KitKat launches tracker to help recover 400K stolen candy bars

KitKat is not sugarcoating its quest to find thousands of missing chocolates after thieves targeted the candy bar maker.

Days after KitKat announced thieves in Europe had stolen an entire truck containing more than 400,000 of its candy bars, the company has launched a "stolen KitKat tracker" to help find the missing treats.

"Someone really stole 12 tonnes of KitKats. And we really want to know where they've gone," KitKat said in a statement posted to X on April 1.

The brand emphasized that the stolen-bar tracker is not a stunt or April Fool's joke, despite the timing of the announcement.

Nestlé had confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY that thieves stole more than 12 tons, or about 414,000 KitKat bars, off a truck leaving an Italian production site the week of March 23.

The Swiss food producer distributes KitKat bars globally, except in the United States, where Hershey has the rights.

Is your KitKat from the stolen batch? Track it here.

Nestle launched the stolen KitKat tracker on its website April 1.

"Help us find them. Use the Stolen KitKat Tracker," KitKat wrote on X.

The tracker directs customers to find the eight-digit batch code on the back of their KitKat bar and enter it into the tracker. It then indicates whether the chocolate is from the stolen batch. If it's not, users are directed to help widen the search by sharing the tracker.

It's unclear what happens if a user enters a batch code from the stolen lot. Nestlé told USA TODAY that if a stolen shipment is scanned by consumers or retailers, the scanner "will be given clear instructions on how to alert KITKAT who will then share the evidence appropriately."

Nestlé also told USA TODAY that the goods stolen were the company's new Formula 1 car-shaped KitKat bars, not its regular chocolates.

What we know about the KitKat heist

The KitKats were stolen off a truck that had left a production site in central Italy for European distribution sites, ultimately destined for Poland, Nestlé said in a statement to USA TODAY.

"The vehicle and its contents remain unaccounted for, and investigations are ongoing in close collaboration with local authorities and supply chain partners," Nestlé said.

Nestlé did not say where on the 800-plus-mile route the truck was taken. The company said KitKat fans need not be concerned about the theft affecting KitKat supplies at retail.

"While any theft is concerning, our global supply chain is robust and diversified, and we are focused on managing the impact of this event while supporting the ongoing investigation," Nestlé said.

The stolen candy bars can be identified by a unique batch code assigned to individual bars that can be scanned, the company said. It added that the missing items "could enter unofficial sales channels across European markets."

Brands weigh in on viral KitKat theft

News of the chocolate raid went viral after KitKat shared a statement about the heist on X. The post has been viewed more than 132 million times to date.

It also sparked a slew of other big-name brands to issue their own statements. Many of them took the opportunity to clear their name or promote or purportedly launch their own chocolatey treats.

"We would like to share our thoughts and condolences with Kit Kat following their recent sad news," Domino's Pizza UK wrote on X. "On a completely unrelated note, we're pleased to announce we'll now be selling a new Kit Kat pizza."

Outback Steakhouse chimed in with a similar sentiment: "Our thoughts are with our mates at KitKat as they navigate this unexpected and difficult time. In completely unrelated news: Introducing the NEW Bloomin’ KitKat. just $1 while supplies are, um … abundant."

"Bad time to roll out our Kit Kat pancakes huh," Denny's said.

PayPal added: "May we recommend ... PayPal Purchase Protection?"

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at [email protected]. 

Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at  mikegsnider  &  @mikegsnider.bsky.social  &  @mikesnider & [email protected].