When Was KitKat Invented

KitKat is more than just a chocolate bar. It is a cultural icon, a household name and a comforting companion to tea breaks, lunchboxes and snack times across the UK and beyond. Its crisp wafer centre, smooth milk chocolate coating and unmistakable snap have made it one of the most recognisable sweets in the world. But where did it all begin? When was KitKat invented, and how did it become such a beloved part of British confectionery history?

The Birth of a Classic in 1935

KitKat was first introduced in the United Kingdom in 1935. It was created by Rowntree’s, a confectionery company based in York, which was already well known for producing high-quality chocolate and sweets. Originally, it was not even called KitKat. The bar made its debut as the “Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp” and was intended as an affordable, everyday treat for working people. It was designed to be eaten as a snack during a break from work, providing a little energy boost in a convenient format.

The Name Change to KitKat

The name “KitKat” was officially adopted in 1937, just two years after the product was launched. The name is believed to have been inspired by the Kit-Cat Club, an 18th-century London literary and political society. Rowntree’s had previously trademarked the name KitKat for a type of boxed chocolate assortment, so when the time came to rebrand the Chocolate Crisp, they decided to revive the catchy and memorable name. From then on, the bar was marketed under the name KitKat, and it quickly gained popularity.

KitKat Through the Decades

KitKat’s rise to fame was gradual but steady. During the Second World War, milk was rationed, so Rowntree’s changed the recipe to use plain chocolate instead of milk chocolate. The packaging also changed from its familiar red to a blue wrapper. After the war, the milk chocolate returned, and the red wrapper came back with it. The bar’s success grew throughout the 1950s and 1960s, particularly with the introduction of the famous advertising slogan “Have a break, have a KitKat.” This slogan was launched in 1957 and is still one of the most enduring in advertising history.

From York to the World

In 1988, Nestlé acquired Rowntree’s and took over the global production and distribution of KitKat, except in the United States, where it is produced under licence by The Hershey Company. Despite the change in ownership, KitKat continued to be made at the original factory in York, and the recipe and format remained largely unchanged. Over time, the brand has expanded across the world, with dozens of countries putting their own spin on the classic chocolate bar. In Japan alone, there are hundreds of flavour variations, from matcha green tea to wasabi, reflecting local tastes and creative innovation.

A Lasting Legacy of Break-Time Treats

What makes KitKat so special is not just its unique structure or rich flavour, but its place in everyday life. From school days to office snack drawers, it has become a symbol of taking a break. It is rare to find a chocolate bar so closely associated with a moment in time—a pause in the day to relax and recharge. That identity was built from the very beginning, with the original intention to create a snack for working people, and it still resonates with consumers nearly a century later.

Final Thoughts

So, when was KitKat invented? The answer is 1935, in the city of York, under the name “Rowntree’s Chocolate Crisp.” Renamed KitKat in 1937, the bar quickly became a staple of British confectionery, evolving through war, global expansion and changing tastes while always staying true to its roots. With nearly 90 years of history behind it, KitKat remains one of the most enduring and beloved chocolate bars in the world. Whether enjoyed alone, shared with a friend or tucked into a lunchbox, every break with a KitKat is part of a story that began in a small British factory almost a century ago.