Plant-based
Nestlé to launch vegan KitKat in 2021
The plant-based option of the popular snack will have the perfect balance between crispy wafer and smooth chocolate that has been KitKat’s trademark since it was introduced by Rowntree’s in York in 1935.
Alexander von Maillot, Head of Confectionery at Nestlé, said: "One of the most common requests we see on social media is for a vegan KitKat, so we're delighted to be able to make that wish come true. I can't wait for people to be able to try this amazingly tasty new KitKat. This is a product for everyone who wants a little more plant-based in their life!"
The new vegan KitKat – called KitKat V – will be launched later this year in several countries available through the KitKat Chocolatory and selected retailers, to test the opportunity for a wider roll-out.
KitKat V was developed by chocolate experts in Nestlé’s confectionery research and development centre in York, UK, the original home of KitKat.
Recent innovations
It follows other recent innovations from KitKat, including KitKat Ruby and KitKat Chocolatory Cacao Fruit Chocolate, using the first chocolate made entirely from the cocoa fruit.
“They worked hard to make a vegan version that would live up to the high expectations of KitKat lovers everywhere,” the company said in a statement.
Louise Barrett, Head of the Nestlé Confectionery Product Technology Centre in York, said: "Taste was a key factor when developing the plant-based chocolate for our new vegan KitKat. We used our expertise in ingredients, together with a test and learn approach, to create a delicious vegan alternative to our original chocolate KitKat."
KitKat V follows similar launches by Nestlé in plant-based alternatives across categories including non-dairy ice cream, coffee creamers, rice- and oat-based drinks, pea-based beverages, as well as plant-based cappuccinos and lattes.
"There is a quiet food revolution underway that is changing how people eat. We want to be at the forefront of that, championing the discovery of plant-based food and beverages. What better way to do that than offering a vegan version of one of our most famous and much-loved brands? The new KitKat V means chocolate lovers now have a great plant-based option when they have a break," said von Maillot.
