If you take a break this week, you may have a chat about KitKats.

You probably won’t be the only one. The famous chocolatey wafer snack has been in the headlines after more than 400,000 bars - the same as 12,000kg - were stolen by thieves while the treats were being transported from Italy to Poland.

With Easter just days away, and shops all over Europe stocked up with chocolate - does this mean, as some posts on socials suggest - that there won’t be enough KitKats around to satisfy its many fans? BBC Bitesize Other Side of the Story unwrapped the finer details to find out more.

What are they saying about the KitKat theft on socials?

A chocolate theft is a little unusual, with many social posts making fun of it. One poster on the social media platform Bluesky explained how - if a tea break to enjoy a KitKat is 10 minutes long - the theft was the equivalent of 13 years’ worth of tea breaks. News accounts also covered the story, highlighting concerns that a shortage of bars was possible in the run-up to Easter.

On Instagram, AI-generated images of delivery trucks with boxes of the bars falling out of the back have appeared on several posts, also carrying claims that a shortage is possible.

Why do stories about food go viral?

KitKats are a popular chocolate bar. This makes them relatable, so it brings out a strong emotional reaction when people read it. A 2020 study by the University of Leeds found that it something is familiar to us, we are more likely to share it - and with chocolate and Easter having a strong connection, it will - perhaps - be on people's minds more than usual, making the posts more shareable than usual. You can find out more about food trends in this Other Side of the Story collection.

What is the official word from KitKat?

A spokesperson for KitKat has made a bit of a joke out of the situation, saying in an official statement: “We’ve always encouraged people to have a break with KitKat - but it seems thieves have taken the message too literally and made a break with more than 12 tonnes of our chocolate.”

They also added: “The good news: there are no concerns for consumer safety and supply is not affected.”

If you do see any claims on socials that Kit Kats will be hard to find this Easter - especially if they’re posted after the statement from KitKat - then it’s an example of misinformation. The makers have made an official statement that there won’t be a shortage - but you can always check for yourself at a shop or supermarket.

This article was published in March 2026

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