According to BBC One TV host Nisha Katona, KFC is “working on” developing a vegan chicken burger in the UK.

Last year, after KFC announced plans to develop meat-free options, over 12,600 people signed a petition encouraging the fast-food chain to create a vegan-friendly version of its popular fried chicken dishes. Now it looks like the global fried chicken giant is about to do just that.

BBC One TV host Nisha Katona has revealed that the company is “working on” a vegan alternative to its popular chicken burgers in the UK after filming at the company’s development kitchen facility in London.

In a post shared on Twitter, Katona wrote: “Oh my heaven! On a dream job today- filming for the BBC One Show with exclusive access to the actual KFC headquarters development kitchen. Also, I was the first member of the public to taste the new vegan chicken burger. This to me is actually living the dream.”

Oh my heaven! On a dream job today- filming for the BBC One Show with exclusive access to the actual KFC headquarters development kitchen. Also I was the first member of the public to taste the new vegan chicken burger. This to me is actually living the dream. pic.twitter.com/k1dIwJNI7q — Nisha Katona (@NishaKatona) May 3, 2019

Responding to comments, Katona clarified that the burger, which is still a work in progress at this stage, is a “brilliant product” and whilst “[KFC] are still working on it but truly great start.”

Earlier this year, KFC’s Innovation Director, Jack Hinchcliffe, confirmed the brand will be trialling new vegan options in stores starting later this year.

Speaking about the decision to offer plant-based options to The Telegraph, Hinchcliffe said: “Veganism as a trend has really blown up. We’re currently in the process of working on both vegetarian and vegan options in the innovation kitchen here in our head office.”

Whilst Hinchcliffe did not reveal what the vegan options would be, he said the company did not want to take the easy route and offer a bean burger as they believe “That lets down vegans. For us it’s about taking the amazing tastes of KFC and offering those in a vegetarian or vegan alternative.”

Instead, the company wants to create vegan options that are “really credible, authentic and genuine.”

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