
KFC Releases Vegan Chicken Sandwich, Sells Out in Four Days
Kentucky Fried Chicken recently launched its plant-based Imposter Burger in 20 locations throughout the United Kingdom. KFC planned to run a trial of the burger from June 17 to July 15 and then expand to other locations if the launch proved successful. But after only four days, the Imposter Burger was completely sold out.
Over those few days, the Imposter Burger racked up sales around 500 percent higher than those of a typical new KFC sandwich. On one of the days, a KFC restaurant in London sold about one Imposter Burger a minute. The new plant-based option took off with such speed that KFC senior innovation leader Victoria Robertson stated, “We knew there were plenty of people who would want to get a taste of the Imposter, but we didn’t anticipate this phenomenal response.”
The burger features a patty specially made by meatless brand Quorn, coated in signature KFC spices and herbs, and served on a bun with lettuce and vegan mayo. According to Robertson, the new offering is designed to be a plant-based version of KFC’s classic burger:
We thought developing a vegan menu item is really important. We’ve worked hard to perfect the Imposter. More people are choosing plant-based diets and reducing the amount of meat they eat. It’s about time we launched something for them.
The success of the Imposter Burger is part of a wave of enthusiasm for plant-based options at fast-food restaurants. Del Taco just expanded its Beyond Meat offerings after its nationwide rollout was one of Del Taco’s most successful product launches ever. Last year Carl’s Jr. created the Beyond Famous Star burger. And Qdoba recently brought vegan ground beef from Impossible Foods to all locations. Even Red Robin has announced plans to launch the Impossible Burger at 570 locations throughout the United States!
The Imposter Burger will be available again at select KFC locations on July 2. While this is great for the U.K., fantastic vegan options abound in the U.S. as well. For delicious meal ideas on the go or at home, order a FREE Vegetarian Starter Guide today.