UK – Cadbury, one of the most popular snack brands owned by US snack giant Mondelēz, has announced the launch of its first vegan chocolate bar, with two different flavours to choose from. 

According to the company, the new plant-based which takes inspiration from its popular cousin Cadbury’s Dairy Milk, will be launching in UK retailer Sainsbury’s stores from November. 

The chocolate maker said the new vegan bars took two years to develop and contain almond paste instead of the Milk that is used to impart a creamy taste to its original Dairy Milk bars. 

Cadbury said the paste provides a similar taste and texture to milk while adding a hint of nuttiness. 

The bars, which have been approved by The Vegan Society, will be available in two flavors: smooth chocolate and smooth chocolate with salted caramel pieces. 

Louise Stigant, UK managing director of Mondelēz International, says the Plant Bar had been created in response to an “increasing public appetite for plant-based alternatives”. 

Increasing incidence of intolerance for animal protein, growing urbanization with new consumer aspirations, and increasing vegan population are some of the factors driving the plant-based market according to Research and Markets.  

Additionally, research published by the Vegan Society in May 2021 revealed that more than one in ten people in the UK minimized their consumption of dairy during the pandemic. 

Of the 1,000 people surveyed, 43 percent of respondents who cut down on dairy said they had tried plant-based milk for the first time. Of those who tried oat milk, 69 percent said they plan to keep buying it. 

Recognizing the potential that this market, which is expected to be valued at US$74.2 billion in 2027, Mondelēz made the investment in a plant-based alternative for its popular Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate brand.  

“At Mondelēz, evolving consumer demands have long informed our ambition to provide a wide range of products that work for everyone and the new Cadbury Plant Bar range is the latest stop on this journey,” Stignant noted.  

Ericka Durgahee, a marketing manager at the Vegan Society, said: “As we approach World Vegan Day on 1st November, the Vegan Society is thrilled that anyone who misses Cadbury chocolate as a vegan can now enjoy their favourite delicious chocolate bar without the use of animal products.” 

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