Are KFC Fries Vegan and Cruelty-Free?

July 22, 2023

Identifying whether a product is vegan or not can often be a labyrinthine task, especially when manufacturers play hide and seek with the true nature and source of their ingredients. 

But fret not, young warriors of Earth, for this article aims to uncover the truth and be your guide through the maze, supporting you in your compassionate vegan lifestyle.

Are KFC Fries Vegan?

Regrettably, as of the last update to our knowledge in 2021, KFC fries are not vegan. One primary ingredient, which might come as a surprise, is not vegan friendly. 

It’s the “natural flavorings,” which may include animal-derived components. This detail, along with potential cross-contamination issues, since the fries might be fried in the same oil as the chicken products, makes KFC fries unsuitable for a strict vegan diet.

If KFC wants to come out with the ingredients to its natural flavorings, we’d be happy to update this article and call KFC French fries vegan, should that be the case. 

Are KFC Fries Cruelty-Free?

Similarly, given the ambiguous nature of the “natural flavorings” and the possibility of cross-contamination from cooking in the same oil, we cannot confidently assert that KFC fries are cruelty-free. One cannot know if an animal isn’t exploited by an ingredient if one does not know all the ingredients.

What Are KFC Fries Made Of?

To better understand our assessment, let’s delve into the recipe. KFC’s secret recipe fries are made of the following ingredients:

  • Potatoes
  • Vegetable oil
  • Wheat flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Rice flour
  • Salt
  • Spice extracts
  • Natural flavorings

Potatoes

A key component of any French fries, the humble potato is, of course, vegan friendly, hailing directly from the Earth’s soil.

Vegetable oil

KFC uses vegetable oil to deep-fry its products. It is plant derived and, thus, vegan.

Wheat flour, cornstarch, and rice flour

These plant-based components are used for texture and are completely vegan friendly.

Salt

Salt is a mineral, and hence, it’s vegan friendly.

Spice extracts

These plant-derived ingredients add a delicious flavor to the fries and are vegan. We think. We don’t exactly know what spices are in it — reports conflict — but spices come from plants, so it’s a safe guess.

Natural flavorings

The hiccup in our vegan-friendly journey lies here. The term “natural flavorings” is a broad one, often used by food manufacturers to cover a variety of sources, including both plant and animal origins. Without specific details, we can’t safely conclude that this component aligns with a vegan diet.

Vegan Alternatives to KFC Fries

Never fear, my young vegan connoisseurs, there’s a wide array of vegan-friendly fries available at other fast food chains or even recipes to make your own delicious vegan meal at home. Here are a few examples:

Conclusion

Thanks to the ambiguity around the “natural flavorings” and the potential cross-contamination risk from using the same oil as chicken products, regrettably, you should steer clear of KFC fries if you prefer your food to be vegan or cruelty-free. 

While this news might be disappointing for vegan fast-food enthusiasts, rest assured, there are several other vegan-friendly options out there from various brands to ensure your vegan journey is not only ethically sound but also full of delicious flavor.