KFC, or Kentucky Fried Chicken, is a fast-food restaurant chain that specializes in fried chicken. While KFC does not offer a completely vegan menu, there are some options for those looking for a plant-based meal.
KFC’s mashed potatoes are not vegan because they contain butter, milk, and other animal-derived ingredients. However, there are other options on the menu at KFC that are suitable for people who follow a vegan diet, such as their spicy popcorn bites, veggie bucket, corn on the cob, and more.
In this article, we will explore:
- What Makes KFC such a successful chain?
- What is in the mashed potatoes at KFC?
- The best vegan options at KFC
- The Best Vegan Mashed Potatoes You’ll Ever Eat
- The bottom line
1. What Makes KFC Such A Successful Chain?
KFC is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the world. What makes KFC so successful? There are several reasons.
First, KFC has a strong brand identity. The chain is known for its signature fried chicken, which is served in a bucket. This recognizable branding helps to attract customers and create loyalty.
Second, KFC has a wide menu that caters to different tastes. In addition to fried chicken, KFC also offers sandwiches, salads, sides, and desserts. This variety keeps customers coming back.
Third, KFC locations are typically located in high-traffic areas such as near highways or shopping malls. This makes it convenient for customers to stop in for a quick meal.
Overall, KFC has been successful because it offers high-quality food that customers love, at a good price. Its strong brand, wide menu, and convenient locations all contribute to its success.
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2. What is in the mashed potatoes at KFC?
KFC’s mashed potatoes are not suitable for vegans. The exact ingredients list changes from country to country, but KFC discloses that there are milk ingredients in their mashed potatoes. This makes them not suitable for vegans.
Veganism is a way of living that seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. Therefore, vegans do not eat foods that contain milk or milk products. KFC’s mashed potatoes contain milk ingredients, making them not suitable for vegans.
3. The best vegan options at KFC
KFC is not typically known for being a vegan-friendly restaurant. However, they do offer a few vegan options that can be suitable for those following a plant-based diet.
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3.1. Plant-based sandwich (Canada)
KFC is known for its fried chicken, but now the fast-food chain is also serving up plant-based sandwiches.
The vegan offering, which launched at three KFC locations across Canada in June 2018, features a patty made from Beyond Meat and comes with mayonnaise and lettuce on top of an Original Recipe fillet.
This new addition to the menu has proven to be popular in the country, leading KFC to launch it nationwide starting in January 2019.
3.2. Corn on the Cob
KFC’s corn on the cob recipe is made with fresh corn, butter, and a secret blend of spices that give it a unique flavor. To make it vegan, please request it without butter.
3.3. Secret Recipe Fries
KFC’s Secret Recipe Fries are vegan! The fast food chain’s iconic fries are actually vegan-friendly, making them a great option for those following a plant-based diet. While the restaurant does not explicitly advertise this fact, it is something that vegans and vegetarians have been aware of for some time.
3.4. House Side Salad
KFC’s House side salad can be made vegan by removing the croutons and choosing the Marzetti Light Italian Dressing.
The salad itself consists of chopped romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, red cabbage, black olives, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers.
3.5. Sweet Kernel Corn
KFC’s Sweet Kernel Corn is vegan, meaning they do not contain any animal products. They are also gluten-free and kosher. This makes them a great option for those who have dietary restrictions or are simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional corn.
3.6. Apple Turnover
KFC’s Apple Turnover is one of the most popular desserts that they offer. This dessert is a deep-fried apple turnover, which is filled with cinnamon and sugar. The crust is flaky and fluffy and tastes amazing when it’s done right. You can find these at KFC restaurants all around the world, so they are always available whenever you feel like indulging yourself in something sweet.
The biggest thing that sets apart KFC’s apple turnovers from other similar items on the market is the fact that they are made using fresh apples instead of frozen ones. This means that they have an incredible taste since frozen apples have a cooked, slightly bland flavor to them. When the turnover is made fresh with fresh apples, you get the best taste possible.
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4. The Best Vegan Mashed Potatoes You’ll Ever Eat
Incredibly delicious and creamy vegan mashed potatoes are easy to make and perfect for special occasions or any day of the week.
To make these flavorful, hearty potatoes, you will need:
1 lb. potatoes, peeled and chopped into small pieces
3 Tbsp. vegan butter or margarine
1 cup unsweetened plant milk (e.g., soy, almond)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
Add the chopped potatoes to a large pot of boiling water and cook until they are soft and tender.
Drain the water from the cooked potatoes, then add them back to the pot along with the vegan butter or margarine, plant milk, salt, and pepper.
Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy.
Taste to adjust any seasonings, then serve immediately.
These incredibly delicious and creamy vegan mashed potatoes are sure to become a family favorite!
5. The Bottom line
If you are looking for vegan-friendly options while eating at KFC, there are a few items on the menu that you can order. The mashed potatoes are not vegan, but the plant-based sandwich, secret recipe fries, and apple turnover are, amongst others. You can also request some small modifications to make the house salad and corn on the cob vegan.
The important thing to remember when ordering at a restaurant is that you should always double-check with the server if something can be made vegan. The servers are able not only to confirm ingredients for your dish but let you know of any new items recently added and whether or not they’re suitable for vegans!