Kfc launches $5 bowls and new comfort lineup to kick off 2026 with value and flavor
KFC $5 Bowls

KFC launches $5 Bowls and new comfort lineup to kick off 2026 with value and flavor

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1 min read
January 6, 2026

TOMS RIVER, NJ – With winter settling in and budgets tightening, KFC is rolling out a warm answer to the January blues — a nationwide value lineup centered around its new $5 Bowls, now available at KFC locations including Toms River and Millstone. The chain says it’s focusing on “comfort without compromise,” offering hearty favorites designed to make the start of the year more satisfying without stretching wallets.

The new deal features five $5 Bowls, highlighted by the return of the Mac & Cheese Bowl, a fan-favorite layered with crispy chicken nuggets and a blend of melted cheeses. Joining it is a new creation — the Cheesy Nuggy Gravy Bowl, developed in collaboration with chef and cultural personality Matty Matheson, offering KFC’s take on classic poutine with cheese curds, fries, gravy, and nuggets.

“Every January, the conversation around food gets smaller with focus on rules and restriction,” said Melissa Cash, KFC U.S. Chief Marketing Officer. “Self-improvement can mean intentional indulgence, comfort, and abundant value. 2026 will be the year of balance, and KFC has something for everyone to keep the focus on what matters most — you and the balance you deserve without compromise.”

The launch comes as new data shows nearly a third of Americans (31%) feel negatively about the rising cost of lunch, with more than one in five (22%) saying it’s becoming unaffordable to buy lunch regularly. KFC’s response, the company says, is to bring back generous portions and everyday value.

In addition to the $5 Bowls, KFC is continuing its popular $10 Tuesdays promotion, offering a 10-piece bucket deal, and introducing limited-edition Bowl-o-Ties — a playful homage to Colonel Sanders’ signature style — to accompany the campaign.

KFC’s $5 Bowls and winter menu lineup are available now for a limited time at participating restaurants nationwide, including those in Toms River and Millstone, for dine-in, drive-thru, and online orders through the KFC app.

KFC is starting 2026 with $5 Bowls and bold new comfort creations, combining flavor and affordability to help customers warm up and eat well without breaking resolutions.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

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