New York (CNN Business) The plant-based protein trend is so powerful, even Kentucky Fried Chicken is taking an interest.

So far, meatless meat has been used by fast-food chains as an alternative to beef or sausage . But if the craze ever extends to plant-based chicken, KFC plans to test out a menu item featuring the protein.

"We don't see chicken as the big trend right now," Kevin Hochman, KFC's US president, told CNN Business. "But we are definitely looking at it in earnest and meeting with the big suppliers of alternative proteins to understand the market and where it's headed."

Consumers are increasingly interested in eating plant-based protein for health and environmental reasons, and the market for meat-like protein is growing. By 2023, the US meat-substitute retail market could reach $2.5 billion, compared to $1.4 billion last year, according to the research firm Euromonitor International. Globally, the market could grow from about $18.7 billion in 2018 to $23 billion in 2023, according to Euromonitor International.

If plant-based poultry gets popular, KFC would test it out in its restaurants.

If plant-based poultry "gets more and more mainstream and we think it's right for our customers, we certainly would test it," Hochman said.