A recent post on X has triggered widespread discussion after comparing the ingredient composition of KitKat bars sold in Australia and India, alleging significant differences in quality and nutritional content. Nestle spoke to FinancialExpress.com to cofirm the quality of its products has not seen a downgrade in India.

According to the viral post shared by Indian health influencer Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as the ‘Food Pharmer’, the Australian version of KitKat contains 20% milk solids, 22% cocoa, and 21.7 grams of added sugar.

In contrast, the Indian version, he said, reportedly contains 16.1% milk solids, just 4.5% cocoa, and a higher 28.9 grams of added sugar.

‘Indians are getting the inferior version of KitKat’

The Food Pharmer highlighted how Indians were getting the “inferior version” of the chocolate due to the stark variation, particularly in cocoa and sugar content.

“This is not just limited to the Kit-Kat but most packaged food items like Cerelac, Lays etc,” he wrote.

‘India is a price sensitive country’

The viral thread attributed the disparity to three primary factors. First, he wrote that India is considered a highly “price-sensitive” market, prompting companies to adjust formulations to maintain affordability.

Second, he pointed out at perceived regulatory gaps, suggesting that food standards in India may not be as strict.

Finally, he emphasised on the lack of consumer awareness, arguing that many buyers do not routinely read ingredient labels, allowing companies to make changes without significant public scrutiny.

‘Australia can afford to buy KitKat for 5 AUD’

Netizens were quick to jump in on the debate, with one user arguing that the quality of the product is also dependent on purchasing power parity.

“People cry [about] KitKat is increasing its price by 2 rs and have ragebait articles about price. KitKat in Australia [does not cost Rs 10]….When the people of this country can afford 5 AUD for a kitkat, high quality will [follow],” they wrote.

Another user highlighted how compromised product quality permeates into India’s healthcare woes.

“It’s no surprise India ranks among the top three in diabetes. When even major companies compromise on product quality when it comes to India, it raises serious concerns. If we’re paying for it, we deserve better,” they wrote.

Responding to the ongoing ingredient row, Nestlé India issued a statement stating that variations in recipes does not impact the quality of its products.

“Variations in recipes for global brands are based on innovation and renovation of products. Recipes can differ from one market to another. They are formulated while taking into account various factors such as consumer expectations, taste preferences, availability of local ingredients and raw materials, weather and climatic conditions, average time to market, local regulatory requirements and type of channels we sell in. These variations do not affect quality of our products,” Nestlé India spokesperson said.