UK woman 'disgusted' there were no meat-free options at KFC

Vanessa Hensley was shocked to find her usual veggie options at KFC were off the menu.
Vanessa Hensley was shocked to find her usual veggie options at KFC were off the menu. Photo credit: File Image

A UK woman says it's "absolutely disgraceful" and "disgusting" there were no meat-free options at a KFC she was visiting.

Vanessa Hensley and her partner Aaron Saini went to order dinner at a KFC in Exeter on Saturday. She was hoping to treat their household to a family bargain bucket and a vegetarian burger as she is a pescatarian. 

Hensley told Devon Live she had ordered KFC's veggie burger and veggie rice box in the past as a meat-free alternative because the only meat she eats is fish. 

On Saturday as Hensley's partner went up to order the pair were shocked to learn none of these options were available. 

"When my partner got to the till to order they said 'unfortunately we haven't got any vegan or vegetarian options on the menu anymore' - I thought that was absolutely disgraceful."

"They didn't say a reason why. They were quite rude to my partner."

The couple ended up leaving and went to get a meal of pescetarian-friendly fish and chips for dinner. 

Hensley told Devon Live she was feeling "angered" and "upset" by the experience.

"I think it's disgusting because there is more and more people becoming vegan and vegetarian these days."

She said she felt as if vegans and vegetarians "didn't mean anything" to the fried-chicken fast-food giant, adding that she thinks restaurants need to disclose the options they have available. 

"I think if they don't have those options for people with certain dietary requirements that they should have signage to say 'we don't cater for those people."

A spokesperson for KFC responded to the situation saying the restaurant "never wants fans to leave feeling disappointed." 

"It's always amazing to see how popular our Original Recipe Vegan Burger is, but due to less demand from people out and about at the start of this year, and our focus on running our restaurants responsibly with smaller teams, we prioritised the vegan burger in areas where it was a massive hit.

"We’re sorry this guest wasn’t able to get their hands on one."