Plant-based
New vegan KitKat launched in UK
Nestlé’s new vegan KitKat has been launched exclusively into Sainsbury’s stores across the UK as the confectionery giant embraces more plant-based food.
The KitKat V features smooth chocolate blended with a rice-based alternative to milk that beautifully balances the crisp wafer. The bar was developed by chocolatiers and food scientists in Nestlé’s Research and Development centre in York, the original home of KitKat.
Louise Barrett, Head of the Nestlé Confectionery Product Technology Centre, said: “Our challenge when we set out to create a vegan-friendly KitKat was to recreate this iconic product using plant-based alternatives. To achieve this, we worked very hard to get the right balance between the milk alternative and the cocoa. The result is a vegan chocolate that we’re very proud of, and that we hope will be enjoyed by KitKat fans everywhere.”
The rise of vegan
According to a recent Ipsos Mori surveys, commissioned by The Vegan Society, the number of vegans in Great Britain quadrupled between 2014 and 2019. In 2019 there were 600,000 vegans, compared with 150,000 in 2014.
After listening to consumer feedback, the Swiss-based company has been increasing its options across its wide range of food and beverages, including dairy-free coffee mixes and Carnation Vegan condensed milk.
Sascha Macchi, Brand Manager for KitKat, said: “KitKat has been championing breaks since 1934 and while people’s need for breaks hasn’t changed, the way we take them has. KitKat is such a successful brand because it has evolved throughout its history, and the arrival of our vegan-friendly bar means there is now a delicious alternative for anyone looking to enjoy a plant-based break. We hope people love it as much as we do!”
KitKat V (RRP £1) is certified vegan by the Vegan Society. Like the rest of the KitKat range, it is made using 100% certified sustainable cocoa, sourced through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan in conjunction with the Rainforest Alliance.
