KFC Set To Launch Vegan Burger
Despite KFC and the Colonel's global reputation as Fried Chicken lovers, the fast food chain is now planning on cashing in on the vegan market too. This is a first since KFC was opened in 1952.
Called 'The Imposter' burger, the launch is set for 17 June in the UK (London, Bristol, Midlands), over a four-week period. A roll-out is said to follow, depending on popularity.
But what's it made of? It uses a Quorn fillet and vegan mayo. Quorn is a meat substitute that gets its protein content from a fermented fungus. The fillets are then coated in the Colonel’s famous Original Recipe herbs and spices. But it's a special process.
“Quorn is usually vegetarian, not vegan, so they had to do something particular for us. It’s produced and then we add our secret seasoning at a separate site. We can’t have it there.” KFC goes on to describe the burger as "a triumph of deception." Tasters are reporting they can't tell the difference! 
KFC's move into the meat-free market is in line with competitor's at the moment. In May, McDonald's' launched its meat-free burger in Germany, one of its biggest markets. Not to be left out, Burger King also increased the distribution of their 'Impossible Burger' to 100 locations in the US. 
It's said the trend is growing more rapidly than many observers anticipated as consumers search out meat alternatives to diversify their diets or reduce their environmental footprint. Globally, the retail market for meat substitutes could grow from about $18.7 billion in 2018 to $23 billion in 2023, according to Euromonitor International.
Hopefully us South Africans will get to try this meat-free fast food option soon!