<p>BERLIN — Coming soon to a selected retailer near you: a vegan version of the iconic KitKat candy bar.</p>
<p>Switzerland’s Nestle didn’t spell out in its announcement on Monday the exact formula for the new treat to be known as the KitKat V. But it said it would “soon have a delicious plant-based option that delivers the perfect balance between crispy wafer and smooth chocolate that people know and love.”</p>
<p>The company said it already has launched plant-based alternatives to dairy made from rice, oat, soy, coconut, pea and almonds that are found in its non-dairy ice cream, coffee creamers and other products. </p>
<p>The KitKat V, which it said will be launched later this year in “several countries across the globe," is certified vegan and uses 100% sustainable cocoa, the company said.</p>
<p>As the product is tested it will only be available in the company’s boutique KitKat Chocolatory shops or online, and through select retailers.</p>
<p>It will be available in Britain, where the KitKat was originally developed in York — and where the research on the vegan version was done — but not in the U.S. where the KitKat is produced under a licensing agreement with Hershey’s, the company said.</p>
<p>Nestle said it is not releasing information on other countries participating in the initial roll-out at the moment. </p>
