KFC Coleslaw: Price, Calories, Ingredients & Copycat Recipe (2026)
Few fast food side dishes have the loyal following that KFC coleslaw enjoys. Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, it’s the side dish that quietly upstages the chips on almost every tray.
Whether you’re wondering how many calories are hiding in that little tub, what the KFC coleslaw price looks like on today’s menu, or how to recreate that flavor at home, this guide covers it all.
We’ll walk through the nutrition facts, the real ingredients list, portion sizes, and a tested copycat recipe, so you know exactly what you’re eating and how to make it yourself.
What Is KFC Coleslaw Made Of?
At its core, KFC coleslaw is a simple combination of finely chopped cabbage and carrots tossed in a rich, mayonnaise-based dressing. It’s not shredded the way homemade slaw often is. KFC famously chops its cabbage down to tiny pieces, almost minced, which lets it soak up more dressing per bite.
The KFC coleslaw ingredients list typically includes:
- Cabbage (chopped fine)
- Carrots (shredded)
- Mayonnaise
- Sugar
- Vinegar (white and/or apple cider)
- A touch of milk or buttermilk for creaminess
- Salt and seasoning
This blend of a vinegar dressing and a buttermilk dressing base is what gives the slaw its signature tangy and sweet balance, rather than tasting purely creamy or purely acidic. It’s this contrast that makes it such a natural match for the fried chicken side dishes on the menu, cutting through the richness of the original recipe.
KFC Coleslaw Price: UK and General Guide
Coleslaw is one of the more affordable items on the KFC sides menu, and pricing usually depends on portion size and location.
- KFC regular coleslaw: typically priced as a small side, often bundled free with meals or box combos
- KFC large coleslaw: costs more as a standalone tub, generally a couple of pounds more than the regular size
- KFC coleslaw price UK: prices vary slightly by branch and region, but coleslaw remains one of the cheapest individual sides you can add to an order
Because pricing changes fairly often and varies by store, it’s worth checking a current, regularly updated source rather than relying on old figures. For the latest KFC coleslaw price across UK branches, our KFC sides menu prices page is kept up to date with current figures.
Coleslaw is also included as a default side in many combo meals, box meals, and bucket deals, so many customers get it “free” as part of a larger order rather than buying it separately.
KFC Coleslaw Calories and Nutrition Facts
If you’re tracking your intake, the KFC coleslaw nutrition profile is fairly modest compared to fries or mashed potato with gravy.
KFC coleslaw calories (approximate, regular portion):
- Calories: around 90 to 140 kcal depending on portion size and region
- Fat: roughly 6 to 9g (mostly from the mayonnaise dressing)
- Carbohydrates: around 8 to 12g
- Sugar: a noticeable portion of those carbs, since sugar is part of the dressing
- Sodium: moderate, from the salt and seasoning in the dressing
- Protein: minimal, under 2g
A large coleslaw portion roughly doubles these numbers. The coleslaw sugar content and coleslaw sodium content are the two figures worth watching if you’re managing sugar or salt intake, since the dressing carries most of both. Compared to some other sides on the menu, though, coleslaw sits on the lighter end, especially next to fries or popcorn chicken.
Exact coleslaw nutrition facts can shift slightly between countries and even between branches, since recipes are sometimes adapted regionally. Always check the official nutrition information for your specific market if you’re counting calories closely.
Is KFC Coleslaw Healthy?
This is one of the most common questions people search, and the honest answer is: it’s relatively healthy as fast food sides go, but it’s not a health food.
On the plus side:
- Cabbage and carrots provide fibre and some vitamins
- It’s lower in calories than most other KFC side menu options
- It’s not fried, unlike chips or popcorn chicken
On the downside:
- The dressing is mayonnaise-based, so it does carry fat
- Sugar is added to the dressing for that sweet edge
- Sodium content adds up if you’re eating it alongside salted chicken and fries
If you’re watching your diet, coleslaw is a reasonably sensible choice on the KFC sides menu, particularly compared to KFC potato and gravy or extra chips, but it shouldn’t be mistaken for a diet food purely because it contains vegetables.
Why Is KFC Coleslaw So Good? The Secret Behind the Recipe
People don’t just tolerate KFC coleslaw, many genuinely crave it, and there are a few real reasons why.
First, the chopping technique matters. Because the cabbage is cut so finely rather than shredded into long strands, it holds far more dressing per mouthful, giving a more consistently creamy bite throughout instead of dry patches of cabbage.
Second, the dressing itself balances three flavor notes at once: sweetness from sugar, tang from vinegar and lemon, and richness from mayonnaise. Most homemade slaw leans too far in one direction, either too sweet or too sharp, but KFC’s version sits right in the middle.
Third, it’s genuinely a secret recipe in the sense that the exact ratios aren’t published, which is part of why so many food writers and home cooks have tried to reverse-engineer it over the years with varying success.
KFC Coleslaw Recipe: Easy Copycat Version
Craving it but don’t have a KFC nearby? Here’s a simple homemade coleslaw version that gets close to the original.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 head of cabbage, very finely chopped
- 1 large carrot, finely grated
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- A pinch of black pepper
Method:
- Chop the cabbage very finely, almost minced, rather than shredding it into long strips. This is the key step for replicating the crunchy texture and dressing-to-cabbage ratio.
- Grate the carrot and mix it through the cabbage.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, sugar, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrot mix, then stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving, ideally longer, so the flavors settle and the cabbage softens slightly.
This copycat recipe won’t be identical to the original secret recipe, but it’s close enough to satisfy a craving between visits, and it pairs perfectly with homemade fried chicken or a store-bought rotisserie bird.
KFC Coleslaw vs Regular Coleslaw: What’s the Difference?
Compared to standard homemade or supermarket coleslaw, KFC coleslaw stands out in a few clear ways:
- Cabbage cut: KFC chops finely, most homemade versions shred into longer strips
- Sweetness: KFC’s version leans sweeter than many traditional recipes
- Dressing consistency: thinner and more pourable than the thick, chunky dressing found in some deli-style slaws
- Portion size: sold in defined regular and large sizes rather than by weight
When people compare the best coleslaw fast food chains, KFC consistently ranks near the top precisely because of this finer chop and balanced dressing, which many competitors haven’t quite matched.
Does KFC Still Sell Coleslaw?
Yes. Despite occasional supply hiccups over the years (including a well-documented shortage), coleslaw remains a permanent fixture on the KFC sides menu worldwide, including the UK.
It’s included in various meal combos, from the KFC family feast to smaller box meals, and can also be purchased individually in regular or large sizes.
FAQS: KFC Coleslaw
How many calories are in KFC coleslaw?
A regular portion of KFC coleslaw generally falls between 90 and 140 calories, depending on the exact serving size and market. A large portion roughly doubles this figure.
What is in KFC coleslaw?
The main KFC coleslaw ingredients are finely chopped cabbage, shredded carrot, and a mayonnaise-based dressing sweetened with sugar and sharpened with vinegar.
Is KFC coleslaw healthy?
It’s one of the lighter options on the KFC sides menu, offering some fibre from the vegetables, but the dressing does add fat, sugar, and sodium, so it’s best treated as a moderate choice rather than a health food.
Why is KFC coleslaw so good?
The finely chopped cabbage holds more dressing per bite, and the dressing itself balances sweet, tangy, and creamy notes more evenly than most homemade versions manage.
Does KFC still sell coleslaw?
Yes, it remains a permanent, popular item on the menu in the UK and most other markets, sold in regular and large sizes and included in many meal deals.
What is the KFC large coleslaw price?
Large coleslaw costs more than the regular size, though exact pricing varies by branch and region. Check current local pricing before ordering, as it does change over time.
Conclusion
KFC coleslaw has earned its cult following honestly: a finely chopped cabbage base, a well-balanced creamy dressing, and a price point that makes it an easy add-on to almost any order. Whether you’re checking the calorie count before ordering, comparing the regular and large sizes, or trying your hand at a copycat recipe at home, hopefully this guide has answered what you were after.
For the most current KFC coleslaw price and full nutrition breakdowns across the entire KFC sides menu, including KFC gravy, KFC fries, and the KFC zinger burger, visit our regularly updated menu and pricing guide before your next order.
