I tried supermarket pistachio treats inspired by Dubai chocolate – and prices start from just £2.20
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
DUBAI chocolate is the sweet sensation that has taken the internet by storm.
It's racked up more than 120 million views on TikTok and sparked a craving for pistachios, even contributing to international nut shortages. Yes, really.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
13
Lynsey Hope put the best Pistachio flavoured treats to test
Credit: Oliver Dixon
The original Dubai chocolate bar was made by luxury confectionery brand, Fix Dessert Chocolatier, in the UAE.
The treat is a nod to the traditional Knafeh dessert, which is made with spun pastry dough, layered with cheese, soaked in a sweet, sugar-based syrup and finished with a sprinkling of pistachios.
The chocolate bars are filled with pistachio creme, crispy Kadayif and a hint of tahini.
But the trend has sparked demand for all sorts of pistachio treats, including an M&S 'The Big Daddy Pistachio' bar, which also went viral.
Are these nutty treats worth your cash? LYNSEY HOPE investigates:
Lidl Deluxe Milk Chocolate Pistachios
£2.99, in Lidl stores
13
Lynsey said the Lidl Deluxe Chocolate Pistachios were tasty
Credit: Oliver Dixon
Lynsey says: "Small and incredibly more-ish. I opened the bag intending to try just one, but before I knew it, I'd scoffed a handful.
"These pistachios are small but tasty, with a delicious after taste, and they are generously coated in milk chocolate.
"The chocolate itself had a lovely shine and a delicate, creamy flavour. There was just the right amount of crunch in every one and no Dubai chocolate price tag. Loved 'em."
Crosta and Mollica Pistachio and Almond Tartufi Gelato
£4, ocado.com
13
The Crosta & Mollica Pistachio & Almond Tartufi are Gelato filled truffles
Credit: Oliver Dixon
Lynsey says: "Delicious gelato truffle ice creams with pistachio gelato is in the centre.
"That is surrounded by a layer of creamy almond gelato, and the whole thing is rolled in a pistachio crumb which I couldn't get enough of.
"The ice cream was rich with a deep, delicious flavour and a lovely creamy texture.
"As a whole, I thought the pudding was a little dry but I served to some guests who couldn't get enough. Everyone was asking where I got them from."
Ritter Sport Pistachio
£2.20, groceries.asda.com
13
The Ritter Sport bar doesn't offer the best value for money
Credit: Oliver Dixon
Lynsey says: "Lovely chocolate flavour but the pieces of nut were too small. They could have been any nut and you couldn't easily tell they were pistachios.
"It's a smallish bar, 100g, so quite pricey especially when you consider you can get a 110g bar of Cadbury Dairy Milk Wholenut for just a £1."
Foodies race to buy new Dubai chocolate Easter egg in popular supermarket - the 'filling is crazy' and it's selling FAST
Hotel Chocolat Pistachio and Honey Chocolate Slab
£5.45, hotelchocolat.com
13
Lynsey thought the Hotel Chocolat bar would make a nice gift
Credit: Oliver Dixon
Lynsey says: "I worried the honey would be overpowering in this little chocolate bar, but the flavour combination works together perfectly. To call it a slab is a bit of a push, it is very small.
"That said it is well laden with pistachios which had a delicate flavour and a lovely crunch. I enjoyed it - I just wouldn't pay nearly £6 for it too often. It would make a pretty gift."
M&S The Big Daddy Pistachio
£8.50, ocado.com
13
The M&S Big Dadd Pistachio weighs 280g
Credit: Oliver Dixon
Lynsey says: "This is one chunky bar, weighing in at 280g, so there is plenty to go around if you can get your hands on one.
"I thought I'd struggle to snap it in half but it broke easily, revealing the pistachio and white chocolate cream centre and a generous layer of thick caramel oozing from the inside.
"The caramel took centre stage, it was sticky and chewy with a lovely hint of vanilla. It did make the bar as a whole quite sickly, you only need a few bites.
"the pistachio cream is smooth and nutty with a hint of white chocolate. Scattered pistachio chunks add a pleasant, salty crunch and help balance the sweetness. It's intensely sugary - but I loved it."
Monty Bojangles Pistachio Marooned Cocoa Dusted Truffles
£8.69, amazon.co.uk
13
The Monty Bojangles Pistachio Marooned Truffles are available on Amazon
Credit: Oliver Dixon
Lynsey says: "Lovely truffles with a perfectly creamy texture and delicate taste.
"I loved the delightful crunch you got from the macaroon pieces scattered in them and the pistachio cream itself was soft and smooth with a perfect nutty flavour. Rich.
"You certainly don't many of them to get your pistachio fix."
Lindt Lindor Pistachio
£7.50, sainsburys.co.uk
13
The Lindt Lindor Pistachio was a winning flavour
Credit: Oliver Dixon
Lynsey says: "Melt in the mouth balls of pistachio deliciousness. I actually preferred these to the standard Lindor chocolates as they were less sickly. Smooth, indulgent with a delicate nutty taste.
"The filling was delicate and nutty, not too strong. A winning flavour."
Maison Colibri La Madeleine Pistache
£5, ocado.com
13
The Maison Colibri Pistachio Madeleine are only five percent pistachio
Credit: Oliver Dixon
Lynsey says: "Love madeleines but it was the almond flavour that really came through here, not pistachio. In fact, there is only five per cent pistachio in the ingredients.
"The sponge was beautifully baked and delicate. Tasty but expensive and if its pistachios you're after - these might not be the treat for you."
Ombar Centres Pistachio
£3, tesco.com
13
The Ombar Centres Pistachio bar is suitable for vegans and gluten free
Credit: Oliver Dixon
Lynsey says: "A lovely, 60 per cent cocoa dark chocolate bar filled with a delicate and nutty pistachio cream centre.
"The flavour was quite intense, but in a good way, and this bar wasn't sickly sweet like many of the other options on offer.
"It's worth noting that this Fairtrade bar doesn't contain any refined sugar. It's also dairy and gluten free and suitable for vegans.
Waitrose No 1 Milk Chocolate with Hazelnut, Caramelised Cashew and Pistachio Nuts
£2.75, waitrose.com
13
Waitrose No.1 chocolate bar was considered a winning flavour
Credit: Oliver Dixon
Lynsey says: "Not a ton of pistachios in this bar, they were lost amongst the hazelnuts and caramelised cashews.
"That didn't stop me enjoying it though. The milk chocolate was delicate and smooth and it was well laden with all the nuts, which I enjoyed. Not too sweet. This is a winning recipe."
Farhi Dubai Chocolate Truffles
£20, farhi.co.uk
13
Lynsey recommended the Farhi Dubai Chocolate Truffles as a gift
Credit: Oliver Dixon
Lynsey says: "These truffles are designed to taste just like the viral Dubai chocolate - but in truffles instead of a bar.
"Encased in velvety chocolate, each truffle brings together the delicate flavours of traditional pistachio Knafeh, a beloved Middle Eastern dessert.
"The soft, melt-in-your-mouth centre is inspired by the sweet, aromatic essence of Knafeh, balanced with the nutty, slightly salty taste of roasted pistachios, all wrapped in a smooth chocolate shell.
"They are rich with a beautiful flavour and texture. Pricey, but a lovely gift for pistachio or Dubai chocolate lovers."
Hackney Gelato Pistachio
£5.75, ocado.com
13
Lynsey said the Hackney Gelato tasted like a quality product
Credit: Oliver Dixon
Lynsey says: "Quite a subtle pistachio flavour but a lovely smooth and creamy texture. It isn't overly sweet and there's a hint of sea salt in every bite.
"It's not cheap, costing nearly £6 for a 420ml tub (which is no way enough!) But it taste like a quality product and it's quite a nice way of eating pistachios without having to shell them first."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Supermarket shoppers rush to buy suitcases on sale for just £8 – and they're perfect for Ryanair flights this summer
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Read on for more deals on luggage HOLI-YAY Supermarket shoppers rush to buy suitcases on sale for just £8 – and they're perfect for Ryanair flights this summer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOLIDAY season is nearly upon us, with millions of Brits planning sun-soaked trips abroad. But if you're looking to save cash on luggage allowance and planning on travelling light this year, we've found the perfect deal. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The wheelie case fits Ryanair's size limit for under the seat cabin bags Credit: Facebook/ Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK Morrisons is flogging Lugg Venus Cabin Bags for just £8 - and they meet the size requirements on Ryanair flights. One savvy shopper snapped up the deal and shared their find on Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK. The suitcase comes with detachable wheels to help squeeze into Ryanair's 40cm x 20cm x25cm limit. "Look at these!" one wrote, tagging a friend. "Wait, what? The wheels come off? I bought this last week and didn't realise," a second joked. "Wow that's a great price. I might nip there later," a third added. Although not everyone is sold, one person wrote: "Was going to get one the other day but they are absolutely tiny. You'd fit more in a holdall." They added that they struggled to remove the wheels, too. Another added: "Best off for children, rather than carry on. I bought one last week, I'm 5'3 and the handle isn't long enough to pull along." All Ryanair passengers can bring a small personal bag on board but this must fit under the seat in front of you. Savvy parents race to their local supermarket as they spot branded sports bargains for just £7 in the clothing section All over-sized cabin bags will be refused at the boarding gate, or where available put in the hold for a fee. Anyone wanting to bring another bag, you'll need to upgrade and pay extra for priority and two cabin bags or checked baggage. Amazon is also selling a Ryanair-approved holdall for just £13.29. The Narwey carry on comes in a range of colours, including black, grey, purple, black and pink and comes with a padded shoulder strap for comfort. For those after check in luggage, Dunelm is selling a tough shell, metallic large suitcase for £45. And for short breaks or business trips, Sports Direct is selling a Slazenger lightweight cabin case for £14.99. The case has extendable sizing, plenty of pockets and even comes with a padlock. It's one of the cheapest branded cabin bags we've seen, down by a whopping £30. However it will have to be checked in as hold luggage for RyanAir, Jet2 and EasyJet. Baggage rules Here's the key information you need to know about regarding some of the key airlines operating in the UK. Ryanair All Ryanair passengers can bring a small personal bag on board but this must fit under the seat in front of you. It must be no bigger than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. All over-sized cabin bags will be refused at the boarding gate, or where available put in the hold for a fee. Anyone wanting to bring another bag, you'll need to upgrade and pay extra for priority and two cabin bags or checked baggage. EasyJet The budget airline allows each person to bring a small cabin bag on board. It can be no larger than 45cm x 36cm x 20cm, this includes any handles or wheels, and it needs to be able to fit under the seat in front of you. The bag can weigh up to 15kg but easyJet says you must be able to lift and carry it yourself. Any bag larger than the limit, or any additional bags will be put in the hold and you'll have to pay an airport bag fee. Jet2 Passengers can also bring on board one piece of hand luggage when flying with Jet2, free of charge. It must not weigh more than 10kg and can't be any bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including any wheels and handles. If your hand luggage is larger or weighs more, it will have to be put into the aircraft's hold, which might incur an additional charge. Travellers can also bring a small, personal item on board with them, such as a handbag, laptop case or a purchase made at the airport, but this has to be placed underneath the seat in front of you. British Airways All British Airways passengers can carry one piece of hand luggage and one small item on board. The hand luggage must not be bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm while the small item cannot exceed 40cm x 30cm x15cm. TUI People flying with TUI can bring on board one piece of hand luggage, weighing no more than 10kg for free. It must be no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm and you must be able to lift your hand luggage into an overhead storage compartment by yourself. Items such as laptops, handbags and any item bought at the airport must be small enough to be stored under your seat. Wizz Air Wizz Air passengers can only take a small cabin bag for free onto the plane. Bags must be no more than 10kg, and measure no more than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm.
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Airbnb names picturesque village near Scots loch among best summer destinations
Read on for the full list of top UK summer destinations BONNIE BANKS Airbnb names picturesque village near Scots loch among best summer destinations Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A PICTURESQUE village which sits on the shores of a famous Scottish loch has been named among the best summer destinations. Airbnb has revealed the top travel trends in 2025 for the upcoming months. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Balloch has been named as one of the top travel destinations this summer Credit: Alamy 4 The Scottish village made it into the top locations under the peak escapism trend Credit: Willie Vass With summer on the horizon, the company has also named its top destinations for 2025's sunshine season, along with a selection of Airbnb Homes and Experiences for planning the perfect trip. And one Scottish village made it into the top locations under the peak escapism trend. Whether driven by wellness trends or a craving for fresh air, holidaymakers are swapping sun loungers for summit views. Search demand is soaring for mountain towns and rugged coastlines that offer real adventure - from hiking and wild swimming to unforgettable moments in nature. Balloch which sits on the shores of Loch Lomond has been named as one of the places to go. The stunning village offers easy access to the Trossachs National Park, and is perfect for kayaking, hiking and peaceful rambles. Airbnb added that the lochside spot has witnessed an increase in searches by well-over 100% this summer. Annie's Apartment has been suggested for a cosy stay - five minutes away from Loch Lomond. The charming village of Bushmills, Northern Ireland has also been named as a top destination for this trend. It's a stone's throw from the Giant's Causeway, and is a gateway to breathtaking cliff tops, and serene beaches. Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations Rocca Pietore in Veneto, Italy is the third location to be hailed as an escapism trip. Tucked in the heart of the Dolomites mountain range, this alpine village is perfect for glacier hikes, high-altitude trails and scenic cable car rides with jaw-dropping views. Luke Impett, Partnerships and External Affairs for Northern Europe at Airbnb, comments: "This summer, we're seeing a clear shift in how people want to travel. "Brits are moving beyond the typical beach holiday, leaning into adventure, culture, and moments that feel more personal - whether that's hiking along the dramatic coastline of Portrush, chasing live music in Manchester, or discovering food scenes off the beaten path in Tropea. "The demand for meaningful, immersive travel is growing and with Airbnb, guests can find everything from unique places to stay to authentic, local experiences." Top trending domestic destinations this summer for UK travellers Bushmills, Northern Ireland Balloch, Scotland Shropshire, England Portrush, Northern Ireland Manchester, England Bristol, England Cardiff, Wales Milton Keynes, England Londonderry, Northern Ireland Wembley, England 4 The stunning village offers easy access to the Trossachs National Park, and is perfect for kayaking and hiking Credit: Tom Farmer
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Countryfile star reveals UK's best hidden gems from stunning vineyards that beat France to the pretty secret beaches
He also reveals the best way to spot secret coves on the Antrim coastline BRITISH GEM Countryfile star reveals UK's best hidden gems from stunning vineyards that beat France to the pretty secret beaches Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MATT Baker has unearthed undiscovered gems on his journey around the British Isles. For his new TV series, Matt Baker's British Isles, the Countryfile star finds beautiful beaches on the Northern Irish coastline and reveals he's found tasty sparkling wine at a Champagne-worthy vineyard in Kent. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Matt says he's found sparkling wine to rival French Champagne Credit: More4 6 The Domaine Evremond vineyard produces English wine Credit: More4 On his journey across the UK to see what makes the country tick, Matt heads to the Domaine Evremond vineyard. The Taittinger family, who own the vineyard, have teamed up with one of the world's most prestigious champagne houses to realise a dream of making the first true Anglo-French sparkling wine - and it worked. When Sun Travel asked Matt whether it tasted similar to Champagne he responded: "It's the same. The only reason you can't call it Champagne is because it's not grown in the Champagne region. "It's so good, I'd go as far as saying it was the most beautiful sparkling wine that I've ever tasted. "It has its roots, literally, in Britain, but it's got that taste that is so familiar with high-end sparkling wine, and it's grown right here in Kent." The reason Kent is renowned for its English vineyards is the climate and soil, which are well-suited for growing grapes that produce high-quality wine. Matt explained that Domaine Evremond has all the same qualities as vineyards in the Champagne region The vineyard produces a sparkling wine called Classic Cuvée, which is made in a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grapes. You can go to the vineyard yourself and book a tasting and follow in Matt's footsteps by taking a tour from just £25. During the four-episode series, Matt heads over to Wales, up to Scotland, but one of his most memorable stops was in Northern Ireland. Countryfile star bags brand new role worlds away from hit BBC farming series 6 The Antrim coastline is best viewed on horseback according to Matt Credit: More4 Matt goes up to Northern Ireland's most northerly tip to meet the McKinley family, where for generations, they've run Sheans Horse Farm. It's based in the hills of North Antrim which has incredible views across the coastline. Matt told us: "Oh my gosh, the Antrim coast is just breathtaking. "The landscape is used for Game of Thrones now, that's filmed over there because the landscape is so jaw-dropping. "We went horse riding across the cliff tops. When you look down, you see all these beautiful little coves that you wouldn't even know were there." He added: "It's such a beautiful way to travel, on horseback, especially if you want to do a bit of nature spotting because all the wildlife comes out to see what's going on." 6 The Antrim coast has some beautiful beaches Credit: Alamy 6 Matt also ventures to Kilkeel Harbour to have fish and chips Credit: More4 Stand-out beaches on the Antrim coast are the sandy shores of Benone Strand and Portrush's East and West Strands. There's also others, like White Park Bay and Ballycastle Beach. Another area of the Northern Irish coastline that Matt explores is Kilkeel Harbour where he met the country's only female harbourmaster - and enjoyed the landscape too. Matt said: "It's a big, beautiful, wonderful, welcoming community, and when I went it was a beautiful day. "We sat there sitting having fish and chips there and just being chatting with the locals - it was great." For anyone wanting to see parts of the British Isles they wouldn't usually get a look at, Matt has everyone covered. He added: "I really love where we live in Britain with the four nations that we've got, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, England. "We visit all of those nations throughout the episodes - we've amalgamated it all into the ultimate celebration of the British Isles." For any British Isles adventurers, here are five islands off the coast of the UK that you can visit without needing your passport. And the British Isle that gets summer weather before the mainland. Watch Matt Baker's British Isles on Tuesdays at 9pm on More4.
