Latest news with #pistachio
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
New viral Trader Joe's dessert sends shoppers into frenzy
Trader Joe's customers are going wild for a new Dubai-style pistachio dark chocolate bar — and it's already flying off the shelves. The $3.99 treat, made by the brand Patislove, debuted at stores nationwide this week. It's described as a blend of 'authentic Middle Eastern flavor with modern sophistication.' Shoppers in Arizona, Nevada, North Carolina, Texas, and Washington, DC, have reported seeing others 'buying it by the basket.' Some locations in California have already sold out. 'It's got a more crisp taste for the filling and the dark chocolate is quite thin,' one fan wrote online. 'Still, much better than the mall version — and an amazing price.' Others noted the bars can crack easily due to the thin chocolate, but most agree: it's worth it. Some stores have now imposed purchase limits as demand surges. TikTok has flooded with viral videos of shoppers trying the new chocolate. Multiple shoppers claimed it was delicious but 'dangerous' as its taste can make fans want nothing but to eat the Dubai-style treat. 'It's melting very fast in my hands but it's really delicious... If you like pistachio and dark chocolate it's definitely worth trying,' TikToker Danielle's Easts said in a clip. Despite the hype, some shoppers on the social media platform weren't as amazed by the chocolate. 'It's good but it's not blowing my mind,' a TikTok user known as mcdommalds said while eating the chocolate in her car. 'Their crunchy part is really good,' shopper Sila said in a video, adding she wished there was more pistachio flavor. 'I think I like it. I wouldn't be like dying to buy it again. I'd try it for the one time.' Even though some commenters don't understand the fame of Dubai-style chocolate, it has not stopped them from purchasing multiple boxes in stores. Reddit users spotted them at various locations while others claimed they were already sold out by the time they arrived at the store A few shoppers compared the chocolate to Trader Joe's mini tote bags, internet-famous products that debuted last year. The totes appeared on hundreds of TikTok videos, leading to other products such as its $4 insulated tote bags and 'Tote-ally eye-catching' mini insulated bags. Customers would wait in lines outside the store just to purchase one bag. Once the bags sell out, they appear on sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace and occasionally sell for $500. Besides the fashion accessories, shoppers stirred up social media chaos over the return of Carrot Mini Sheet Cake, a fan-favorite dessert that debuted last year. The sheet cake quickly flew off shelves after the relaunch and is still selling for $5.49 to $5.99 in stores. While all Trader Joe's products are different, the chocolate, bags, and cake all have one thing in common, they're available in stores for a limited time only.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Can AI-Powered Demand Forecasting Help With Viral Cravings?
Angel hair chocolate is the latest viral sensation. Ever wondered how a TikTok trend, Dubai Chocolate, could shake up the global pistachio market? That's precisely what this viral craze has done, bringing the pistachio shortage into the spotlight. And now with Angel Hair chocolate becoming the next confectionary craze, let's take a look at how smart supply chain strategy can turn viral cravings into sweet profit. Pistachio prices have surged from $17 to nearly $23 per kilogram for the last months, according to industry resorts. What began as a niche item, Dubai chocolate became a global sensation after a TikTok video posted went viral, making over 120 million views. As the world's second-largest pistachio producer, the US experienced a reduced harvest. However, Turkey, a key player in the global pistachio market, had the largest-ever crop, driving a 9.1% increase in global pistachio production. Iran, a major exporter, has responded by increasing pistachio exports to the UAE by 40% in 6 months. Major chocolate manufacturers have launched their pistachio-based confections but are facing similar supply chain challenges as they compete for limited raw materials. But now we have a new internet sensation Angel Hair Chocolate. And with cacao prices soaring (up 90% since the start of this year), the rise of the new Angel Hair Chocolate trend actually makes perfect sense. Let's unwrap the reason behind and take a look at how smart supply chain moves can turn chaos into sweet, sweet profit. Imagine a heavenly white chocolate bar filled with delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cotton candy strands, also known as 'angel hair', with subtle fruity notes inside. Sounds magical, doesn't it? Here is the twist: white chocolate is a chocolate made from cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids, while the main component of the hair-like treat inside is purely sugar. This means the chocolate bar's primary component is sugar, butter, and syrups rather than cocoa. It is a genius move of how the industry is adapting to the shortages and still making people hyped about it. Social media is not just a marketing tool but a great real-time barometer to understand and predict shifting consumer tastes. Unlike conventional methods that rely solely on past sales, AI-powered demand forecasting can help companies by using machine learning algorithms to detect viral trends and shifts in sentiment. Imagine a chocolate manufacturer leveraging predictive analysis to predict consumer taste by scanning social media for emerging flavor trends for a spiced or fruit infused chocolate. It can then suggest recipe adjustments that reduce the reliance on scarce cocoa by blending in alternative sustainable ingredients without compromising taste or texture. This means that supply chains need to anticipate not only what products will be in demand but also when and in what quantity, allowing for more precise inventory and production planning. Another innovative use of AI would involves integrating satellite data on cocoa farm conditions and predictive analytics on harvest yields. Companies can now anticipate raw materials and predictive analytics on harvest yields and predict raw material shortages months in advance. This creates the flexibility to adjust procurement, production schedules, and inventory avoiding costly overstock or stockouts, which helps supply chains reduce risks, improve customer satisfaction, and optimize resource allocation across the entire supply chain ecosystem. It becomes a win-win-win situation for businesses that innovate with alternative ingredients, consumers seeking new trend options, and supply chains that can better align in inventory and production with evolving market signals. The real winners in today's market are those companies that can influence and deliver what customers want, when they want. Because catching trends at the perfect moment is like holding Willy Wonka's golden ticket. But with consumer demand shifting rapidly amid persistent shortages, alongside mounting tariffs and regulations squeezing margins, companies face the tough challenge of striking the right balance between staying resilient and managing costs effectively. 'The answer to the cost vs. resilience question is somewhere in the messy middle, with one sometimes taking precedence over the other, but both are always on supply chain leaders' minds,' notes Richard Howells, VP of Supply Chain Management, SAP. To find the right balance, businesses are adopting strategies that align supply chain performance with overall business objectives, enhancing agility through geographic diversification and nearshoring, and carefully considering regulatory and tax impacts when restructuring operations. An essential part of this process is integrating technology systems and data analytics helps create a more cohesive and responsive supply chain. And leveraging scenario planning and AI-powered insights while recognizing that 'AI alone is not enough', organizations can balance cost management with adaptability, turning disruption into opportunity in volatile markets. And the companies that succeed are those that embrace complexity, constantly adjusting and innovating to find the sweet spot where efficiency meets adaptability.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The 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 4 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. Dubai chocolate lovers took the Facebook group Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK to share their delight at the launch. One said: 'Oh I need this.' Another added: 'Will be going there.' 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. 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.
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The 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 5 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 5 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 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. 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.
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The Independent
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
M&S restocks viral pistachio chocolate bar – but how does it taste?
Unless you've taken a digital detox of monumental proportions, you'll have heard about the chocolate sensation taking over social media. 'Dubai chocolate' as it's become known, has racked up more than 120 million views on TikTok, sparked a global craving for pistachio cream, and even contributed to international nut shortages. Yes, really. The original Dubai chocolate bar was made by luxury confectionery brand, Fix Dessert Chocolatier, in the UAE. The now 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 pistachio. The chocolate bars feature a filling of pistachio cream, crispy Kadayif (a fine vermicelli pastry), and a hint of tahini. Think Ferrero Rocher meets baklava, but richer, and infinitely more difficult to track down. Fix Dessert Chocolatier's creations aren't available outside Dubai, but that hasn't stopped brands from attempting to cash in on the viral momentum. First it was Lidl, whose affordable sold out within days. And now Marks & Spencer has joined the pistachio party. Its bar, which launched to fanfare in April, immediately flew off the shelves. It is now back. But does M&S's version live up to the viral hype? And is it worth its £8.50 price tag? I found out. How I tested It will come as no surprise that the testing process for this review involved me eating a lot of chocolate – a particularly hard day in the office for me. For context, I have tried a number of Dubai-style chocolate bars in the past, including Lidl's now sold-out special. So I knew what I was looking for: a good bar is thick and indulgent with high-quality milk chocolate shell, generous lashing of pistachio cream and a satisfying crunch. This is more expensive than your average chocolate bar, so I considered if it really is worth the price – assessing the size, quality of ingredients and if it tastes as luxurious as the price tag suggests.
