The lure of the valuable plant-based sector for food multinationals was strikingly confirmed this week as Nestlé confirmed it will be launching a vegan KitKat in 2021.
A new plant-based version of the iconic confectionary bar – called KitKat V – will go on sale in “several countries across the globe” later this year. However, it will initially only be 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.
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.”
Alexander von Maillot, head of confectionery at Nestlé, 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.”
KitKat V is certified vegan, and made from cocoa sourced through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan in conjunction with the Rainforest Alliance. 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.
