The ‘holy grail’ of fast food is back – but fans have one big complaint

If there’s one thing that KFC fans really, really want it’s the Zinger Double Down.

The absolute beast of a burger has no bun to hold it together, only chicken, and features two spicy Zinger fillets, Supercharger Mayo, two slices of melted cheese, and a crispy hash brown in the middle.

As such, it’s been dubbed the ‘holy grail of fast food’ and was a staple on the chicken chain’s menu until 2020, when it was tragically axed.

For half a decade, customers begged KFC to bring it back and earlier this year their prayers were answered.

In February 2025, the Zinger Double Down returned to menus and more than 1.1 million of them were sold during this period.

But too quickly it was gone again and fans have been mourning the loss.

According to KFC the demand for the burger has not let up, so they’re bringing it back for ‘one last time this year’.

The Zinger Double Down returned once more to KFC UK on October 13 and costs £7.99 on its own (a slight price increase from £7.49 in February), £9.49 as part of a meal, or £10.99 in a meal box. 

But if you want to get your hands on one, you’ll have to be quick as the next level burger won’t be around for long, only available until November 9, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. 

Speaking earlier this year about the burger, Phoebe Syms, brand manager at KFC UK&I, said: ‘The Double Down isn’t just a menu item — it’s a KFC icon with a cult following like no other. Fans have been calling for its return for years, and we’re beyond excited to finally bring it back with a fiery twist! 

‘We’ve made sure it’s everything they remember and more, from the legendary crispy chicken ‘buns’ to brand-new packaging that keeps every bite as perfect as the first. This is all about giving our fans the ultimate Double Down experience they’ve been craving — but they’ll need to be quick, as it’s only here for a limited time!’

What do KFC lovers say?

While there has been many complaints the burger is a ‘messy’ eat, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been a hit.

TikToker @ate_that_ said: ‘So good – it shouldn’t work, but it does work.’

‘It looks like a big mess… it’s going everywhere,’ said @Bag.04 on TikTok. ‘It’s actually quite nice, I like it.

‘Definitely worth a go, just make sure you have some napkins.’

‘I loveeeee the double down but my outfit never does,’ said @sarahJayne on TikTok.

Food reviewer Penseh on X was quick to head down to his local KFC to give the beloved burger a taste-test. ‘It’s good, a nice kick to it, crunchy, and the hash brown is delicious – it gets a 7.8/10,’ he said.

But not everyone has been chomping at the bit for the latest offering.

‘The roof of my mouth started hurting just looking at this,’ said @kon.el.eas on Instagram, while others were sad there wasn’t a ‘normal’ version.

‘Buzzing, but with they did the normal version again,’ said Jasmin Green on Facebook.

How does the OG double down compare?

The OG double down certainly had some rave reviews on social media, back in its day.

On Reddit, one user said: ‘This is the holy grail of fast food.’ As u/NamelessCriminal admitted: ‘The stoner in me will never forget this marvel of culinary wizardry. The arteries in me probably won’t either.’

Similarly, u/giscience commented: ‘They were good. Ridiculous, but good…’ And u/Fusionism posted: ‘Don’t understand why they took this away, loved the Double Down and the sauce with it and melted cheese, would visit KFC more if they still had it.’

u/The-Real-Iggy even went as far as to crown the Double Down the best item on the fast food chain’s menu, writing: ‘Hands down it was the best menu item KFC ever had.’ 

u/kombatunit felt the same way after one taste, sharing: ‘Best chicken sandwich I’ve ever eaten. I only got one before they were gone. Sadness.’

This isn’t the only exciting fast food news, as Wendy’s has unveiled several big menu changes.

The chain is launching its own epic burger that they’ve claimed is a ‘game-changer’, known as the Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger. 

The tastiest news in the capital

Hi, I’m Courtney Pochin, Metro’s specialist food writer.

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The ‘revolutionary’ burger features a quarter pound of beef topped with caramelised onions, creamy mayo and a melted cheese slice, all nestled between two grilled cheese sandwiches that serve as the buns. 

Chicken tenders are also joining the menu, available in three or five pieces and served with a range of sauces such as Buttermilk Ranch, Honey BBQ or Sweet Chilli. 

And finally, the chain has put an Autumnal spin on the iconic Frosty (like a milkshake, but thicker and creamier) by introducing a Biscoff Frosty. This comes in either Vanilla or Chocolate flavour and is then topped with a Biscoff sauce and crunchy Biscoff crumb.

A version of this article was first published on October 8, 2025.

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