NESTL Rowntree's new low-carb versions of Kit Kat and Rolo hit the shops next week as bosses praised the efforts of the York production team which developed them.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to the future of its York site after millions of pounds were spent on developing the chocolate at Nestl's York laboratories.

The special chocolate is specifically aimed at the millions of people who are on the high-protein, low-carbohydrate Atkins Diet, which has proved a massive worldwide success.

The first low-carb Kit Kats came off the production line at Nestl's Wigginton Road-based factory on Tuesday and will be rolled out to shops from next week.

One two-fingered bar will cost 79p compared to 20p for a normal version, while one pack of low-carb Rolo will cost £1.49, compared to a standard pack costing just 35p.

Sam Hunter, Nestl Rowntree marketing director, said: "The launch of KitKat Low Carb and Rolo Low Carb represents a real breakthrough in product development and is the result of a great deal of dedication by our product technologists based here in York.

"This is no easy product to make, but thanks to the production team, we have been able to overcome the many tough challenges of making a delicious low-carb product, and now the public can now enjoy these great tasting iconic brands whilst maintaining their low-carb lifestyle.

"Not only has the feedback from retailers in the UK been very positive, we have had significant export interest."

In a taste test on the streets of York, all our readers could differentiate between the low-carb Kit Kat and the original version, but generally gave it the thumbs-up.

Stevie Corbett, 55, an estate agent from north York spotted the difference immediately and said she was unwilling to pay 79p for the chocolate.

Tadcaster student Hannah Smith said: "The low-carb Kit Kat still tastes nice, but the normal one is sweeter."

Sue Rogers, 42, a housewife from Acomb, preferred the "crispy" texture of the low carb chocolate but said she would not pay more for the privilege.

"Mums would not pay extra for their kids who love Kit Kats," she said.

Linda Hodgson from Bootham, 42, a sales advisor, said she would pay the inflated price for a low-carb Kit Kat if she was on a diet.

"The low-carb version is not quite as chocolaty," she said.

Students Nick Oldham and Briony Pocklington, 22, from Fulford, said the low-carb brand was "less sweet" and preferred the regular version.

Kit Kat's through the years:

Kit Kat Low-Carb is one of many innovations for the famous brand over the years.

In 1963 the first Kit Kat family pack was produced and then in 1973 the red and creamy white wrapper was replaced by a new bright red and white wrapper.

In 1999 the single-fingered giant Kit Kat Chunky came off the production line in York and was dubbed Nestl's most successful launch of the decade.

In September last year Nestl invested £20 million in the launch of Kit Kat Kubes.

The distinctive Kit Kat flavour has also changed over the years and has included orange and lemon yoghurt flavours.

Kit Kat's original name was Rowntree's Chocolate Crisp and itwas launched in September 1935.

Updated: 10:59 Saturday, June 19, 2004