After much anticipation, Nestlé said it is finally making plant-based dreams come true with the launch of KitKat V. The new vegan version of the iconic KitKat will be on shelves from mid-June in the United Kingdom, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Further countries will soon follow, including Australia and Brazil. KitKat V will be available through the KitKat Chocolatory and selected retailers.
KitKat V was developed by chocolate experts at Nestlé’s confectionery research and development centre in York, UK, the original home of KitKat. Nestlé said its expertise in chocolate innovation and non-dairy alternatives, meant they were able to blend the smooth chocolate with plant-based ingredients.
Louise Barrett, Head of the Nestlé Confectionery Product Technology Centre in York, 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 I hope all KitKatfans will love it as much as we do.”
KitKat V is certified vegan, and made from 100% sustainable cocoa sourced through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan in conjunction with the Rainforest Alliance. The milk in the original KitKat is replaced with a rice-based alternative, which gives the perfect texture and flavour.
Alexander von Maillot, Head of Confectionery at Nestlé, said: “KitKat continues to surprise people with new flavors and ingredients. 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. This is for everyone who wants a little more plant-based in their life when they treat themselves!”
Surveys across the globe have shown that people are interested in exploring more plant-based foods across different categories. Nestlé said it is helping them embrace a more plant-based diet, with options across its wide range of food and beverages.
The company has already launched plant-based alternatives to dairy made from rice, oat, soy, coconut, pea and almonds across categories. Examples 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 plant-based burgers.
Image credit: Nestlé
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Kiran Grewal
Editor, International Confectionery
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