Food and beverage giant Nestlé has announced the launch of KitKat V, a plant-based version of its ubiquitous chocolate snack. The new product will be available from mid-June in the UK, Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. 

KitKat V is certified vegan and made from 100% sustainable cocoa in cooperation with the Rainforest Alliance, an international non-governmental organization for creating a more sustainable world. To keep the usual texture and flavor, Nestlé is using rice-based milk alternatives for their new product. 

Alexander von Maillot, Head of Confectionery at Nestlé, said:

“KitKat continues to surprise people with new flavors and ingredients. 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!’’

The movement to plant-based eating is gaining worldwide popularity and is now seen as an accelerating sustainability tool for animal welfare and to help companies reduce their carbon footprint. The new product is a natural step for Nestlé towards achieving its goal of halving emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero by 2050. The company has also stated that KitKat aims to transition to 100% renewables at all factories by the end of 2025. 

The new products is the latest addition in Kitkat’s own plant based portfolio. Earlier this year, the company introduced a tuna alternative product rich in nutritious pea protein, an environmentally friendly source of protein. Other plant-based alternatives from the company include burgers, mince, meatballs, sausages, cold cuts, chicken nuggets, and chicken fillets.

Plant based alternative products are emerging in the sustainability initiatives at several companies. The Body Shop recently announced a new initiative to have their entire product portfolio be certified by the Vegan Society, which will ensure an expansion of the company’s Vegan products. This year, the company also introduced a series of sustainability initiatives, which include a goal to ensure 100% of its packaging materials are either reusable, recyclable, or compostable.