New KFC Menu Items (2026): Everything Just Added
KFC has been on a genuinely unusual pace of menu changes in 2026 — value bowls, celebrity collaborations, returning classics, and even new restaurant formats. Here’s every new item currently live or newly announced.
Fried Pickles
Crunchy, breaded, deep-fried pickle slices returned nationwide in the U.S. on May 18, 2026, alongside new drinks and value deals, following strong customer demand after their initial debut the prior summer.
Popcorn Chicken (Returned)
Back for a limited time this summer, available as a $10 Popcorn Chicken Bucket or a Popcorn Chicken Big Box combo — its first appearance since being discontinued in 2023.
Chocolate Chunk Cookie
A new dessert replacing the previous chocolate chip cookie, launched alongside the Popcorn Chicken return.
Matty’s Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl
A Canadian poutine-inspired $5 bowl collaboration with chef Matty Matheson, launched January 5, 2026 — seasoned fries, chicken nuggets, real fried cheese curds, and gravy.
Tropical Passionfruit Lemonade Lineup
A new lemonade base offered standalone or mixed with Starry, Mtn Dew Sweet Lightning, or Colonel’s Sweetened/Unsweetened Tea — part of KFC’s expanding beverage program.
Dunked Range
Tenders, wings, and sandwiches fully drenched in sauce rather than dipped — already live in South Africa and India, with U.S. rollout expected as part of KFC’s global “next chapter” menu strategy announced in June 2026.
KWENCH by KFC
A new global beverage platform — Boba Refreshers, Krunch Shakes, Sparkling Lemonades, and Iced Coffees — already available in the UK and Ireland, expanding to Australia and Canada as a permanent menu addition this year.
20+ New Sauces
KFC announced an expanded global sauce lineup of more than 20 flavors as part of its June 2026 brand relaunch, rolling out first in the UK and Ireland before reaching Australia and the U.S.
Krypto Collectible Bucket & Superhero Sauces
A DC-themed promotional bucket ($29.99) launched June 10, 2026, alongside three new limited-time sauces — Supergirl’s Solar Honey Mustard, Ruthye’s Sweet Chili Revenge, and Lobo’s Wild Ranch.
Saucy Menu Expansion
KFC’s spinoff concept Saucy added five new items: a Chicken Teriyaki Bowl, Chicken Caesar Salad, Brussel Bites, Puffies (pastry dessert with raspberry sauce), and the after-9pm-only Late Night Kitchen Sink Grand’ito.
What’s Coming: New Restaurant Formats
Beyond menu items, KFC announced it’s opening “next-gen” restaurant formats starting this summer — an open-concept design debuting in McKinney, Texas, followed by a two-story location in Dubai this fall, as part of a broader brand refresh under KFC Global CEO Scott Mezvinsky.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Status | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Pickles | Live | U.S. (nationwide) |
| Popcorn Chicken | Live (limited-time) | U.S. |
| Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl | Live (limited-time) | U.S. |
| Dunked Range | Global rollout in progress | South Africa, India → expanding |
| KWENCH by KFC | Global rollout in progress | UK/Ireland → Australia, Canada |
| 20+ New Sauces | Global rollout in progress | UK/Ireland → Australia, U.S. |
FAQ
What new items has KFC added in 2026?
Recent additions include Fried Pickles, Popcorn Chicken (returned), Matty’s Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl, Tropical Passionfruit Lemonade drinks, and an expanding global lineup including the Dunked Range and KWENCH beverage platform.
Is the Dunked Range available in the US yet?
Not yet as of mid-2026 — it’s currently live in South Africa and India, with US rollout expected as part of KFC’s ongoing global menu expansion.
Why is KFC changing its menu so much this year?
KFC’s leadership announced a coordinated “next chapter” strategy in June 2026 spanning new menu items, restaurant formats, and rebranding, aimed at modernizing the chain’s position against competitors.