Kit Kat Just Added a New Flavor to Its Permanent Lineup

Kit Kat has a long and storied history that can be traced back to its creation by a British confectionery company called Rowntree's in the 1930s. Today, the international arm of the treasured candy is owned by Nestlé, which is headquartered in Switzerland. Nestlé acquired Rowntree’s in the 1980s and took the treat worldwide, making a variety of flavors that cater to each country's preferences. In our taste test of flavors available around the globe, we were impressed with varieties such as Orange Chocolate, Cookie Crumble, and Chunky Peanut Butter, to name a few.

So why don't we get all the different varieties here, too? If you were surprised to hear Kit Kat was owned by Nestlé, therein lies the answer. The "break me off a piece of that" Kit Kar bar we know and love in the States is made by The Hershey Company. And, simply put, different suppliers means different flavors.

Sometimes, we do get international flavors in the U.S., usually for a limited time. More often, Kit Kat releases limited-time varieties catered to American taste buds, such as Pink Lemonade or Apple Pie.

But finally, Kit Kat’s latest new flavor coming to the U.S. is one that’s beloved around the world. The brand is so sure that its fans will love this new variety that it’s going to be a permanent addition to the stateside lineup.

Kit Kat Vanilla Is on Store Shelves Now

The word vanilla tends to get a bad rap. When something that’s not food is described as “vanilla," it can mean it’s bland, boring, or safe. But vanilla is essential to food not being bland. What would crème brûlée or buttercream frosting be without vanilla? And if vanilla is so boring, why do Wendy’s Frosty lovers beg for vanilla to be a permanent flavor instead of getting bumped every time a seasonal flavor like this summer’s Triple Berry Frosty is offered?

The makers of Kit Kat found that 89 percent of consumers say they like or love vanilla flavor, so it’s giving all those vanilla fans what they want: the Kit Kat Vanilla.

The new variety includes Kit Kat’s iconic crisp wafers with layers of chocolate between them enrobed in vanilla flavored crème. To celebrate the new Kit Kat Vanilla, the brand is giving fans a “break” with an Instagram giveaway. Four winners will win Kit Kat-branded BÉIS carry-on luggage filled with Kit Kat Vanilla bars, and one grand prize winner will receive an additional $1,000 toward travel expenses to spend on a vanilla getaway this fall.

The new vanilla-coated Kit Kats are available nationwide now in standard and king sizes. If you’re one of those truly iconic people who give out full-size candy bars for Halloween, you can stock up and give them to all the ghouls and goblins that ring your doorbell—or you could choose to give out full-size Kit Kat Ghost Toast bars. If you prefer to hand out smaller-sized treats, don't worry, Hershey has plenty to choose from in that variety, too.