KFC is replacing its chips with new skins-on fries after trialing them in Yorkshire

Even KFC hates them. So much so, the brand paid to promote a 2014 tweet from Charlie Burness talking about how “crap” they are.

'Crap fries'

It was a clever move, really – all part of a cunning plan. KFC today announced it has updated its recipe in an attempt to marry its fried chicken with a more palatable companion.

The brand first revealed its plans on social media (where else?), where it indicated it made the changes as a result of a supposed tirade of abuse online. In fairness, there have been a lot of tweets suggesting KFC should tweak its recipe up to now.

“Dear KFC, No one likes your fries. Yours sincerely, the entire world”, was probably the most damning of all the assaults.

The company said in a statement today that it will introduce “a thicker, chunkier and tastier spud” in stores on 19 November.

The new style fries were recently trialed in Shipley in Yorkshire.

KFC said it “tested virtually every type of potato and cut” to find a replacement, and has decided to opt for a “skin on” style to present a “natural, rustic appearance”.

Apparently the added chunkiness also means the fries keep their heat for longer. KFC also said it has been trialling its new menu item in a “small number” of stores for well over a year.

‘Brutal tweets’

If they’re that different, then, we wonder why nobody’s noticed? Perhaps it’s why KFC is pushing a big campaign now.

KFC spokesman Jack Hinchliffe said: “We don’t change things on a whim – the Colonel’s Original Recipe chicken hasn’t changed since he finalised it in 1940.

“This was different though. We heard the nation’s outcry. We read the brutal tweets.”

Unfortunately, not everyone who’s tried the new fries has been a fan – one even wants the old ones back. Not everyone disliked the old recipe. Some people really quite liked it.