Fans Joke KFC's New Plant-Based Nuggets Look Like 'Deep-Fried Erasers'

With numerous fast-food chains unveiling vegan and vegetarian options as more people adopt a plant-based lifestyle, KFC has begun offering Beyond Fried Chicken.

The chicken joint unveiled its hotly anticipated meat-free nuggets earlier this month after partnering up with Beyond Meat, but diners have compared their look to "erasers."

The latest menu option, available across the U.S., caused a stir on social media as customers snapped up the guilt-free treat.

Announcing the new addition online, KFC said: "The plant-based Beyond Fried Chicken was developed by Beyond Meat exclusively for KFC. It's packed with delicious flavor and the juicy satisfaction that you'd expect from KFC's iconic fried chicken but in a plant-based option that's still finger lickin' good."

But some have been left questioning the look. Twitter user MuchoTV2 said: "These h**s look like erasers," referencing the white rectangular stationery items found in classrooms up and down the country.

The comparison was also noted by other users. MuchoTV2's tweet, shared on Tuesday, was liked nearly 60,000 times at the time of publication.

Mrsteveoh wrote: "That looks like an eraser."

Manuelito said: "Not this breaded prismacolor magic rub eraser."

Zaddy Mack commented: "An eraser with 11 herbs and spices."

"Those are fried erasers," DaphniaA said.

AnisaJene tweeted: "Ngl I used to eat erasers as a child. And I've tried these. Both are quite tasty."

S.Styles said: "Deep Fried Erasers If You Will."

Miamore added: "Reminds me of the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponge."

And responding to comments, MuchoTV2 shared a second post, alongside what they claimed were the meat-free and meat nuggets, saying: "People asking if this is real lol.

"On the left are the beyond nuggets, on the right are your average real fast food nuggets."

While it seems the jury may be out on the appearance, the feedback was positive regarding the taste.

Kath reckoned: "Same texture as them too but they have the KFC seasoning so . . . I'm chewing on erasers."

G wrote: "Best erasers I ever had."

Argentum Spectrum said: "They taste good tho."

Buxom thee Brain said: "Ngl the insides look like this irl if you cut them open but these really do taste like chicken."

KFC first trialed the Beyond Fried Chicken in 2019 as part of a test run in Atlanta. Following its success, it rolled out the dish in Nashville, Charlotte and Southern California in 2020.

Kevin Hochman, president of KFC U.S., said: "The mission from day one was simple—make the world-famous Kentucky Fried Chicken from plants. And now over two years later we can say, 'mission accomplished.'"

The chain announced it would be available to all customers from January 10, with prices starting at $6.99, plus tax, depending on location.

KFC said: "Beyond Fried Chicken is served with a choice of your favorite KFC dipping sauce—Honey BBQ, Ranch, Honey Mustard and KFC Sauce. It is available as KFC's first ever plant-based combo meal with Secret Recipe Fries and a medium drink, or à la carte in six or 12-piece orders."

Ethan Brown, founder and CEO of Beyond Meat, said: "We couldn't be prouder to partner with KFC to offer a best-in-class product that not only delivers the delicious experience consumers expect from this iconic chain, but also provides the added benefits of plant-based meat.

"We are truly thrilled to make it available to consumers nationwide," said Brown.

Newsweek has reached out to KFC and MuchoTV2 for comment.