Latest news with #pistachio
CTV News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Viral Dubai chocolate now a hot-selling sweet in Ottawa
What started as a viral trend in the United Arab Emirates has now cracked its way into Canadian cravings. The Dubai chocolate bar, a pistachio-filled treat made famous on TikTok for its creamy green interior and satisfyingly crisp shell, is flying off shelves across Ottawa. From boutique shops to box-retailers like Costco, the luxury-inspired dessert has become a must-try status symbol, with a price tag to match. At Juice Dudez on Bank Street, owner Bilal Serhane says the craze caught his attention last year. 'It started as a trend in Dubai, and we were very intrigued,' says Serhane. 'We went through 10 to 15 recipe versions until we absolutely mastered it. We tasted a lot of them we gave away thousands of chocolate bars for free and then we settled on one and we finally launched it, and it went viral. Now we have customer saying that Juice Dudez's Dubai chocolate bars are actually better than Dubai chocolate bars. It's been a real hit.' Juice Dudez sells two versions of the bar, a classic pistachio style as well as one with a hazelnut spin. Prices start at $7 for a small bar. Just a few blocks away at Pistachio Choco, the chocolate bar goes for $10. 'It's just pistachio and kanafa,' said Gelan Sheh Mohamd, showing off the handmade filling, a blend of nuts and the traditional Middle Eastern pastry. 'No oil, no colour, no sugar. Just pistachio.' The Dubai bar's origins are somewhat mysterious and said to have emerged from luxury sweet shops in the UAE, that combined high-end presentation with traditional ingredients. But its worldwide fame is tied mostly to TikTok, where creators snap open the bars to show off the gooey green filling, followed by dramatic taste tests. In Ottawa, that virality has fuelled a growing demand, with multiple shops now offering their own take, including 'Dubai chocolate'-stuffed cookies and strawberry cups using the same pistachio base. 'You're going to have to try it to know what I'm talking about,' says Serhane. 'Absolutely phenomenal.' Online retailers have jumped on the trend as well, with prices for imported Dubai bars often surpassing $25 apiece. Whether it's the allure of the snap, the smooth pistachio filling, or the TikTok hype, one thing is clear, this sweet sensation isn't melting away anytime soon.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
New trendy flavour of iconic Fox's chocolate biscuit is hitting Tesco shelves
SWEET-TOOTHED shoppers are flocking to get their hands on a new biscuit inspired by a huge 2025 flavour craze. Fox's has launched its own twist on the popular Dubai-style chocolate. And to make things even sweeter, they are being sold in Tesco for just £2.65 for Clubcard customers. If you don't have a Clubcard, the limited edition biccies are £3 per pack. Fox's is the first mainstream confectionery brand to marry the luxurious pistachio filling with a biscuit. Originating from the UAE's luxury capital, Dubai-style chocolate blends Middle Eastern heritage with lavish presentation, often featuring ingredients like saffron, rose, pistachio, cardamom, camel milk, and even edible gold leaf. The craze, which started gaining popularity in 2010, has now found its way to the UK through luxury retailers, travel influencers, and foodies keen to explore global flavours. Chocolatiers in London, Manchester, and beyond have since begun crafting their own takes on Dubai-style confections, often marketing them as premium gifts or special-occasion treats. One of the most common fillings is knafeh, which is made from a crispy shredded filo pastry. Pistachio cream is also spread through the sweet chocolate, adding a nutty flavour to cut through the sweetness. Fox's biscuits make the flavour accessible for all budgets, and they are perfect with a cup of tea. Earlier this year, M&S shoppers were delighted when the retailer decided to bring back their take on the treat. 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.' 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. This comes after a Dubai-style product was urgently recalled following a dangerous health risk. Shoppers were warned not to eat the popular sweet treat. The Food Standards Agency warned that the Neosis Schokolade Love of Dubai chocolate contains peanuts. But this is not mentioned on the label, making it a possible health risk to anyone with an allergy to the nut. Shops selling the chocolate are warned to "immediately stop sales and to undertake product withdrawals". The FSA said: "The product presents a serious risk to anyone with an allergy to peanuts." Businesses have been supplied these products by a company called Black Sea Trading Ltd, "who have so far been uncontactable". The FSA added: "Don't buy this product, and if you have bought it, don't eat it, especially if you have a peanut allergy. "Dispose of the product at home and get in touch with your local Trading Standards in Great Britain or Environmental Health Officers in Northern Ireland, to let them know where you purchased it." What can I get with Tesco Clubcard? TESCO'S Clubcard scheme allows shoppers to earn points as they shop. These points can then be turned into vouchers for money off food at the supermarket, or discounts at other places like restaurants and days out. Each time you spend £1 in-store and online, you get one point when you scan your Clubcard. Drivers using the loyalty card get one point for every two litres spent on fuel. One point equals 1p, so 150 points gets you a £1.50 money-off voucher, for example. You can double their worth when you swap them for discounts with "reward partners". For example, £12 worth of vouchers can be swapped for a £24 three-month subscription to Disney+. Or you can swap 50p worth of points for £1 to spend at Hungry Horse pubs. Where you can spend them changes regularly, and you can check on the Tesco website what's available now. Tesco shoppers can also get Clubcard prices when they have the loyalty card. The discounted items change regularly and without a Clubcard you'll pay a higher price. These Clubcard prices are usually labelled on shelves, along with the non-member price. But it's worth noting that just because it's discounted doesn't necessarily make it the cheapest around, and you should compare prices to find the best deal. You can sign up to get a Tesco Clubcard in store or online via the Tesco website.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS FDA sounds alarm on two new foodborne outbreaks sweeping the US linked to contaminated fruits and vegetables
The FDA is is scrambling to investigate two fresh foodborne outbreaks amid a worrying spike in illnesses nationwide. In one alarming case, 18 people have fallen ill from a dangerous strain of salmonella previously linked to onions and cantaloupes. For the second, 24 others have been struck by a nasty parasite called Cyclospora, known to contaminate fresh fruits and vegetables like berries and herbs such as cilantro. The FDA has not said what food products may be behind the illnesses or where in the country the cases have been detected. But it is tracking the outbreaks and, for the one involving the parasite, has already launched an investigation. A recall or public health advisory is yet to be issued. These new cases come on the heels of a third ongoing salmonella outbreak detected earlier this month that has sickened 11 people, with the source still unknown. And a recall of a spread issued last month after the popular dessert mixture was found to be contaminated with salmonella. Some four people were sickened in the outbreak that was linked to Emek-branded pistachio cream sold nationwide, with a recall still ongoing.
The Independent
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
I've taste-tested lots of Dubai chocolate, but this bar is the best
Whether you've seen the videos all over social media, noticed cleared-out shelves in the supermarket, or spotted pistachio flavours all over the dessert menu at your favourite restaurants, chances are that you've heard about the Dubai-style chocolate craze. We have Dubai-based Fix Chocolatier to thank for the surging popularity of pistachio. Although the Emirati chocolatiers launched their popular chocolate bar, 'can't get knafeh of it', back in 2022, news of its indulgent, must-try flavour has travelled across the world this year, and demand is only growing. Currently, the phrase Dubai chocolate has surpassed 120 million views on TikTok, creating a taste for pistachio across the world. The original bar, which costs $18 (£13.25), combines flavours of pistachio, chocolate and tahini with filo pastry, taking inspiration from the Middle Eastern dessert knafeh. This popular sweet treat is made with spun Dubai pastry dough layered with cheese, soaked in a sweet, sugary syrup and finished with crushed pistachios. While fans of Fix Chocolatier's Dubai chocolate may say that nothing quite measures up to the original, it's only on sale in Dubai. Even there, demand is limited; the original bars are only available for a few hours each day before selling out. To satisfy a global craving, Dubai-style chocolate products can now be found in supermarkets, chocolate shops, cafes and markets. There's M&S's viral big daddy pistachio bar, and The Ivy restaurant collection has even launched a new pistachio take on their famous chocolate bombe dessert. But that supply still isn't meeting demand. Waitrose had to of the Lindt Dubai-style chocolate, there have been multiple restocks of M&S's chocolate, and we've even seen international nut shortages. Dubai-style chocolate is famously expensive, with its ingredients all coming with a premium price tag. There are also a handful of imported Dubai chocolates which do not meet Food Standards Agency requirements. On top of all of that, it's a fad. Much like the Labubu bag charm craze, there is a lot of marketing trying to sell people on this viral chocolate. In a bid to bring you honest, side-by-side takes, I tried the best Dubai-style chocolate goodies on the market (I know, it's a hard job). Here's everything you need to know. How I tested Lucky for me, I'm a self-proclaimed chocoholic, so eating a lot of chocolate in the name of good journalism wasn't an issue. I love nutty flavours, and had tried many pistachio-flavoured chocolates before conducting this review. After covering Godiva's Dubai chocolate bar, I already knew that great pistachio flavour is mildly sweet, creamy and buttery, with an earthiness, and sometimes saltiness, to it. But, for this particular test, I was looking for products that incorporate that additional crisp and crunch that Dubai-style chocolate is famous for, along with silky and smooth chocolate. To assess each product's worth, I considered the size, quality of ingredients, and, of course, the taste. The best Dubai-style chocolates for 2025 are:
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The Independent
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
I tried lots of expensive Dubai chocolates – but this £4 bar beat them all
Whether you've seen the videos all over social media, noticed cleared-out shelves in the supermarket, or spotted pistachio flavours all over the dessert menu at your favourite restaurants, chances are that you've heard about the Dubai-style chocolate craze. We have Dubai-based Fix Chocolatier to thank for the surging popularity of pistachio. Although the Emirati chocolatiers launched their popular chocolate bar, 'can't get knafeh of it', back in 2022, news of its indulgent, must-try flavour has travelled across the world this year, and demand is only growing. Currently, the phrase Dubai chocolate has surpassed 120 million views on TikTok, creating a taste for pistachio across the world. The original bar, which cost $18, combines the gorgeous flavours of pistachio, chocolate and tahini with filo pastry, taking inspiration from the Middle Eastern dessert knafeh. This popular sweet treat is made with spun dubai pastry dough layered with cheese, soaked in a sweet, sugary syrup and finished with crushed pistachios. While fans of Fix Chocolatier's Dubai chocolate may say that nothing quite measures up to the original, it's only on sale in Dubai. Even there, demand is limited; the original bars are only available for a few hours each day before selling out. To satisfy a global craving, Dubai-style chocolate products can now be found in supermarkets, chocolate shops, cafes and markets. There's M&S's viral big daddy pistachio bar, and The Ivy restaurant collection has even launched a new pistachio take on their famous chocolate bombe dessert. But that supply still isn't meeting demand. Waitrose had to limit customer purchases of the Lindt Dubai-style chocolate, there have been multiple restocks of M&S's chocolate, and we've even seen international nut shortages. Dubai-style chocolate is famously expensive, with its ingredients all coming with a premium price tag. There are also a handful of imported Dubai chocolates which do not meet Food Standards Agency requirements. On top of all of that, it's a fad. Much like the Labubu bag charm craze, there is a lot of marketing trying to sell people on this viral chocolate. In a bid to bring you honest, side-by-side takes, I tried the best Dubai-style chocolate goodies on the market (I know, it's a hard job). Here's everything you need to know. How I tested Lucky for me, I'm a self-proclaimed chocoholic, so eating a lot of chocolate in the name of good journalism wasn't an issue. I love nutty flavours, and had tried many pistachio-flavoured chocolates before conducting this review. After covering Godiva's Dubai chocolate bar, I already knew that great pistachio flavour is mildly sweet, creamy and buttery, with an earthiness, and sometimes saltiness, to it. But, for this particular test, I was looking for products that incorporate that additional crisp and crunch that Dubai-style chocolate is famous for, along with silky and smooth chocolate. To assess each product's worth, I considered the size, quality of ingredients, and, of course, the taste. The best Dubai-style chocolates for 2025 are:
