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KFC launched its first plant-based food option in Australia, and the new “meatless” item is chicken popcorn. This bite-size vegan chicken menu is available only in select locations in New South Wales.
As per The Daily Mail, Kentucky Fried Chicken’s vegan food item is called “Wicked Popcorn”, and this is seasoned using Wicked Wings' spices. This was released on Aug. 9 and will be in the stores for a limited time. Customers can buy them at the price starting at $2.95 until Sept. 5 only.
Since this is plant-based, the KFC Wicked Popcorn is made from pea protein and served with lime ranch sauce. However, the fried chicken restaurant chain said that some vegans may not like it because although the “meat” is plant-based, the snack is not prepared in a vegan or vegetarian-friendly way, which suggests it is likely fried in the same oil as the meat products in the restaurant.
It was reported that customers of KFC restaurants in Australia have actually been waiting for this new plant-based item and finally the wait is over and Wicked Popcorn is here. The dipping sauce that accompanies the spiced meat-free popcorn-sized morsels is brand new and will provide zest and extra spice in every crunchy bite.
The KFC Wicked Popcorn will be in 14 branches across the NSW South Coast, and these are Wollongong FC, Dapto, Fairy Meadow, Unanderra, Warrawong, Shellharbour, Shellharbour FC, Bega, Albion Park 2, Batemans Bay, Bomaderry, Nowra, Ulladulla, and Mittagong FC.
Customers can pick between three options - Wicked Popcorn, the Wicked Popcorn Bowl, and Wicked Popcorn Combo - which can also be ordered through the restaurant’s KFC delivery app.
'We are excited to serve up Wicked Popcorn – an innovative product that offers more choice on our menu,” the Daily Mail quoted Sally Sprigg, KFC Australia’s chief marketing officer, as saying in a statement. “We are always looking to treat our fans with new products, so we hope they'll enjoy this meat-free option which offers that great KFC taste our fans know and love.”
Meanwhile, KFC confirmed to 7NEWS.com.au that its plant-based Wicked Popcorn is indeed fried in the same fryers as its regular Popcorn Chicken. Thus, it is up to the vegan customers if they still want to order this new snack item.
