KFC’s original recipe has been the source of drama for decades. The blend of 11 herbs and spices, handed down from Colonel Harland Sanders himself, is considered a sacred secret. Many have tried to copy it, but no one has matched it exactly. It’s part of what makes KFC KFC.
Now, the secret may have been revealed in an unexpected way. On TikTok, user @realcolonelsanders claims to be Colonel Sanders’ great-great-great-nephew. But he isn’t upset about money, quality, or starting his own chicken chain. He’s upset because he believes KFC has been sexualizing his ancestor in marketing over the past decade. He says their ads are “weird, disrespectful, and disgusting” and that the company has encouraged fans to sexualize the Colonel as well.
What are the ingredients to Colonel Sanders’ “Secret Recipe?”
To strike back, he shared what he claims is the Colonel’s original secret recipe. Ingredients reportedly include cinnamon, ginger, garlic powder, nutmeg, and cardamom, flavours more commonly associated with Indian cooking than traditional Southern fried chicken. Some TikTok viewers are sceptical, but the nephew insists he has proof.
Does it really matter if the recipe is revealed? Not really. The “secret” is mostly a marketing tool. KFC uses it to create mystique, setting itself apart from competitors. The true power of the brand lies in its global presence, its image, and the emotional connection millions of fans have with the chicken. People talk about the recipe, but it’s really about the experience of eating KFC and the nostalgia attached to it.
So, while this revelation might spark excitement, debate, and even a few kitchen experiments, it probably won’t change KFC’s success. And as for the nephew’s concern about the sexualized Colonel—well, that’s an odd hill to die on. But at least it brought the recipe into the spotlight, whether or not it’s completely accurate.