KFC's test of the infamous Double Down — bacon and cheese sandwiched between two boneless filets — not only drew plenty of buzz but apparently sales as well. The company has posted on its Web site and sent notices to its e-club subscribers that the sandwich is due to launch April 12.
The Double Down features two boneless white meat chicken filets (in Original Recipe or Grilled), two pieces of bacon, two melted slices of Monterey Jack and pepper jack cheese and Colonel's Sauce. The Original Recipe version contains 540 calories and 32 grams of fat. The grilled option will save customers 80 calories and 9 grams of fat.
Test of the sandwich drew worldwide media attention and criticism from health organizations late last summer, especially after a Vancouver newspaper tested its nutritional value. That test found that the sandwich's calorie content and fat grams would likely surprass that of some of the most notoriously unhealthy burgers', such as McDonald's Big Mac or Wendy's Triple with Everything and Cheese.
KFC launched its fried boneless filet, served sans buns, in early March, and the boneless version soon followed.
KFC has not announced the suggested retail price for the Double Down, but it sold for $6.99 in test markets. The boneless filets sell individually for the suggested retail price of $1.99 or as part of the KFC Boneless Filet $5 Box, which includes an Original Recipe boneless filet, an individual side, biscuit and drink for $5. A box with two filets is available for a recommended price of $6.99.
