Latest news with #MariaVehera
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Trader Joe's debuts beloved product in stores at a shocking price
Over the past few years, Trader Joe's appears to have grown in popularity among consumers, as a few of its products and deals have consistently gone viral on social media. Last year in March, its $2.99 limited-edition mini tote bags became the latest it bag, thanks to TikTok, which caused a stir in stores. The bags became so popular that they quickly sold out nationwide, and when they were restocked, employees often had to limit how many bags each customer could purchase. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter It's not just tote bags that customers are crazy about; a few Trader Joe's food items have also gone viral on social media, such as its caramelized onion dip, Speculoos cookie butter, chocolate peanut butter cups, etc. Related: Walmart CEO has a harsh warning for customers Amid increased popularity on social media, Trader Joe's has seen a healthy spike in foot traffic over the past year. According to recent data from the number of consumers that visited Trader Joe's stores in 2024 increased by 6.2% year-over-year. Image source:As Trader Joe's continues to win the hearts and wallets of many consumers, it is hopping on a viral trend to help maintain this momentum. The grocery giant is adding its own version of the TikTok viral Dubai chocolate to its shelves, starting this week. Dubai chocolate is essentially a milk chocolate bar filled with kataifi (a shredded filo pastry) that is mixed with pistachio cream and tahini. The chocolate bar first went viral on social media in late 2023, when social media influencer Maria Vehera posted a video of herself on TikTok eating the dessert, which was made by Dubai-based Fix Dessert Chocolatier. Trader Joe's version of the dessert is made with dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate. An employee first leaked news of the upcoming product on Reddit, which sent fans into a frenzy. Related: Target CEO sounds alarm on customer behavior The grocery chain later confirmed the news, stating that the product is called Patislove Dubai Style Pistachio Dark Chocolate. It will sell nationwide for $3.99 (a shockingly low price compared to other retailers) and be available for a limited time. "FINALLY! A dark version. The dubai milk chocolate everywhere is wayy too sweet for me. I hope this is a good one!!" wrote one Reddit user. "I don't think I've ever been more excited for a TJs item! " wrote another Redditor. The move from Trader Joe's comes at a time when it faces heightened competition from one of its main rivals, Aldi. Data from shows that while Trader Joe's visits increased by 6.2% year-over-year in 2024, Aldi's increased by a whopping 18.2%. Also, fewer shoppers visited other grocery stores before or after stopping at Trader Joe's or Aldi in 2024 compared to 2023, which suggests that consumers are increasingly considering both stores as primary grocery destinations. also found that Trader Joe's usually attracts higher-income shoppers who make an average of $110.1K a year, while the average salary of Aldi's shoppers is around $75.7K. More Retail: Costco quietly plans to offer a convenient service for customersT-Mobile pulls the plug on generous offer, angering customersKellogg sounds alarm on unexpected shift in customer behavior Trader Joe's also plans to open dozens of new stores in 2025, while Aldi plans to open 800 U.S. locations by the end of 2028. Trader Joe's and Aldi are experiencing increased momentum from shoppers as inflation and higher costs of living are forcing many consumers to tighten their spending. Tariffs (taxes companies pay to import goods from overseas) are also threatening to increase prices, making consumers reconsider their shopping habits. According to a recent survey from market research company Numerator, 72% of Americans are worried that tariffs will increase prices for everyday goods. Also, 83% of Americans are changing their shopping habits to prepare for the impact of tariffs. Some of these changes include searching for sales and coupons, delaying purchases, buying fewer imported goods, and more. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
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.
Arabian Post
15-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
FIX Chocolate Reopens at Dubai Airport Amid Eid Travel Surge
FIX Dessert Chocolatier, the confectionery brand that ignited a global craze with its knafeh-and-pistachio-filled bars, has reinstated its pop-up at Dubai International Airport's Terminal 3. The reopening coincides with the Eid Al Adha travel season, offering departing passengers a chance to purchase the sought-after treats without the usual online scramble. The brand, founded by British-Egyptian engineer Sarah Hamouda in 2021, gained international fame through social media platforms, particularly TikTok. A video by influencer Maria Vehera showcasing the bar's vibrant green pistachio filling and crunchy texture garnered over 100 million views, propelling the product into global demand. The signature bar, aptly named 'Can't Get Knafeh of It,' combines milk chocolate with a filling of pistachio cream, tahini, and crispy knafeh, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert. Previously, FIX bars were available exclusively through limited daily drops on Deliveroo in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, often selling out within minutes. The airport pop-up provides travelers with a rare opportunity to purchase the bars directly, bypassing the online rush. The return to Dubai Duty Free follows a successful initial stint earlier this year, which saw overwhelming demand and extended stays to accommodate eager customers. The resurgence of FIX at the airport aligns with a broader trend of Middle Eastern flavors gaining popularity in global confectionery markets. The unique combination of textures and flavors in FIX bars has not only captivated consumers but also inspired numerous imitations and adaptations by other brands worldwide. Despite the emergence of copycat products, FIX maintains its exclusivity by limiting sales to specific times and locations, enhancing its allure. See also Jebel Ali Free Zone's Trade Value Surpasses Dhs700bn in 2024
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The viral Dubai chocolate the world is obsessed with is finally in Australia - but you'll have to be quick
Pistachio is the flavour of the moment - from gelato to croissants, the nutty green obsession is sweeping Australia. Many supermarkets have struggled to keep pistachio-flavoured products in stock, while TikTok continues to fuel the craze. And now, the dessert that arguably started it all - viral ' Dubai chocolate' - has officially arrived Down Under. Today, Swiss chocolate giant Lindt has launched its own version of the trend with the Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate ($20), available exclusively at Lindt Chocolate Shops across Australia. But sweet tooths will need to act fast - it's a limited run, and demand is already soaring. Lindt has added its signature spin to the beloved dessert: the new milk chocolate block features a rich, creamy centre made of pistachios, crunchy nut brittle, and a crispy layer of Kadayif pastry - a toasted, shredded dough traditionally used in Middle Eastern desserts. Originally made famous by a TikTok from influencer Maria Vehera, which racked up more than 122 million views, the pistachio-stuffed chocolate block quickly became a cult favourite. Such is the obsession with Dubai chocolate that sweet-toothed fans have been crossing borders just just to try it - with some travellers reportedly flying through the UAE solely to get their hands on a block. Others have attempted to DIY the viral pistachio treat at home, using everything from supermarket chocolate to imported Kadayif pastry and pistachio butter in a bid to replicate the luxe layers. TikTok and Instagram have been flooded with tutorials, taste tests, and unboxings, with creators filming everything from suitcase hauls to step-by-step recreations. One user even called it 'the dessert that's worth the airfare', while others have paid inflated prices to have it shipped from boutique chocolatiers in Dubai. The bar is based on a 2021 recipe by Sarah Hamouda of FIX Dessert Chocolatier, the indulgent treat was only available in Dubai - until now. Lindt Master Chocolatier Thomas Schnetzler said: 'The combination of rich, nutty 45 per cent pistachio filling with the contrast of the toasted, shredded pastry is a true flavour sensation and we are delighted to be able to bring this combination in a Lindt chocolate block to Australia. 'We can't wait to hear what chocolate lovers and Lindt connoisseurs think of the new Lindt Dubai Style Chocolate!' The decadent block is priced at $20 and is only available while stocks last - meaning fans of the viral dessert might want to move quickly.
