KFC is obviously the best-known seller of fried chicken. The company does offer plant-based versions, but states that it can’t guarantee the nuggets are not cooked alongside the meat (its fries are fried in chicken fat). This is a company with many animal welfare/environmental issues.
Recycle packaging at kerbside or supermarket bag bins. Although this looks like real meat, it isn’t. So don’t give leftovers to pets, due to potentially unsafe ingredients.
VFC is a company that offers plant-based versions to fried chicken, you can buy online or increasingly the items are now sold in supermarkets. It’s not ‘health food’ but it’s kinder, just be sure to recycle the packaging and just enjoy as an occasional treat, not everyday! The company was created by the co-founder of Veganuary, whose aim is simple: to save chickens. He teamed up with a chef (who he took to visit a chicken farm). And together they now offer viable alternatives.
VFC costs more than meat (because of the cheap ways that chickens are reared). But it’s healthier and high in protein and tastes as good if not better. And no chickens are harmed. The more people support them, the more prices can reduce. The company uses mostly paper packaging and is currently working on the rest, so recycle the rest for now.
The website has a calculator on how many chickens are being saved. Based on the target slaughter weight of a chicken in the UK (and percentage being edible), they estimate one chicken’s life is saved for each 1.5kg they sell. Made from wheat protein in corn coating, you can bake it in the oven or air-fry, or pan-fry. Full instructions on the packets.
make use of ready-made vegan nuggets
Heura is a young funky food brand from Spain that sells plant-based nuggets in sustainable packaging. You can also find breaded fillets, both are sold for stores and food service. This recipe for vegan nuggets and blue cheese sauce makes use of Quorn ready-made nuggets and a vegan mayo sauce.
inspiration from abroad: vegan chicken brands
Although we have few commercial vegan chicken brands in England, there are plenty abroad, so look out for these in shops or they provide inspiration for some vegan eco-entrepreneurs!
Sunfed (NZ) is made from a minimal number of clean natural ingredients that are nutrient-dense including premium yellow pea protein, olive oil, pea fibre, yeast extract, faba bean protein and NZ pumpkin. Made in Auckland, just pan-fry in a little oil and season, to sub in chicken recipes. The company also makes bull-free beef and boar-free bacon!
Plantein (AU) uses culinary experts to make homegrown plant-based alternatives to traditional family meals, with the same crunch and taste. Aussie owned and made, the range includes plant-based nuggets, schnitzel, burgers, garlic kievs and sweet chilli tenders.
Let’s Eat Plant Based (NZ) offers tasty tenders, golden nuggets and southern-style bites alongside plant-based burger patties. Made using wheat and pea proteins, these are naturally flavoured and given a crispy coating for a delicious crunch.
Plan*t (NZ) offers protein foods made with sustainable local ingredients, to nourish you and nurture the planet. The range includes plant-based chicken, beef, sausages and mince. The ‘chicken’ is made with hemp and ideal in sandwiches, wraps or salads, or served with curry or in a marinade.
Daring (US) offers plant-based chicken in original, lemon herb or Cajun flavours. Plus there are teriyaki flavour, plant-based chicken wings and buffalo and plant-based chicken bowls in spicy fajita and other flavours.
