Nestlé launches vegan KitKat

Nestlé announced its latest foray into the plant-based confectionery industry, launching a vegan KitKat — called KitKat V — later this year.

Nestlé Head of Confectionery Alexander von Maillot said the new product, which was developed in York, UK, came after seeing many requests among consumers for a vegan KitKat. “This is a product for everyone who wants a little more plant-based in their life,” he said.

Louise Barrett, Head of the Nestlé Confectionery Product Technology Center in York, said taste was a key factor in developing the plant-based chocolate.

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 existing plant-based burgers.

Nestlé said surveys have shown that people are interested in exploring more plant-based foods across different categories. Plant-based confectionery is one of the emerging trends this year.

“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,” von Mailott said.

KitKat V is certified vegan and made from 100% sustainable cocoa sourced through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan in conjunction with the Rainforest Alliance.

Image supplied by Nestlé.