Colonel Sanders’ Critique of KFC’s Gravy

Colonel Harland Sanders was a pivotal figure in building Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) into a fast-food powerhouse, yet he reportedly disliked a widely popular menu item: the gravy. After selling KFC to investors in 1964, Sanders continued as the public face and spokesman, expressing concerns over changes to the restaurant’s offerings, particularly its gravy.

In a 1978 interview with the Courier-Journal in Louisville, Kentucky, Sanders sharply criticized the gravy. He allegedly described it as ‘horrible,’ according to court records from legal technology company Justia. Sanders compared the gravy to ‘wallpaper paste,’ arguing it did not meet the quality of the original recipe he served at KFC.

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 said. He further claimed ‘there’s no nutrition in it, and they ought not to be allowed to sell it.’ His criticism was so severe that it led to a lawsuit from a KFC franchise in Bowling Green, Kentucky, against Sanders and the Courier-Journal. However, the lawsuit was dismissed and the Kentucky Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal, noting Sanders’ remarks targeted KFC as a whole rather than specific franchises.

Despite his criticism, KFC’s gravy has remained popular among customers for decades. On Reddit, fans discussed the differences between the gravy served during Sanders’ era and today’s version, with some alleging the original included chicken cracklings, seasoned breading, milk, and cream. Users also shared homemade recipes and tips for recreating KFC’s gravy at home.

Fox News Digital contacted KFC for comment. Kelly McGreal is a production assistant with the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital.