LEON Grocery has introduced its Korean GFC Nuggets, a new addition to its growing grocery range, arriving exclusively at Ocado in the UK. These nuggets are crafted from 100% chicken thigh meat, enveloped in LEON's signature gluten-free breading, and seasoned with a blend of Korean spices designed to deliver bold, authentic flavours. Unlike traditional fried nuggets, these are baked, or can be prepared easily in an air fryer, aligning with the contemporary trend towards healthier cooking methods and convenience.

The launch of the Korean GFC Nuggets is part of LEON’s continued expansion into the grocery market, which began in 2019 with an exclusive range at Sainsbury’s. The brand has since broadened its product portfolio to include 23 items spanning ambient and frozen categories, ranging from sauces and dips to coffee and soups. According to Ashley Davis, Managing Director of LEON Grocery, this new product marks a significant step in bringing the brand’s "naturally fast food" ethos to consumers' homes, with plans to further develop its grocery offerings.

Crafting these nuggets was no small feat; the perfect crumb and crunch, coupled with a gluten-free profile, resulted from nearly five years of development. LEON Grocery Head Miriam Rose highlighted the increasing consumer appetite for big, bold flavours that can be enjoyed conveniently at home, noting that the Korean GFC Nuggets deliver on this demand with their spicy kick and crispy texture. This innovation reflects a wider industry trend where cultural flavours, such as spicy Korean seasoning, are being infused into mainstream snack foods, catering to customers seeking global taste experiences.

The product fits neatly into the rising market for gluten-free convenience foods, as well as the growing popularity of air fryers, which promote healthier meal preparation. LEON’s focus on using quality ingredients, such as 100% British chicken thigh meat, combines with its gluten-free, baked approach to appeal to health-conscious consumers. This careful attention to ingredient quality and cooking methods distinguishes the nuggets in the competitive frozen food sector.

Available at a retail price of approximately £4 for a 300g bag, the Korean GFC Nuggets provide a convenient, protein-rich snacking option that can be cooked straight from frozen in minutes. While the nuggets initially debuted in LEON’s restaurant menu in 2018, their transition to the grocery aisle marks a broader shift in how brand fans can access LEON’s food outside its outlets. This move also places LEON alongside other foodservice brands, such as Carluccio’s and Cinnamon Kitchen, which are increasingly entering the retail space with their own product lines.

In summary, LEON Grocery’s Korean GFC Nuggets represent a strategic fusion of health-conscious product development, cultural flavour innovation, and convenience, positioning the brand to tap into evolving consumer preferences within the gluten-free and frozen food markets.