KitKats are set to change shape when the legendary chocolate bar’s four-finger style is replaced by a two-column design to ‘encourage sharing’.
A line of the iconic British chocolate will be made as a £1.35, 99g sharing bar with ‘multiple break off pieces’, KitKat’s maker Nestlé announced.
Three different flavours are available in stores – double chocolate, salted caramel and hazelnut.
The four-finger style has been in existence for almost 90 years, since Rowntree’s of York launched the bar in 1935.
It was reportedly created after a Rowntree worker suggested making a chocolate bar that a man could fit in his bag for work.
The KitKat division at Nestlé said it launched the new sharing bars to make it ‘easier to create moments of connection’.
KitKats’ iconic shape has been altered in a new line of the classic British chocolate bars
NEW STYLE: KitKats are now being made as 99g sharing bars with breakout pieces
ICONIC STYLE: KitKats are known for their classic four or two-finger shapes
Some chocolate lovers on social media said they were excited about the new range.
One person wrote: ‘Oooooh I have to sample them all!!’
A second said: ‘These look fun to try!!!’
A third added: ‘Waiting impatiently for my local to put them on the shelves. Says they are in stock.’
‘These innovative bars provide a unique, and multi-sensory eating experience thanks to their delicious light and creamy fillings and chocolate that melts effortlessly in the mouth,’ a spokesperson added.
‘This contrast in textures makes for an exceptional experience, made all the more eye-catching by the stunning swirled effect created by the marbled coating.’
Stephanie Scales, Marketing Manager for KitKat at Nestlé UK & Ireland, said: ‘In today’s non-stop world, it’s far too easy to let the evenings disappear in a blur.
‘We want KitKat fans to hit that pause button and really unwind at the end of the day… and what better way to do that than by catching up with your favourite people and sharing a delicious treat?
‘KitKat’s always been about those feel-good breaks and now with sharing bars, we’re making it even easier to disconnect and reclaim your evenings.’
The launch comes after customers slammed Nestlé as ‘cruel’ amid plans to discontinue an immensely popular chocolate bar.
The chocolate behemoth confirmed today they are axing the plant-based version of KitKats due to insufficient sales.
Pictured: What the new range of chocolate bars looks like on the inside
Much to the shock of vegans, Nestlé said it will only be available ‘until the summer’ – though there is no specific date provided for when sales will stop in the UK.
Crafted with rice-based milk alternatives and made using 100 per cent sustainable cocoa, it is popular with customers looking for a dairy-free or vegan alternative.
The vegan version of the KitKat was first launched in 2021 due to customer demand and was also believed to push Nestlé further towards its Net Zero Plans for 2050.
Although it tasted similar to the original, the KitKat Vegan had an 18 per cent smaller carbon footprint.
The KitKat Vegan was available in 15 European countries including France, Denmark and the UK – where it sold for around £1.
A Nestlé spokesperson told The Mirror: ‘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.
Much to the shock of vegans, Nestlé said the KitKat Vegan will only be available ‘until the summer’ – though there is no specific date provided for when sales will stop in the UK
‘We know there will be some disappointment, however it will still be available in the UK and Ireland until the summer.’
Nestlé acknowledged that vegan chocolate remains a niche market, with their more traditional products bringing in the most money.
The spokesperson added: ‘Our emphasis with the KitKat brand for the foreseeable future will be on classic chocolate variants, as they continue to be the preferred choice among consumers.’
