Latest news with #TraderJoe's
Yahoo
8 hours 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
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
TikTok's Viral Dubai Chocolate Is Finally Coming To This Beloved Grocery Chain
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. Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. Read the original article on Food Republic.
Yahoo
8 hours 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.
USA Today
8 hours ago
- Business
- USA Today
Trader Joe's sells viral Dubai chocolate bars for 5 times less than original price
Trader Joe's sells viral Dubai chocolate bars for 5 times less than original price 'I love kunefe and pistachios, so I've been wanting to try Dubai chocolate for months since I first saw it,' Tina Bekkali said. 'However, I don't want to pay $20+ for a chocolate bar.' Show Caption Hide Caption Pistachio-filled 'Dubai Chocolate' bar is latest viral TikTok trend This Long Island candy store sees international success selling pistachio- and phyllo-filled "Dubai Chocolate" bars, made famous on TikTok. Fox - 5 NY Trader Joe's is now serving up its own version of the viral Dubai chocolate bar, but at a fraction of the price. The health store's "dupe," or duplicate, of the viral Dubai chocolate bar, which gained traction on social media earlier this year, is manufactured by Patis Food Group, a chocolatier based in Illinois. Though the "Pistachio Cream and Kataifi Filled Dark Chocolate Bar" is actually made in Turkey. The chocolate bar is made with 50% dark chocolate, pistachio cream and kataifi (shredded filo pastry) and sold exclusively at Trader Joe's. The chocolate bars arrived in stores the week of May 26. Trader Joe's Public Relations Manager Nakia Rohde told USA TODAY that the chocolate bars are available for a limited time, but if customers "really love this product," more will be sold. Dubai chocolate bars have been all the rage on social media this year due to their smooth chocolate, rich pistachio cream and high price point. Though the original bar is actually made by a Dubai chocolatier, countless brands have swooped in to offer their own, but cheaper versions. How much does the Trader Joe's Dubai chocolate bar cost? The 3.52-ounce Pistachio Cream and Kataifi Filled Dark Chocolate Bar is $3.99 at Trader Joe's. What are people saying? California content creator Tina Bekkali posted a taste test video of Trader Joe's Dubai chocolate bar to TikTok on Tuesday, May 27, and as of May 28, the video already has more than 396,000 views. "I love kunefe and pistachios, so I've been wanting to try Dubai chocolate for months since I first saw it," Bekkali told USA TODAY. "However, I don't want to pay $20+ for a chocolate bar. When I saw Trader Joe's would have one, I specifically went there that morning in hopes of finding them." Bekkali added that she would buy the Trader Joe's dupe again and is glad the grocery store chain made an otherwise expensive "sweet treat" more accessible to the masses. Sila Adhiningrat, another California content creator, also posted a TikTok video of her giving the dupe a try. As of May 28, the video had 12,200 views. Adhiningrat told USA TODAY she enjoyed the Trader Joe's dupe but probably wouldn't buy it again. "I wouldn't choose it over chocolate bars at Trader Joe's, though, and will probably stick to my other favorite chocolates," she said. Where's the nearest Trader Joe's to you? To search a list of Trader Joe's locations, visit the grocery store's website at What is the viral Dubai chocolate bar? The original Dubai chocolate bar is made by FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A six-pack of bars costs $120 on the FIX Dessert Chocolatier website, making one bar $20. Named "Can't Get Knafeh Of It," the chocolate bar was first released in 2022 when FIX Dessert Chocolatier Founder Sarah Hamouda wished to satisfy her pregnancy cravings for knafeh (a Middle Eastern dessert made with pastry dough, sweet cheese and syrup) and pistachio, as reported by BBC. The bars first went viral in 2023, when content creator Maria Vehera posted a TikTok video of her devouring the luxury chocolate bar. As of May 28, the video boasts more than 127 million views. Countless videos of content creators munching on the viral bar (and 'dupes') have circulated the internet since. And brands are taking the opportunity to release their own versions, including Turkish food manufacturer Ulker ($15 for one bar), New York City-based The Nuts Factory ($50 for two bars) and countless homemade recipes on Etsy. Can you buy the real Dubai chocolate bar outside of United Arab Emirates? Yes. FIX Dessert Chocolatier ships its products worldwide. Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
Miami Herald
9 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Trader Joe's rivals could learn a lesson from the cult favorite company
A few years ago, I bought an expensive Patagonia ski jacket, but after a couple of seasons, it stopped repelling water. I called a customer service rep and asked if there was a spray or rinse or something I could coat the fabric with so I could wear it in wet weather. "No," she said. "But send the jacket back, and we'll replace it." Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter I've since learned the company offers a lifetime warranty and free repairs for the life of their products. So when my dog ripped a hole in my down jacket sending feathers flying everywhere, Patagonia stuffed it with new feathers and sewed it up. For free. When the same dog chewed a hole in my daughter's backpack, Patagonia patched it up and made it look as good as new. For free. Because of those interactions, I'm a Patagonia customer for life. Trader Joe's products aren't as expensive as Patagonia's but I've returned flowers that didn't bloom, strawberries that got moldy within 48 hours of bringing them home, and chips that were crushed when I opened the bag. TJ's always happily offers refunds or replacements for unsatisfactory products. (By the way, I don't bring back the flowers or gross food; I take a photo and show it to the manager the next time I'm in the store.) These happen to be two brands I'm unwaveringly loyal to. So it makes perfect sense to me that both Trader Joe's and Patagonia just won some major accolades. Image source:Trader Joe's may have best snacks, but they also have a reputation that should make competitors jealous. With a sky-high reputational quotient (RQ) score of 82.1, the fan-favorite grocery chain claimed the top spot in the 2025 Axios Harris Corporate Reputation Poll of 100 companies. Patagonia came in a close second with an 82.0, followed by big names like Microsoft, Toyota, Costco, and Samsung. Related: Trader Joe's makes big Costco-style bet in growing market The poll gathered insights from over 16,000 Americans, who rated companies across key categories like trust, ethics, culture, and overall customer experience. Trader Joe's is known for being a budget-friendly grocer, in large part because of the number of private-label products it sells. Putting consumers first paid off: Trader Joe's saw the sixth-largest reputation boost (+3.5) this year, catapulting it to the number one spot. Consumers clearly appreciate a brand that's got their back when prices are rising. When it comes to reputation, quality still reigns supreme. American consumers say it's the most important thing they consider when judging a company's reputation, followed by customer service, how companies treat employees, and pricing. In fact, 79% believe the best brands are the ones that put consumers' wallets first, which is probably why Costco is number five on this list. Related: Trader Joe's launches limited-time products sure to sell out Here's the not-so-great news for retailers nationwide: nearly half of consumers (48%) say the quality of goods and services is lagging behind rising prices, while only 22% feel they're getting better value. Even more striking, 69% of respondents reported noticing a decline in perceived quality overall. Tesla has slid in the rankings over the last couple of years. Tesla was No. 8 in the 2021 reputation ranking and now comes in at 95 - ouch. Here are the top 25: Trader Joe'sPatagoniaMicrosoftToyota Motor Beverage CompanyNvidiaUPSAppleJohn DeereNintendoHonda Motor CompanyFidelity InvestmentsThe Home DepotUSAASonyKraft Heinz BurgerJPMorgan ChaseUnder ArmourLowe'sBen and Jerry'sCoca-Cola Across the board, nearly half of company reputations took a hit this year. Consumers called out businesses for passing along higher costs, cutting back on quality, and in some cases, using tariffs as an excuse to pad profits. You'll find the other companies that round out the top 100 companies on the Harris/Axios poll here. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
