KFC Canada Plant-Based Fried Chicken - © 2019 KFC Canada

KFC Canada Tests Plant-based ‘Chicken’: You Be The Judge

This is a history-making day – of sorts – for KFC Canada. The world’s largest Fried Chicken chain is conducting a public test of its new Plant-based Chicken menu items, and the company is looking for feedback from its fans. Thing is, it’s for one day only, and you have to be in Mississauga…

KFC Plant-based Chicken Ad - © 2019 KFCKFC Canada’s new Plant-based Chicken products. If you live in northern
Mississauga, Ontario, hustle out there this morning for a
very limited time chance to taste them!

KFC recently announced it was preparing to launch Plant-based Chicken products as part of its ongoing efforts to attract a wider audience.

“We believe the Colonel’s famous finger lickin’ good taste should have no boundaries,” said Sam Redman, Chief Marketing Officer, KFC Canada, in a news release. “So we’ve created several craveable plant-based options for Canadian’s looking for a meat-free meal.

What have they got?

For now, there’s a faux Chicken Breast and Popcorn Chicken ‘nuggets’, made by Canadian Lightlife Plant-based Foods. Curiously, KFC USA has partnered with Lightlife competitor Beyond Foods in the States for its Plant-based Chicken rollout. I wonder how similar (or vastly diffedrent) the two sets of products will taste and chew?

Anyway.

During the limited test release, KFCs’ Plant-Based Fried Chicken sandwich (available in regular or spicy) will be available for $6.99 or in a meal starting at only $8.99, and the Plant-Based Fried Popcorn Chicken bucket is available starting at $3.99. Better yet, fans can try both the plant-based Sandwich and Popcorn Chicken options by selecting a meal for one option for $10.99 (includes Fries, Salad and a 355ml can of Lime Bubbly).

Lightlife is just thrilled

“This is a landmark moment for Lightlife. We’re proud to join forces with KFC to bring Canadians a plant-based chicken with incredible taste,” said Dan Curtin, President and CEO of Greenleaf Foods, SPC, the owner of Lightlife. “With pioneering partners like KFC, we can make plant-based foods more broadly available to the growing number of consumers seeking the option on the go.”

Lightlife is described as, “a leading plant-based protein brand whose broad portfolio of products is available in retailers such as Metro, Loblaws, Sobeys, Longo’s and Federated Coop. ”

An evolution in Veggie Options

KFC has been offering various Vegetarian options, including a Sandwich, since 2009. The introduction of Lightlife Plant-based Chicken is the next step in the evolution of the company’s response to its commitment to serve a wider fan base.

KFC fans looking to try the new plant-based options are invited to visit KFC at 6055 Creditview Road in Mississauga, Ontario, between the hours of 10:30am to 11:00pm, or while supplies last. Be ready to offer your opinions of the new menu items. Your evaluations will determine whether the new Plant-based Chicken products will be rolled out across the chain next year, as is, with changes, or not at all…

Note: A&W has also announced it will be adding plant-based Chicken products to its menu in 2020.

~ Maggie J.