Vegan KitKat made with rice-based milk and sustainable cocoa finally hits shelves

14 Jun 2021 --- After months of anticipation, Nestlé’s Vegan KitKat is finally hitting shelves in selected markets, including the UK, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. 

The vegan version of the iconic chocolate wafer treat promises to be a “no-compromise” alternative.

KitKat V is certified vegan and made from 100 percent 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 for texture and flavor.

“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,” says Alexander von Maillot, head of confectionery at Nestlé.

UK development
Chocolate experts developed KitKat V at Nestlé’s confectionery research and development center in York, UK, the original home of the KitKat bar.

Nestlé has launched plant-based versions of some of its most-loved global brands, including the cocoa malt beverage Milo.Combining Nestlé’s expertise in chocolate innovation and non-dairy alternatives, they managed to blend the smooth chocolate with plant-based ingredients.

“Our challenge when we set out to create a vegan-friendly KitKat was to recreate this iconic product using plant-based alternatives. We worked very hard to get the right balance between the milk alternative and the cocoa to achieve this. The result is a vegan chocolate that we’re very proud of, and I hope all KitKat fans will love it as much as we do,” adds Louise Barrett, head of the Nestlé Confectionery Product Technology Center in York.

Plant-based pivot
The Swiss giant has already launched plant-based alternatives to dairy made from rice, oat, soy, coconut, pea and almonds across several 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.

Nestlé has launched plant-based versions of some of its most-loved global brands, including the cocoa malt beverage Milo.

Further to the official launch, other countries will soon follow, including Australia and Brazil. KitKat V will be available through the KitKat Chocolatory and selected retailers.

Meanwhile, a special edition KitKat containing a crunchy, caramelized cinnamon spread made from Lotus Biscoff biscuit is also being launched in Australia. 

Edited by Gaynor Selby