Recently, KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) has been certainly innovative with its menu items.
From launching fried chicken flower bouquets called the "Kentucky Fried Buckquet" for Mother's Day, to a donut sandwich with fried chicken in the middle, KFC consistently surprises its customers.
KFC also followed in McDonald's (MCD) and Wendy's (WEN) footsteps -- releasing chicken nuggets, according to Zigi Kaiser for TheStreet, in hopes of being competitive with other fast food chains.
Other interesting creations come from abroad, with Kentucky Fried Chicken Singapore releasing Shroom 'n Cheese Pockett and the Flossy Original Recipe Chicken Porridge.
Regardless of the creation, KFC has been keeping up with the trends, especially with the release of its new menu item.
The Plant-Based Craze
The demand for plant-based items is certainly higher than ever.
Impossible Foods
The plant-based meat market, according to research conducted by the Good Food Institute, is worth $1.4 billion as of 2020, and is on the rise.
The market for plant-based meat products is expected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 15.3% from 2021-2028. Much of the rise is tied to to the increase in veganism, empathy for animals, and overall sustainability concerns.
The plant-based craze has left businesses to meet said demands.
Cracker Barrel (CBRL) released a Beyond (BYND) Sausage, and even though it met backlash, it has stayed on the menu since. Other fast-food joints, like Burger King (QSR), have joined forces with Impossible Foods, creating the Impossible Whopper.
One restaurant called Stalk & Spade even operates as a plant-based only fast food joint:
It's against that backdrop that KFC has decided to release a new menu item.
KFC Introduces Plant-Based Popcorn Chicken
On August 9, 2022, KFC (YUM) announced that it will be releasing a modified version of its Popcorn Chicken. Now, it can be eaten by vegetarians, vegans, and anyone who likes plant-based meat substitutes, if you're in the right place.
KFC Australia
The Plant-Based Popcorn Chicken, referred to as Wicked Popcorn, is made entirely of pea protein and seasoned with Wicked Wings' spices. It will be served alongside a lime ranch sauce, which is also brand new to KFC's menu.
The new menu item will also be available in three ways: Wicked Popcorn, the Wicked Popcorn Bowl, and Wicked Popcorn Combo. The item will also be featured and ready to order for delivery on KFC's mobile app.
Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Sally Sprigg, KFC Australia's Chief Marketing Officer, said in a statement "We are always looking to treat our fans with new products, so we hope they'll enjoy this meat-free option which offers that great KFC taste our fans know and love."
So far, the item has met positive reviews, according to @RachaelHasldeas on Twitter (TWTR):
Upon trying the site, Rachael regarded the item highly, saying it "tasted distrubingly like chicken." Gladly, that is the aim of the item--which means KFC's recipe to emulate chicken worked.
Sadly, the menu item, starting at $2.95, will only be available in Australia for a minimal time (until September 5). But, keep an eye out; if the item is a success, It could make its global debut!
