Food giant Nestlé has announced that it is to launch a plant-based version of KitKat later this year in several countries across the world.
Initially, KitKat V will only be available through the KitKat Chocolatory and selected retailers to test the opportunity for a wider roll-out, Nestlé added.
Chocolate experts developed the new vegan KitKat in Nestlé's confectionery research and development centre in York, UK, also the original home of KitKat.
Head of Confectionery at Nestlé, Alexander von Maillot, 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 Perfect Balance
Nestlé added that KitKat V aims to deliver the perfect balance between crispy wafer and smooth chocolate.
The product has acquired vegan certification and is made from 100% sustainable cocoa sourced through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan in conjunction with the Rainforest Alliance.
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."
Other Innovations
KitKat V follows other recent innovations from KitKat, including KitKat Ruby and KitKat Chocolatory Cacao Fruit Chocolate, made entirely from the cocoa fruit.
According to Nestlé, surveys have shown that people are interested in exploring more plant-based foods across different categories.
The company has already launched plant-based alternatives to dairy made from rice, oat, soy, coconut, pea and almonds across categories.
These include non-dairy ice cream, coffee creamers, rice- and oat-based drinks, pea-based beverages, plant-based cappuccinos and lattes, a vegan condensed milk alternative, as well as a range of non-dairy cheese to complement existing plant-based burgers.
Alexander von Maillot added, "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."
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
