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TikTok's Viral Dubai Chocolate Is Finally Coming To This Beloved Grocery Chain

TikTok's Viral Dubai Chocolate Is Finally Coming To This Beloved Grocery Chain

Yahoo28-05-2025
In the age of TikTok food trends, few treats have captured global attention like Dubai Chocolate: a glossy chocolate bar filled with vibrant green pistachio cream and crunchy kataifi (shredded phyllo dough). What started as an exclusive luxury from the United Arab Emirates is now set to hit the shelves of Trader Joe's -- and for a fraction of the price. According to a now-deleted TikTok video posted by a Trader Joe's employee, the grocery chain will soon launch its own version, named Dubai-Style Dark Chocolate Bars, for just $3.99 with a projected release date of May 28. The U.S. version is reportedly made by Patislove, a food group known for its creams, chocolate-covered fruit, and, of course, Dubai Chocolate.
The original version of this dessert -- called Can't Get Knafeh of It -- was created by Fix Dessert Chocolates in Dubai and became a runaway hit on TikTok in December 2023. At the time, the only way to try it was to be in the UAE. Since then, however, several chocolatiers have created their own "Dubai chocolate" products, including Patislove, the supplier behind Trader Joe's much-anticipated launch, and many Dubai chocolates have been found in major grocery stores, such as Costco.
Read more: 12 Delicious Italian Cakes You Need To Try At Least Once
It's easy to understand the visual appeal of Dubai Chocolate, especially when you crack it open to reveal its striking green filling. What really made it an international sensation, however, is the contrast of flavors and textures: crisp kataifi mimics the trending Middle Eastern dessert knafeh, while the rich pistachio cream offers a smooth, nutty balance.
While the exact ingredient list is still unknown, it's expected that the Trader Joe's version will have similar elements, including the pistachio cream and kataifi. The biggest difference lies in the chocolate. Trader Joe's version uses dark chocolate instead of milk, which could be a plus for fans of more bittersweet flavors, or a disappointment for those wanting to try the milk chocolate original. Still, for most American shoppers, it may be the closest thing to the real deal -- and at a fraction of the cost and travel time.
Planning to snag a bar on release day? For the best experience, try refrigerating it first for a clean, satisfying snap, or let it soften to room temperature for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can also crumble it over pistachio ice cream, melt it into milk for hot chocolate, or use it to upgrade your next batch of s'mores. And if it sells out fast, DIY versions of Dubai chocolate are trending, so you can always try recreating the experience at home.
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Read the original article on Food Republic.
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Make The Most Of Your Backyard With These 42 Items
Make The Most Of Your Backyard With These 42 Items

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Make The Most Of Your Backyard With These 42 Items

An outdoor bug zapper so your arms and legs don't become a mosquito buffet this summer. It kicks in the second you plug it in and covers up to half an acre without sprays, smells, or concerned inquiries from your landlord. Trust me, your ankles will thank you. Or a Thermacell mosquito repellent if you want a peaceful backyard hang without the high-drama zapping soundtrack. This tiny but mighty device will create a 20-foot no-bug zone without a whiff of citronella or a single sticky spray. It's also rechargeable and cordless. A sleek three-piece rocking chair set so you can spend lazy days comfortably sitting on your porch for hours. It's summer, so you're probably spending more time outdoors than in, so it's essential to have a nice place to sit back and relax. Promising review: "This set is beautiful, good quality — especially for the price and so sleek and bold looking! I ordered this twice because I was so thrilled with the first set I ordered!" —Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $104.99. Or a wicker patio set that'll turn your outdoor space into a cozy little nook where you can sip your coffee and read an important piece of just zone out while doomscrolling TikTok. Promising review: "I love this loveseat ... when my cat is not hoarding it 😩 I spend so much time sitting longways on it, reading books. It's lightweight but sturdy — I weigh over 200 pounds and feel supported while stretched out on it. It was also super easy to assemble. I normally hire someone to assemble anything that comes in pieces, but I was able to tackle this alone in about 45 minutes." —Brittney-Elizabeth Williams Get it from Amazon for $110.49+ (available in three colors and 1-, 3-, or 5-piece sets). A wall-mounted outdoor fan to keep your patio breezy and comfortable, even during heat waves. It frees up floor space, angles exactly where you want it, and actually makes a difference when the sun's doing the most. Bonus points if it helps keep the bugs away, too. A flexible adjustable mister so you can feel like you're at a high-end resort when you're lounging around outside during a really hot day. Just hook it up to your hose and voilà! It's ready to go. Or a misting system if you want maximum misting in your outdoor space. This easy little setup connects to your garden hose and mists a fine spray that can cool the area by up to 20 degrees. Perfect for patios, play spaces, or wherever else you'd rather not melt. A two-burner griddle grill to make sure you have a delicious spread of food every time you host a meal al fresco. No need to hurry into the house to get to cooking — with this you can stay outside with your pals and enjoy what's going on. Promising review: "My whole family and I recently went to Miami for a quick vacation, and we had a barbecue, so I decided to order this grill for my house so I can cook on my back porch. One of the best things about this grill is that it's so easy to move — anyone can move it from one place to another. My wife and I assembled this, and it took us about 35–40 minutes to put together. It was so easy to assemble. I cannot wait to use this grill with my family and friends." —NPGet it from Amazon for $189.99. A western-inspired patio rug that looks like something you'd score at a desert flea market, but it's waterproof, reversible, and made from recycled plastic. The geometric pattern and swoon-worthy colors feel totally unexpected for an outdoor rug, and if it gets dirty, just hose it down and let it dry in the sun like the showoff it is. Fab Habitat is a small business that sells outdoor rugs and accessories made from recycled plastic. Promising review: "This is the third one of these rugs I have bought over the last 10 years. Not because they wear out, but because I am adding to the stock. I use them on a covered screen porch, and they look so nice and are so durable that they are in place even in the winter." —Ms Lin SewaneeGet it from Amazon for $45.74+ (available in 28 colors and 15 sizes). Or a woven patio rug to bring a Moroccan-esque look to your deck without overwhelming the space. This is a great get if you want something that's neutral but not boring. Promising review: "I'm so happy with this rug! I bought it to freshen up our patio space, and it instantly gave the area a clean, modern look with its light gray and black handwoven texture. The flat-weave construction feels durable yet soft underfoot — perfect for high-traffic areas. We've got kids and a dog, and this rug handles it all like a champ! Spills wipe up easily, and it doesn't trap dirt, which makes it super low-maintenance. I also appreciate that it's stain-resistant and doesn't fade in the sun. When it needs a deeper clean, I just hose it down with a little soap and water and hang it up to dry — so simple. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a practical yet stylish rug for either indoor or outdoor use!" —AlyssaGet it from Amazon for $37.01+ (available in 18 colors and 27 sizes). A tabletop firepit because you deserve to have some summer camp-like ambiance, minus the smoke. This compact tabletop firepit burns wood or pellets with barely any smoke, so you get the ambience of a campfire without smelling like one. Some bamboo wind chimes to bring some zen vibes to your outdoor space. When it moves, the bamboo produces deep, soothing tones that'll blend nicely with nature's soundtrack. No batteries, no wires, just peaceful background music you didn't have to find via a playlist. Promising review: "Was actually a little bigger than I expected to be for the price. Beautiful and well worth the money. Sounds beautiful." —Ashleigh Yates Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in two sizes). Or a set of solar wind chimes for bringing a little glow and gentle sound to your outdoor space after dark. They charge during the day, then kicks on automatically at night with soft, color-changing light. Promising review: "Ok so I absolutely LOVE this! So much so, I have bought two more for gifts, lol. They shine wonderful amounts of light. The whole unit is lightweight. Hangs well and blows nicely in the wind. I could watch it for hours... and have. I see more orders in my future." —Fairy girl Get it from Amazon for $13.29+ (available in 16 shapes). A narrow wicker chair to give you all the cozy, cocoon-like vibes of an egg chair — without eating up half your patio. It's just as comfy and stylish as the oversized versions, but way better at fitting into tight spots. Promising review: "Loved this compact version of an egg chair. It it gorgeous and doesn't take up too much space on the patio. 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The cushions are very comfortable, and the setup was extremely easy. Highly recommend." —Ashley kGet it from Amazon for $109.99+ (available in three colors). A waterproof outdoor curtain to either partition off space in your outdoor space or provide you with some privacy, like if your balcony looks directly onto someone else's balcony or something unsightly. A pair of outdoor Bluetooth speakers that'll double as flickering torch lanterns, because music is great, but music with ambiance is even better. They're waterproof (bring on those showers), sync together for surround sound, and given serious "cozy evening under the string lights" energy. Promising review: "I ordered waterproof speakers so I could sit outside, and I'm so glad I found these. They're perfect for what I needed because they are similar to tiki torch lights that are already planted. They give off a nice ambiance when sitting out back, and the sound is loud but not too loud to disturb neighbors. 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A gorgeous teak and powder-coated aluminum dining set that'll make you want to eat all your meals al fresco. The spaciousness means no one has to fight for elbow room, and the durable materials mean you won't be scrambling to cover it any time there's a chance of rain. I set this table up on my deck last summer, and let me tell you, my family practically lived at it. We ate at it every single day while the weather was nice, and even kept using it deep into winter — right up until frostbite became a real threat. The seats? Shockingly cushy. The table? Sleek, sturdy, and a breeze to clean. It's a total showstopper that somehow blends in beautifully with my deck and garden. I love hosting dinner parties, and am so looking forward to the upcoming spring and summer so I can serve meals outside on this again. Get it from NewAge for $2,429.99. A two-pack of solar-powered outdoor lantern lights to add just the right amount of illumination to your backyard. 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27 Must-Have Everlane Pieces For Your Wardrobe
27 Must-Have Everlane Pieces For Your Wardrobe

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27 Must-Have Everlane Pieces For Your Wardrobe

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Price: $128 (available in sizes 00–16 and in three colors) A square-neck dress that I hesitate to call "date night" attire because it sounds so antiquated but you know what, yes, this is ideal date night attire. Promising review: "The fit and vibe of this dress is perfect. It's sophisticated enough to wear to the office, or for an evening out. I'm 5'7 and the length is great, not too short or too long. I think it will be a very versatile piece through all the seasons. I did end up sizing down to an XS from my usual S because I wanted a more fitted look. For reference I'm 120 pounds, 32 C and typically wear a size 25 in pants." —SkullyPrice: $51 (originally $128; available in sizes XXS–XXL and in four colors) Leather glove flats capable of inspiring even Dorothy to ditch those ruby red slippers for a more practical (but still stylish) option. Promising review: "Absolutely love these shoes. I now have seven pairs. 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Promising review: "After having the bag for six months, I can say it's amazing. I have been using this to pieces and have taken it everywhere and it still looks new." —BrutusPrice: $258 (available in four colors and in suede as a pre-order) An organic cotton dress you'll want to wear on hot, hot, hot, and humid days when the idea of slithering into leggings makes you feel somehow even more sweaty. Promising review: "This dress in this fabric is perfection. It's tailored enough that it does not swing like a tent but not so tailored it shows every bump, lump and underwear. I own the cream color and black and can't wait to continue wearing these into the fall." —Azcahcu Price: $41 (originally $61; available in sizes XXS–XXL and in five colors) A canvas bag because it's time to retire the high school sports weekend gym bag you've been toting to weekend trips ever since. Price: $53 (originally $178; available in three colors) A midi tee dress for anyone who detests having to scrounge up a matching top and bottom but still wants to look peak Instagram-worthy in their comfy clothes. Price: $148 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and in three colors) Linen pants for the comfort connoisseur who would gladly wear their leggings come summertime but doesn't feel like being drenched in sweat through October. Promising review: "Love these linen easy pants. They're great for all occasions, dressed up or down. The oil green and white striped color pattern is pretty and it is refreshing to get something that is different from previous versions of this item. Black and white options leave you yearning for something different." —404errorPrice: $98 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and in four colors) A boxy oxford shirt that I'll be wearing to in-office meetings and then immediately to happy hour drinks afterward to complain about the fact that we had to have an in-office meeting in the first place. Promising review: "This is my second boxy Oxford shirt, and I know I'll spring for another before long. It is well-made, designed with comfort and style in mind and the fabric is beautiful. I get many compliments when I wear it." —Morning GloryPrice: $98 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and in eight colors) A-line denim shorts that are the ~little black dress~ equivalent for a casual summer essentials wardrobe. Dress them down with a bikini top and flip-flops; dress 'em up with a button-up, belt, and heeled sandal. Promising review: "I am just absolutely OBSESSED with these shorts. 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Price: $148 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and in four colors) A transit backpack cleverly designed for optimal commuter mornings: slim with comfy shoulder straps and plenty of pockets to keep everything nice and organized. Promising review: "I've been searching for two years for the ideal work backpack and this backpack is perfect! Great at the airport, lightweight, all the pockets are amazing and purposefully placed, very sleek." —Ruthie W. Price: $118 (available in five colors) Crossover sandals simple enough to be worn every day, but with gorgeous features that make it stand out among the rest: buttery soft leather and a square toe. Promising review: "The leather is soft and supple, comfortable the first time I wore them, super cute and classy." —Jujubean70Price: $98 (available in sizes 5–11 and in six colors and in leather and suede) A puff-sleeve top that strikes me as the kind of staple I'll be wearing to a point that extends beyond "outfit repeating." Kate Sanders, what would you think of me? Price: $128 (available in sizes XXS–XXL and in three colors) A denim shift dress for a pants-less twist on the Canadian Tuxedo. Pair this with your favorite knee-high boots, and voila, you're on the path to becoming a bona fide style blogger. Price: $148 (available in sizes 00–16 and in two colors) High-waisted jeans with a contoured waistband and sculpting straight-leg style. These are made with organic cotton that features only a whisper of stretch, the idea being that they will feel more and more customized to your bod with every wear. Promising review: "Fit perfectly straight out of the package. I struggle to find jeans that are big enough in the thighs but small enough at the waist, but these are great. Fabric seems to be good quality, durable." —DB253Price: $128 (available in sizes 23–35, two lengths, and five colors) A draped top available in a sunshine yellow, symbolic of all the fresh air you'll finally be getting now that the weather app is a wee bit more forgiving. Price: $59 (originally $98; available in sizes XXS–XXL and in three colors) Barrel-leg pants I'm personally filing under "things to wear when I'm running errands, then immediately meeting my friends for brunch plans." Promising review: "Love this style. Relaxed and comfortable, but not slouchy or sloppy. Bought these in three different colors and am loving them!" —Kakester Price: $128 (available in sizes 00–16 and in three colors) A crochet dress for nights at the beach bar, ordering piña coladas, and pretending you're on a Caribbean vacation and not lounging on the Long Island Sound. Promising review: "I love the classic silhouette of this dress paired with the textures of its knits. It can be fancy ir casual depending on your accessories. The fabric is delicate and soft, particularly for cotton. It would be six stars if it had pockets." —katerabbitPrice: $103 (originally $158; available in sizes XXS–XXL and in three colors) A fanny pack for anyone who's ever made *fun* of fanny packs. This one is somehow chic and convenient and will make you wonder why you didn't hop on the bandwagon sooner. Promising review: "I have looked for a very long time for a cross body bag that didn't feel bulky but also had plenty of room for stuff. This is THE bag. Walked around Rome and Florence for a week and never felt like someone could snatch the bag from me. It doesn't have a clip so no concern with someone unclipping it and running with the bag. It feels comfortable and not heavy. And looks great!" —Tourist JenPrice: $58 (available in two colors) Leather loafers that are the footwear equivalent of a blazer: capable of making any leggings-and-tee combo look profesh. 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What does 'MKT' mean on a menu? These customers learn the hard way in viral Tiktok
What does 'MKT' mean on a menu? These customers learn the hard way in viral Tiktok

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time17 hours ago

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What does 'MKT' mean on a menu? These customers learn the hard way in viral Tiktok

Do you know what MKT means? Not knowing what those initials mean could end up costing you, especially as beef prices are on the rise and tariffs are impacting prices of food, groceries and goods. Like it did for Aribella Menold. "POV: you didn't know what 'mkt' meant on steak menu and now (you're) paying for it," the text on the TikTok video from Menold reads. In a video on Instagram with 21.8 million views and the same video on Tiktok with 3.6 million views, you can see the reaction of three young women when the bill came. Their order had included two steaks, which each cost $52, a kid's grilled cheese sandwich for $10 and a baby kale Caesar salad for $28. A credit card surcharge of 3% was also added. With sales tax, the bill totaled $159.14. Menold, 20, told USA TODAY she and two young relatives were out to dinner at a separate table from other family members while on vacation in North Carolina. At most, she said she thought the MKT price steak would be "around 20 bucks. I'm pretty sure we just read the menu wrong but come from a big family so we never go out to fancy restaurants (too) often." The popular video sparked a lot of debate in the comments about whether the price for the meal was normal or expensive and whose responsibility it is to know how much something costs if the menu price isn't listed. So, is MKT just another way to say "expensive"? Here's what you need to know before you order: What is MKT or MP price? MKT stands for market price, and MKT or MP are often a standard way to express that on a food menu, said David Ortega, a food economist and professor at Michigan State University. "It signals that the cost of the item changes regularly based on current supply and demand conditions, rather than being listed as a fixed dollar amount. It's most often used for items whose wholesale prices fluctuate frequently, like fresh seafood, premium cuts of meat, or seasonal ingredients," Ortega told USA TODAY. "This approach gives restaurants flexibility for items whose costs can vary. Instead of constantly reprinting menus, they list the item as market price and adjust based on what they paid to source it. This means the final price consumers pay may change from one visit to the next, depending on what is happening in the market for that product." Ortega said he has also seen "seasonal pricing," on menus, especially for items like oysters or lobster that tend to be more seasonal depending on the location. How or why does the MKT price change for a particular food? Market prices fluctuate due to supply, demand, seasonality, and other factors, especially for items whose wholesale costs can vary daily, like seafood or steak, said Katie Thomas, who leads the Kearney Consumer Institute, an internal think tank at global management consulting firm Kearney. "Restaurants use MKT pricing to adjust with the real-time cost and maintain profitability," Thomas told USA TODAY. Prices can change due to shifts in supply and demand, said Ortega. "For example, ocean temperature fluctuations can reduce lobster availability, pushing prices up. For beef, the impact of drought and herd reductions has been tightening supply, driving up costs. Increased demand for certain items, like lobster in the summer, can also drive up prices," he said. Are tariffs and other economic pressures causing MKT prices to be even more volatile? While tariffs are affecting prices for a variety of products, tariffs and global economic pressures have increased food price volatility, said Thomas. "New tariffs, supply chain disruptions, labor costs, and even climate-related factors all contribute to unpredictable swings in prices for ingredients, which make menu items with MKT pricing more volatile than ever," she said. The higher tariffs on imported food or ingredients can raise the cost for restaurants, said Ortega. Other challenges like labor shortages, rising input costs, and extreme weather can also affect prices, he said. The ease of the supply chain getting food products to the restaurant also affects pricing, said Phil Kafarakis, CEO of IFMA, The Food Away From Home Association. "Many restaurants are starting to manage their food costs by using 'market price' on their menu for their most expensive and unique items," Kafarakis told USA TODAY. "Also, market price can be the cause of not having an item or being out of stock on an item, so it is a very effective technique to manage the variability in food costs on a daily basis." What should you do when you see MKT? Consumers should always ask for the current price before ordering a MKT item, said Thomas. "While the practice allows restaurants to offer fresh, high-quality dishes, diners should not assume these dishes are affordable. Sometimes they are significantly higher than the average menu item." It is a completely normal and fair question to ask your server if you see MKT or MP on the menu, said Ortega. "That way, there are no surprises when you get the bill. In some cases, the cost can exceed expectations, so it's important to ask," he said. "Some servers may offer that information upfront, but that's not always the case." Ortega also adds: "If something is listed as 'market price', it doesn't necessarily mean it's overpriced. In some cases, when there is plenty of supply, you might actually get a deal." Are beef prices the new eggs?: Beef prices at all-time high: Why summer grilling costs a lot more this year What foods or other menu items are most likely to be listed as MKT price? Dishes most likely to be listed as MKT or MP are those with the most variable and seasonal ingredient costs, such as fresh seafood (like lobster, oysters, or fish), certain steaks, or specialty produce, said Thomas. These items depend on real-time market rates for freshness and availability, she said. Additionally, Ortega said market pricing can be on items with highly variable sourcing costs or limited supply, such as seafood, premium meats (like dry-aged or high-end steaks), specialty imports (like truffles and caviar), and in some cases, seasonal produce. Chef's specials or dishes built around highly seasonal ingredients may also be listed as market price, he said. Specialty vegetables and greens, "think truffles, both white and black," are also often listed as market price, said Kafarakis. "Traditionally, when in a high-end restaurant, there is a high likelihood you will see market price and perhaps a tasting menu of items that have been bundled for one meal cost," he said. Menold's advice for others? "Pay attention to details." She will be asking the MKT price in the future, "considering the fact I learned the hard way, I know what it means now." Betty Lin-Fisher is a consumer reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at blinfisher@ or follow her on X, Facebook or Instagram @blinfisher and @ on Bluesky. Sign up for our free The Daily Money newsletter, which will include consumer news on Fridays, here. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What does 'MKT' even mean? These women diners pay for not knowing Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

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