Nestlé has confirmed it is launching a vegan KitKat chocolate, Plant Based News can reveal. 

The new dairy-free bar – called KitKat V – will be launched later in the year in several countries across the globe. It will debut through the KitKat Chocolatory and selected retailers, to test the opportunity for a wider roll-out.

KitKat V has been developed by chocolate experts in Nestlé’s confectionery research and development center in York, UK.

Vegan KitKat chocolate

Alexander von Maillot is Head of Confectionery at Nestlé. He says: “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. 

“I can’t wait for people to be able to try this amazingly tasty new KitKat. This is a product for everyone who wants a little more plant-based in their life!”

Louise Barrett, Head of the Nestlé Confectionery Product Technology Center in York added: “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 then concluded: “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.”

Controversy

Despite its leadership taking part in Veganuary, Nestlé is a brand many vegans boycott due to its chequered history when it comes to various business practices.

These include a major scandal in the 1970s, when many boycotted the conglomerate due to its aggressive promotion of its formula milk over breastmilk to women in developing countries.

Following an internal investigation, Nestlé admitted that forced labor practices were taking place in its supply chain. It has also faced accusations of child labor, unethical water mining, and deforestation among others.