KFC® Is Giving Your January Food Choices a Glow-Up with a Comfort-First Value Lineup

Rhea-AI Summary

KFC (NYSE:YUM) announced a January 6, 2026 rollout of a value-focused lineup that includes five $5 Bowls, a culinary collaboration with Matty Matheson, the return of $10 Tuesdays, and a branded accessory called Bowl-o-Ties. The five $5 Bowls include Matty's Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl, Mac & Cheese Bowl, Mashed Potato Bowl, Spicy Mac & Cheese Bowl and Spicy Mashed Potato Bowl. A Canada-exclusive KFC menu tied to the launch is scheduled for January 19, 2026. The company cited consumer survey data about lunch affordability and New Year food resolutions to frame the promotion. Prices and participation may vary by market.

News Market Reaction – YUM

+0.75%

1 alert

+0.75% News Effect

On the day this news was published, YUM gained 0.75%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Survey sample size: 2,000 US adults No food resolutions: 42% Feel guilty when cheating: 58% +5 more

8 metrics

Survey sample size 2,000 US adults OnePoll online survey Dec 22–29, 2025

No food resolutions 42% Share of Americans not setting New Year’s food goals

Feel guilty when cheating 58% Surveyed Americans with food goals

Craving comfort food 43% Reason for feeling guilty about cheating on food goals

KFC bowls price $5 Price point for each KFC value bowl

Tuesday bucket deal $10 Eight-piece dark meat or tenders bucket on Tuesdays

Unaffordable lunch 22% Americans saying buying lunch regularly is unaffordable

Annoyed at >$15 lunch 31% Weekday lunch buyers annoyed paying over $15

Market Reality Check

Price: $165.23 Vol: Volume 2,112,698 is near ...

normal vol

$165.23 Last Close

Volume Volume 2,112,698 is near the 20-day average of 2,085,205, indicating typical trading activity before this news. normal

Technical Shares at $150.29 are trading above the 200-day MA of $147.56 and about 7.97% below the 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

YUM was down 0.13% as peers were mixed: QSR -0.92%, YUMC -0.57%, while DRI +3.13...

YUM was down 0.13% as peers were mixed: QSR -0.92%, YUMC -0.57%, while DRI +3.13%, CMG +2.19%, SBUX +3.66%, suggesting stock-specific trading rather than a unified restaurant move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Dec 18 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 18	KFC NYE promotion	Positive	+1.0%	BOGO 8-piece KFC bucket NYE promotion for rewards members.
Dec 11	Pizza Hut value promo	Positive	+2.9%	Relaunch of Big Dinner Box and related value offers with Pepsi tie-in.
Dec 10	Food trends report	Positive	+0.6%	Yum! Brands 2026 Food Trends Report highlighting evolving consumer behavior.
Dec 03	Holiday box promo	Positive	+0.6%	Pizza Hut Triple Treat Box holiday bundle and Tipsy Elves onesie launch.
Dec 03	Onesie collab correction	Positive	+0.6%	Correction release on Pizza Hut and Tipsy Elves Triple Treat Box onesie details.

Pattern Detected

Recent KFC and Pizza Hut promotional and brand news has generally coincided with modestly positive next-day price moves for YUM.

Recent Company History

Over the past months, YUM has highlighted brand- and value-focused initiatives across its portfolio. On Dec 18, 2025, a KFC New Year’s Eve BOGO bucket promotion saw shares rise 1.02%. Earlier December Pizza Hut promotions and a KFC food trends report also aligned with small positive moves between 0.59% and 2.94%. Today’s KFC value-focused January lineup continues this pattern of promotional activity aimed at driving traffic and engagement.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights KFC’s focus on value-driven offerings, including $5 bowls and $10 Tuesd...

Analysis

This announcement highlights KFC’s focus on value-driven offerings, including $5 bowls and $10 Tuesdays, aimed at budget-conscious consumers. It follows a series of brand and promotional initiatives that previously aligned with modestly positive price moves. Investors may track how these offers impact traffic and check sizes, while also monitoring ongoing insider equity transactions and any further updates across Yum! Brands’ other concepts.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

A flavor-forward lineup featuring $5 Bowls*, a Matty Matheson collaboration and the return of $10 Tuesdays** gives lunch something to look forward to

PLANO, Texas, Jan. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- January has a way of testing people. The days are colder, lunch is getting more expensive, and the pressure to start the year strong often runs headfirst into reality. Self-improvement and restrictions run in tandem with resolutions, but we don't think they should. In fact, new research shows more than four in ten Americans (42%) don't set New Year's food goals at all — opting out of rigid rules from the start — while many who do set goals admit they feel guilty when they "cheat" (58%), often because they're craving something comforting (43%)***.

That's why, in 2026, the only thing KFC is cutting is the cost. Not by limiting, but by adding a bold lineup of craveable comfort, intentional indulgence and abundant value to make sure the start of the year feels warmer, bigger and more satisfying.

"Every January, the conversation around food gets smaller with focus on rules and restriction. But it shouldn't come at the cost of trading down," said Melissa Cash, KFC U.S. CMO. "Self-improvement can mean intentional indulgence, comfort and abundant value. 2026 will certainly be the year of balance, and KFC has something for everyone to keep the focus on what matters most: – you and the balance you deserve without compromise." 

Starting now, KFC is rolling out five $5 Bowls that perfectly balance comfort and value, including the return of the fan favorite Mac & Cheese Bowl and our take on poutine with a culinary collaboration with chef and cultural icon Matty Matheson and the new Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl. That value matters now more than ever: nearly a third of Americans say they have negative feelings about the cost of lunch (31%), and more than one in five say it's simply unaffordable to buy lunch regularly (22%). Not to mention, the unbeatable $10 Tuesdays deal continues to ensure even if your resolutions fade, the value won't. And, to tie it all together with a bow (literally), KFC is introducing Bowl-o-Ties, a playful nod to the Colonel's unmistakable style, to ensure fans start off the year not just feeling good but looking good.

Reclaiming Lunch with $5 Bowls and Matty Matheson

As lunch prices continue to climb, KFC is bringing comfort back to the middle of the day with five $5 Bowls that prove value and lunch don't have to be boring since 38% of Americans describe their lunch as "fine, but nothing exciting", and 41% wish their lunch was more affordable. And when lunch prices creep higher, frustration sets in — nearly one in three say they feel annoyed when they pay more than $15 for a weekday lunch (31%) of those who purchase lunch.

Each bowl delivers craveable flavor and familiar comfort at a price that feels right for winter.

Leading the lineup is Matty's Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl, KFC's spin on poutine, developed in partnership with chef and cultural icon Matty Matheson. The bold, indulgent bowl features fries, brown gravy, crispy chicken nuggets and cheese curds.

"KFC knows value and flavor, and we wanted to bring that energy to lunch," said Matty Matheson, restauranter, executive producer, author and actor. "Something warm and bold and comforting. It's the kind of food you crave and can't stop thinking about."

The full $5 Bowl lineup includes:

• Matty's Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl: Fries, brown gravy, crispy chicken nuggets and coated cheese curds.
• Mac & Cheese Bowl: Homestyle mac & cheese topped with crispy chicken nuggets and a three-cheese blend.
• Mashed Potato Bowl: Mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, crispy chicken nuggets and a three-cheese blend.
• Spicy Mac & Cheese Bowl: Homestyle mac & cheese with nuggets, a three-cheese blend.
• Spicy Mashed Potato Bowl: Mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, nuggets and a three-cheese blend finished with Nashville Hot Sauce.

As part of the North American launch, Matty Matheson is also cooking up something new for Canada and fans won't have to wait long, with the Canada-exclusive KFC menu dropping January 19.

KFC Solves Quitters Day with the Return of $10 Tuesdays
The second week of January is often called "Quitters Day," when New Year's resolutions start to fade. This year, Quitters Day falls on Friday, January 9, as many consumers realize that rigid meal-prep routines aren't built to last.

Data from meal-preppers shows top frustrations with meal prep include repetition (35%), time commitment (28%) and unexpected costs (20%) — with more than a third saying they'd rather do laundry than meal prep for the week (37%). Others would rather clean the bathroom (21%), fold a fitted sheet perfectly (12%) or get a text from their ex (10%), among other things. As budgets tighten and schedules fill up, people are looking for meals that feel comforting, satisfying and easy.

KFC is offering a more realistic solution with the return of $10 Tuesdays, featuring an eight-piece bucket of dark meat or tenders for just $10. The weekly deal delivers a warm, protein-packed meal that helps people stretch their budget without giving up comfort - That matters when 65% of Americans who dislike meal prepping say it feels like a chore and those who do meal prep admit they get tired of their meals in less than three days on average (2.9 days).

Instead of another resolution to maintain, $10 Tuesdays offer a simple ritual people can actually stick with.

Colonel Core: Introducing Bowl-o Ties
As Western-inspired fashion continues to show up across culture and red carpets, KFC is tapping into the trend with a playful nod to its own heritage. Enter the Bowl-o-Tie — a bowl-shaped twist on the classic bolo tie made famous by Colonel Sanders himself.
The Bowl-o-Tie will be available for fans to purchase soon. Follow us on social media for news on the exclusive drop and how you can order.  

From weekday lunches to weekly rituals, KFC's January offerings are designed to bring warmth, joy and real savings to a month that can use all three. Visit the KFC app to explore the full lineup of new-year value offerings.

* Prices and participation may vary.  Prices higher in AK, HI, CA and third-party ordering websites. Tax, tip and fees extra. No substitutions.
** Prices and participation may vary. Offer only available on 8 pc dark meat buckets OR 8pc tenders with 4 sauces purchased on Tuesdays. Prices higher in AK, HI, CA and third-party ordering websites. Tax, tip and fees extra. No substitutions.  
*** This online survey of 2000 US Adults (nationally representative on the basis of age, gender, and region) was conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between 22nd and 29th December 2025. All participants are double-opted in to take part in research and are paid an amount depending on the length and complexity of the survey. This survey was overseen and edited by the OnePoll research team. OnePoll are MRS Company Partners, corporate membership of ESOMAR and Members of the British Polling Council.

About KFC

KFC Corporation, based in Plano, TX., has been serving up Finger Lickin' Good Original Recipe® fried chicken since 1952, including chicken on the bone, nuggets and tenders. Beyond the top secret 11 herbs & spices, KFC specialties include the KFC Chicken Sandwich, Extra Crispy™ chicken, KFC Famous Bowls®, Pot Pies, Secret Recipe Fries, biscuits and homestyle sides. There are over 30,000 KFC restaurants in 150 countries and territories around the world. KFC Corporation is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., Louisville, Ky. (NYSE: YUM). For more information, visit www.kfc.com. Follow KFC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

Media Contact:
kfcusmedia@yum.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kfc-is-giving-your-january-food-choices-a-glow-up-with-a-comfort-first-value-lineup-302654011.html

SOURCE Kentucky Fried Chicken

FAQ

What are the five $5 Bowls KFC (YUM) launched on January 6, 2026?

The five bowls are Matty's Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl, Mac & Cheese Bowl, Mashed Potato Bowl, Spicy Mac & Cheese Bowl and Spicy Mashed Potato Bowl.

How does KFC's $10 Tuesdays deal work under the January 2026 promotion?

$10 Tuesdays returns offering an eight-piece bucket of dark meat or eight-piece tenders with four sauces for $10, available on Tuesdays with region-specific exclusions.

When will the Canada-exclusive KFC menu tied to the Matty Matheson launch be available?

The Canada-exclusive menu item referenced in the launch is scheduled to drop on January 19, 2026.

What collaboration did KFC announce with Matty Matheson in January 2026 (YUM)?

KFC partnered with chef Matty Matheson to create Matty's Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl, a poutine-style bowl with fries, brown gravy, chicken nuggets and cheese curds.

Will KFC's January 2026 $5 Bowls be available in all locations?

Availability and prices may vary by location; the announcement notes higher prices in AK, HI, CA and on third-party ordering websites.

What are Bowl-o-Ties and how can customers get them from KFC (YUM)?

Bowl-o-Ties are a bowl-shaped take on a bolo tie inspired by Colonel Sanders; KFC said they will be available for purchase soon and to follow social media for ordering details.