NESTLE has announced plans to axe a popular bar range from Irish stores – and chocolate lovers say they’re “gutted”.
The Vegan KitKat is set to be taken off the shelves in the coming months.
The treat was a popular choice among vegans and those with lactose intolerance[/caption]
In a recent statement, the chocolate brand Nestlé revealed plans to remove the Vegan KitKat from shelves in Ireland and other countries.
And vegans and those who are lactose-intolerant have been left disappointed by the news.
The snack, made with rice milk, was sold in 15 European countries and became a favourite among many chocolate lovers in Ireland and the UK.
Launched in 2021, the vegan KitKat was created in response to strong demand for a dairy-free version of the classic chocolate bar.
It also helped Nestlé’s Net Zero goals for 2050, with a carbon footprint 18 per cent smaller than the original.
But Nestlé has now said it’s pulling the bar due to lower-than-expected sales, making it too complex to keep producing.
There’s no specific date for when it’ll disappear from Irish stores, but it will be available “until the summer.”
A spokesperson from Nestlé explained that global demand had dropped so much that production became increasingly difficult.
They said: “We know that the vegan KitKat has been popular for those looking for dairy-free 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.
“We know there will be some disappointment, however it will still be available in the UK and Ireland until the summer.”
The decision has sparked some disappointed reactions online from Irish chocolate lovers.
One person wrote: “I’m lactose intolerant so it was one of the only bars I could enjoy. I’m gutted.”
Another said: “I must buy one nearly every day, there’s definitely still a market for it.”
Discontinued doughnut
This comes after Krispy Kreme has confirmed it has discontinued a classic doughnut – as shoppers ask “who’s eaten them all?”
In an official statement, a Krispy Kreme spokesperson elaborated on the decision to discontinue the original glazed jam doughnuts.
They said: “The decision to retire this traditional favourite for the time being was not taken lightly, but the good news is we’ve got a fresh new range of doughnuts and we’re confident that you’ll find a new favourite amongst them.”
Despite the end of the cult favourite, doughnut lovers can look forward to two new flavours – s’mores and rocky road.
The S’mores come with marshmallow flavour filling and are topped with chocolatey icings, marshmallows and biscuit pieces.
While the Rocky Road is covered in chocolate icing and decorated with vanilla-flavoured frosting, cookies and marshmallows.
