Latest news with #Dubai-style
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
We taste-tested Trader Joe's $4 version of the Dubai chocolate bar. Is it good?
If you like your chocolate bars with a satisfying crunch like I do, then the viral Dubai chocolate bar is also your perfect bite. And now, thanks to Trader Joe's, this internet sensation comes at a much more reasonable price point. For anyone unfamiliar, the Dubai chocolate bar is a stuffed chocolate bar that's a texture lover's dream come true. The filling, which is encased in chocolate, blends crisp, golden kataifi (aka shredded phyllo strands) with creamy pistachio, creating that signature crunch when you bite into it. Originally popular in the Middle East, the flavor combo has since taken off globally, inspiring pricey dupes as well as other types of desserts with its signature flavor profile. Now, thanks to Trader Joe's, it's way easier to get your hands on the chocolate bar that is coveted by the social media masses. The concept of the Dubai chocolate bar originated in 2021 by Dubai-based stuffed chocolate bar makers Fix Dessert Chocolatier under the name 'Can't Get Knafeh of It,' a reference to the Middle Eastern dessert that inspired its flavor profile. The treat didn't go viral until 2023, when food influencer Maria Vehera posted a TikTok of herself eating the crunchy chocolate bar. The video received more than 124 million views — sparking a craze and inspiring people to find the soon-coined 'Dubai chocolate bar' themselves. While Nuts Factory in New York City initially imported the bar from Dubai, some who couldn't get their hands on it replicated the recipe at home. Meanwhile, bakeries, candy stores and grocers sold their own versions of the dessert — often at a very high price point. As a customer eager to try the bar myself, I've seen off-brand versions of the Fix's bar at a candy shop for $30 and at a bakery for $25 in Los Angeles. My husband, who knew I was eager to try the viral food trend, finally purchased it at a grocery store for $15 so I could try it myself. (And hey, at that price, it seemed like a steal!) Getting my hands on the actual bar was difficult and expensive, but now, the flavor of the bar has been replicated and borrowed by dozens of companies, from small shops offering things like Dubai chocolate bar sundaes to major chains. Shake Shack offers a Dubai chocolate bar-inspired milkshake, while Dunkin' locations outside of the United States were spotted selling doughnuts influenced by the flavor profile. Nuts Factory offers chocolate-covered strawberries, Dubai-style. But some major chocolate retailers are launching their own chocolate bars too, with chocolatier Lindt promising a Dubai-style chocolate bar after a successful test run. Trader Joe's, however — always in tune with the taste buds of the masses with hits like Everything But the Bagel Seasoning — beat them to the punch. It's worth noting that the 'official' Dubai chocolate bar remains the one by the Fix — but the Trader Joe's dupe, called the 'Pistachio Dark Chocolate' bar from Patislove, is pretty similar. It even has the words 'Dubai style' on the front. Like the Fix's bar, it's made with pistachio cream and kataifi. The label also states that the bar hails from Turkey, not Dubai. The biggest difference between the other dupes of the Dubai chocolate bar and Trader Joe's version? The price point. It's $4 for one 3.52-ounce bar — the cheapest I've ever seen. The Trader Joe's bar also looks luxurious, with gold foil hiding beneath its paper cover. But does it stack up to the original in terms of texture and taste? With one bite, the answer was a 'yes' — mostly, anyway. The pistachio cream was just the right amount of sweet, and I definitely wanted to keep eating it beyond my research experiment. The one issue? The bar is thin — while it's a filled bar, there's not enough of it to really chomp down for that satisfying texture experience. Still, for $4? I can have the Dubai chocolate bar every day — no flights to the UAE or shelling out serious cash required.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
We taste-tested Trader Joe's $4 version of the Dubai chocolate bar. Is it good?
If you like your chocolate bars with a satisfying crunch like I do, then the viral Dubai chocolate bar is also your perfect bite. And now, thanks to Trader Joe's, this internet sensation comes at a much more reasonable price point. For anyone unfamiliar, the Dubai chocolate bar is a stuffed chocolate bar that's a texture lover's dream come true. The filling, which is encased in chocolate, blends crisp, golden kataifi (aka shredded phyllo strands) with creamy pistachio, creating that signature crunch when you bite into it. Originally popular in the Middle East, the flavor combo has since taken off globally, inspiring pricey dupes as well as other types of desserts with its signature flavor profile. Now, thanks to Trader Joe's, it's way easier to get your hands on the chocolate bar that is coveted by the social media masses. The concept of the Dubai chocolate bar originated in 2021 by Dubai-based stuffed chocolate bar makers Fix Dessert Chocolatier under the name 'Can't Get Knafeh of It,' a reference to the Middle Eastern dessert that inspired its flavor profile. The treat didn't go viral until 2023, when food influencer Maria Vehera posted a TikTok of herself eating the crunchy chocolate bar. The video received more than 124 million views — sparking a craze and inspiring people to find the soon-coined 'Dubai chocolate bar' themselves. While Nuts Factory in New York City initially imported the bar from Dubai, some who couldn't get their hands on it replicated the recipe at home. Meanwhile, bakeries, candy stores and grocers sold their own versions of the dessert — often at a very high price point. As a customer eager to try the bar myself, I've seen off-brand versions of the Fix's bar at a candy shop for $30 and at a bakery for $25 in Los Angeles. My husband, who knew I was eager to try the viral food trend, finally purchased it at a grocery store for $15 so I could try it myself. (And hey, at that price, it seemed like a steal!) Getting my hands on the actual bar was difficult and expensive, but now, the flavor of the bar has been replicated and borrowed by dozens of companies, from small shops offering things like Dubai chocolate bar sundaes to major chains. Shake Shack offers a Dubai chocolate bar-inspired milkshake, while Dunkin' locations outside of the United States were spotted selling doughnuts influenced by the flavor profile. Nuts Factory offers chocolate-covered strawberries, Dubai-style. But some major chocolate retailers are launching their own chocolate bars too, with chocolatier Lindt promising a Dubai-style chocolate bar after a successful test run. Trader Joe's, however — always in tune with the taste buds of the masses with hits like Everything But the Bagel Seasoning — beat them to the punch. It's worth noting that the 'official' Dubai chocolate bar remains the one by the Fix — but the Trader Joe's dupe, called the 'Pistachio Dark Chocolate' bar from Patislove, is pretty similar. It even has the words 'Dubai style' on the front. Like the Fix's bar, it's made with pistachio cream and kataifi. The label also states that the bar hails from Turkey, not Dubai. The biggest difference between the other dupes of the Dubai chocolate bar and Trader Joe's version? The price point. It's $4 for one 3.52-ounce bar — the cheapest I've ever seen. The Trader Joe's bar also looks luxurious, with gold foil hiding beneath its paper cover. But does it stack up to the original in terms of texture and taste? With one bite, the answer was a 'yes' — mostly, anyway. The pistachio cream was just the right amount of sweet, and I definitely wanted to keep eating it beyond my research experiment. The one issue? The bar is thin — while it's a filled bar, there's not enough of it to really chomp down for that satisfying texture experience. Still, for $4? I can have the Dubai chocolate bar every day — no flights to the UAE or shelling out serious cash required.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Aldi shoppers go wild for 'beautiful' new iced coffee and can't believe price
As temperatures continue to rise, many of us are swapping our hot drinks for cooler alternatives – and people are rushing to Aldi to get their hands on three new frappe flavours Coffee fans are rushing to their nearest Aldi to get their hands on a range of cool new barista-style drinks that you can have at home. The iced drinks have been hailed as "so good" and "beautiful" by fans. As warm temperatures and sunshine prevail, many of us are switching out our regular hot drinks for iced alternatives. But spending money often on iced coffees, matchas or frappes from cafes can be a costly habit. Instead, Aldi has launched three new drinks you can pick up instore and enjoy at home or on the go. Simply empty the packet into your favourite cup with some water or milk and stir well. The frappes are available in three new flavours: original, white mocha, and pistachio. "Think barista-style bliss without the barista-sized bill," a spokesperson for Aldi said. The drinks launched in stores on May 15 and are priced at £1.69 for a box of 1o – which works out at less than 17p per drink. Speaking about the flavours, Aldi shared: "Each sachet whips up a velvety frappe when mixed with milk or water, hot or cold and served over ice. For a proper coffeehouse hit, shoppers can add a shot of espresso or blend with ice for a frosty treat. "Whether it's a cool iced drink or a creamy Dubai-style latte, these easy-to-use sachets are a purse-friendly way to enjoy barista-style frappes from the comfort of home." Viral money-saving content creator, Ashleigh, tried the pistachio flavour recently and gave the drink the seal of approval. On her TikTok account @ashleighmoneysaver, she said: "Calling all pistachio lovers. Get yourself down to Aldi. They have just launched their new Barissimo frappe sachets, including a pistachio flavour. "£1.69 for a pack of 10, You know these will fly off the shelves!" "They're sooo good," commented one fan. Meanwhile another added: "Omg who needs these pistachio frappes from Aldi? Me." @ also shared a clip after spotting the treats instore, and said: "Aldi is absolutely smashing it with their new snacks and now they've dropped two iced frappes - pistachio and white mocha. These are £1.69 each." "They looks so good," commented another. But one individual shared their honest review and noted: "I'm having the pistachio one, it's OK, not over impressed! Going to try the white chocolate one tomorrow!" @itschelseylife rated the pistachio latte 10/10. She said: "Run don't walk to Aldi. If you love pistachio, you'll love this." "I need," insisted another. In other food news, a reporter tried the new mystery fizzy drinks sold at Aldi, plus people are just realising the inspiration behind the name of Wagon Wheels.
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Tesco fans are racing to snap up new pistachio spread which costs £4 a jar & it makes toast taste like Dubai chocolate
FOODIES are going wild for Tesco's new pistachio spread which is said to have a 'decadent nutty flavour.' Their Pistachio Creme spread is part of the Tesco Finest range and could well be a hit with fans of the popular 'Dubai chocolate.' 4 Tesco is bringing out a Pistachio Creme spread Credit: Tesco 4 The pistachio spread will be £4 from Tesco Credit: Getty 4 The spread is based on the viral Dubai chocolate Credit: Getty While the chocolate bars have been a sell out success in multiple supermarkets, Tesco has now launched the spread. The tasty treat is said to be 'rich and creamy' and combines the flavours of the insanely popular Dubai chocolate but in spreadable form. That means you can slather it on toast, pile it onto pancakes, dip fruit in it or even spoon it from the jar. The Tesco Pistachio Creme spread is said to cost £4 for a 300g jar. More on Dubai chocolate Dubai chocolate lovers took the Facebook group One said: 'Oh I need this.' Another added: 'Will be going there.' Meanwhile, a third commented: 'I'm so going to get some.' Most read in Fabulous This follows Tesco selling a Ritter Sport Pistachio chocolate bar which cost £2.20 for 100g. The supermarket is following in the footsteps of Lidl , who has also launched a pistachio spread. You asked, we delivered' says Irish supermarket as viral chocolate lands in stores but 'they won't last' The Sun can exclusively reveal the new Della Sante Dubai-Style Chocolate Cream spread will hit shelves in just a week's time on May 29. The tasty treat contains a blend of smooth chocolate, sweet cream, salty pistachio and crisp Kadayfi pastry for an added crunch. You'll be able to get it in Lidl stores across the country. It will cost £3.99 for Lidl Plus members or £4.99 for non-members. 4 Lidl is also bringing out its own Dubai Chocolate Spread Credit: Lidl Lidl has said it will be available "while stocks last" - so you may want to get in quick. The supermarket is expecting the spread to be extremely popular so it's limiting purchases to three per customer. When Lidl launched its Dubai-style chocolate bar back in March, shoppers were queuing outside shops to get a taste. The Sun spotted a queue outside the Gosport, Hampshire, store at 8am with shoppers eagerly waiting for the doors to open. Dubai chocolate craze Chocolate fans have been going crazy for supermarket dupes of the expensive Dubai chocolate bars and they've been going viral on social media. Lidl's version was the cheapest when it was brought out at £3.99. Before it arrived in stores, the chocolate bar had been available on Lidl's TikTok Shop. It wasn't around for long though as it sold out in a mere 84 minutes. Numerous supermarkets and bargain stores have been jumping on the Dubai-style chocolate trend. One of the most-anticipated was the M&S version, which it turned out was a new take on the viral Big Daddy chocolate bar. The Big Daddy Pistachio is on the pricier end, costing £8.50 for a big 280g bar. Similarly posh supermarket Waitrose also released a version for £10. 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.
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
M&S shopper rejoice as shop brings back viral ‘Dubai-style' chocolate & people are hailing it the ‘best bar ever'
M&S shoppers have been sharing their delight at the store bringing back its viral 'Dubai-style' chocolate. Back in April, the upmarket supermarket launched its take on the popular style of chocolate that has caused a frenzy among chocoholics. 5 Marks and Spencer has revealed its The Big Daddy Pistachio chocolate is back in stores Credit: Instagram/Marks And Spencer 5 Viral 'Dubai-style' chocolate has a crunchy pistachio layer Credit: Getty Just like 'Dubai chocolate', M&S' chocolate bar - the Big Daddy - features a milk chocolate shell filled with a scrumptious green pistachio filling. The supermarket took to Instagram to share: 'Our VIRAL Big Daddy Pistachio is BACK in stock and has your name written all over it! 'If you missed out the first time, we'll forgive you, but don't let yourself miss out again on this heavenly bar of signature rich, creamy milk chocolate layered with gooey sweet and salty caramel, filled with a chunky pistachio layer with roasted pistachios, velvety pistachio creme and a light, biscuit crumb. 'Snack responsibly… or don't, we're not judging.' You can pick up their Big Daddy Pistachio in your local M&S Foodhall or on Ocado. Chocolate fans were quick to rush to the comments to share their happiness that the bar is back. One said: 'When I get my hands on one of these, I'm not sharing it!' Another added: 'Finally got one yesterday and it's sooo good.' Meanwhile, a third wrote: 'I STILL CAN'T GET MY HANDS ON IT.' The Big Daddy Pistachio is actually an update on Marks and Spencer's insanely popular Big Daddy bar that had shoppers in a frenzy in 2024. You asked, we delivered' says Irish supermarket as viral chocolate lands in stores but 'they won't last' Like the Big Daddy, this new chocolate treat has layers of thick milk chocolate, gooey sweet and salty caramel and a light and crunchy biscuit crumb. Shoppers raved about the product, calling it the "best chocolate bar ever." However, it also has the brand new chunky pistachio layer, inspired by the hugely popular Dubai chocolate trend. The scrumptious treat first landed on shelves on April 23. The posh supermarket has said it developed the new chocolate bar over nine months "to ensure absolute perfection." The Big Daddy Pistachio currently costs £8.50 for a 280g bar. 5 Their Pistachio bar is an update of their original The Big Daddy chocolate bar Credit: M&S 5 You can pick up their Big Daddy Pistachio in your local M&S Foodhall or on Ocado Credit: Getty Although this may seem expensive, it is still much cheaper than the original Dubai chocolate, that the M&S bar is based on. The decadent treat has gone viral on social media over the past few months, with videos on the pistachio filled snack amassing over six million views. The indulgent chocolate bar, which has a green filling made from pistachio and a traditional Arab dessert called Knafeh, often comes with a hefty price tag, with single bars retailing online for more than £20. Since the treat went viral, many retailers such as Lidl have launched their own versions of the bar, at much cheaper prices. 5 The Big Daddy Pistachio originally launched at M&S on April 23 M&S has also teased more "exciting pistachio launches" in the coming months, including chocolate, cookies, desserts and even a Pistachio and Honey Baking Feta. Lidl's £3.99 version of the Dubai chocolate was so popular that it initially sold out in just 84 minutes. Meanwhile Morrisons has been selling larger 100g bars of Bolci Dubai-style chocolate for just £5.
