Kit Kat Unveils ‘Ruby Chocolate’ Bars That Naturally Appear Rose Quartz

By Mikelle Leow, 19 Jan 2018

Image via Nestlé Japan

Kit Kat bars might seem like a mindless snack to you, but in Japan, they’re like the ‘Kate Middletons’ of the chocolate market. In 2017, Nestlé Japan rolled out faux sushi and birthstone-inspired Kit Kats. It also launched a vending machine that lets you personalize your own Kit Kat boxes.

The confectionery brand has once again proven that it’s in the pink of health with its latest gem-like addition: its very own ruby chocolate bar.

Ruby chocolate, which was developed by cocoa manufacturer Barry Callebaut, has been dubbed the “fourth type of chocolate” in the world and features a naturally-occurring pink color.

After a decade of trial-and-error, the variety was finally ready to meet the world in 2017. Made with ‘Ruby’ cocoa beans, it’s the first natural chocolate to appear after white chocolate, which was introduced 80 years before.

The new bar, which Kit Kat calls ‘Sublime Ruby’, has a “fruity flavor reminiscent of berries.” Nestlé Japan wrote in a press release that it’s the first commercialized ruby chocolate product and will be launched in time for Valentine’s Day.

“I am very pleased that our innovative breakthrough ruby chocolate has come to life so quickly through our partnership with Nestlé and the pioneering Kit Kat Brand in Japan,” said Antoine de Saint-Affrique, the CEO of Barry Callebaut.

“Nestlé was very quick in spotting the trend and in introducing a ruby chocolate version of Kit Kat, which will entice consumers across Asia and beyond.”

Kit Kat Japan’s renowned patissier, Yasumasa Takagi, understandably expressed his excitement about the collaboration. “I have created an especially simple Kit Kat that allows you to enjoy the characteristic fruity fragrance and subtle acidity of ‘Ruby’ cacao to the fullest. Enjoy wonderful flavors that have never been experienced before.”

A single bar will set you back JP¥400 (US$3.60), and only 5,000 of them will be made available. A five-piece ‘Valentine’s Assortment’ box, which will also contain bars of the dark, milk, and white chocolate profiles, will be priced at JP¥1,800 (US$16.25). A seven-piece set that includes green tea and ‘Raw’ flavors will cost JP¥2,400 (US$21.65).

‘Sublime Ruby’ will be available online and at Kit Kat specialty stores across Japan and South Korea beginning 19 January 2018. It will then be distributed to other countries at a later date.