Certified by the Vegan Society and available in three flavours: caramelised hazelnut, caramel and sea salt and smooth orange, Mars is the first large brand in the UK to offer a plant-based alternative to milk chocolate.
Kerry Cavanaugh, marketing director at Galaxy, said the company was “so excited” to introduce the vegan range using a recipe that “doesn’t compromise on the brand’s signature smooth and creamy characteristics”.
While all dark chocolate is naturally vegan if it has not had milk or cream added to it, milk chocolate is more challenging to adapt because of its dairy content, he explained.
“Wherever you look you can’t avoid the vegan buzz in the UK and with the launch of Galaxy Vegan, we’re thrilled to be offering vegans, flexitarians and lovers of sweet treats even more ways to choose pleasure with a brand they love.”
Latest figures reveal the UK vegan confectionery market has grown to a record £10m ($12.96m), while the size of the overall confectionery market is valued at £5.3bn ($6.87bn).
Abigail Stevens, trademark marketing manager at the Vegan Society, said: “We’re proud to register Galaxy’s first ever non-dairy milk chocolate bars with our vegan trademark. The brand has demonstrated that dairy is not necessary to make great tasting chocolate, and that people can still enjoy their favourites without the use of animals.”
Dutch brand Tony’s Chocolonely has two vegan dark chocolate bars – a 70% dark and dark almond sea salt – while Hotel Chocolat has expanded its vegan dark chocolate range.