The latest KFC menu item in the United States tastes like chicken but isn't.

Beyond Fried Chicken, a new plant-based fried chicken nugget alternative, will be added to menus worldwide on Monday, Jan. 10 for a limited time. According to the chain, this is the first time a significant national chain has sold plant-based chicken products instead of the increasingly popular hamburger and sausage alternatives. In an interview with CNN Business, KFC US President Kevin Hochman said, "It's time." Customers of the company, he continued, want to "consume less animal protein but not give up comfort food." Beyond Fried Chicken is "packed with delicious flavor and the juicy satisfaction that you'd expect from KFC's iconic fried chicken," according to a press release from Yum! Brands. The new product is for customers "who want to eat a little less animal-based protein, but haven't become vegan or vegetarian," according to Hochman. Beyond Fried Chicken is available as part of a combo meal that includes a medium drink and fries, or as a six- or 12-piece à la carte order. Prices vary by region, but six pieces start at $6.99 and go up from there for the additional selections. About a year ago, KFC and Beyond Meat established a partnership to create exclusive dishes for the fried chicken giant. According to Hochman, it took KFC a long time to develop a plant-based version of its renowned chicken, but the company's work with Beyond Meat has aided in the development of a worthy product. "The flavor is so good," Hochman added, "that they might prefer it to ordinary fried chicken." Beyond Fried Chicken by KFC was tested in a few US cities in 2020, including Los Angeles, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Nashville, Tennessee. According to KFC, a first iteration was also served in Atlanta in August 2019. Customers wanted dipping sauces for it to be delivered as a nugget rather than a boneless wing, so there were a "few modifications" between the different versions, according to Hochman. Beyond Fried Chicken will be sent to restaurants pre-breaded and fried, and in-store personnel will re-fry it before serving. The new menu item, however, is not suitable for devout vegans or vegetarians because it is produced in the same locations as chicken items. Fast food restaurants have leapt on the plant-based meat trend as a method to attract new consumers, re-engage existing ones, and increase brand awareness. Companies are also courting so-called flexitarians who want to cut back on meat consumption for health or environmental reasons. In addition to counterfeit beef, the chains have been growing. Impossible nuggets are presently being tested at Burger King, a Beyond Meat breakfast sandwich is available at Dunkin' Donuts, and Starbucks offers its own Impossible breakfast sandwich. Chipotle announced this week that its plant-based chorizo will be available statewide for a limited period. The most anticipated item, though, is McDonald's plant-based burger, the McPlant, which is set to debut in the United States later this year. The increased exposure for Beyond Meat could help boost its sagging shares. Over the last year, the stock has lost 50% of its value. Its most recent earnings report, released in November 2021, fell short of analysts' estimates, and the business stated that demand for its products is falling in both grocery stores and restaurants.