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The first vegetarian, chicken-less KFC in the world trials for one week The Netherlands

3 min read

Inspiring People
Source: VeganFoodAndLiving

A KFC restaurant in Rotterdam went completely meat-free this week, in what has been described as a ‘historic’ moment for the fast-food chain, with all options at the branch being replaced with veggie alternatives from 9-15 March.

Rotterdam KFC goes meat-free for a week

The KFC restaurant on the Binnenwegplein in Rotterdam is a worldwide first: during the Netherlands annual ‘National Week Without Meat’, this KFC is completely chicken-free. And from that week (9-15 March) the vegetarian burger will be permanently on the menu in all Dutch branches.

You can choose from the well-known buckets, burgers and wraps. You can also try out the vegetarian version of the popular Crispy Tenders. If the Chickenless Crispy Tenders are well received, KFC will consider putting them on the menu in all Dutch branches.
The first vegetarian KFC in the world can be visited from 9 to 15 March. You can choose from the well-known buckets, burgers and wraps. You can also try out the vegetarian version of the popular Crispy Tenders. If the Chickenless Crispy Tenders are well received, KFC will consider putting them on the menu in all Dutch branches. Source: PlantBasedNews

All options at KFC on the Binnenwegplein have been replaced with veggie alternatives this week

A chicken restaurant is not the first place you think of if you want to eat something as a vegetarian, but a KFC restaurant in Rotterdam has gone meat-free for a week, in what has been described as a ‘historic’ moment for the fast-food chain. 

All options at KFC on the Binnenwegplein have been replaced with veggie alternatives during 9—15 March. The switch is being made to highlight ‘National Week Without Meat’ – an annual campaign in the Netherlands which launched in 2018, and aims to highlight the positive impact eating less meat has on people, animals, and the environment. 

The new meat-free burger – the Chickenless Chicken Burger – will launch in all Dutch KFC outlets from 9 March. The sandwich features a breaded Quorn patty flavoured with the chain’s trademark 11 herbs and spices.

KFC tested the new products for one day at a store in Atlanta last summer. The store sold out in less than five hours. The company launched a new trial in more than 70 locations in Charlotte, Nashville, and surrounding areas earlier this month. It featured an updated vegan fried chicken recipe. KFC launched vegan chicken across all 900 UK locations in January.
Last August, KFC joined forces with Beyond Meat to create the Beyond Fried Chicken. KFC tested the new products for one day at a store in Atlanta last summer. The store sold out in less than five hours. The company launched a new trial in more than 70 locations in Charlotte, Nashville, and surrounding areas earlier this month. It featured an updated vegan fried chicken recipe. KFC launched vegan chicken across all 900 UK locations in January. Source: KFC

A step forward, but not without controversy

KFC is one of many major chains to add a vegan burger to its menu in a bid to meet growing demand for plant-based alternatives, and vegan organisation ProVeg UK believes that “the full vegetarian week could be a signal of intent of KFC’s position in the shifting food industry.”

Speaking about the decision in a statement sent to Vegan Food & Living, Philip Mansbridge, Executive Director of ProVeg UK, said “For a branch of KFC to go 100% meat-free for a full week is nothing short of pioneering. We are seeing a glimpse into the future of fast food right here.

“This is a landmark moment, showing the industry’s need and willingness to adapt to changing consumer preferences for tastes towards healthier and more sustainable foods. Public awareness around the environmental and health consequences of eating meat is growing fast. This branch of KFC is listening, and it sends a very powerful message.”

Courting Controversy 

However, while this is a great step forward when someone as significant as they are in the sector starts promoting meat-free meals—and KFC has garnered considerable support from the vegan and veggie communities for doing so—it has also divided opinion.

A recent survey carried out by magazine Vegan Food & Living revealed that 57% of respondents ‘would never eat at KFC, even if there were more vegan options’.

"You’re still putting money into the coffers of company that makes its primary source of money off of the slaughter of a specific animal…this is just a marketing ploy," one social media user said talking about the chain releasing animal-free options. 

Source: PlantBasedNews

In order to keep up with shifting consumer preferences, KFCs around the world have been adding vegan-friendly options to menus. The fast-food giant first announced its intentions of testing vegan chicken last May, citing attempts to offer customers healthier options.
Advertising for the meat-free week at KFC Rotterdam In order to keep up with shifting consumer preferences, KFCs around the world have been adding vegan-friendly options to menus. The fast-food giant first announced its intentions of testing vegan chicken last May, citing attempts to offer customers healthier options. Source: Facebook/RonvanEs
Chicken-less KFC in Rotterdam proves to be huge hit Source: Facebook/RonvanEs
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