KFC’s New Plant-Based And Meatless Burger Has Us A Bit Puzzled

Image credit: soyacincau.com and evolvedsound.com.au

KFC Malaysia has introduced their plant-based and meatless burger in Malaysia! This is not a new item as it is also available in Singapore, Hong Kong, and other regions of the world. In Malaysia, it is made in collaboration with the meat substitute brand, Quorn. The brand primarily uses a mycoprotein which is fermented from a fungus found in soil. This plant-based material is then used to create the patty. KFC claims that the Zero Chicken Burger is high in protein and fibre, and low in saturated fat. However, it is important to take note that the burger is neither vegan nor vegetarian. So what’s the point?


KFC Zero Chicken Burger
Image credit: sg.news.yahoo.com

The plant-based burger is not considered vegan nor vegetarian because it is fried in the same oil as some chicken products. Additionally, the mayonnaise that is in the burger is also not vegan. Many of us might be wondering, what is the aim of a plant-based and meatless burger if it’s not even vegetarian or vegan?

Plant-Based Diets

Plant-based diet
Image credit: medicalnewstoday.com

A plant-based diet might seem straightforward in that your diet consists of food that comes from plants. However, some people understand and interpret it in a few different ways. Generally, there are those who practice a vegan diet and exclusively avoid all animal products. Meanwhile, there are some who understand it as prioritising food from plants but still consume fish, meat, or dairy products.

Essentially, this diet puts the focus on healthy whole foods rather than processed foods. Your primary focus should be on integrating more plants into your meals. In fact, there are several benefits to practicing this diet.

plant-based meal
Image credit: everydayhealth.com

Firstly, it can help with better weight management. Research suggests that those who focus on plants have lower rates of obesity. Other than that, there is also a lower risk of heart diseases and other cardiovascular conditions. Eating less meat is associated with reducing the risk of:

  • stroke
  • high blood pressure
  • high cholesterol
  • certain cancers
  • type 2 diabetes
  • obesity