A few weeks back, before KFC had even unleashed their bacon, fried chicken and salt concoction known as the Double Down, vegan website Vegansaurus had already come up with their own animal-friendly version. But while it might not harm any of your furry, feathered, scaly or insecty friends, the vegan Double Down certainly isn’t a diet item.

According to Vegansaurus’ own numbers, here’s how the concoction breaks down, in terms of calories and fat:

* 2 Gardein Chick’n Scallopini patties: 180 calories, 4g fat
* 2 Tbsp Vegenaise: 180 calories, 18g fat
* 25 percent of the batter recipe (plenty for one sandwich): 225 calories, 25g fat
* 2 oz Follow Your Heart Monterey Jack: 140 calories, 14g fat
* 3 strips Smart Bacon with cooking oil: 60 calories, 8g fat
Grand total: 785 calories, 69g fat

So how does that stand up against the real thing? Well, that depends on who you ask.

If you go by KFC’s numbers — 540 calories, 32g fat — then the vegan version should make the list of foods worse for you than the Double Down.

But then there are the folks who claim that the number should be closer to 1190 calories. If that’s the case, then the vegan version is a little friendlier to your waistline, though still on the same level as a McDonald’s Double Quarter-Pounder with Cheese.

We still haven’t found anyone who has done a side-by-side taste test of the two versions. Any volunteers?

Calorie count cage match: KFC Double Down vs. Vegan Double Down [Vegansaurus.com]

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