'I tried M&S' viral pistachio chocolate bar - the epic twist floored me'
I've been on a quest to find a Dubai chocolate bar in the UK for some time now, but to no avail. If you're an avid social media user, you've likely come across this Middle Eastern-inspired chocolate trend.
For those unfamiliar, it's a chocolate bar filled with kadayif (a type of shredded filo pastry) and pistachio cream.
In the UK, Dubai chocolate is currently the top trending food and drink hashtag on TikTok, with online searches skyrocketing by 80%. I had the chance to try it once while travelling, but since then, it's remained elusive.
So, when I heard that Marks and Spencer were launching their own version, I was eager to give it a go.
Back in 2024, M&S's Big Daddy, a peanut and caramel-filled chocolate bar, was touted as the UK's answer to the viral Dubai chocolate. Now, they've released a version that's even closer to the original - the Big Daddy Pistachio bar.
(Image: Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz)
With a £8.50 price tag, the Big Daddy 2.0 isn't a far cry away from what most retailers are charging for their own Dubai chocolate bars. But of course, this is still quite a bit to fork out on a bar of chocolate, so was it worth it?
Firslty, it's worth noting that it isn't a traditional Dubai chocolate bar. Originally created by Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, UAE, the treat made with milk chocolate, pistachio cream and kadayif, it was then popularised by TikTok.
While the Big Daddy Pistachio has a "subtly sweet fine biscuit crumb", it doesn't have kadayif. But this bar is so good I didn't even mind - and I was actually left impressed they hadn't just copied the recipe from every other retailer.
With thick, creamy milk chocolate, gooey sweet and salty caramel, crunchy, fine biscuit crumb, coupled with a pistachio layer made with roasted pistachios, pistachio crème and white chocolate - I was left gobsmacked.
Firstly, I was shocked by the size and weight of it. Weighing 280g, it's not your average chocolate bar, and it felt incredibly heavy and dense in my hands.
(Image: Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz)
After cutting it open, I was immediately excited after seeing the layer of oozy caramel, along with a thick and generous layer of pistachio filling.
I was a bit worried it would be too heavy - but because all the flavours were perfectly balanced, it didn't feel like it. The bar didn't taste sickly, as the salty flavours from the caramel and nuts complimented the sweet flavours.
The pistachio layer almost tasted like nougat. In the best way possible, think of an incredibly fancy Mars bar with pistachio flavour.
It could have done with a bit more crunch to it, either from more biscuits or more pistachio, but overall it was so much better than I thought it would be.
I was expecting to wish it tasted more like the Dubai-style chocolate I'd had on holiday. But this is its own thing.
After just one bite I was left wanting more - and luckily there's plenty to go round. However, I fear if I had kept on going I would have eventually started to regret it because of the rich flavours.
That being said, I was blown away by the twist, and was left feeling it was worth it. I will definitely be buying it again!
Dubai chocolate has boomed in popularity over the last couple of years - even in the UK. Some retailers, such as Lindt and Lidl, have created their own versions with the core ingredients.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Michael Barrymore reveals epilepsy journey diagnosed after a series of mini strokes
Michael Barrymore reached out to fans for support in a heartbreaking TikTok video in which the comedian and TV presenter told of his mini strokes and "uncontrollable seizures" Veteran TV presenter Michael Barrymore has been diagnosed with epilepsy at 73 - after experiencing a mini stroke. The host, known for his work on game shows and light entertainment programmes, told fans on TikTok about his "uncontrollable seizures" which have happened as a result of his epilepsy. Epilepsy, a tendency to have repeated seizures which start in the brain, is often diagnosed in younger years but Michael said he has developed it in his 70s. And the star, who headlined the Royal Variety Performance in 1993, thanked fans for their support. In his emotional TikTok, Michael said: "A mini stroke caused me to develop epilepsy where I have uncontrollable seizures... I suffer from cluster seizures, which affects a quarter of people with epilepsy. It means I have more than one, usually three individual seizures in a short period of time." Carer dodges jail after performing sex act on disabled man at tourist attraction Now Michael, who grew up in Bermondsey, southeast London, must take emergency medication if he goes into a seizure. He continued: "It's scary because there's a 40% chance of going into epilepticus which causes brain damage and death without prompt medical attention. "I've had several attacks this year and have emergency medication at home if I go into a seizure. It doesn't really affect my life otherwise, but it would be nice to talk with other sufferers on here about it." The entertainer, an unlikely icon for Gen Z with his TikToks and vlogs, shared a series of photographs of himself in hospital. His video has been watched widely across TikTok and may users have left Michael messages of support. Michael's stint on Celebrity Big Brother in 2006 - during which he came runner-up to model Chantelle Houghton - was his first major TV gig since his dismissal from ITV in 2003. This came following the death of Stuart Lubbock in 2001 following a party at Michael's home in Essex. But since the controversy, Michael has become extremely popular with Gen Z, particularly through his use of TikTok. He used it last year to poke fun at himself and he reflect on his past while celebrating his birthday. Yet the host, who also presented Kids Say the Funniest Things, has said in recent interviews the 2001 tragedy still affects him. In fact, last year, Michael left the UK for Spain to "change his life for the better". This is despite Michael never being charged in connection with 31-year-old Mr Lubbock's death, and there is no suggestion of wrongdoing on Michael's part.
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
People stumped by pen challenge as only those with seriously high IQ can solve it
A brainteaser has been leaving Brits all over the UK scratching their heads - and it's not hard to see why. The tricky challenge has left many questioning their IQ levels Britons are scratching their heads over this bewildering brainteaser - even after they've been given the solution. Think you're the cleverest clogs in the household? Or believe you're a modern-day mastermind with razor-sharp vision and robust analytical abilities? Well, it's time to put that notion to the test with this punishingly difficult puzzle that's guaranteed to leave you flummoxed. Brain teasers like these aren't merely a brilliant way to showcase your intellect and compete with your relatives; studies have demonstrated puzzles can genuinely have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, enhancing your focus levels and attention span. So, let's dive straight in.. In other news, only those with 'detective skills' can solve this. TikTok user Mr Tricks, who has accumulated a staggering 239,000 followers thanks to his optical illusions and brain teasers. In a recent clip, he arranges 10 pens in four clusters numbered one-four based on how many pens are positioned together. "Currently there are 10 pens set up 1, 2, 3, and 4 from left to right," he explained. "So we have to move one pen and put it in any place and the order would be reversed. There would be 4, 3, 2, and 1. Can you solve this? Take your time." We're not revealing any hints on this one, so you'll simply have to think beyond the obvious... Ready to surrender? Scroll down to the bottom of the article or watch the complete video to discover the answer. If that brainteaser proved no challenge for someone with a sky-high IQ like yourself, don't fret. READ MORE: Just 1% of people can find the elephant hidden in incredibly hard optical illusion We've got a mini quiz that might appear straightforward, but is crafted to trip you up. Did you find it tough to answer all the questions, or do you reckon you've nailed a perfect 5/5? How many pairs of animals did Moses take on the Ark? You're in a race and pass the person in 3rd place. So, what place are you in now? John's father had three sons: Snap, Crackle, and...? If a plan crashes right in between France and Spain. Where do you bury the survivors? If it takes seven people seven minutes to eat seven burgers, how long will it take 30 people to eat 30 burgers? You can verify your answers here. ANSWER: Shift the 9th pen into the gap between the 1st pen. This should form a 4,3,2,1 pattern. Fancy another brain workout? Have a gander at our collection of tricky brainteasers, riddles, and puzzles here. Or, discover more about your hidden personality traits with these mind-boggling optical illusions.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- The Sun
B&M launches festive chocolate boxes including Reese's treats
B&M shoppers were flabbergasted to find Christmas selection boxes on the shelves. We're still over two months away from Halloween, yet the festive chocolate treats are already being stocked. 6 6 6 Fans of the budget retailer have expressed conflicted opinions, with some arguing it's too soon, while others admitted they'd still "scoff them". A picture of the seasonal goodies was shared in the Dansway Gifts and Bargains UK Facebook Group. "Festive Chocolate Selection Boxes are BACK at B&M," one shopper wrote. "A few we found whilst in store today, there's lots of other Christmas chocolate to choose from!" But one disappointed customer penned: "We've not even finished summer yet or had Halloween. "I swear Christmas gets earlier and earlier every year, makes you wonder how long these chocolates sit there before we buy and save for Christmas." Another added: "Too soon for Christmas but I'd still scoff them." The post is still garnering shares and likes, with many tagging their pals in the comments. While it may feel premature to start stocking up on Christmas treats, bargain hunters often bag better deals in the off-season. In fact, one expert has shared why now is the ideal time to buy your festive decorations, and where to buy them. FDA issues urgent recall of 'shaped' chocolate sold across US and on online over 'deadly' ingredient The selection boxes advertised in B&M include classics such as Cadbury, Nestle, Galaxy and Reese's peanut butter snacks. This comes as shoppers have also been complaining about Halloween decorations being pushed by major stores across the UK. Clothing and homeware brand Matalan is already giving people a taste of Autumn with its Halloween-themed products. One person complained: "Does someone want to tell Matalan its July. Don't get me wrong my fave time of year is Autumn but we're not there yet. "I've got to get through the hot months before I can look forward to hot chocs and blankets!" 6 6 6 Another one added: "Crazy.. let's have summer first!!" A third commented: "Getting too much with shops they always seem to be pushing things that are months away instead of enjoying the season we're in." One fan said: "Definitely not ready for this yet." Elsewhere, shelves at TK Maxx have been stocked with Halloween tea towels, cushions, blankets and plush toys from four months before the spooky holiday. How to save money on chocolate We all love a bit of chocolate from now and then, but you don't have to break the bank buying your favourite bar. Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how to cut costs... Go own brand - if you're not too fussed about flavour and just want to supplant your chocolate cravings, you'll save by going for the supermarket's own brand bars. Shop around - if you've spotted your favourite variety at the supermarket, make sure you check if it's cheaper elsewhere. Websites like let you compare prices on products across all the major chains to see if you're getting the best deal. Look out for yellow stickers - supermarket staff put yellow, and sometimes orange and red, stickers on to products to show they've been reduced. They usually do this if the product is coming to the end of its best-before date or the packaging is slightly damaged. Buy bigger bars - most of the time, but not always, chocolate is cheaper per 100g the larger the bar. So if you've got the appetite, and you were going to buy a hefty amount of chocolate anyway, you might as well go bigger. One shopper shared pictures of Halloween items on the shelves in the retailer's Doncaster store, saying: "It's starting." Others chimed in to say they'd also seen Halloween products in the stores in Preston and Oldham. One person commented: "No no NO ….. let's have summer first before we start seeing autumn things ….. jeeeez way too early !!" Another said: "Wooow really getting earlier and earlier every year huh!! will start seeing xmas stuff next week no doubt." A third person said: "Its June!!!! this is far too early." Some experts have said the growth of online shopping has meant traditional retailers are trying to extend the holiday season to compete. It's also because they have boosted profits during holiday seasons as shoppers spend more. Shops have been putting out their holiday stocks even earlier in recent years. Some experts have said the growth of online shopping has meant traditional retailers are trying to extend the holiday season to compete. It's also because they have boosted profits during holiday seasons as shoppers spend more. Charlotte Harrington, the manager at Summerhill's Garden Centre in Basildon, Essex, previously told The Sun that they open their Christmas department on the August bank holiday. "The stock comes in early and we gradually start putting it out on the shop floor. This is just a small fraction of what we have," she said. "But our Christmas displays are so spectacular it takes time to get everything set up, so we have to start early."
