As a retail and consumer expert with over a decade of experience studying dining trends, I‘ve witnessed firsthand the explosive growth of plant-based eating in recent years. A 2018 Gallup poll found that 5% of Americans identify as vegetarian, while 3% consider themselves vegan—a significant increase from previous decades. Younger generations are driving this shift, with nearly 8% of millennials and Gen Z avoiding meat.
With more consumers than ever seeking out vegetarian and vegan options, fast food chains are scrambling to keep up. KFC, the world‘s second-largest restaurant chain, has made headlines in recent years for testing out plant-based proteins like Beyond Fried Chicken. But as a vegetarian or vegan navigating the KFC menu, you may be wondering about a classic side dish: the gravy. Is it suitable for those avoiding meat and animal products?
Deconstructing KFC‘s Gravy
I‘ve taken a deep dive into the ingredients and preparation of KFC‘s signature gravy, and I have bad news for plant-based diners. According to the company‘s website, the gravy contains both chicken fat and chicken cracklings (small pieces of fried chicken skin and meat). These animal-derived ingredients are simmered with a powder mix that includes wheat flour, salt, onion powder, spice extractives, and monosodium glutamate (MSG) to create the savory, creamy sauce.
In addition to the obvious presence of chicken, KFC‘s gravy has several other components that many vegetarians and vegans prefer to avoid. The thickening agents include both dairy and soy, making it unsuitable for those with milk or soy allergies as well as anyone following a fully plant-based diet. Enriched wheat flour is the primary ingredient, so the gravy is also not gluten-free.
As a retail expert and picky shopper, I know that cross-contamination is another concern when eating out as a vegetarian or vegan. Even if a menu item doesn‘t contain meat or animal products, it can come into contact with these ingredients during storage, preparation, or cooking. While KFC states that it follows standard operating procedures to prevent cross-contamination, the company cannot guarantee that its vegetarian offerings are completely free of animal products due to the fast-paced kitchen environment.
KFC‘s Evolving Vegetarian Menu
So the gravy is off-limits, but what about KFC‘s other meatless options? The chain made a splash in 2019 when it launched Beyond Fried Chicken at select US locations, marking the first time a major fast food outlet had offered plant-based chicken. Developed in partnership with Beyond Meat, a leading alternative protein company, the products were such a hit that they sold out in less than five hours.
Building on this success, KFC has since expanded its Beyond Fried Chicken to more than 50 locations in Southern California. The wheat and soy protein nuggets and wings are cooked in the same oil as KFC‘s regular chicken, so there is some risk of cross-contamination. However, they are notable as one of the few plant-based meat options at a major fast food chain.
KFC has been even more proactive in introducing vegetarian menu items outside of the US. In the UK, the chain has offered a vegan burger made with a bespoke Quorn fillet since January 2020. Quorn is a mycoprotein derived from a natural fungus that replicates the taste and texture of meat. KFC UK also offers a vegan rice box and several vegetarian sides.
In Canada, KFC has partnered with another leading plant-based food company, Lightlife, to launch a Plant-Based Fried Chicken Sandwich and Popcorn Chicken. These soy-based products are cooked separately from animal proteins and have been available at all Canadian locations since 2019.
Other international markets have seen similar vegetarian menu additions in recent years. KFC restaurants in Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong all offer meat-free options featuring Quorn, while KFC India has multiple vegetarian burgers and rice bowls. As consumer demand for plant-based dining continues to grow globally, we can expect to see even more creativity and variety from KFC‘s test kitchens.
How Other Fast Food Chains Stack Up
So how does KFC compare to other major fast food chains in terms of vegetarian-friendliness? Here‘s a quick rundown:
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Burger King has offered a veggie burger patty for years, and in 2019 it launched the Impossible Whopper featuring a plant-based patty from Impossible Foods. However, the patty is cooked on the same grill as meat items.
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McDonald‘s has tested both a McVeggie burger and a McPlant burger in select markets, but its US vegetarian options are currently limited to a few breakfast items and sides. The chain‘s fries contain beef flavoring, so they are not vegetarian.
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Wendy‘s offers a black bean burger patty that can be substituted into any sandwich, as well as several salads that can be made meatless. Unlike many of its competitors, Wendy‘s uses separate grills and fryers for its meat and vegetarian items.
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Taco Bell has long been a go-to for vegetarians thanks to its highly customizable menu. The chain offers multiple meat-free proteins like beans and potatoes, and it will substitute vegetables for meat in almost any dish. In 2019, Taco Bell debuted a dedicated vegetarian menu featuring items certified by the American Vegetarian Association.
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Subway has several vegetarian and vegan sandwich options, including the Veggie Delite and Beyond Meatball Marinara. However, the chain‘s pre-sliced deli meats and cheeses have a high risk of contaminating the vegetarian offerings.
As these examples show, most major fast food chains now have at least one or two vegetarian main dishes, even if they are not always well-publicized. Sides tend to be more challenging, as even seemingly meatless options like fries or onion rings are often cooked in shared oil or contain animal-based seasonings. Cross-contamination risks are high in any fast-paced kitchen environment, so vegetarians and vegans should always ask about preparation methods.
Optimizing Your KFC Vegetarian Order
If you do find yourself at a KFC as a vegetarian or vegan, don‘t despair! While the options may be limited, you can still cobble together a decent meal with some creativity and flexibility. Here are my top tips as a picky plant-based shopper:
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Start with a base of green beans, corn on the cob, or House Side Salad (without chicken or dressing). These are the only KFC sides that are reliably vegetarian as prepared.
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If available, add a Beyond Fried Chicken or Quorn vegan burger patty for some protein. Keep in mind that these items are cooked in shared oil, so cross-contamination may occur.
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Ask for extra vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, or onions to bulk up your salad or sandwich. You can also request a side of pickles or applesauce.
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Avoid the fries, biscuits, and mac and cheese, as they all contain animal-derived ingredients. The BBQ baked beans are also made with chicken fat.
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For a sweet treat, go for the apple turnover or a fruit cup. The chocolate chip cookies contain milk, so they are not vegan.
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Wash it all down with your choice of beverage—KFC‘s drink menu is entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
While this selection may not rival a dedicated plant-based restaurant, it‘s still possible to enjoy a filling meal at KFC without compromising your values. And as the chain continues to innovate with meat-free options, I expect the menu will only become more vegetarian and vegan-friendly over time.
The Future of Fast Food for Plant-Based Diners
As a retail futurist, I‘m excited to see how fast food evolves to meet the needs of vegetarian and vegan consumers. With the plant-based food market expected to reach $74.2 billion by 2027, there‘s a huge financial incentive for chains like KFC to expand their meat-free offerings. We‘re already seeing a wave of new product launches and partnerships aimed at replicating the taste and texture of animal proteins using plants.
At the same time, I believe fast food chains will continue to elevate their traditional vegetarian staples like salads, veggie burgers, and bean burritos. As consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, there will be greater demand for whole food, plant-based options that are minimally processed and sustainably sourced. Chains that can offer fresh, flavorful, and nutritious vegetarian meals at an affordable price point will have a major advantage.
Advances in kitchen equipment and staff training will also be key to accommodating special diets without sacrificing speed or consistency. I envision a future where fast food restaurants have dedicated prep areas and cooking surfaces for vegetarian and vegan items, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination. Digital ordering systems could allow customers to easily filter menus by dietary preferences and allergens.
As for KFC specifically, I predict we will see an expanding array of plant-based chicken options on the menu, potentially including a vegan version of the famous Original Recipe. The chain may also introduce more vegetarian sides and sauces to complement its meatless mains. A fully vegan combo meal is not outside the realm of possibility within the next 5-10 years.
Key Takeaways for Plant-Based KFC Fans
To sum up, here are the key points that vegetarians and vegans need to know about KFC‘s current menu:
- KFC‘s signature gravy is not vegetarian or vegan, as it contains both chicken fat and cracklings. It also includes dairy, soy, and wheat ingredients.
- The chain offers Beyond Fried Chicken nuggets and wings at select US locations, as well as several vegetarian burger options in international markets. However, these items are often cooked in shared oil with animal products.
- KFC‘s core vegetarian sides are limited to green beans, corn on the cob, and the House Side Salad without chicken or dressing. The fries, biscuits, and mac and cheese all contain animal-derived ingredients.
- To minimize cross-contamination risk, vegetarians and vegans should ask about preparation methods and request any modifications to their order.
- As plant-based eating becomes more mainstream, KFC is likely to expand its vegetarian and vegan options in the coming years. A vegan gravy or fully plant-based combo meal may even be on the horizon.
Eating out as a vegetarian or vegan can be challenging, especially at a fast food chain known for its fried chicken. But with a little research and creativity, it‘s possible to enjoy a satisfying meat-free meal at KFC. And as more consumers embrace plant-based diets, I‘m hopeful that we‘ll see even more delicious and convenient options on the menu. Fingers crossed for that vegan gravy!
