Mars has announced vegan versions of its most popular Galaxy bar in the UK.

UK’s second-largest confectionery brand- Mars has finally figured out a way it can treat its vegan customers craving the brand’s bestselling Galaxy chocolate bar.

Taking more than six months to perfect, the brand has replaced dairy with hazelnut paste and rice syrup to launch Galaxy vegan chocolate bars.

The new variant is priced at £3 for a 100g bar with three flavor options: smooth orange, caramel and sea salt and caramelized hazelnut.

The chocolate bars bear Vegan Society’s stamp of approval.

“We’re proud to register Galaxy’s first ever non-dairy milk chocolate bars with our vegan trademark,” said Abigail Stevens, the trademark marketing manager at the Vegan Society.

 “The brand has demonstrated that dairy is not necessary to make great tasting chocolate, and that people can still enjoy their favorites without the use of animals.”

Linda Lopez, the head of the sensory team at Mars, said: “The taste of Galaxy has not changed in the nearly 60 years since it was launched. We wanted to retain the classic smooth and creamy taste and texture without any compromise.”

 Tamal Ray, a food writer at the Guardian said: “I have no idea what sort of alchemical magic turns hazelnuts into cream but, whatever the process is, both bars of chocolate certainly look and feel the part: they’re smooth on the tongue and melt away to a pleasant creaminess,” after trying the new caramelized hazelnut and smooth orange bars.

‘Can’t avoid the vegan buzz’

“We’re so excited to be bringing these delicious treats to Galaxy’s range using a vegan recipe that doesn’t compromise on the brand’s signature smooth and creamy characteristics,” said Mars Wrigley UK’s unit director Kerry Cavanaugh in a statement.

“Wherever you look you can’t avoid the vegan buzz in the UK. Even though vegan treats are currently only worth £10 million in a £4 billion chocolate market, we think that by introducing Galaxy, one of the UK’s best-known brands, there is a huge opportunity for the category to grow.

“This is our first vegan product and we felt it was time to offer fans of our best-selling Galaxy brand more choice. We expect it to be very popular at Christmas for families and friends to share,” he added.

Sustainable product

The dairy alternative is not the only change seen in the new bar, the brand has also wrapped the chocolate in a wood fiber compostable film packaging with a recyclable cardboard outer card sleeve making the product both animal and eco- friendly.

The bars will go on sale online and in store at Tesco, Ocado and Amazon from November 18.

• Read: PETA UK launches campaign for a McVegan Burger from McDonald’s

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