Colonel Harland Sanders, the man behind Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), reportedly had strong opinions about certain menu changes after selling the company to investors in 1964. According to The Takeout, Sanders, who stayed on as KFC’s spokesperson, often expressed dissatisfaction with alterations to the restaurant’s offerings. One item he particularly criticized was the chain’s gravy.
During a 1978 interview with the Courier-Journal in Louisville, Kentucky, Sanders offered a blunt assessment of the gravy. “My God, that gravy is horrible,” he said, referring to court records from Justia. Sanders went on to compare the gravy to “wallpaper paste,” stating it was a downgrade from the original recipe he developed.
“They buy tap water for 15 to 20 cents per 1,000 gallons, and then they mix it with flour and starch and end up with pure wallpaper paste,” Sanders remarked. “There’s no nutrition in it, and they ought not to be allowed to sell it.”
Sanders’ harsh words stirred controversy, leading a KFC franchise in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to file a lawsuit against him and the Courier-Journal. The legal action was dismissed, with the Kentucky Supreme Court affirming that Sanders’ comments targeted KFC as a whole and not the specific franchise.
Despite Sanders’ disapproval, KFC’s gravy has retained a loyal fan base over the years. On Reddit, users have both defended and criticized the gravy, with some claiming it offers a unique comfort food experience.
One user noted, “It’s great for fast food, and a comfort food for so many.” Another user suggested that the original gravy recipe included chicken cracklings, seasoned breading, and dairy components such as milk and cream.
Many Reddit users also discussed their attempts to recreate the gravy at home, sharing recipes and cooking tips to achieve a similar taste.