Nestlé defends new Whip chocolates for not including walnut

21-Aug-2017 - Last updated on 22-Aug-2017 at 08:51 GMT

Walnut Whip is one of the Nestlé’s oldest brands. Photo: Nestlé

Nestlé says the Walnut Whip with a walnut will remain on sale alongside its new vanilla, caramel and mint versions without a walnut in the UK and Ireland.

“This means there is something for consumers wanting to try something new as well as for long standing fans of our century-old walnut product,” a Nestlé’s spokesperson said. “These are additional flavors to the range.”

The confectionery giant made the statement shortly after UK media, including Guardian, pointed out the company launched its first nut-free Whip range because of an ingredient price surge in the country.

However, Nestlé argued that this was not the first time that the Whip has appeared in different flavors and without the walnut. “Other versions include the Lemon Whip in the year 2000, and the Maple & Pecan Whip in 2002,” the company said.

Nestlé added that vanilla and caramel flavors would be available in a three pack starting from this week, while the mint version will enter the market in September. All these varieties remain free from artificial flavors, colors and preservatives.

The company also said, “Nothing planned at present,” when asked if it has any plans to cut ingredients from other confectionery products as well.

Walnut Whip was first launched in 1910 by Duncan’s of Edinburgh at its Beaverhall Road Factory, and is one of the Nestlé’s oldest brands, according the company’s website.

Nestlé said earlier this year that it may sell one of its confectionery businesses in the US by the end of 2017 due to low market share, but it is “strongly committed” to the category outside the US.