Low FODMAP at KFC - Complete Ordering Guide
Complete guide to ordering low FODMAP at KFC. Safe menu items, what to avoid, and how to customize your order.
✓ Safe Items to Order
| Item | Notes | Modifications |
|---|---|---|
| Green Beans | Side dish | Request plain, verify no bacon or seasonings |
| Corn on the Cob | Plain corn | Skip butter if lactose-sensitive |
| Sweet Kernel Corn | Simple side | Check for added butter |
✗ Items to Avoid
- • Kentucky Grilled Chicken (contains garlic powder and onion powder in marinade)
- • Original Recipe Chicken (breading contains wheat, garlic, onion)
- • Extra Crispy Chicken (breading contains wheat)
- • Popcorn Chicken (breaded)
- • Chicken Tenders (breaded)
- • Mashed Potatoes with Gravy (gravy contains wheat and onion)
- • Biscuits (wheat-based)
- • Mac and Cheese
- • Pot Pie
- • Sandwiches and wraps
- • Coleslaw (dressing may contain onion)
- • Most dipping sauces
Example Orders
Sides-Only Meal
- ✓ Corn on the cob (no butter)
- ✓ Green beans (plain)
- ✓ Sweet kernel corn
- ✓ Water or unsweetened tea
Tip: KFC has extremely limited safe options - sides only
Minimal Safe Option
- ✓ Corn on the cob
- ✓ Water
Tip: Consider choosing a different restaurant if possible
Quick Summary
KFC is one of the MOST DIFFICULT fast food restaurants for low FODMAP diners. ALL chicken options - including Kentucky Grilled Chicken - contain garlic powder and onion powder in their marinades and seasonings. Your only safe options are plain sides like corn.
Best bet: Corn on the cob (no butter if lactose-sensitive)
Always avoid: ALL chicken (including grilled), mashed potatoes with gravy, biscuits, coleslaw
Reality check: KFC is essentially a “skip” restaurant for strict low FODMAP followers.
The Grilled Chicken Problem
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Kentucky Grilled Chicken is NOT safe for low FODMAP diets.
According to KFC’s official ingredient listing (2024), Kentucky Grilled Chicken contains:
- Garlic powder in the seasoning blend
- Onion powder in the marinade
- Wheat flour in the seasoning
This means there are NO safe chicken options at KFC.
How to Order (If You Must)
- Stick to plain corn - Your safest bet
- Green beans - Request plain, no seasonings
- Skip ALL chicken - Even grilled contains garlic and onion
- Avoid gravy - Contains wheat and onion
- Consider leaving - KFC has almost nothing safe to offer
The Harsh Reality
KFC is designed around chicken, and all their chicken preparations contain high FODMAP ingredients. Your options are:
- Plain corn on the cob
- Plain green beans (verify preparation)
- Sweet kernel corn
That’s essentially it. Consider choosing a different restaurant.
Regional Variations
KFC menus vary by country. In some regions:
- Different sides may be available
- Grilled options may differ
- Always check local menu and ingredients
Last verified: January 2025. Menu items and ingredients can change. Always confirm with restaurant staff.