Fans of the humble chicken pie can now sample KFC's take on the Kiwi favourite, but those who do should just do it once and stock up on vegetables afterwards, says a nutritionist.
KFC's new chicken pie hit stores across the country on Tuesday.
Retailing for $4.50, the pie was developed after research showed customers wanted something that was easy to eat on the go.
Taste-testers at the University of Auckland gave the pie's crisp pastry, tender chicken and oozing potato and gravy a resounding thumbs up, with some students saying it was so good they would buy it again.
But that may not be such a good idea.
Healthy Food Guide nutritionist Claire Turnbull says KFC's pie is much like other pies that are available.
"Essentially they are some form of protein, they're high fat, covered in pastry and a quick and easy lunch that is very, very popular in New Zealand," she told NZ Newswire.
"But there are a hundred million things that are better to eat for lunch or a snack."
For those still planning on making the trip to their local KFC store, Ms Turnbull has some advice: "try it once and leave it at that".
"Pies are never going to be a great choice for a lunch or a dinner," she said.
"If you are going to have it for your lunch then make sure that your dinner is full of vegetables and low in fat and healthy."
KFC general manager Brent Kitto said it expects the pie will become a Kiwi icon.
The fast food restaurant said it would also look to bring back the controversial Double Down burger later this year after it proved a sales success in 2011.
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