KFC, the fast food chain restaurant, has been around since 1952, when Harland Sanders, aka Colonel Sanders, first served up his so-called finger-lickin’ Kentucky-fried chicken. As the name suggests, the giant has its roots in the south and offers southern-inspired cuisine on the go. This includes its famous fried chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits, gravy, and coleslaw. As a chain that’s all about chicken, you might be surprised to hear that there are some options for vegans on the menu. During Veganuary 2022, KFC was even offering a Beyond Fried Chicken, however, this is now only available in selected stores. On the other hand, in the UK, vegans have struck gold and can enjoy its Original Recipe Vegan Burger all year round. Don’t feel too jealous, though, because with our Vegan Unlocked secret menu, full menu, and editor’s picks, you can dine on something deliciously vegan at KFC, too. We’ve even found a way to zhuzh up the KFC house salad!
The Vegan Unlocked Research Team combed through all 60 items on the KFC menu and found some unmissable custom creations and a few different sides to satisfy your KFC cravings.
KFC scores 2.0 out of 5 stars as a vegan-friendly restaurant. So, while it offers some creative vegan combo opportunities, its as-is menu is a little lacking.
This score is calculated based on the number of vegan offerings on KFC’s menu “as is” or with an easy substitution, a restaurant vegan customizability score and finally, the number of vegan options vs non-vegan options. Learn more about how Vegan Unlocked Ratings are calculated.
Secret Menu
When pursuing a chicken-heavy menu like KFC’s, it can feel daunting to try and find something that satisfies your plant-based yearning. However, if you know where to look, there’s a whole treasure trove of vegan treats. We sent our vegan researchers (the most creative bunch in the game) to KFC to come up with some devilishly delicious secret menu items, and you won’t be disappointed. Why not have a go yourself? Hacking a chain’s vegan menu is all about finding opportunities to sub-in and swap plant-based items and pack in the flavor. Sometimes, all it involves is ordering a side of extra veggies or drizzling some vegan-friendly sauce over an otherwise bland dish.
Not looking for a vegan mix-up? Scroll on to find KFC vegan menu items, and our editors’ top picks just below this section.
The Mega Vegan Salad
The KFC house salad might look a bit limp and lifeless by itself, but when you add in some extras, it’s a real winner. Order without croutons or cheese, and add in some green beans, extra sweet kernel corn, and lemon juice for some zing, and you’ve got a taste sensation.
The BBQ Bean Burrito
If you’re looking for a bean-filled extravaganza, you’ve come to the right place! Order up a plain vegan-friendly tortilla wrap, and then order a side of BBQ beans, sweet kernel corn, secret recipe fries (in homage to the UK chip butty), and some salad – if you fancy some greenery. Load those sides into your tortilla wrap, and you’ve got a BBQ bean burrito.
All the Vegan Options at KFC
So, what else is on the KFC vegan menu?
Sides
- BBQ baked beans
- Corn on the cob
- Green beans
- Secret recipe fries
- Sweet kernel corn
- House side salad ordered without croutons or cheese
Sauces, Add Ons, Toppings
- Marzetti light Italian dressing
- Ketchup
- Grape jelly packet
- Strawberry jam packet
- Lemon juice packet
Desserts
- Apple Turnover
Kids
- Musselman’s Applesauce
Editor’s Picks: What Are the Top Vegan Meals at KFC?
For many vegans, pulses, due to being nutritionally dense and deeply satisfying, are a big part of their diet. This means that lots of those in the plant-based community absolutely love beans. If you’re one of those people, the BBQ Bean Burrito will be right up your alley as our bonkers-for-beans option. Flavorful, carby, and deeply satisfying, this is one not to miss.
Sometimes you’re in the mood for something lighter, or perhaps you just salivate at the thought of a sumptuous salad. Either way, we’ve got the perfect item for you. The Mega Vegan Salad, despite the name, is the perfect light bite. Full of fresh veggies, with a hit of zest from the lemon, this salad will make your taste buds sing.
If you’re eating out on a budget, you don’t have to miss out at KFC because it has some great, affordable options. The top pocket-saver item is KFC’s Secret Recipe Fries. The recipe may be a secret, but we’re making sure its low price isn’t!
Note: Vegan Unlocked is a tool dedicated to helping people find plant-based options. We are not an allergen resource, and want to encourage our friends with allergies to proceed with caution. We cannot control and don’t always know when cross contamination takes place. See the KFC allergen menu here. As far as cross-contamination of vegan foods with animal products, this is completely up to your comfort level as an individual. Read our stance on cross contamination.
Frequently Asked KFC Questions
Are KFC Potatoes Vegan?
Sadly, KFC mashed potatoes are not vegan as they are made with dairy milk.
Are KFC Fries Vegan?
Although KFC’s mash is not vegan-friendly, its fries are, so knock yourself out!
Is KFC Beyond Chicken Vegan?
Yes! While Beyond Chicken Vegan is great at mimicking real chicken, with its succulent and juicy filets, it’s actually 100% plant-powered.
You can find out more information on KFC by visiting their website here.
KFC Vegan Menu Was Brought to You by…
Madaline Dunn
Madaline is a vegan journalist, writer, and editor specializing in sustainability, current affairs, and social justice and the ways in which they intersect. Her work focuses on innovation and progress, prioritizing rigorous investigation. When she’s not writing, she’s in the kitchen experimenting with new plant-based recipes, reading a good book, or thinking about her next cup of coffee.
Cristina Garrido
Cristina is a vegan cook and recipe developer. She’s worked in several vegan kitchens, as a collaborator for different cooking blogs and now works as a consultant helping restaurants interested in making their menus more vegan-friendly. She’s passionate about cultural foods and culinary innovations. Her non-food related interests include thrifting, sustainability and exploring her new adoptive country, Portugal.
