The Milkybar® Story
From humble yet tasty beginnings, discover the rich and long history behind the UK and Ireland’s no.1 white chocolate brand…
1875 – Henri Nestlé and Daniel Peter invented milk chocolate
Swiss chemist Henri Nestlé helped local businessman Daniel Peter to invent the first-ever milk chocolate, using high quality condensed Swiss milk from his own factory and his never-ending knowledge about milk!
18751929 – Nestlé expanded
Nestlé bought Daniel Peter’s chocolate business which boasts chocolate-making expertise dating back to 1819!
19291936 – Medicinal kids’ formula
In 1936, Nestlé were making Nestrovit – a children’s formula. The product was a vitamin-enriched condensed milk, developed to help kids get more of the vitamins they needed at the time. Using the same technology Henri and Daniel employed to create milk chocolate, Nestlé added cocoa butter to Nestrovit in order to make a solid tablet form of the milk. In doing so, they accidentally invented white chocolate…
1939
1936 – Milkybar® arrives!
Shortly after, Nestlé realised they could make non-medicinal versions of Nestrovit, and Milkybar® was born (known as Galak in some countries).
1936Did you know...?
Milkybar® production ended in 1940 due to wartime shortages of milk and sugar, but thankfully started up again in 1956.
1961 – It’s the Milkybar® Kid!
‘The Milkybars are on me!’ It’s 1961 and the very first Milkybar® Kid makes his TV appearance. Milkybar® became the delicious snack that everyone wanted to buy.
1961
1980's – Milkybar® Buttons launched
Now a classic staple of the Milkybar® brand, Nestlé launched the first entirely white chocolate drop in the UK market – the deliciously creamy Milkybar® Buttons. Milkybar® also launched it's first seasonal range- such as advent calendars, easter eggs and more.
1980's
2000's- New Products and New Recipe
The noughties brought a few new faces for all the family to enjoy: Milkybar® Choo and Milkybar® Sharing Block. In 2007 the Milkybar® recipe was improved, now made only from all natural, simple ingredients.
2000s
2010-2012 – Milkybar® Giant Buttons launch
Perfect for sharing, Milkybar® Giant Buttons become a new favourite with chocolate lovers everywhere.
2010's
2020's – Today!
Milkybar® continues to be the UK's No.1 white chocolate brand. It’s natural ingredients and famously creamy texture make it the chocolate of choice for families around the world. The new ideas and product developments continue to make Milkybar® as exciting as ever, with something for everyone to enjoy!
2020's
Nestlé Milkybar® is part of a long and rich story, featuring some of the world's best-loved confectionery brands.
Find out more about the Nestlé Story
