Joaquin Pelaez, senior vice president for product excellence at Yum! Brands, told the crowd at Alltech’s Annual Symposium in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, that Kentucky Fried Chicken has become the most recognizable brand in China, even when it comes to pork.
Pelaez says that KFC has a bigger role in China than just market share. Chinese consumers love the brand and generally choose western brands because they are trusted. KFC has focused on building that trust with a total commitment to food safety and publicizing that commitment. In the US, we don’t think much about food safety, but in China, KFC’s marketing message has made it a big deal. They absolutely guarantee that all of their products are safe.
Parent company KFC’s parent company, Yum! Brands split off from Pepsico in 1997. At that time they set a goal to become the best restaurant company in the world. They are said to have dominated the Chinese market, but it’s not because they used the same ideas that were created in the US.
Pelaez described many ways that KFC had localised their products and stores to appeal to the Chinese consumer. They typically introduce 120 new products per year. In addition to chicken they serve beef, shrimp and pork.
Chinese appetite Flavours, sauces and spices are designed to appeal to the Chinese appetite. For breakfast, they have fried dough sticks dipped in soy milk and different kinds of congee (purple rice). Desert items include egg tarts inspired by a Macao favorite that was introduced by the Portuguese.
Pelaez says that KFC stores in China and their advertising and marketing materials are designed to fit in with the local style and architecture. People who buy from KFC know that it’s a foreign company, but Pelaez thinks they feel connected to the brand. KFC is currently building 500 new stores a year.
Related websites: • Yum! Brands www.yum.com • Alltech www.alltech.com • Kentucky Fried Chicken www.kfc.com
With its iconic Original Recipe fried chicken, KFC is one of the world’s most popular fast food chains. But rumors have circulated for years that KFC adds pork fat or other non-chicken ingredients to its signature dish. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll separate fact from fiction regarding the use of pork fat at KFC.
A Brief History of KFC
Colonel Harland Sanders opened the first KFC restaurant in 1930, pressure frying chicken coated in his top secret blend of 11 herbs and spices Through franchising and acquisition by companies like Heublein and PepsiCo, KFC expanded rapidly across the US. and overseas. It’s now a global brand with over 25,000 locations.
The Colonel’s Original Cooking Methods
Sanders prepared everything from scratch in his original restaurants. He breaded chicken pieces in flour and spices, then pressure fried them fresh to order. Side dishes like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits were made using traditional Southern recipes and ingredients. There is no evidence Sanders ever used pork fat or other non-chicken animal fats when cooking his original recipe fried chicken or sides.
How Has KFC’s Food Preparation Changed Over Time?
After Sanders sold KFC in 1964, corporate owners incrementally altered recipes and processes to improve consistency and lower costs in franchises.
- Chicken was delivered pre-cut rather than butchered on site
- Instant mashed potatoes replaced homemade
- Coleslaw and biscuits were made from bagged ingredients
- Gravy changed from pan drippings to powder
These shifts impacted food quality and taste But did they also incorporate pork fat or other new ingredients?
Is Pork Fat Added to KFC’s Chicken or Sides?
Rumors have circulated for years alleging KFC adds pork fat or beef tallow to its cooking oil, batter, or side dishes. Let’s examine what KFC’s ingredients actually contain:
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Cooking oil – KFC fries chicken in vegetable oil without added lard or tallow.
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Breading – The original recipe breading contains flour, spices, and flavorings. There is no evidence of pork fat or other animal fats.
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Sides – Mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, biscuits primarily contain vegetable oils, dairy products, and starch. No pork fat is used.
KFC also prepares fish, beef, and vegetarian menu items separately from their chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
The Bottom Line on Pork Fat at KFC
Based on published ingredients and observed cooking practices in restaurants, there is no credible proof that KFC uses pork fat in their core fried chicken or sides.
Despite viral internet claims, the use of chicken and vegetable oil has been constant throughout KFC’s history. Rumors of added pork fat appear to be unfounded.
Other Ingredients That Raise Questions
While pork fat seems definitively absent, KFC has acknowledged using these other non-traditional ingredients:
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Chicken fat – Fryer drippings add flavor to gravy but increase saturated fat.
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MSG – Added to seasonings and gravy for umami flavor. Some report adverse reactions.
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Soy – Hydrolyzed soy protein thickens gravy. Could be a concern for those with soy allergies.
So although pork fat in particular is not on their shelves, KFC does use some modern fat sources, flavor enhancers, and processed ingredients to streamline commercial production.
Assessing KFC’s Ingredients and Preparation for Yourself
With so much misinformation online, it’s smart to consult KFC’s published allergen and nutrition data for real facts.
As a customer, you may take issue with KFC’s use of isolated additives, MSG, or artificial flavors. Or you may have no concerns indulging in their signature fried chicken as an occasional treat.
Either way, knowing the truths around these ingredient claims allows you to make your own informed decisions rather than relying on unverified internet hearsay.
The Takeaway on Pork Fat at KFC
Based on current ingredients and practices, pork fat is clearly not used in KFC’s cooking oil, signature fried chicken, or standard side dishes. While their recipes have evolved over decades, chicken and vegetable oil have remained the core cooking fats.
Rumors of added pork fat seem to be internet myths rather than fact. However, customers should still be aware that isolated additives and chicken fat are used in select menu items. As with any fast food, it’s smart to enjoy KFC in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
3 Reasons For Not Eating Pork
FAQ
What KFC items have pork?
What fat does KFC use?
Is there pork in KFC gravy?
Does KFC fry in lard?
Does KFC use frozen meat?
It would be easy to assume KFC and other fast food restaurants like it use frozen meat products for all of their menu offerings. Doing so would presumably amount to a significant cost savings over fresh proteins.
Why is pork not recommended to eat?
This is not true, some cuts like sirloin and pork rump steak, for example, are very healthy, even healthier than beef and chicken. Only the fattest cuts like bacon and crackling should be avoided.
Is KFC chicken processed?
The term ‘processed’ can cover a range of practices from basic preparation to the inclusion of various additives. KFC’s chicken is processed insofar as it is cleaned, portioned, seasoned, and cooked before being served. This level of processing is standard in the restaurant industry and necessary to deliver the product to the consumer.
Is KFC chicken good?
However, suffice it to say that whatever they’re putting on that chicken makes it pretty darn delicious. Whenever you get a craving for KFC chicken, it’s the only thing that will satisfy the raging hunger beast inside of you.