A seemingly contradictory detail on the wrapper of a popular chocolate bar has caused a stir online.
Nestle launched KitKat V in early 2021, but while it’s “sold out” in Australia and New Zealand, the vegan chocolate block is still available overseas.
Unlike regular bars, the KitKat V is made using a rice-based milk alternative that is coated around the brand’s famous crispy wafer.
But one KitKat fan in the UK has noticed an unexpected detail on its packaging which has set tongues wagging on social media.
Sharing a snap of the cult-chocolate bar on Reddit, the user pointed out the vegan product contained a label warning it “may contain milk”.
“Anything can be vegan if you ignore the ingredients,” the caption read.
The “may contain” or “may be present” statements on products are used where the possible unintended presence of allergens occurring during food manufacturing.
This is also known as precautionary allergen labelling (PAL), Food Stanards Australia New Zealand explains.
However, these are voluntary statements made by food suppliers and are not regulated by the Food Standards Code.
As a result, social media users were quick to point out this was likely behind the possible allergens warning on the label.
“I don’t think milk is an ingredient, it’s just made in a factory where something else containing milk is made,” one social media user pointed out.
One added: “They’re just covering their butts, in case there’s cross contamination. Similar to the ‘may contain nuts label.”
“It’s my understanding ‘May contain’ just means the place they make the product has a lot of that ingredient and there could be cross contamination,” another said.
Others were shocked the packaging indicated the vegan product might not actually be vegan.
“It just immediately contradicts itself,” said one.
“Do I contain milk or do I not contain milk? Is it a risk you’re willing to take?” asked another.
There were also many that praised Nestle’s, describing the label as having “no issues”.
“Good packaging, no issue. Clearly vegan for those who care, but also warns anyone with allergies who might rely on the vegan labelling,” one social media user said.
Nestle Australia explained the chocolate was in the UK, adding the vegan product was trialled here previously, with “no current plans” to bring it back.
“Although all ingredients are certified as being vegan by the Vegan Society, the product is made in a factory that also manufactures milk chocolate products,” the spokesperson told news.com.au.
“Because food safety is of the highest priority to us, the product packaging features the ‘may contain milk statement.