# Poultry-Infused Flavoring KFC Japan Now Serves Guests Chicken Flavored Rice Balls By Nicole Ballantyne-Choo | Published 2013-09-22 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-flavored-rice-balls References: [foodbeast](http://foodbeast.com/2013/09/20/chicken-flavored-rice-balls-scores-kfc-japan-even-more-cool-points/) & [en.rocketnews24](http://en.rocketnews24.com/2013/09/12/were-not-in-kentucky-anymore-kfc-japan-offering-chicken-flavored-rice-balls/) If you're tired of eating deep fried chicken, a trip to KFC in Japan for chicken flavored rice balls would be a yummy yet expensive trip. While [KFC Japan](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-hot-chicken) just recently launched [deep fried soup](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gravy-flight), it's already back at coming up with creative meals, and chicken-flavored rice is the latest dish. This dish is inspired by an already [popular Japanese snack known as onigiri](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/7eleven-rice-burger), which is usually made with many flavors, not just chicken ones. However, since KFC is a heavy chicken-based restaurant, it is using chicken flavoring. This new option gives people who aren't super hungry the choice to enjoy a smaller treat that still incorporates the yummy and tasty chicken flavor. The chicken-flavored rice ball isn't deep fried like the soup, so it's also a healthier item on the menu. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 29% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Poultry-flavored Food:** The trend of incorporating chicken flavoring in different kinds of food products such as rice balls offers an opportunity for food manufacturers to explore new poultry-flavored offerings. - **Healthy Fast Food:** Healthier alternatives to traditional fast food options, such as non-deep fried items, can be explored as disruption opportunities within the fast food industry. - **Regional Menu Customization:** Introducing popular regional snacks such as Japanese onigiri customized with chicken flavors can attract local consumers and drive growth for multi-country fast-food chains. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fast Food Restaurants:** Fast food restaurants can introduce healthier menu options and region-specific flavors to attract a wider consumer base. - **Food Manufacturing:** Food manufacturing companies can explore the trend of incorporating chicken flavoring in different kinds of products to attract health-conscious customers and increase their market share. - **Restaurant Chains:** Multi-country fast food chains can offer locally inspired food items that cater to regional tastes while also creating a unique brand identity. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Peppery Fried Chicken Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-hot-chicken.md) - [Flavorful Loaded Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flavorpacked-bowls.md) - [Fried Chicken Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-tokyo-hot-crispy.md) - [Chicken-Topped Porridge Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flossy-original-recipe-chicken-porridge.md) - [Fried Chicken-Flavored Macaroni](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kd-kfc-original-recipe-flavour-mac-n-cheese.md) - [Autumnal Fried Chicken Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-japan-tsukimi-menu.md) - [Extra-Cheesy QSR Menu Items](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-menu-items.md) - [Fried Ham-Topped Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ham-katsu-chicken-sandwich.md) - [Seafood-Topped Chicken Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lobster-fillet-burgers.md)