Walnot Whip: Nestlé removes nut from new Walnut Whips after ingredient price surge

Nestlé is removing the walnut from its new line of Walnut Whips, after the price of nuts has soared.

The company has said the change is because the new chocolates will cater to people who do not enjoy nuts - but some think it is due to a new wave of 'shrinkflation' which causes chocolates to be smaller due to ingredient price increases.

UK prices of walnuts rose 20per cent earlier this year - and the company has now decided to remove nuts from its new chocolates.

The new chocolate is being referred to as a "Walnot Whip".

The vanilla and caramel versions of the Walnut Whip will go on sale this week and a mint version is to go on sale next month.

Despite claiming the change is because Brits are adverse to eating walnuts, Nestlé claims one Walnut Whip is eaten every two seconds in the UK.

There has never been a Walnut Whip sans the nut before, despite there being other flavour variants.

First produced by Duncan’s of Edinburgh in 1910, the treat has always been topped with half a walnut.

Alison Clinton, the brand manager of chocolate classics at Nestlé UK and Ireland, told The Guardian: “These new products will offer consumers more choice, enabling them to share their favourite products with their family and friends.”

The company said consumers will still be able to buy single Walnut Whips all year and six packs at Christmas.

However, prices of walnuts have risen sharply this year, because of the falling value of the pound, strong global demand, and a poor crop last year in Chile.