Demand for plant-based proteins has soared among restaurant diners — case shipments from distributors to restaurants jumped 20% between November 2017 and 2018, driven partly by customers’ perception that meatless proteins are better for them, according to market research firm NPD Group. KFC and its parent company, Yum! Brands did not respond to a request for information comparing nutrition facts for KFC’s Beyond Chicken nuggets and boneless wings to the meat versions.