KitKat V, the vegan-friendly chocolate bar manufactured by Nestlé, is set to be removed from store shelves worldwide. However, a limited quantity will remain available in the UK until its discontinuation this summer.
The withdrawal of KitKat V aligns with a series of recent decisions by other companies in the food sector. For instance, Arla Foods announced earlier this week that it is discontinuing its plant-based milk alternative brand Jörd in the UK, shifting its focus exclusively to the foodservice sector.
A spokesperson from Nestlé remarked: “We know that KitKat Vegan has been popular for those looking for dairy or vegan alternatives. Unfortunately, global demand has been reducing to the point that production was making manufacturing more and more complex, and we have now made the difficult decision to discontinue the product.”
The spokesperson added, “We know there will be some disappointment; however, it will still be available in the UK and Ireland until the summer.”
Launched in 2021, KitKat V was a product of dedicated development by chocolatiers and food scientists at Nestlé’s research and development center. This candy bar is certified vegan, combining smooth chocolate with plant-based ingredients harmoniously integrated with a crisp wafer base.
Expanding Vegan Options
During the KitKat V launch, Alex Gonnella, the marketing director for Nestlé Confectionery, noted the overwhelming positive response to vegan-friendly options, including Fruit Pastilles. This enthusiasm has led to the exploration of additional vegan alternatives across their product range.
Gonnella shared, “The most common request we see on social media is for a vegan KitKat, so we’re delighted to be able to make that wish come true.”
However, it’s important to note that almost 20% of individuals aged 19-22 who previously identified with vegetarian or vegan diets have reverted back, with 45% citing concerns about the perceived healthiness of these diets. Moreover, nearly half of the respondents indicated a lack of interest in pursuing vegetarian or vegan lifestyles.