Following a successful pilot in Manchester, the UK & Ireland will become the first KFC market globally to roll out Kwench across all restaurants in 2026.
Backed by a £38m investment from KFC and its franchise partners, Kwench marked the brand’s move into the growing Gen Z drinks market.
The range will introduce 11 made-to-order drinks across four distinctive categories: Krunch Shakes, Boba Refreshers, Sparkling Lemonades and Iced Coffees.
The line-up includes fruit-based flavours such as Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade and Cherry Boba Refresher; iced coffees including Iced Lattes and Mochas; and classic shake flavours such as Strawberry Shortcake Krunch, Caramel Krunch and Chocolate Krunch.
As part of the rollout, KFC restaurants will be fitted with dedicated Kwench counters and branding, establishing a prominent in-restaurant presence for the new range.
Select locations will also feature additional Kwench furniture.
The national rollout follows a successful pilot in 38 Manchester restaurants in 2025, where consumers responded positively, with over 90% saying they ‘loved’ the new drinks and one in two saying they would visit KFC specifically for Kwench.
Since the end of the pilot, sales of Kwench have more than doubled and late last year KFV opened a standalone Kwench counter at its new Liverpool restaurant.
“Bold, trend-led drinks are playing a much bigger role in how Gen Z engage with restaurant brands, which is a huge opportunity for us,” says Leo Sloley, strategy and innovation director at KFC UK & Ireland.
“Kwench adds something completely fresh to our menu, giving people more reasons to visit KFC beyond our iconic chicken, at different moments throughout the day.
“Kwench is an important part of our ambition to become the fastest-growing restaurant brand for the next generation, and we can’t wait for our customers to try the range.”
The Kwench rollout is already under way, with the range set to be available in all KFC restaurants nationwide and via delivery partners by summer 2026.
Prices start from £1.99, with select Kwench drinks available as part of meal deals and snacking bundles.
