Dubai-style viral chocolate trend reaches global markets

The viral Dubai-style chocolate, characterized by its pistachio and crunchy filling, has become a global gastronomic phenomenon. In Spain, the supermarket chain Mercadona has launched its own version under the Hacendado Fussion line. Priced at 1.95 euros for 105 grams, it is significantly more affordable than previous versions, such as Lidl’s J.D. Gross brand which sold for 4.99 euros and saw rapid stockouts.

Mercadona’s recipe features 52% white chocolate, 13.7% pistachios, and 6.4% toasted filo pastry produced by Antiu Xixona. The trend originated from a recipe created by British-Egyptian entrepreneur Sarah Hamouda in Dubai, which gained massive popularity through social media.

In Argentina, the trend has also reached local markets through various confectionery items like alfajores and ice cream. Consumers are also recreating the dessert at home using ingredients such as dark chocolate, pistachios, dates, and toasted kataifi (Arabic noodles) or filo pastry to achieve the signature texture.