KFC’s infamous Double Down sandwich coming to Canada
October 7, 2010
Comments on this story
(28)
Jenni Dunning
TORONTO STAR
For a limited time, Canada can taste the fast-food fried phenomenon selling fast south of the border.
KFC’s Double Down, a bacon and cheese sandwich that uses chicken breasts instead of buns, is making its foray into the Canadian market Oct. 18.
It will be available nationally until Nov. 14.
The “most outrageous sandwich experience in the country” is KFC’s most successful sandwich in the company’s history – selling more than 10 million in less than a month in the U.S., according to the KFC announcement issued Thursday.
Each fried sandwich lards on 540 calories (or 460 for the grilled version), 30 g of fat, and 1,740 mg of sodium. Health Canada places an adult’s recommended daily salt intake at around 1,500 mg.
KFC Canada originally refused to sell the sandwich until it was first tested in the U.S. market. It started selling there last year.
For months before the sandwich’s debut, speculation went wild online about whether it would come to Canada or if it was a hoax.
Food-industry consultant Darren Tristano said the sandwich targets working-class consumers with less income who want to get more bang for their buck.
“It’s about quantity. Whether we like it or not, this product will appeal to a significant portion of the consumer base,” he told salon.com in April.
“It appears to be achieving the goal, which is to get people interested. Freak shows are disgusting, but everyone seems to want to go to them anyway. I’m probably going to try one.”
A new Ipsos Reid poll, conducted on behalf of KFC Canada, found that Canadians think people will want to eat the sandwich, but not as many want to attempt the feat themselves.
Of the approximately 1,100 adults polled, 90 per cent said they think other Canadians will give it a try. Only 45 per cent said they would take down the Double Down.
Featured Sponsored Listings