Kitkat Japan Introduces World's First All-Natural Ruby Chocolate

AFP Relaxnews

KitKat Japan has become the first consumer brand to launch the Ruby chocolate characterized by its all-natural pink and berry flavors. Described as the fourth type of chocolate after milk, dark, and white varieties, the Ruby chocolate is made from the Ruby cocoa bean and is the fruit of years of research and development by scientists at the Zurich-based premium chocolate manufacturer Barry Callebaut.

Despite its color -- some call it a convenient shade of Millennial pink -- and berry-fruit taste, the Ruby chocolate contains no artificial color or flavoring, and is produced through a unique processing that unlocks the flavor and color tone naturally present in the Ruby cacao bean. The result is a flavor profile described as a tension between berry-fruitiness and "luscious smoothness."

At KitKat Chocolatory stores across Japan and South Korea, which sell specialty flavors, consumers will be among the first in the world to try the Ruby chocolate in the form of Kitkat Sublime Ruby bars. The confectionery was created by Japanese patissier Yasumasa Takagi.

Curious gourmands and chocoholics in other parts of the world, meanwhile, can also sample the innovative new chocolate by registering their email address on KitKat Japan's website. Chocolate sampler boxes include the Sublime Ruby, alongside milk, dark and white chocolates, so consumers can compare tasting notes.

The offer is available for consumers in the US, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, France, Italy, England, Germany, Belgium and Switzerland. KitKat Chocolatory Sublime Ruby will be available as of Jan. 19 at KitKat Chocolatory stores in Japan and South Korea.