After a long wait, Kit Kat lovers have something new to rejoice about! A delightful combination of refreshing mint and indulgent dark chocolate is set to become a permanent fixture on store shelves and online candy superstores like Candy Warehouse. The Hershey’s Company recently revealed that the Kit Kat Duos Mint + Dark Chocolate bar, the newest addition to the iconic chocolate-covered wafer family, will be available in stores starting December 2019. This marks the first permanent Kit Kat flavor introduced to the U.S. candy market in a decade.
The Kit Kat bar has a rich and storied history in the world of confectionery. Originally developed by Rowntree’s of York, United Kingdom, in response to an employee's suggestion for a portable snack, this innovative candy creation was launched on August 29, 1935, under the name Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp.
During World War II, due to shortages and rationing, the recipe for the "Chocolate Crisp" was changed to dark chocolate, the name was abandoned, and the packaging color transformed to blue. After the war, Rowntree returned to the original recipe, packaging, and renamed the chocolate-covered wafer bars as Kit Kat.
The popularity of Kit Kat grew rapidly, with the candy being marketed across Europe, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Agreements were made to distribute the brand in the United States through the Hershey Company and in Japan through Fujiya.
Today, Nestle produces Kit Kat globally, except in the United States, where the Hershey Company manufactures Kit Kat Bars under license from Société des Produits Nestle SA, Vevey, Switzerland, the trademark owners.
While Kit Kat bars have gained immense popularity, the flavor choices available in the United States have been relatively limited. The first flavor variant, Kit Kat Orange, was introduced in 1996 but was exclusive to the United Kingdom. In Japan, however, candy enthusiasts have enjoyed a wide array of unique taste variations, including ginger ale, soy sauce, creme brulee, green tea, sake, and banana. Meanwhile, U.S. consumers have had fewer options, which currently include Dark and Milk Chocolate, White, and a limited edition called "Kit Kat Flavors of California - Strawberry."
But now, the wait is over, and Kit Kat fans are eagerly anticipating the release of this new twist on the classic wafer. The Kit Kat Duos Mint + Dark Chocolate will feature a luscious mint creme on top and rich dark chocolate on the bottom. Rumors from those fortunate enough to have tried this delightful treat describe it as a "refreshingly minty" burst of flavor followed by a smooth and blissful dark chocolate experience.
Christopher Kinnard, Kit Kat’s senior brand manager, expressed his excitement in a press release, stating, "Kit Kat is known around the world for its innovative flavors, and we're thrilled to introduce Kit Kat Duos Mint + Dark Chocolate."
To further build on this excitement, the company plans to unveil additional Duos varieties in the near future, with announcements expected in the coming months. Kinnard assures fans that this new Kit Kat flavor is just the beginning, stating, "Here's the best part - we are just getting started. Keep your eyes peeled; there is more to come from the Kit Kat brand."
