KFC Beyond Fried Chicken: Heres everything you need to know – CNET

Kentucky Fried Chicken has partnered with Beyond Meat to create Beyond Fried Chicken nuggets, a plant-based option for its original fried chicken.

Here’s the bad news if you’re a fan of KFC’s latest creation: It’s only around for a limited time. 

This isn’t the first time KFC has introduced Beyond Fried Chicken to the public. In 2019, it had success with its first test run in Atlanta, selling out in under five hours. So if you’re interested in trying the plant-based nuggets, you should act fast before supplies run out.

I’ll tell you what you need to know about KFC’s Beyond Fried Chicken, including cost, nutrition details of the plant-based substitute and how long it’ll be around.

Does it taste like real chicken?

While I haven’t tried the Beyond Fried Chicken nuggets, Yum Brands describes it as “packed with delicious flavor and the juicy satisfaction that you’d expect from KFC’s iconic fried chicken but in a plant-based option.”

However, some Reddit users had differing opinions about the faux chicken and used terms like “disappointed” and “inedible” to describe it. The decision of how it tastes, however, is ultimately up to you. If you generally enjoy KFC food or Beyond Meat, this might be up your alley. 

Is KFC Beyond Fried Chicken completely vegan?

No. While KFC’s Beyond Fried Chicken is plant-based, it’s not prepared in a vegan or vegetarian way, Yum Brands said in a press release. Although KFC doesn’t specify, it could mean the nuggets may be cooked in oil that isn’t vegan. It could also mean it’s cooked in the same fryers used to make meat-based fried chicken.

So if your diet doesn’t allow for much wiggle room, this will not be the best option for you.

How long will KFC Beyond Fried Chicken be available?

KFC didn’t specify how long it would keep the Beyond Fried Chicken around. It only said it’d be while supplies last. Since it’s testing the market nationally now with the plant-based meat, it’s possible KFC could bring it back in the future. 

How much does the Beyond Fried Chicken cost?

You can get a 6-piece Beyond nuggets for $7 or a 12-piece Beyond nuggets for $14, plus tax. (Price may vary by location.) You can choose which sauce, and you can order them as a combo meal and choose your side. But if you’re planning to keep your meal plant-based, the fries may be the best option.

Are Beyond Fried Chicken nuggets healthier than regular KFC nuggets?

KFC doesn’t sell regular chicken nuggets, but it does have fried wings and tenders. Here’s what the KFC full nutrition guide says. 

The Beyond Fried Chicken nuggets have 480 calories in a 6-piece meal with 27 grams of fat, 1,440 milligrams of sodium and 30 grams of carbohydrates. In comparison, six unsauced fried wings also have 480 calories with 36 grams of fat, 900 milligrams of sodium and 18 grams of carbs. Six pieces of KFC’s extra crispy tenders have 810 calories with 43 grams of fat, 1,890 milligrams of sodium and 48 grams of carbs. 

The nutrition of the Beyond Fried Chicken nuggets is fairly similar to the unsauced fried wings, although the sodium and carbs are significantly higher. However, it does appear to be a healthier option than the crispy chicken tenders.

For more, CNET compared the Impossible Burger with the Beyond Meat Burger. Also, when will Fast Food Inc. make up its mind about plant-based meat?