Good News: Nestlé brings Vegan KitKat to 15 European nations after a successful test

August 31, 2022

Since the past few years, people who were desirous of following a plant-based diet have been able to find worthy substitutes for a wide range of products right from savoury to desserts. Yet, chocolate was one item where the mainstream favorite brands hadn’t yet produced a vegan alternative. However, KitKat is now changing this by coming out with the vegan variant that is set to thrill consumers. Indeed, chocolate lovers across Europe have reason to rejoice, for KitKat V is soon to be launched in no less than 15 European nations!

Their initial test was a huge hit and called for a full-fledged launch

For the uninitiated, this is a large launch that was preceded by a test in Britain and other nations in the last year. The findings were clear and the brand knew that they had to launch a Vegan chocolate bar for the demand was rising every week! Attesting the same, Louise Barrett, Head of the Nestlé Confectionery Product Technology Center in York, affirms, "Last year, we took the decision to produce KitKat V in our R&D production facilities so we could bring the product to the shelves much faster and test with our consumers. The response from consumers was overwhelming, and we are now excited to launch it at a much wider scale."

Specifics of this plant-based confection

When it was time to formulate the deliciousness of KitKat V, they went back to basics by choosing to leave the invention of the perfect formula to chocolatiers at Nestlé's confectionery research and development center in York, UK. Interestingly, this is also the birthplace of the iconic KitKat. The experts then put together Nestlé's chocolate creation with and a wide range of non-dairy replacements, till they found the ideal match to fashion smooth and creamy chocolate.

Source: Nestle.com

Not only is KitKat V wholly made of plant-based ingredients, but it is also certified vegan as it is created from sustainably obtained cocoa via Nestlé’s Cocoa Plan, with Rainforest Alliance certification. In case you are curious, the dairy in the iconic chocolate bar is swapped out with a fitting rice-based substitute that lends the same taste and smoothness.

Product development and distribution

Upon formulation the production of the avantgarde KitKat V was shifted to Nestlé's confectionery site in Hamburg, Germany. It is meant to be available for purchase in more than 15 countries across Europe. These will be Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Greece, Portugal, Poland, Hungary, and the Netherlands.

Surveys reveal in surge in demand for plant-based foods

Reports reveal that consumers around the world have shown an interest in trying out plant-based substitutes to meat and dairy products along with diverse food items from many categories. So, Nestlé is tapping into the right market by aiding consumers in finding what they seek- a guilt-free indulgence with plant-based chocolate. Corinne Gabler, Head of Confectionery for Europe, opines, "We are seeing a strong trend in food with more people looking for plant-based options, including for treats. This is one of the biggest launches ever of a vegan alternative of a major confectionery brand and it shows our confidence in this trend. We're delighted to offer KitKat V to all those KitKat fans out there who asked us to make it happen!"

Apart from plant-based chocolates, the brand has introduced substitutes for poultry, seafood, and more. In fact, they are offering a wide range of food options from mid-morning snacks, to coffee, foods like pizzas for the dinner table and of course tasty beverages and ice cream desserts.

Like this? Read: Nestle Goes Vegan With Plant-Based Infant Formula

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