KFC announces launch of vegan chicken burger in UK

''The Imposter' – a vegan burger that the Colonel would be proud of'

Sabrina Barr
Monday 17 June 2019 10:17 BST
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The vegan 'Imposter' burger
The vegan 'Imposter' burger

Despite its global reputation as a fast food chain renowned for its proclivity for chicken, KFC has finally entered the vegan food market.

Kentucky Fried Chicken, as it’s been named since its conception in 1952, announced the launch of a vegan chicken burger in the UK on Thursday.

“The Imposter” burger replaces KFC’s typical chicken breast fillet with a fillet made from Quorn, which has been coated in the Colonel’s Original Recipe herbs and spices.

The burger is served with vegan mayonnaise, fresh iceberg lettuce and a soft-glazed bun.

KFC is due to trial “The Imposter” burger in selected restaurants in London, Bristol and the Midlands from 17 June for a four-week period.

The vegan 'Imposter' burger

Victoria Robertson, chief vegetable enthusiast at KFC UK and Ireland, says its “unfair” vegans have been “denied the incredible taste of KFC up to now”.

“Which is why we’ve worked hard to perfect ‘The Imposter’ – a vegan burger that the Colonel would be proud of,” Robertson adds.

The news of KFC's soon-to-be-released vegan burger delighted several vegan foodies.

"Officially excited," one person tweeted.

Tony Davison, head of global foodservice and QSR (quick service restaurants) at Quorn, states that the company “couldn’t believe” the idea of a vegan KFC burger.

“But we’ve done it – working with KFC we’ve created a bespoke Quorn fillet that does the Colonel’s recipe justice,” Davison says.

“We have no doubt that KFC fans are going to love the modern take on a finger lickin’ favourite.”

Dawn Carr, director of vegan corporate projects at Peta, described the launch of “The Imposter” burger as “clucking marvellous”.

Last month, KFC hinted at plans for a plant-based alternative to chicken on its menu.

Kevin Hochman, US president of KFC, said the company was “meeting with the big suppliers of alternative proteins to understand the market and where it’s headed”.

Earlier this year, Burger King launched its vegetarian Whopper burger, dubbed the “Impossible Whopper“.

The plant-based burger was made available in 59 stores around Missouri in the US.

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Here are all the KFC restaurants where "The Imposter" burger is being trialled:

  • Bristol - Fishponds
  • Bristol Bradley Stoke
  • Bristol - Winterstoke Road
  • Bristol - Eastgate Retail Park
  • Bristol - Avonmeads Retail Park
  • Bristol - Shield Retail Park
  • Bristol - Keynsham
  • Bristol - Hengrove Leisure Park
  • Bristol - The Venue Cribbs Causeway
  • Birmingham - Great Bridge Retail Pk
  • Bloxwich - Leamore Lane
  • Cannock - Orbital Retail Park
  • Tamworth - Ventura Retail Park
  • Tyburn - Kingsbury Road
  • Walsall - Junction 10 M6 Services
  • Walsall - Park Street
  • Dudley - Merry Hill Food Court
  • Stourbridge - St Johns Road
  • Dudley - Merry Hill Drive Thru
  • London – Gloucester Road

"The Imposter" burger will cost £2.99 on its own, and £3.49 with a drink.

KFC is also due to trial a vegetarian dish, "The Southern Fritter Stacker", in the form of a burger, wrap and ricebox from 15 July from the same locations.

To read all about the biggest vegan food launches this year, click here.

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