KFC's notorious 'Double Down' burger is coming to the UK - and here's how unhealthy it is

The bun-less fried chicken sandwich has gained a cult-following around the world

KFC has announced plans to launch its infamous 'Double Down' burger in stores across the UK in October 2017.

The sandwich, which substitutes a burger bun for two slices of fried chicken, has become a regular fixture in KFC restaurants worldwide since it was fist sold in the US in 2010. The company will now bring it to UK shores for six weeks – thanks to huge demand from customers here.

The current release date is set for 9 October, but fans will have to be quick according to one of its executives.

Jack Hinchliffe, Innovation Director at KFC UK & Ireland, said: "There's been so much excitement for the Double Down since it first launched. It's sold out in every country that it's been released in."

"Fandom has gone wild over the past few years on social media, and we've even had reports of our customers taking things into their own hands by hacking the menu to create the sandwich."

Unsurprisingly, fast-food enthusiasts have responded well on social media to news the burger is coming to these isles.

I for one welcome our #kfc double down burger overlords. Suck it, unnecessary carbs #doubledown
— Matt Ng (@MattNgEditor) October 2, 2017

The KFC double down appears to be coming to the UK next week. What a time to be alive
— Matt Wheal (@MrWheal) October 2, 2017

Consisting of two chicken breasts, two slices of American cheese, a slice of bacon and a slathering of barbecue sauce, the burger weighs in at a hefty 610 calories, clearly making it an option to avoid for health-conscious eaters. Not only that, the Double Down contains 1880 grams of sodium – 125% of a person's recommended daily intake.

So how does the burger compare to other high street fast food options? Surprisingly well, as it turns out: