KFC keeps the Double Down out of Canada in favour of the ‘Zinger’

KFC has added a new permanent menu item across Canada that comes with a bit of bite.

Strangely, it's not the same sandwich the chain boasted it sold more than a million of during one month last fall.

The Zinger, a hot and spicy chicken burger, debuted this week after it proved popular around the world outside of the U.S., where KFC locations have opted to stay focused on the Double Down.

While it seemed like the bread-free sandwich might stick around in Canada, especially after its success was reinforced on the way out the door in November, the concoction has failed to officially return for a long-term encore.

Cardiac surgeons in the U.S. were appalled when the concept of two fried chicken fillets, used to hold together bacon, melted cheese and a secret sauce, quickly transitioned from a limited-time novelty to permanent fixture last spring.

Popular demand north of the border was apparently not enough for the Double Down to stick around. Could it be concern over its 540 calories, 32 grams of fat and 1,740 milligrams of sodium reverberated louder in Canada?

Publicity surrounding the sandwich also did little to help Canadian franchise owner Priszm Income Fund.

John Bitove, who quit as executive chairman when Priszm went into bankruptcy protection last month, partly blamed KFC parent company Yum! Brands as it struggled with its transition from a focus on chicken buckets to individual meals.

Spicier sandwich seasonings have helped boost fortunes for KFC elsewhere, though. A hotter Zinger recipe was recently introduced in India. And, the "Super Charged Zinger" was partly credited for improved profits in Australia.

Recently, nutritionists Down Under were predictably mortified by a month-long introductory Australian flirtation with the Double Down, although the grilled chicken equivalent has been offered as an alternative.

KFC Canada customers, for now, will have to settle for being served all of their sandwiches in a bun.

(KFC Handout)