In a delightful twist to the chocolate market, Dubai’s famed confectionery is making waves in the UK, particularly through platforms like Amazon. Shoppers are raving about the £14 'Real Dubai Chocolate' bar, which has been touted as 'heavenly' and 'definitely lives up to the hype.' This chocolate bar, imported directly from a bakery in Dubai, has quickly captured the hearts of chocolate enthusiasts.
The 'Real Dubai Chocolate' bar weighs in at 200g and features a luscious pistachio cream and knafeh filling, all encased in a rich milk chocolate coating. Currently, it's available on Amazon for £14.29, down from its original price of £15.99, making it an enticing option for those looking to indulge in a taste of Dubai.
Reviews on Amazon have been overwhelmingly positive, with many customers expressing their satisfaction with the product. One enthusiastic buyer, Steph, described the chocolate as "heavenly" and stated, "This definitely lives up to the hype! Crunchy, salty, chocolate, sweet. Will certainly be buying again!" Another customer, Anna, noted the unique flavor profile: "Yum! Tasty thick chocolate bar, but expensive. Taste is on the sweet side and similar to Kinder Egg/Ferrero chocolate but has a hint of pistachio flavor and a nice crispy noodles inside the pistachio goo."
However, the price has also raised eyebrows among some consumers. Brenda shared her thoughts, saying, "Absolutely lovely texture, a nice crunch, chocolate was very smooth and oh so creamy. The only thing wrong was the price. I only got it to try, I'm glad I did, but the price put me off buying more than one unfortunately." Despite the mixed feelings about pricing, the overall sentiment points to a product that many are eager to try.
In addition to the 'Real Dubai Chocolate,' several other brands are jumping on the Dubai chocolate trend. Lindt has introduced its own version, the Dubai Style Chocolate Bar, weighing 145g and priced at £10. Morrisons is also offering a Bolci Dubai Chocolate with Pistachio Kadayif for just £5. These alternatives cater to a broader audience, allowing chocolate lovers to explore various price points.
The Dubai chocolate phenomenon can be traced back to social media, particularly TikTok, where videos showcasing the original crunchy chocolate bar filled with pistachio and kataifi pastry from the Dubai-based Fix Chocolate went viral last autumn. This surge in popularity has prompted brands to create their own variations, leading to a chocolate race in the UK.
Marking its entry into this competitive market, M&S is set to release its version of the viral Dubai chocolate, dubbed The Big Daddy Pistachio Bar. This new creation is a twist on M&S's popular Big Daddy bar, which traditionally features a peanut butter center. The new pistachio version is filled with a creamy pistachio center, layered with milk and white chocolate, salted caramel, and a crunchy biscuit crumb, all enveloped in a thick chocolate coating.
According to Kathryn Turner, M&S’s director of product development, the pistachio trend has exploded recently, both in restaurants and on social media. She stated, "For example, our new Collection Pistachio & Milk Chocolate Egg was flying off the shelves well over a month before Easter, while shoppers were snapping up 5,000 jars a day of our top-quality Collection Pistachio Crème when it launched – that’s seven jars every minute." The excitement around this trend has prompted M&S to keep the pistachio crème available year-round.
M&S's Big Daddy Pistachio Bar is scheduled to hit the shelves on April 23, 2025, with a retail price of £8.50 for a 280g bar. While it’s less expensive than the original Dubai chocolate bar, which can reach prices as high as £20, it still positions itself as a premium option in the chocolate market.
As the trend continues to grow, it’s evident that chocolate lovers in the UK are eager to experience the unique flavors of Dubai. Whether it’s the 'Real Dubai Chocolate' from Amazon or the upcoming M&S Big Daddy Pistachio Bar, consumers are ready to indulge in these exotic treats.
The chocolate market is witnessing a fascinating evolution, with brands vying to capture the essence of Dubai’s confectionery delights. With the continued popularity of pistachio-flavored products, it’s clear that this trend is not just a passing fad, but rather a delicious new chapter in the world of chocolate.
As more brands enter the fray, the competition will likely drive innovation and variety, ensuring that chocolate enthusiasts have plenty of options to satisfy their cravings. The excitement surrounding these products suggests a promising future for the chocolate industry, particularly as consumers become increasingly adventurous in their tastes.
In summary, the Dubai chocolate craze is not only reshaping the chocolate landscape in the UK but also creating a buzz that resonates with consumers keen on trying something new and exciting. With the arrival of M&S's Big Daddy Pistachio Bar and the ongoing success of the 'Real Dubai Chocolate,' the sweet journey of chocolate lovers is just beginning.
