KFC's Double Down: For God's Sake, Why?

Sandwich with chicken in place of bread arrives Monday
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 9, 2010 11:54 AM CDT
Updated Apr 11, 2010 7:00 PM CDT

Given the national concern over obesity, Thomas Rogers wondered what in the world KFC could have been thinking when it created the grotesque new sandwich that slaps bacon and cheese, slathered in mayo, in between 2 pieces of fried chicken. Rogers, who writes for Salon, went to food industry expert Darren Tristano for some answers:

  • Why the Double Down? "It's unique, it's shocking, it will appeal to younger generations, and people will talk about it." Besides, he says, they don't need to add anything new to the kitchen to offer it.

  • Who's it for? No, Michelle, it's not for kids, but for people with "less discretionary income" who need to get the biggest bang for their buck. "The Double Down is a lot of food packed into a sandwich."
  • Isn't it going to cause a backlash? “The sodium and fat content for the Double Down is pretty high, but the calorie content is reasonable,” Tristano says. Namely, 540 calories…with 32 grams of fat. And you can order it with the chicken grilled instead of fried.
  • But how can something disgusting be successful? “Freak shows are disgusting but everyone seems to want to go to them anyways,” Tristano observes. “I'm sorry, but I'm really curious about it, and I'm probably going to try one next week.”
To see the complete list, click here.
(More KFC stories.)

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