KFC, also known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is a popular fast-food chain that serves a variety of fried chicken options.
However, for those with food allergies or sensitivities, finding menu items that meet their dietary needs can be challenging.
In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of KFC’s allergen menu and the menu items that may contain allergens for customers with specific allergies or dietary restrictions.
This article will assist you in navigating KFC’s menu and making informed choices regarding your meal, whether you are looking for a vegetarian, wheat-free, or dairy-free option.
So enjoy the read.
About KFC
KFC, also known as Kentucky Fried Chicken, is a global fast-food restaurant chain that specializes in fried chicken.
The brand has a long history dating back to the creation of its signature recipe by Colonel Harland Sanders more than 75 years ago.
The recipe, which includes a secret blend of herbs and spices, is still used today in the preparation of KFC’s chicken dishes.
The chain has a presence in over 145 countries and territories worldwide, with over 25,000 restaurants.
It is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), a restaurant company that also owns the Pizza Hut and Taco Bell chains.
According to DBpedia, KFC is the world’s second-largest restaurant chain as measured by sales, after McDonald’s, with 22,621 locations globally in 150 countries as of December 2019.
It can be found in every corner of the globe, attracting millions of customers who appreciate the food’s delicious taste and reasonable prices.
What does an allergen menu mean?
An allergen menu is a guide that helps individuals with food allergies or sensitivities make informed decisions about what to order at a restaurant.
It lists all the menu items and indicates which ones contain specific allergens, such as peanuts, shellfish, gluten, or dairy.
By providing this information, customers can easily identify dishes that are safe for them to eat and avoid those that may cause an allergic reaction.
What is on the KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) allergen menu?
KFC’s (Kentucky Fried Chicken) allergen menu includes items that may contain allergens, to help customers with allergies or dietary restrictions choose suitable options.
The menu items included on the allergen menu are as follows:
Original Recipe Chicken
Original Recipe Chicken Breast (Eggs, Gluten, Milk, Wheat)
Original Recipe Chicken Drumstick (Eggs, Gluten, Milk, Wheat)
Original Recipe Chicken Thigh (Eggs, Gluten, Milk, Wheat)
Original Recipe Chicken Whole Wing (Eggs, Gluten, Milk, Wheat)
Extra Crispy Chicken
Extra Crispy Chicken Breast (Gluten, Wheat)
Extra Crispy Chicken Drumstick (Gluten, Wheat)
Extra Crispy Chicken Thigh (Gluten, Wheat)
Extra Crispy Chicken Whole Wing (Gluten, Wheat)
Kentucky Grilled Chicken
Kentucky Grilled Chicken Breast (Gluten, Soy, Wheat)
Kentucky Grilled Chicken Drumstick (Gluten, Soy, Wheat)
Kentucky Grilled Chicken Thigh (Gluten, Soy, Wheat)
Kentucky Grilled Chicken Whole Wing (Gluten, Soy, Wheat)
Spicy Crispy Chicken
Spicy Crispy Chicken Breast (Gluten, Wheat)
Spicy Crispy Chicken Drumstick (Gluten, Wheat)
Spicy Crispy Chicken Thigh (Gluten, Wheat)
Spicy Crispy Chicken Whole Wing (Gluten, Wheat)
Extra Crispy Tender
Extra Crispy Tender (Gluten, Wheat)
Nashville Hot Extra Crispy Tender (Gluten, Wheat)
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Kentucky Fried Wings – Buffalo (Eggs, Gluten, Soy, Wheat)
Kentucky Fried Wings – Honey BBQ (Gluten, Soy, Wheat)
Kentucky Fried Wings – Nashville Hot (Gluten, Soy, Wheat)
Kentucky Fried Wings – Unsauced (Gluten, Soy, Wheat)
Popcorn Nuggets
Popcorn Nuggets – Kids (Gluten, Milk, Soy, Wheat)
Popcorn Nuggets – Large (Gluten, Milk, Soy, Wheat)
Nashville Hot Chicken
Nashville Hot Extra Crispy Chicken Breast (Gluten, Wheat)
Nashville Hot Extra Crispy Chicken Thigh (Gluten, Wheat)
Nashville Hot Extra Crispy Chicken Drumstick (Gluten, Wheat)
Nashville Hot Extra Crispy Chicken Whole Wing (Gluten, Wheat)
Nashville Hot Kentucky Grilled Chicken Breast (Gluten, Soy, Wheat)
Nashville Hot Kentucky Grilled Chicken Drumstick (Gluten, Soy, Wheat)
Nashville Hot Kentucky Grilled Chicken Thigh (Gluten, Soy, Wheat)
Nashville Hot Kentucky Grilled Chicken Whole Wing (Gluten, Soy, Wheat)
Nashville Hot Spicy Crispy Chicken Breast (Gluten, Wheat)
Nashville Hot Spicy Crispy Chicken Drumstick (Gluten, Wheat)
Nashville Hot Spicy Crispy Chicken Thigh (Gluten, Wheat)
Nashville Hot Spicy Crispy Chicken Whole Wing (Gluten, Wheat)
Homemade Sides
Coleslaw (Eggs)
Potato Salad (Eggs)
Biscuit (Gluten, Milk, Wheat)
Secret Recipe Fries (Gluten, Soy, Wheat)
BBQ Baked Beans (Gluten, Soy, Wheat)
Macaroni & Cheese (Eggs, Gluten, Milk, Wheat)
KFC Cornbread Muffin (Eggs, Gluten, Milk, Soy, Wheat)
Macaroni Salad (Eggs, Gluten, Wheat)
Mashed Potatoes (Milk, Soy)
Mashed Potatoes With Gravy (Gluten, Milk, Soy, Wheat)
Sandwiches
Chicken Littles (Gluten, Eggs, Soy, Wheat)
Crispy Twister (Gluten, Eggs, Milk, Wheat)
Honey BBQ Sandwich (Gluten, Eggs, Soy, Milk, Wheat)
Crispy Colonel’s Sandwich (Gluten, Eggs, Wheat)
Chicken Littles – Buffalo (Gluten, Eggs, Soy, Wheat)
Chicken Littles – Honey BBQ (Gluten, Eggs, Soy, Wheat)
Chicken Littles – Nashville Hot (Gluten, Eggs, Soy, Wheat)
Classic Chicken Sandwich (Gluten, Eggs, Soy, Wheat)
Crispy Colonel’s Sandwich – Buffalo (Gluten, Eggs, Wheat)
Crispy Colonel’s Sandwich – Honey BBQ (Gluten, Eggs, Wheat)
Crispy Colonel’s Sandwich – Nashville Hot (Gluten, Eggs, Wheat)
Spicy Chicken Sandwich (Gluten, Eggs, Soy, Wheat)
Pot Pie and Bowls
KFC Famous Bowl (Gluten, Milk, Soy, Wheat)
Chicken Pot Pie (Eggs, Gluten, Milk, Soy, Wheat)
KFC Famous Bowl – Snack Size (Gluten, Milk, Soy, Wheat)
Dressing and Croutons
Heinz Buttermilk Dressing (Eggs, Milk)
Parmesan Garlic Croutons (Gluten, Milk, Wheat)
Hidden Valley The Original Ranch Fat-Free Dressing (Milk, Soy)
KFC Creamy Parmesan Caesar Dressing (Eggs, Fish, Milk, Soy)
Desserts
Apple Turnover (Gluten, Wheat)
Chocolate Chip Cookie (Egg, Milk, Gluten, Soy, Tree Nuts, Wheat)
Café Valley Lemon Cake (Egg, Milk, Gluten, Soy, Tree Nuts, Wheat)
Café Valley Mini Chocolate Chip Cake (Egg, Milk, Gluten, Soy, Tree Nuts, Wheat)
Café Valley Chocolate Chip Cake (Egg, Milk, Gluten, Soy, Tree Nuts, Wheat)
Café Valley Mini Lemon Cake (Egg, Milk, Gluten, Soy, Tree Nuts, Wheat)
Oreo Cookies and Crème Pie (Milk, Gluten, Soy, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Wheat)
Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie (Milk, Gluten, Soy, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Wheat)
Dipping Sauces and Condiments
Colonel’s Buttery Spread (Milk)
KFC Sauce – Dipping Sauce Cup (Eggs)
Ranch – Dipping Sauce Cup (Eggs, Milk)
Honey Mustard – Dipping Sauce Cup (Eggs)
Regional Menu Items
KFC Livers (Eggs, Gluten, Milk, Wheat)
KFC Gizzards (Eggs, Gluten, Milk, Wheat)
Country Fried Steak without Peppered White Gravy (Gluten, Milk, Soy, Wheat)
Country Fried Steak with Peppered White Gravy (Gluten, Milk, Soy, Wheat
What drinks are dairy-free on the KFC allergen menu?
According to KFC’s allergen menu, there are several drinks that do not contain any dairy products.
These drinks are all suitable for individuals who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy
The following drinks are dairy-free on KFC’s (Kentucky Fried Chicken) allergen menu, :
- Sprite
- Fanta
- Diet Coke
- Coke Zero
- Sprite Zerp
- Pibb Xtra
- Mountain Dew
- Sweet Tea
- Unsweet Tea
- Lemonade
- Raspberry Iced Tea
What foods are nut-free on the KFC allergen menu?
Although KFC’s (Kentucky Fried Chicken) menu contains some items that may contain nuts, such as their cookies and some of their sauces and dressings.
The restaurant also provides, in its allergen menu, a list of the items on its menu that are nut-free.
According to KFC’s allergen menu, the following items are nut-free:
- Extra Crispy Chicken,
- Grilled Chicken,
- Hot Wings,
- Tenders,
- Potato Wedges,
- Mashed Potatoes with Gravy,
- Cole Slaw,
- Green Beans,
- Corn on the Cob,
- Sweet Kernel Corn,
- Macaroni & Cheese
List of wheat-free foods on the KFC allergen menu
KFC’s (Kentucky Fried Chicken) menu includes items that are made with wheat, such as different types of chicken dishes like Original Recipe, Extra Crispy.
This also includes Kentucky Grilled chicken (which has wheat in the marinade), sandwiches, and sides such as mashed potatoes and coleslaw.
However, a review by Restaurant Clicks states the restaurant also has a variety of wheat-free options available on its allergen menu.
- Original Recipe Bites
- BBQ Bites
- Popcorn Nuggets
- Kentucky Grilled Chicken (without the bun)
- Green Beans
- Cole Slaw
- Potato Wedges
- Sweet Kernel Corn
- House Side Salad (without croutons)
- Gravy (Original or Sausage)
- Most KFC sauces (excluding Honey BBQ and Sweet N’ Sour)
Vegan foods on KFC allergen menu?
KFC’s allergen menu includes a selection of vegan options, which are clearly labeled as such.
These options can be substituted for non-vegan options in menu items.
According to an article by Vegan Food and Living, the vegan food options include:
- BBQ baked beans
- Green beans
- Potato wedges (fries)
- Corn on the cob
- Sweet kernel corn
- Apple sauce
- Apple turnover
- House side salad (no cheese)
- Marzetti light Italian dressing
Is the KFC menu easy to understand?
The menu at KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) is simple to navigate, with items grouped into categories like chicken, sides, and desserts, and described clearly.
Additionally, many KFC locations have pictures of menu items on display, which can help customers understand their choices.
In all, the menu is designed to be user-friendly and easy to understand.
How does KFC protect customers with allergens?
1. Allergen Information Availability
KFC ensures that customers with allergies can easily access ingredient lists for all menu items on their website.
2. Allergen-Free Food Choices
KFC offers options for customers with specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free or lactose-free options.
3. Employee Education on Allergen Handling
KFC trains its employees on allergen awareness and handling procedures to ensure that all customers are properly informed and that food is prepared and handled safely.
Allergen Prevention Measures
KFC implements strict protocols in its kitchens to prevent cross-contamination of allergens and takes necessary steps to avoid cross-contact of allergens with other food items.
Allergen Management
KFC places great importance on addressing food allergies.
And they have implemented measures such as providing detailed allergen information, allergen-specific preparation, and effective communication with customers to safeguard customers with allergen sensitivities.
More related questions
Is KFC popcorn chicken dairy free in the UK?
No, KFC’s popcorn chicken in the UK is not dairy-free.
The coating on the chicken is made from wheat flour which has gluten, and milk is also used as a seasoning.
Moreover, the oil used to fry the chicken may have been used previously to fry items that contain dairy.
Does KFC potato and gravy contain dairy?
Yes. The potato and gravy dish offered by KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) includes dairy in the form of milk and butter in the gravy.
Milk gives the gravy a creamy texture and butter is added for flavor and to thicken the gravy.
If you have a dairy allergy or are lactose intolerant, it would be best to avoid this dish or to ask for a dairy-free alternative from KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) .
Is KFC Mayo Vegan?
No. KFC’s (Kentucky Fried Chicken) Mayo is not suitable for vegans as it contains eggs which are animal products.
It also has other ingredients like sugar, vinegar, and soybean oil.
Is the Zinger dairy free?
No. The Zinger (a sandwich offered by KFC) typically consists of a breaded and deep-fried chicken breast, lettuce, and mayonnaise.
However, it is not suitable for those on a dairy-free diet as mayonnaise is made with eggs, which are dairy products.
Does KFC Coleslaw has dairy?
Yes, KFC Coleslaw usually contains dairy since it includes mayonnaise and buttermilk.
Conclusion
If you want to eat at KFC but have food allergies or sensitivities, the KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) allergen menu is a great resource.
It includes options for those who adhere to special diets, including vegetarians, as well as a list of all of the allergens that can be found in KFC’s menu items.
The brand also has measures in place to protect its customers.
And some of these measures include a customizable menu, dedicated support, a published allergen menu on KFC’s (Kentucky Fried Chicken) official website, and so on.
That way you can enjoy an allergen-free dish at any time.
