What are the ingredients in Kit Kat?

October 24, 2025 •

4 min read

The ingredients in a Kit Kat can differ significantly depending on its region of origin, with variations between the versions produced by Hershey's in the US and Nestlé in many other countries. A deep dive into what are the ingredients in Kit Kat reveals a classic combination of milk chocolate and wafer, but with these notable regional nuances.

Quick Summary

A Kit Kat consists of a milk chocolate coating and a crispy wafer interior. Core ingredients typically include sugar, wheat flour, milk solids, cocoa butter, and vegetable oils, though specific formulations vary by manufacturer and region.

Key Points

Regional Variations: Kit Kat ingredients vary significantly by region, primarily between the US (Hershey's) and UK (Nestlé), impacting taste and texture.
Core Ingredients: The classic Kit Kat is composed of a milk chocolate coating and a wheat-based wafer, using ingredients like sugar, wheat flour, milk solids, cocoa butter, and vegetable oils.
Not Gluten-Free: Standard Kit Kat bars are not gluten-free due to the inclusion of wheat flour in the crispy wafer.
Contains Dairy: Traditional milk chocolate Kit Kats contain milk and are not suitable for vegan diets; however, plant-based alternatives like KitKat V exist.
Wafer Filling: The paste between the wafers is made from crushed, discarded Kit Kat wafers mixed with sugar and cocoa, providing a consistent texture and flavor.
Sustainable Sourcing: Companies like Nestlé have committed to using sustainable cocoa and sugar, often certified by organizations like the Rainforest Alliance.

A Closer Look at the Classic Kit Kat Composition

At its core, a Kit Kat bar is a delightful two-part confection: a crisp, layered wafer enrobed in smooth milk chocolate. The unique texture and flavor profile are the result of these two distinct components working in harmony. While the experience is consistent globally, the precise ingredients and their quality can vary significantly depending on the manufacturer, which is Hershey's in the United States and Nestlé in many other parts of the world. Understanding these differences is key to appreciating the subtle variations in taste and texture.

The Milk Chocolate Coating

The most prominent part of a standard Kit Kat is its milk chocolate coating. The recipe for this chocolate is a major point of divergence between the US and UK versions.

United States (Hershey's) Milk Chocolate Ingredients

Sugar: The primary ingredient by weight.
Wheat Flour: Used for the wafer.
Cocoa Butter: A key chocolate component.
Chocolate: The base for the milk chocolate.
Nonfat Milk: Provides the milky flavor.
Milk Fat: Adds to the richness and texture.
Lactose (Milk): A milk sugar.
Soy Lecithin and PGPR: Emulsifiers that help with smoothness.
Vanillin: An artificial flavor.
Salt: For flavor balance.
Yeast and Baking Soda: For the wafer.

United Kingdom (Nestlé) Milk Chocolate Ingredients

Milk Chocolate (66%): Contains sugar, dried whole milk, cocoa butter, cocoa mass, vegetable fat (palm, shea, sal), whey powder, and emulsifier (sunflower lecithin). The higher milk and cocoa content is a noticeable difference.
Wheat Flour: For the wafer.
Sugar: Also a key component.
Cocoa Mass: Adds deeper cocoa flavor.
Yeast and Raising Agent (Sodium Bicarbonate): For the wafer.
Salt: For flavor.
Natural Flavoring: Used instead of the artificial vanillin found in the US version.

The Crispy Wafer and Wafer Filling

The iconic crunch of a Kit Kat comes from its wafer layers. The wafer is made from a simple mix of wheat flour, yeast, and raising agents. Interestingly, the filling between the wafers is made from a paste of discarded Kit Kat wafers mixed with sugar and cocoa. This process ensures a consistent texture and flavor profile for the filling, providing a rich, slightly sweet contrast to the surrounding milk chocolate.

Comparison of US (Hershey's) and UK (Nestlé) Kit Kats


Feature	US Kit Kat (Hershey's)	UK Kit Kat (Nestlé)
Manufacturer	Hershey's	Nestlé
Chocolate Content	Lower percentage of cocoa, uses nonfat milk	Higher percentage of cocoa (minimum 25% for milk chocolate) and milk solids
Flavor Profile	Sweeter due to higher sugar content and artificial vanillin	Richer, creamier, and less sweet due to higher milk and cocoa content, and natural flavors
Emulsifiers	Soy Lecithin and PGPR	Soya Lecithin or Sunflower Lecithin
Fats	Uses palm oil, palm kernel oil	Uses palm, shea, and sal vegetable fats
Key Difference	Uses artificial flavor (vanillin) and different vegetable fats	Uses natural vanilla flavoring and includes higher cocoa and milk percentages

Allergens and Specialty Kit Kats

For those with dietary restrictions, it is crucial to be aware of the allergens in Kit Kats. All standard Kit Kat bars contain milk, wheat, and soy. Due to the presence of wheat flour, they are not gluten-free. Similarly, the use of dairy in the milk chocolate means that traditional Kit Kats are not vegan. However, Nestlé has introduced a plant-based version called KitKat V for the vegan market.

Beyond the classic milk chocolate, Kit Kat offers a wide range of flavors globally, each with its own specific ingredient list. For example, a Matcha-flavored Kit Kat will include green tea powder, while a Caramel version will have caramel-specific ingredients. It is always best to check the packaging for the most accurate and current ingredient information, especially with imported or specialty flavors. For instance, the KitKat UK FAQ offers detailed allergen information for its products, highlighting what is suitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet.

The Environmental Factor: Sustainable Sourcing

Both Nestlé and Hershey's have made commitments to source their cocoa sustainably. Nestlé, for example, is a partner with the Rainforest Alliance to ensure responsible sourcing of cocoa and sugar for its KitKat products, highlighting a growing industry trend towards ethical and sustainable practices in confectionery.

Conclusion

The answer to "what are the ingredients in Kit Kat?" is more complex than it first appears. While the core concept of a milk chocolate-covered wafer is consistent, the details differ significantly depending on the bar's origin. The contrast between the Hershey's-produced American Kit Kat and the Nestlé-produced British version showcases how regional production methods and ingredients impact the final product's taste and nutritional profile. Consumers should be mindful of these differences, particularly regarding allergens, and remember to always read the label when enjoying this classic confection.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, standard Kit Kat bars are not gluten-free as their wafer is made with wheat flour. They contain wheat, which makes them unsuitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Standard milk chocolate Kit Kats are not vegan, as they contain dairy products, including milk and lactose. However, Nestlé has released a plant-based version called KitKat V in some markets.

The flavor difference is due to different manufacturers and ingredient compositions. Hershey's makes the US version with different ingredients and flavorings, while Nestlé, which makes the UK version, uses a different recipe with a higher cocoa content and natural vanilla flavoring.

The crispy wafer is made from a combination of wheat flour, yeast, and raising agents like sodium bicarbonate. This mixture is baked into thin, crisp layers.

Soy lecithin is an emulsifier derived from soybeans. In chocolate, it is used to bind the ingredients together, creating a smoother, more uniform texture and preventing the chocolate from separating.

Yes, specialty and flavored Kit Kats, such as Matcha or Dark Chocolate, will contain additional ingredients specific to that flavor, like green tea powder or a different type of chocolate.

Some Kit Kat products may be manufactured in facilities that also process peanuts or other tree nuts, which can pose a risk of cross-contamination. Allergen information should always be checked on the specific product packaging.