KFC Thailand launches ‘Meat Zero’ plant-based chicken to its menu

KFC Thailand added plant-based fried chicken to its menu, and CP Foods will be supplying the food alternative. It was said that the Kentucky Fried Chicken in this country is looking to grow and develop a new brand in Asia.

Based on the reports, the new plant-based meat substitute will feature the exact same taste and texture as the real KFC fried chicken. This means the vegan option will be seasoned using the restaurant chain’s recipe.

The new food item on the Thailand unit of the KFC was branded as “Meat Zero,” and it will be available in select stores. It is understood that that later on, more locations will be added to the list and start offering the new plant-based KFC chicken nuggets that could also be served with rice.

According to Nikkei Asia, the company implemented a bit of change in the menu to cater to health-conscious customers. It was added that the meat alternative was also for sustainability.

As mentioned earlier, Thailand’s CP Foods, a member of the country’s top conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group, will be supplying the meat to KFC. This partnership is a booster for the company as it is aiming to become the leading producer of plant-based meat alternatives in Asia by the year 2022.

"It is a major milestone that Meat Zero is selected for the first plant-based menus of KFC, Thailand's top fast-food chain," Prasit Boondoungprasert, CP Foods chief executive officer, said in a statement.

The new KFC plant-based chicken pop will be sold in Thailand for 49 baht or about $1.49, while the bite-sized nuggets will only be 45 baht. Customers will initially find the new menu in two KFC Green stores located at Saengsom Building and Wanachai Depot Chachoengsao.

“Opting for Meat Zero as the material for our plant-based Chicken Pop and spicy rice bowl with plant-based Chicken Pop menus, we can create very delicious products,” Vegconomist quoted.

KFC for Yum Restaurants International general manager (Thailand), Waewkanee Assoratgoon, as saying. “Consumers will barely notice that the chicken they are eating is made from plants. Whenever they want to skip real meat, they can come to us and they will still enjoy the familiar delicacy. Part of KFC’s green concept, the special menus will be initially served at both of our KFC Green Stores.”