FMCG giant, Nestlé has announced the launch of its plant-based KitKat set to hit UK stores following a successful trial run last year.
Developed by chocolate experts at its confectionary research and development centre in York, the vegan product is made from sustainably sourced cocoa with a rice-based milk alternative.
Compared to its original counterpart, the new chocolate wafer snack will also have an 18% lower carbon footprint over its full lifecycle.
As well as in the UK, Nestlé will be rolling out KitKat V in 14 other European countries including Germany, France, Austria, Denmark, Greece, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Hungary and the Netherlands.
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“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,” Nestlé head of confectionary product technology centre in York, Louise Barrett said.
“The response from consumers was overwhelming, and we are now excited to launch it at a much wider scale.”
Nestlé head of confectionary for Europe, Corrine Gabler added: “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.”
An increase in vegan and plant-based products follows research conducted by Toluna in May which found that 49% of 1,160 adults said they want to consume food and drink products that are healthier, vegan, and more sustainable, with 76% of the survey’s respondents having bought a plant-based alternative food.
