based proteins to their menus.
